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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Backcountry permit

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Gear Checklist

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

9Total Items
9To bring

What to bring on Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    All your water for the trip

    since catchment tanks are not always available

  • Bring

    Water treatment for anything you do take from a catchment tank

  • Bring

    Sun protection that works with no shade at all

  • Bring

    A printed copy of your permit, carried at all times

  • Bring

    Sturdy boots. The lava eats trail runners

  • Bring

    Gloves for lava scrambling

  • Bring

    Extra layers for the Mauna Loa cabins, where it is 12 to 15 degrees cooler than sea level at the 4,000 foot Kīlauea summit and far colder higher up

  • Bring

    Satellite messenger

    since there is no coverage on the coast

  • Bring

    Sleeping pad even at the shelters, which have concrete floors

12 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 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes 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 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

💡 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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