Skip to content
Rocky Mountain Timed Entry Reservation permit

RMNP Timed Entry Gear Checklist

What to carry on RMNP Timed Entry, and why. 6 more are worth the pack space.

6Total Items
6To bring

What to bring on RMNP Timed Entry

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    The reservation itself, on your phone or printed

  • Bring

    A park entrance pass or the entrance fee, which the $2 reservation does not include

  • Bring

    Layers for 12,000 feet

    Trail Ridge Road is well above treeline

  • Bring

    Downloaded maps

    because cell service is patchy past the entrance stations

  • Bring

    A backup plan for a pre-9 a.m. or post-2 p.m. entry if no reservation comes free

  • Bring

    Water for the whole day

    since the alpine sections have no services

Going as a group? Split this list between you 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 RMNP Timed Entry — the Rocky Mountain 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 RMNP Timed Entry

💡 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.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase gear through these links, PermitSnag earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. This helps us keep the lights on and continue building tools to help you get into the backcountry.