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Smith River (California) permit

Smith River Gear Checklist

What to carry on Smith River, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

8Total Items
1Required
7To bring

What to bring on Smith River

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 California Campfire Permit if you intend to use any stove or fire on federal land

    Permit rule: “A California Campfire Permit is required for open fires, charcoal barbecues and portable gas stoves on federally managed lands. It is free and valid until December 31 of the year issued”

  • Bring

    Class IV/V capable boats and skills, if you are running any of the three forks

  • Bring

    Cold-water protection

    this is a winter-flow river in a rainforest

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    A drysuit for winter and spring flows

  • Bring

    Rain gear rated for a place that averages 92.55 inches a year

  • Bring

    Reservations at Panther Flat in summer

    it books, and there is a three-day advance cutoff

  • Bring

    A helmet, on water the agency describes as steep creeking

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 Smith River — 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 Smith River

💡 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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