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San Juan River permit

San Juan Gear Checklist

What to carry on San Juan, and why. 10 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
10To bring

What to bring on San Juan

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    All your drinking water

    the BLM states there are no reliable, potable sources on the river

  • Bring

    A washable, leak-proof toilet system accessible during the daytime, or an engineered bag system in a hard-sided animal-proof container

  • Bring

    A metal fire pan at least 12 inches in diameter with a 1.5-inch lip

  • Bring

    Whitewater Type I, III or V PFDs

    not inflatable, and Type II strongly discouraged

  • Bring

    First aid kit, repair kit, air pump, spare oar/paddle/motor per boat, and a bail bucket or bilge pump

  • Bring

    For boats 16 feet and over: a Type IV throwable or a 40-foot rescue rope, plus a horn or whistle

  • Bring

    A dishwater strainer, recommended rather than required

  • Bring

    Settling buckets

    the San Juan carries a lot of silt

  • Bring

    Sun shade for the beach camps

  • Bring

    A printed copy of your assigned campsite list for the lower segment

25 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 San Juan — 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 San Juan

💡 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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