Skip to content
Central Cascades Overnight permit

Overnight Gear Checklist

What to carry on Overnight, and why. 8 more are worth the pack space.

8Total Items
8To bring

What to bring on Overnight

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    A printed or digital copy of the permit, carried by the trip leader or the named alternate

  • Bring

    A stove

    campfires are banned above 5,700 feet and at additional mapped locations

  • Bring

    Water treatment and a way to carry enough between sources

  • Bring

    A detailed map; the Forest Service asks hikers and equestrians to carry one and to check conditions ahead

  • Bring

    A wag bag or trowel

    because there is nothing out there

  • Bring

    Traction for lingering snow if you are out before mid-July

  • Bring

    Bug protection through July

  • Bring

    Enough layers for a genuinely cold night at elevation even in August

12 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Overnight โ€” the Central Cascades Wilderness rules for this permit are above.

๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Overnight

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

  • โ€ขWeigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • โ€ขRent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • โ€ขTest all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • โ€ขCheck current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase gear through these links, PermitSnag earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. This helps us keep the lights on and continue building tools to help you get into the backcountry.