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Conundrum Hot Springs permit

Conundrum Hot Springs Gear Checklist

What to carry on Conundrum Hot Springs, and why. 2 items are written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
2Required
7To bring

What to bring on Conundrum Hot Springs

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 2 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    IGBC approved bear resistant container

    Permit rule: “Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container - visitors without one will be ticketed and required to leave”

  • Required

    WAG bag or trowel

    there are no toilets in the wilderness

    Permit rule: “There are no toilets: use a WAG bag or dig a cat hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails, and pack out toilet paper”

  • Bring

    Stove

    since campfires are prohibited at every designated site here

  • Bring

    Warm layers for evenings at 11,200 feet

  • Bring

    Water treatment for the walk in and for camp

  • Bring

    Quick-dry shorts or a swimsuit for the pools

  • Bring

    Camp shoes for walking between your site and the springs

  • Bring

    Headlamp for the evening soak

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for a long, steady 8.5-mile approach with a full pack

6 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 Conundrum Hot Springs — the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 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 Conundrum Hot Springs

💡 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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