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Bright Angel Campground permit

Bright Angel Gear Checklist

What to carry on Bright Angel, and why. 10 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
10To bring

What to bring on Bright Angel

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    3-4 litres of water capacity minimum, and more if you descend the South Kaibab

  • Bring

    Electrolytes

    NPS names hyponatremia as a seizure-producing risk on this trail

  • Bring

    Sun hat, long sleeves and sunscreen for the exposed South Kaibab

  • Bring

    Headlamp for pre-dawn starts, which is the only sane way to do this in summer

  • Bring

    Traction devices for the upper switchbacks in late fall, winter and early spring

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

    the descent is where knees get destroyed

  • Bring

    A soakable sun shirt or bandana; the park's own advice is to get wet and cool off

  • Bring

    Camp sandals for Bright Angel Creek

  • Bring

    Backup water treatment for pipeline outages

  • Bring

    Rain shell for the July-September monsoon

11 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 Bright Angel — the Grand Canyon 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 Bright Angel

💡 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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