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Smith River (Montana) permit

Smith Gear Checklist

What to carry on Smith, and why. 2 items are written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
2Required
7To bring

What to bring on Smith

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 2 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    An FWP-approved portable, hard-sided toilet

    Permit rule: “An approved portable, hard-sided toilet is required and must be shown to the ranger at Camp Baker for inspection”

  • Required

    IGBC approved bear-resistant cooler or container, or a portable electric fence

    Permit rule: “Food, garbage and attractants must be in an IGBC approved bear-resistant device or electric fencing, or suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a vertical support”

  • Bring

    Boats suitable for a shallow, low-gradient float

    the Smith is not a whitewater run

  • Bring

    Montana fishing license if you plan to fish, bought before you leave White Sulphur Springs

  • Bring

    Water treatment for four days

  • Bring

    Rain gear

    the canyon holds weather and there is nowhere to bail out

  • Bring

    Fly gear for rainbow, brown and whitefish

  • Bring

    Spare AIS documentation for the inspection station

  • Bring

    Cash and a full tank from White Sulphur Springs, the last services before the put-in

15 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. Montana Rivers'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 Smith

💡 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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