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Maroon Bells Crater Lake permit

Crater Lake Gear Checklist

What to carry on Crater Lake, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

8Total Items
1Required
7To bring

What to bring on Crater Lake

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

  • Required

    A stove. Campfires are banned at every designated site in this zone

    Permit rule: “Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake and Capitol Lake, and anywhere above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake”

  • Bring

    An IGBC-approved bear canister or Ursack

    this is enforced, not encouraged

  • Bring

    A WAG bag or a trowel

    because there are no toilets anywhere in this wilderness

  • Bring

    A printed permit and photo ID

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

  • Bring

    A tarp for the afternoon storms

  • Bring

    Warm layers

    this is high country and the nights bite even in August

10 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 Crater Lake — 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 Crater Lake

💡 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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