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Frontenac Backpack Campsites permit

Frontenac Backpack Gear Checklist

What to carry on Frontenac Backpack, and why. 6 more are worth the pack space.

6Total Items
6To bring

What to bring on Frontenac Backpack

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    A pack; no cart is provided for the backpack sites

  • Bring

    A Minnesota state park vehicle permit for the car you leave at the trailhead

  • Bring

    Water, or a way to treat it

    DNR says these sites "typically" have water, which is not the same as always

  • Bring

    A camp stove, and a meal plan that works on it

    Minnesota DNR closes fire rings at short notice, and its Tettegouche notice of 2026-08-10 read "Camp stoves are permitted for cooking."

  • Bring

    Binoculars for the flyway

  • Bring

    Water containers

    DNR's "typically" is doing real work in its amenity list

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 Frontenac Backpack — the Frontenac State Park (MN) 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 Frontenac Backpack

💡 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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