Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Mountain Skills - 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 ligher than synthetic for equal warmth (example: Mountain Hardware Piute 20 or Phantom 15).
  • Sleeping Pad: inflatable or foam (example: Thermarest Prolight, NeoAir, Z-lite).
  • Tent: 3 season, under 5 pounds for 2 people(example: MSR Hubba (1person) or Hubba Hubba (2ppl), Shires TarpTent).
  • **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: 3-season mountaineering boots that fit well. Stiff shank with lug soles, crampon compatible (strap-on crampons are fine) (example: Category of: La Sportiva Trango; La Sportiva Makalu).
  • Socks: 2-3 pairs, wool or synthetic hiking socks (example: Smartwool, Thorlo, Colum,bia 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 zips are nice (example: Columbia Mountain Tech Long Sleeve).
  • Pants: Hard or Softshell pant for mountaineering / skiing (example: Patagonia Simple Guide Pant).
  • 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 Jacket or Parka).
  • Waterproof Shell / Pants: Lightweight waterproof/breathable Top; Ski Jackets are acceptable (example: Patagonia Ascentionist).
  • Sun Hat: baseball cap style, or more if needed (example: Columbia Silver Ridge Cap).
  • Warm Hat: for the chilly nights and mornings (example: Mountain Hardware Windstopper Microdome).
  • Sunglasses: A must in the mountains!
  • Personal Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, chapstick.
  • Personal Medications: Don't forget these!.
  • Sunscreen: A must in the snow.
  • Headlamp: makes camp activities 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 kids carry one.
  • Trekking Poles: Highly Recommended to reduce fatigue and add stability (example: Black Diamond Trailback).
  • Gloves: Spring-weight mountaineering or skiing gloves (example: Black Diamond Pursuit).
  • The items below are optional items you might want to bring:
  • Knife: could be handy.
  • Camera: For posterity.
  • Camp Towel: Small packtowl for washing / drying (example: MSR Pack Towl).

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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