Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Mountain Skills - 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 6 lbs per 2-people.
  • Harness, Helmet, Belay Device: For the roped climbing & skills.
  • **Note: SYMG can provide all of the above if indicated on your registration form.
  • Boots: Heavier-weight leather boots are the best choice for most people on this trip, and should be broken in prior to the trip. La Sportiva has an excellent line of appropriate mountaineering/backpacking boots.
  • 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.
  • Gloves/Mittens & Wool or Fleece Hat: Either gloves or mittens which allow for dexterity. Patagonia bunting gloves are an excellent choice for the application on this trip. For your hat, again, Patagonia makes great fleece & wool hats which will cover your ears. A hat helps you sleep warmer, and is essential for windy summit climbs and cool mornings and evenings.
  • Camp Shoes: Many people like to bring along slippers, thongs, Crocs or Teva style sandals. Optional, but convenient.
  • Pants: It can get cool in the evenings and mornings. Bring one pair comfortable fleece or soft shelled synthetic pant. 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. For those who enjoy a "refreshing" dip in the lake in the morning or afternoon.
  • 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.
  • Ice Axe: A standard mountaineering style ice axe is necessary. We have a few spare axes for those in need. Call us to arrange use of one of our axes.
  • 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. 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.
  • Book / Journal: Optional.
  • Whistle: Mandatory.
  • Camera: Don't forget extra film/cards and batteries!
  • 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.

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