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Black Canyon South Rim Gear Checklist

Everything you need for your Black Canyon South Rim adventure. 1 required items and 1 recommended items.

2Total Items
1Required
1Recommended
🎒
Required
BearVault

BV500 Bear Canister

Required for wilderness areas with bear activity

2 lbs 9 ozrequiredfood-storage
$79.95
🎒
Recommended
Nemo

Nemo Hornet Elite 2P

Ultralight 2-person tent perfect for backpacking

2 lbsultralightbackpacking
$449.95

Gear Tips for Black Canyon South Rim

⚠️ Required Gear

  • 4 liters of water per person per day, or a filter and the plan to reach the river
  • Gloves. The gullies are loose rock and you will use your hands
  • Boots with real tread for descending scree with a pack
  • WAG bag or another solid waste containment system
  • Headlamp, since these routes take longer than people expect

Recommended Gear

  • Bear-proof canister, which the park highly recommends because bears are active much of the year
  • Helmet for rockfall in the gullies, especially with a party above you
  • Traction devices for the November through April season, when the routes are usually snow-covered
  • Trekking poles for the ascent

💡 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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