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Copper Ridge Loop permit

Copper Ridge Gear Checklist

What to carry on Copper Ridge, 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 Copper Ridge

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

    A stove; every camp on this loop is no-campfire

    Permit rule: “No campfires at any camp on Copper Ridge, or at Boundary and Whatcom camps”

  • Bring

    Water capacity for a dry ridge

    the park's own instruction is to carry enough water

  • Bring

    An ice axe and the skill to use it if you are on the ridge before mid-July

  • Bring

    Sun protection for miles of open ridge with no shade

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Trekking poles, which the park specifically recommends for the Chilliwack crossing

  • Bring

    A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass for the trailhead parking

  • Bring

    Extra bottles or a bladder

    four litres of capacity is not excessive here

  • Bring

    Gaiters for brush at the north end of the ridge and through the burn scar

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 Copper Ridge — the North Cascades 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 Copper Ridge

💡 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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