Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Alpine Lakes - Gear List

  • Backpack: Minimum of 4,000 ci (65 L), internal or external, waterproof pack cover. (example: Lowe Alpine Contour 60 +10).
  • Sleeping Bag: 15-20 degree F. Down is lighter than synthetic for equal warmth (example: Mountain Hardware Phantom 15).
  • Sleeping Pad: inflatable or foam (example: Thermarest Prolight, Z-lite).
  • Tent: 3 season, under 5 pounds for 2 people (example: MSR Hubba (1person) or Hubba Hubba (2ppl), Kelty, Henry Shires Tarptents).
  • **Note: SYMG provides all of the above items at no extra charge for those who need them only if checked on registration form. You may also bring your own.
  • Trail Hiker / Boots: Lightweight, low or high top, good traction (example: Vasque Breeze, 5.10, Merrell).
  • Socks: 2-3 pairs, wool or synthetic hiking socks (example: Smartwool, Thorlo are all good).
  • Underwear: 2-3 pairs. Synthetics are nice to hike in, a pair of cotton to change into (example: Icebreaker and Patagonia have large selections).
  • Long Underwear Bottom: light/mid weight wool or synthetic (example: Icebreaker and Patagonia have large selections).
  • Long Underwear Top: mid weight wool or synthetic. 1/4 zip necks are nice (example: Icebreaker and Patagonia have large selections).
  • Convertible Pants/Shorts: 1 pair of convertibles do the work of pants and shorts for less weight (example: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants, Shorts).
  • Hiking Shirt: 1 or 2 synthetic t-shirt, collared shirt, short or long sleeve, as preferred (example: Columbia Silver Ridge Collection, Columbia Mountain Tech Short Sleeve).
  • Insulating layer: light fleece, light wool sweater (example: Patagonia R1).
  • Insulating jacket: Heavy fleece, down or synthetic "puffy" jacket (example: Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka).
  • Waterproof Shell / Pants: Lightweight waterproof/breathable Top & Bottom. Ski jackets are not appropriate (example: Columbia Hotshot II; Marmote Precip collection).
  • Sun Hat: baseball cap style, or more if needed (example: Columbia Silver Ridge Cap).
  • Warm Hat: for the chilly nights and mornings (example: Columbia Chunky Beanie).
  • Sunglasses: A must in the mountains!.
  • Personal Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, chapstick.
  • Personal Medications: Don't forget these!.
  • Headlamp: makes camp activities and reading easier (example: Black Diamond Ion).
  • Water Bottle/bladder: 2-3 liters of capacity (example: Plastic drink bottles are lightest or Camelbak).
  • Whistle: it's louder than a voice and we require that anyone under 18 carries one.
  • Trekking Poles: Highly Recommended to reduce fatigue and add stability (example: Leki Thermolite).
  • The items below are optional items you might want to bring:
  • Book: keep it light (physically that is- It can be mentally as heavy as you wish) (example: paperback! Maybe even rip out the pages you plan on reading.).
  • Knife: could be handy.
  • Camp Towel: Small packtowl for washing / drying (example: MSR Pack Towl).
  • Gloves: lightweight- for early or late season trips (example: Columbia Mountain Access Liner Glove).
  • Swimsuit: There are many lakes and rivers to swim in.
  • Camp Shoes: Lightweight and packable (example: Crocs, sandals).
  • Fishing Gear: including license. Kids under 16 fish free.
  • Camera: For posterity.

The above is by no means a complete or exhaustive list. If you have questions, call SYMG and ask. Remember, SYMG brings all group cooking gear, stoves, water filters, maps, matches, compasses, emergency/first aid gear, and toilet paper.

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