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Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit

Rim-to-Rim Gear Checklist

What to carry on Rim-to-Rim, and why. 11 more are worth the pack space.

11Total Items
11To bring

What to bring on Rim-to-Rim

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Water capacity for the dry stretches

    at minimum 3-4 litres per person, more if you are exiting on the South Kaibab

  • Bring

    Electrolytes. The park specifically warns that water without salt causes hyponatremia, which produces seizures

  • Bring

    Sun hat, long sleeves and sunscreen; there is no shade on most of the South Kaibab

  • Bring

    Headlamp

    because you want to be walking before sunrise in summer

  • Bring

    High-calorie food

    NPS says doubling your normal exercise calorie intake is realistic for a summer canyon hike

  • Bring

    Over-the-shoe traction devices for late fall, winter and early spring, when the upper trails ice up

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for 5,761 feet of descent

  • Bring

    A bandana or sun shirt you can soak

    wet clothing is the park's own cooling advice

  • Bring

    Rain shell for July-September monsoon storms

  • Bring

    A backup water treatment method in case a pipeline break shuts the resthouse taps

  • Bring

    Camp shoes; Bright Angel Creek is the reward for the second day

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 Rim-to-Rim — 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 Rim-to-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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