Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - High Tour - Gear List

  • Backpack: Internal or external frame, 4,000 cubic inches minimum. Available from SYMG.
  • Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic fill, rated to 20 degrees or less. Stuff sack should be included. Sleeping bag liner optional if using your own bag, supplied if using ours.
  • Ground Pad: Inflatable thermarest style or foam pad at least 48" long.
  • Tent: Lightweight 3 or 4 season tent under 3lbs per person.
  • **Note: SYMG can provide all of the above if indicated on your registration form.
  • Boots: Lightweight hiking boots are preferred, low or high tops, on shorter hikes as they provide reasonable support, add traction, and are more durable than a general athletic shoe. Heavyweight leather boots should be broken in prior to trip. For longer trips, please call us to discuss your footwear.
  • Socks: Two pairs of wool blend socks with liners are recommended. Thorlo makes excellent hiking/backpacking/trekking socks which are generally worn without a liner as they do not have the itchy texture of traditional wool socks. Cottons socks should be left at home.
  • Camp Shoes: Many people like to bring along slippers, thongs, Crocs or Teva style sandals. Aqua socks can double as your camp shoe. Optional, but convenient.
  • Pants: It can get cool in the evenings and mornings. Bring one pair comfortable fleece or soft-shell synthetic pants. Cotton sweats will work but are heavy, and a pair of long underwear.
  • Shorts / Swimsuit: Bring one pair of nylon swim trunk style shorts which can be used as a swimsuit for men, or in conjunction with a sports bra as a swimsuit for women, and one pair of comfortable cotton shorts for hiking. You could combine these two and save some weight.
  • Underwear: 2 pair are generally sufficient.
  • Shirts: Bring one synthetic T-shirt to hike in and 1 cotton to change into at night. 1 long sleeve T-shirt is optional but many like to have the sun and bug protection of a long sleeve. You could swap out for 1 of the short sleeves.
  • Sweater / Jacket: Wool used to be the best, now it's fleece, or pile. Patagonia has made these styles very popular. We recommend a fleece or wool sweater/jacket, and a waterproof shell jacket.
  • Bandanna / Small Hand Towel: Bring a bandanna to be used as a hand towel, wash cloth, sweatband, or bring a small hand towel to dry off with, wash your hands/face, etc.
  • Baseball Cap / Hat: Bring a baseball cap to keep the sun off your face and a wool cap for the evening.
  • Sunglasses: A must.
  • Cup, Plate, Bowl, Spoon & Fork.: SYMG provides group cooking gear, you provide your own eating utensils.
  • Swiss Army Knife: Not necessary but very useful. All guides generally carry at least one.
  • Personal Toiletries and Bud Repellent: Sunscreen, chapstick, toothbrush, etc...
  • Medications and First Aid: Bring any special meds, vitamins, bee sting kit, allergy medicine, etc. Bring a small personal first aid kit with the basics: Moleskin, Advil, Band aids, etc. Go light as the guide carries a more thorough kit in case of emergencies.
  • Flashlight or Headlamp: LED Headlamps are best, flashlight should be lightweight (mini-mag). Extra batteries.
  • Water Bottle: Carry at least one, one liter plastic water bottle. Two is preferable. Nalgene makes the best. Wide mouth preferred. Camel backs work well too.
  • Fishing Gear and License: Optional. Need to be well packed in a hardcase if going on the mules. Kids under 16 fish free. Otherwise you'll need a CA license to fish.
  • Book / Journal: Optional.
  • Whistle: It's a lot louder than a voice and we require that everyone carry one in case of emergencies.
  • Camera: Don't forget extra film/cards and batteries!
  • Day Pack / Fanny Pack
  • Camp Chair: Optional. Adds to the comfort of your trip. Must be small, lightweight, and made specifically for backpacking.
  • Trekking Poles: Optional but highly recommended for balance across creeks and taking strain off knees while hiking.

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.

Back to High Tour