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Hells Canyon Snake River permit

Hells Canyon Gear Checklist

What to carry on Hells Canyon, 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 Hells Canyon

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

    A washable, leakproof toilet system, with waste packed out

    Permit rule: “Washable, leakproof toilet systems are mandatory and human waste must be packed out”

  • Bring

    A firepan

    and no gathering or cutting of firewood on the river

  • Bring

    A PFD for every person on the trip

  • Bring

    An Idaho or Oregon AIS permit or sticker

  • Bring

    Fuel that is not wood, from June 1 through September 30

  • Bring

    A serious wrap kit; Wild Sheep and Granite are both big-water Class IV

  • Bring

    A spare oar per boat

  • Bring

    Sun shade for the open beaches

    this canyon gets very hot

  • Bring

    A whistle or horn for the no-wake zones and jet boat traffic

24 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 Hells Canyon — the Pacific Northwest 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 Hells Canyon

💡 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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