Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Yosemite High Passes Loop - 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 warmer for July-Aug trips and 5-15 degrees for Sept. trips. Stuff sack should be included. sleeping bag liner is optional if using your own bag, mandatory 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.
  • **Note: SYMG can provide all of the above if indicated on your registration form.
  • Boots: Mid-weight leather or leather and Gore-Tex boots are preferred. Boots must be waterproof and broken in prior to trip. Please call if you have boot questions.
  • Socks: Two pairs of wool blend or Thor-Lo socks with liners are recommended. No cotton socks.
  • Camp Shoes: Many people like to bring along slippers, thongs, Crocs or Teva style sandals. Optional, but convenient.
  • Pants: It will get cold in the evenings and mornings. Bring one pair comfortable pants, preferably fleece bottoms or soft shell synthetic pants. Some like to use a pair of expedition weight long underwear as their pants to save weight.
  • Shorts: Bring 1 pair of nylon swim trunk style shorts and 1 pair hiking shorts( can be cotton).
  • Underwear: A few pair are generally sufficient.
  • Long Underwear: Bring one complete set, top and bottom, of light or mid-weight synthetic long underwear for July-Aug trips and expedition weight for Sept. trips.
  • Gloves and/or Mittens: For the evenings and early mornings.
  • Jacket: We recommend a fleece Patagonia style sweater/jacket for July-Aug trips and a down jacket for Sept trips.
  • Rain Shell Jacket and Pants.: A lightweight Goretex (waterproof/breathable) rain jacket and pants are necessary.
  • 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: Strong sunscreen, chapstick with sun protection, toothbrush, etc...
  • Medications and First Aid: Bring any special meds, vitamins, bee sting kit, allergy medicine, and small basic first aid kit with extra moleskin, a roll of athletic tape, band aids. Advil.
  • 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: Not necessary but you will be able to enjoy some quality quiet time.
  • 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.
  • Pack Cover: Optional.
  • Gaiters: Optional. Keeps snow and water out of boots. More important on early season trips. "Shorties" are all you'll need.

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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