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Yellowstone Backcountry permit

Yellowstone Backcountry Gear Checklist

What to carry on Yellowstone Backcountry, and why. 9 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
9To bring

What to bring on Yellowstone Backcountry

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list.

  • Bring

    Bear spray, on your hip rather than in the pack

  • Bring

    Rope for the food poles

    the park says at least 35 feet, though Recreation.gov's site listings say 30, so carry 35

  • Bring

    A hard-sided bear-resistant container if you prefer one to hanging; soft-sided containers are prohibited

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Layers for nights that drop below freezing at 8,000 feet in any month

  • Bring

    Shoes you can ford in

    most long Yellowstone routes cross unbridged water

  • Bring

    A head net for the mosquito peak in late June and July

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for river crossings

  • Bring

    A map

    because bison trails braid off the real one constantly

12 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. Yellowstone National Park'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 Yellowstone Backcountry

💡 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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