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Lower Grand Canyon (Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry) permit

Lower GC Gear Checklist

What to carry on Lower GC, and why. 2 items are written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
2Required
7To bring

What to bring on Lower GC

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 2 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    A washable, reusable human waste carry-out system approved by the park, plus an accessible day system carried on side hikes

    Permit rule: “A washable, reusable human waste carry-out system approved by Grand Canyon National Park is required; plastic bucket systems like the Scat Packer are not permitted”

  • Required

    A gas stove with sufficient fuel

    required on all trips

    Permit rule: “Gas stoves with sufficient fuel are required on all trips”

  • Bring

    A metal fire pan of 300 square inches with a 3-inch lip, elevated on manufactured legs, and a fire blanket at least 20% larger than the pan

  • Bring

    One US Coast Guard approved PFD per passenger plus one extra for every 10 people

  • Bring

    Hualapai Tribal permits, arranged before your launch date

  • Bring

    A motor for the flatwater push to South Cove, if you are going that way

  • Bring

    Extra days in the schedule

    the extra 15 miles to South Cove is likely to add one or two

  • Bring

    Wind protection for Lake Mead

  • Bring

    A spare set of straps for the de-rig, given the ramp restrictions at both take-outs

16 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 Lower GC — the Colorado Plateau Rivers 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 Lower GC

💡 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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