Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Sierra High Route - Gear List

  • Backpack: about 3,600 ci (60 L), internal or external, waterproof pack cover (example: Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone; Golite Jam).
  • Sleeping Bag: 15-20 degree F. Down is lighter than synthetic for equal warmth (example: Mountain Hardware Phantom 15; Montbell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1).
  • Sleeping Pad: inflatable or foam (example: Thermarest NeoAir, Gossamer Gear Night Light).
  • Tent: Most guides carry tarp shelters to reduce even more weight and bulk. 20 ounces per person is light! (example: MSR Twin Sisters, Shires Tarptent Squall 2; Big Agnes Fly Creek UL; MSR Hubba).
  • **Note: The above items are available through SYMG at no cost. If needed, check the appropriate box on the registration form.
  • Trail Hiker / Boots: Lightweight, low or high top, good traction (example: Vasque Breeze; Montrail Flow, 5.10).
  • Socks: 2 pairs, wool or synthetic hiking socks (example: Smartwool and Thorlo are 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: Patagonia Merino 2 Crew).
  • Convertible Pants/Shorts: 1 pair of convertibles do the work of pants and shorts for less weight (example: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants).
  • Shirt: 1 or 2 synthetic t-shirt, collared shirt, short or long sleeve, as preferred (example: Columbia Silver Ridge; Columbia Mountain Tech Tee).
  • Insulating layer: light fleece (example: Patagonia R1).
  • Insulating jacket: synthetic "puffy" jacket (example: Montbell UL Thermawrap Parka).
  • Waterproof Shell / Pants: Lightweight waterproof/breathable Top & Bottom. Ski Jackets are not appropriate (example: Marmot Mica Jacket & Precip Pant).
  • 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!.
  • 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).
  • Whistle: it's louder than a voice and we require that kids carry one.
  • Trekking Poles: Very Highly Recommended to reduce fatigue and add stability and a must if pitching Tarptents. (example: Leki Thermolite).
  • The items below are optional items you might want to bring:
  • Book: consider taking only sections.
  • Knife: a small knife could be handy.
  • Gloves: lightweight- for early or late season trips (example: Columbia Mountain Access Liner Glove).
  • 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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