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South Rim Loop permit

South Rim Gear Checklist

What to carry on South Rim, 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 South Rim

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

    A landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system for South Rim and East Rim sites

    Permit rule: “Campers at South Rim (SR) and East Rim (ER) campsites must pack out human waste using a landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system”

  • Required

    A containerized fuel stove

    wood and ground fires are prohibited park-wide

    Permit rule: “Ground fires and wood fires are prohibited in Big Bend; use containerized fuel stoves only in the High Chisos”

  • Bring

    Water. The park recommends a minimum of one gallon per person per day in summer, slightly less in winter

  • Bring

    Sun protection for exposed desert ridgeline

  • Bring

    Warm layers; the Chisos high country gets genuinely cold at night

  • Bring

    Extra water capacity beyond the daily minimum, in case a source you hoped for is dry

  • Bring

    A filter, for the rare occasions there is something to filter

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the descent back into the Basin

  • Bring

    A headlamp for early starts in the heat

15 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 South Rim — the Big Bend National Park 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 South Rim

💡 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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