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Core Enchantment Zone permit

Core Zone Gear Checklist

What to carry on Core Zone, and why. 9 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
9To bring

What to bring on Core Zone

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Water filter or treatment

    the lakes are the only supply

  • Bring

    Rain gear and insulation for weather that turns winter-like in the shoulder months

  • Bring

    Boots with real edges for the loose rock on Aasgard and the slabs above Upper Snow Lake

  • Bring

    Sun protection for sustained time above treeline

  • Bring

    A way to secure food from goats and rodents overnight

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the Aasgard descent and the boulder fields

  • Bring

    Microspikes or an ice axe early and late in the season, when the slabs above Upper Snow Lake ice up

  • Bring

    Camp shoes for wading and snow crossings

  • Bring

    A wag bag as backup where no toilet is provided

8 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 Core Zone — the The Enchantments rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
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
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Core Zone

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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