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Cottonwood Campground permit

Cottonwood Gear Checklist

What to carry on Cottonwood, and why. 9 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
9To bring

What to bring on Cottonwood

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Water treatment

    a filter or chemical purification. The park's own North Kaibab guidance is to treat the taps as a gift and not rely on them

  • Bring

    At least 3 litres of carrying capacity per person

  • Bring

    Electrolytes for the climb out

  • Bring

    Sun hat and long sleeves; the burned section above Supai Tunnel has no shade left

  • Bring

    Headlamp for an early start

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

    4,161 feet is a long way up

  • Bring

    Camp shoes for the Bright Angel Creek ford to Ribbon Falls

  • Bring

    Rain shell for the July-September monsoon

  • Bring

    A shirt you can soak in the creek

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 Cottonwood — 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 Cottonwood

💡 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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