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Great Sand Dunes Backcountry permit

Great Sand Dunes Backcountry Gear Checklist

What to carry on Great Sand Dunes Backcountry, 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 Great Sand Dunes Backcountry

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

    Gas stove

    because campfires are prohibited everywhere except the Sand Creek fire ring

    Permit rule: “Gas stoves only. No campfires except in the metal fire ring at the Sand Creek designated site”

  • Bring

    A gallon of water per person per night

    since sources are seasonal

  • Bring

    Sand stakes or rocks. Standard stakes do not hold in dune sand

  • Bring

    A free-standing tent for the dunefield

  • Bring

    Bear canister or a Kevlar hang bag with rope

  • Bring

    Gaiters, which keep about half the dunefield out of your boots

  • Bring

    Sunglasses and a buff for blowing sand

  • Bring

    Warm bag. Nights at 8,000 feet and up get cold in every season

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the ridge climb with a full pack

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 Great Sand Dunes Backcountry — the Great Sand Dunes 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 Great Sand Dunes Backcountry

💡 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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