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Mount Margaret Backcountry permit

Mount Margaret Gear Checklist

What to carry on Mount Margaret, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

8Total Items
1Required
7To bring

What to bring on Mount Margaret

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. One item is written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    A backpacking stove

    since fires are prohibited

    Permit rule: “No campfires anywhere in the Mount Margaret Backcountry: bring a stove”

  • Bring

    A bear-resistant food canister

    the Forest Service notes most sites have no trees to hang from

  • Bring

    Water treatment

    because every source must be treated and some are seasonal

  • Bring

    Government-issued photo ID, which the permit is not valid without

  • Bring

    The printed permit, displayed on your tent while you occupy the site

  • Bring

    Traction and poles for snowfields, which linger into July

  • Bring

    A wind shell

    the camps sit on open ridge with nothing to break the weather

  • Bring

    A paper map

    since there is no cell service and the trail network is easy to misread

4 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Plan a trip here

General backcountry gear

General backcountry kit. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument's own rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Mount Margaret

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Some items are required seasonally. Check current regulations.

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