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Kettle Moraine North Backpack Sites permit

Kettle Moraine N Gear Checklist

What to carry on Kettle Moraine N, and why. 5 more are worth the pack space.

5Total Items
5To bring

What to bring on Kettle Moraine N

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    A pack

    no vehicle reaches any of these sites

  • Bring

    Rubbish bags: all refuse is packed out

  • Bring

    A sleeping system rated for the season

    since five of the six shelters are bookable in midwinter

  • Bring

    A tarp or bivy

    the shelter is roofed but open

  • Bring

    A second reservation if you want two nights

    because one night per site is the rule

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 Kettle Moraine N โ€” the Kettle Moraine North Unit (WI) rules for this permit are above.

๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
๐ŸŽ’
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
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
๐ŸŽ’
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Kettle Moraine N

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

  • โ€ขWeigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • โ€ขRent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • โ€ขTest all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • โ€ขCheck current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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