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Paintbrush-Cascade Loop permit

Paintbrush Gear Checklist

What to carry on Paintbrush, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 8 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
1Required
8To bring

What to bring on Paintbrush

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. One item is written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    An IGBC-approved bear canister

    free to check out with your permit at any permit station

    Permit rule: “IGBC-approved bear canisters are required for food storage in the backcountry”

  • Bring

    An ice axe, and the knowledge to use it, for any divide crossing before late July

  • Bring

    A stove; campfires are prohibited in all mountain camping areas

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Wind and rain layers for an exposed 10,000-foot divide

  • Bring

    Crampons or microspikes

    the park's 2026-07-19 report advised both for upper Paintbrush

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the descent into Cascade

  • Bring

    Sun protection; the divide has no shade

  • Bring

    A shelter that handles afternoon thunderstorms

6 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 Paintbrush — the Grand Teton 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 Paintbrush

💡 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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