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Bechler River Area permit

Bechler Gear Checklist

What to carry on Bechler, 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 Bechler

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

    Rope for the food pole, or a hard-sided bear-resistant container

    Permit rule: “Food and scented items must be hung from the food pole or stored in a hard-sided bear-resistant container. Soft-sided containers are not allowed”

  • Bring

    Bear spray

  • Bring

    Shoes you can ford in

    the crossings are unbridged and were about 24 inches deep in early July 2026

  • Bring

    A head net and repellent. The park's own condition note for early July is that mosquitos are bad at night

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the fords

  • Bring

    Gaiters for Bechler Meadows, which stays muddy in patches all season

  • Bring

    A dry bag for the camera

    this is waterfall country and the spray is constant

  • Bring

    A hard-sided bear canister as a backup for downed food poles

8 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 Bechler — the Yellowstone 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 Bechler

💡 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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