My High Sierra Backpacking List

By Brian Klonoski

There’s no end-all, be-all list of what to take backpacking when you venture into the High Sierra. Your gear needs depend on where you’re going, how far you’re hiking, what your goals are, and the time of year — among other factors. A thru hike of the John Muir Trail, for example, requires a different set of gear than a couple nights in Desolation Wilderness.

I’m stoked to share my thoughts, but I’d encourage you to check out a few more articles like this one. Arming yourself with several perspectives is the first step in figuring out what’s right for you. So what do I bring when backpacking the High Sierra? Here’s everything I pack for a 3 or 4 night trip, minus food and water.

Packing Tip:

Use a kitchen scale to weigh all your gear, then record the weights in a spreadsheet. Before every trip, filter out the gear you aren’t bringing until your pack weight is where you want it. This will also serve as a nice pre-trip checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Base Gear, Explained

Exactly what I bring, why I bring it, and how much it weighs.

Pack

Cotopaxi Nepal 65 Internal-Frame Backpack w/rain cover — I love everything about this pack, including how comfortable it is, how easy it is to get into due to the thoughtful design of the pockets and zippers, and how rad it looks (I have the blue and red one). The pouch where you store your water reservoir can be removed and makes a serviceable day pack. 65 oz (discontinued — still some here)

Shelter

L.L. Bean Microlight FS2 Tent (circa 2015) — Technically a 2-person backpacking tent, it’s more suited for 1 ½ people, which is perfect for me, my dog, and my pack. There are much lighter tents available these days. Once this one wears out, I’ll probably get something like the Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent, which would cut my tent weight in half. The weight listed here includes 10 stakes and 4 extra guy lines, so I can pitch a secure basecamp in the High Sierra wind. I’ve heard too many stories of tents taking off like kites and blowing across lakes. That being said, it’s good to have a freestanding tent (like this one) that you can pitch in rocky areas too rough for stakes. 72.4 oz (buy here)

L.L. Bean Microlight FS2 Footprint — Worth bringing if rain is in the forecast. (It also extends the tent’s life.) Otherwise, it can be left behind. 9.3 oz (buy here)

Sleep

Mountain Hardwear Hyperlamina Spark 32°F sleeping bag  — A good synthetic bag. I’ve been using it in the high country for more than five years and I don’t recall a single night where the cold kept me awake. My one qualm is that you can’t unzip it all the way and let a leg dangle out to regulate your body temperature, but that’s part of the reason it’s so warm. When it’s finally time to swap it out, I’ll probably switch to a 20°F backpacking quilt. 34.6 oz (discontinued)

Thermarest Neoair XLite Inflatable Sleeping Pad (circa 2017) — This seemed like the gold standard backpacking pad at the time. It’s small and light, but crinkly and narrow. It gets the job done, though I’m eager to see what else is out there when it’s time for a new one. I use the regular instead of the long to save a little weight. 12.2 oz (buy here)

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow — A luxury that can be left behind, but worth its weight in gold if you have issues with your neck or back 4.2 oz (buy Here)

Illumination

Princeton Tec Sync Headlmap w/3 AAA batteries — Love this light. Have used it for 5+ years and never had an issue. 3 oz (buy here)

Extra batteries — I poke around a lot in the dark while shooting night photography, so I bring 3 extra AAA batteries on 3 or 4 night trips. When buying batteries for your headlamp, it’s important to avoid lithium batteries because they can be too powerful and ruin your headlamp, so stick to alkaline batteries instead. Definitely optional. 1.1 oz (buy here)

Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Lantern — This provides a lot of light and coziness without having to rely on batteries. It’s optional, but I like the extra light around camp, especially in places where campfires are not allowed. 4.6 oz (buy here)

Navigation

Map — I try to buy the best, most detailed map that covers the area I’ll be in. 1.2 oz

iPhone 11 — Primary navigation device via Gaia GPS. Also useful for casual photos, video, star maps, and taking notes. For backup, there is a compass in my survival kit. 6.6 oz (buy Gaia GPS here)

Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel — The iPhone can go a long ways on Airplane Mode, but this ensures it stays charged. That being said, it’s totally optional. I remove the back thingy to make it lighter. 11.3 oz (buy here)

Hydration

Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L Water Filter — I messed around with a Sawyer for a while, but I wasn’t so great at keeping it clean. It eventually slowed to a trickle and then a gasket popped off. I also hated the bags it came with — they were flimsy and difficult to filll. So I made the switch to Katadyn’s BeFree. It is hands down the best water filter I’ve ever used, though it is more expensive upfront, and needs to be replaced every 1,000 liters. 2.2 oz (buy here)

Camelbak 1.5 L — Optional, but I like the convenience if I’m doing a loop hike. I use the smallest size to shave a few ounces and make more room in my pack. 7.2 oz (buy here)

Evernew Water Carry Bag 1.5 L — Between my Camelbak (if I’m bringing it) and my filter canteen, I can carry 2.5 L of potable water. That’s usually plenty, but I use this light, packable container for carrying water back to camp at the end of the day, or if I’m hiking 1.5 oz (buy here)

Smartwater Bottle — Light and fits nicely into the water bottle holder on my pack. I wash and reuse one as long as I can. 1.2 oz

Health + Hygiene

Hand Sanitizer — I refill a small plastic bottle that hangs on my pack. 1.6 oz

Biodegradable 50 SPF Sunscreen — The cold, the wind, the altitude, the rugged terrain — people expect these things of the High Sierra. But everyone seems to be caught off guard by the intensity of the sun. It’s no joke up there, especially since most backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada demand long hikes across exposed granite (which reflects and intensifies sunlight). I like reef-safe sunscreen. I transfer around 2 oz into a small, reusable squirt bottle, and make sure to cake myself from the main bottle before I go. 2.2 oz (buy here)

Repel 100 Insect Repellent — Aside from the sun, mosquitoes are another of the High Sierra’s overlooked annoyances. 1 oz (buy here)

Coghlan’s Compact Mosquito Head Net — If you’re camping by an alpine lake or in a wet meadow, even insect repellent won’t help. Keep one of these in your pack. They weigh less than an ounce. .9 oz (buy here)

Carmex Lip Balm — This stuff is the shit, both for preventing chapped lips and healing them. As someone who tends to forget where they set things down, I like the red and yellow high-vis tubes it comes in. .5 oz (buy here)

Toothbrush  — One of those travel models that breaks apart and stores inside the handle. .5 oz

Toothpaste — A travel-sized tube of whatever brand you like. 1 oz

Small microfiber towel — Optional, but useful for washing up. 1 oz

GSI Outdoors Sanitation Trowel — Needed to dig catholes.  2.9 oz (buy here)

Toilet Paper (and wipes if you like) — Amount will vary from person to person. 3 oz

Survival Gear

First Aid Kit — I use an Ultralight kit with two days worth of supplies for one person and add to it depending on the length and risk associated with my trip. The case is waterproof so I can keep it clipped to the outside of my pack for easy access. 3.6 oz (buy here)

Survival + Repair Kit — Cobbled together over the years, it’s incredible what’s in here when you consider the sub-two-ounce weight. It includes: sleeping pad repair kit, enough aquatabs to purify water for two people for 5 days, weatherproof repair tape, signal mirror, emergency whistle, compass, 5 stormproof matches with striker, and 4 pieces of cotton tinder. 1.8 oz

Lighter — My primary fire starter when campfires are allowed. Backup if the sparker on my camp stove fails. .7 oz

Buck 853 Small Selkirk Fixed Blade Knife w/sheath — I like having a solid, full-tang knife with me in the backcountry, but you can get by with something smaller and lighter if you’re just using it for basic tasks. 6.7 oz (buy here)

Camp Kitchen

Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove — I bought this little stove 5+ years ago for ten bucks and it’s still going strong. I’ve even used it while car camping all those years. 3.9 oz (buy here)

MSR IsoPro 4 oz Fuel Canister  — I use my stove to boil water for backpacking dinners, the occasional breakfast, and coffee/tea. A full 4 oz canister should last 4 or 5 days, no problem. I carry aquatabs as backup if my water filter fails or is lost, so I don’t need to carry extra fuel to boil water. If I remember, I like to test the canister before I leave just to make sure the valve is functioning. 7.4 oz

Evernew Small Titanium Pasta Pot w/case — God I love this pot. It is so light and so functional for boiling water or cooking pasta and grains. An IsoPro fuel canister fits snugly inside. It can fit a 4 oz can of fuel, my stove, and a little piece of sponge for cleaning. Expensive, but worth it. 3.6 oz (buy here)

Snowpeak Titanium 300 Mug — A luxury item for sure, but a light one that easily hangs on the outside of my pack. It makes coffee and tea delightful. 1.9 oz (buy here)

Snowpeak Titanium Spork — I don’t like plastic sporks. I do love the long handle on this one — good for digging into the corners of backpacking meals. .6 oz (buy here)

Sponge — Optional, but I take a little piece if I plan to cook anything in my pot (I usually just boil water with it). .3 oz 

Clothing

Danner Mountain 600 Boots — I would not go into the High Sierra without a rugged pair of ankle-high, waterproof boots. The Danner Mountain 600s are durable, light, and functional. I’ll be wearing these boots as long as they make them. 37 oz (buy here)

Darn Tough Midweight Crew Hiking Socks — I’ve heard everyone rave about these, so I just started using them. So far, I love them. They’re soft, breathable, and well cushioned in all the right places. Can’t imagine hiking in a regular old pair of socks ever again. On longer hikes, I might bring two pairs so I can wash one pair in the morning and dry them on my pack during the day while hiking in the other pair.  2.7 oz (buy here)

L.L. Bean Heavy Merino Wool Socks — Thick, cushy pair for sleeping and hanging around camp. If the forecast is warm, bring another pair of midweight socks instead. 4.6 oz (buy here)

Icebreaker Merino Wool  200 Oasis Long Sleeve Baselayer Top — For sleeping and hanging around camp. Could hike in it if the weather is cool. 7.8 oz (buy here)

Icebreaker Merino Wool  200 Oasis Long Sleeve Baselayer Bottom — I sleep in these most night to keep my bag clean and for extra warmth. 7.3 oz (buy here)

Cotopaxi Libre Sweater — Warm and functional mid-layer. 16.6 oz (discontinued)

L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Jacket — My insulating layer. It has been holding up fine for the past 3+ years, but I’ve had to repair quite a few tears. I’ll eventually l replace it with some of the new Mountain Hardwear products that weigh half as much, even with a hood.  16.6 oz (buy here)

Outdoor Research Helium II — The gold standard rain shell amongst backpackers, especially when you consider cost. It’s rediculously light and packs down to the size of a sandwich. That being said, it’s not meant to be worn for 8 hours a day in torrential rain. Thunderstorms can pop up any day in the High Sierra, but extended rainfall is rare, so this is the perfect rain/wind layer. 6.4 oz (buy here)

Terramar Helix Mountain Short Sleeve Tee — I bought a few of these simple polyester t-shirts a few years ago to work out in. They’re breathable, dry quickly, and have a upf rating of 25-plus. If you want something a little fancier, try Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Train Shirt. 5.3 oz (buy here)

Kuhl DECEPTR Hiking Pants — Most hiking pants are like five times as baggy as they need to be. These have a nice tapered fit while being insanely functional. I also like the side pocket, which is the perfect spot for my phone/gps while I hike. They’re UPF rated to 50-plus. (buy here)

Carhartt Fleece Beanie — For warmth around camp and while sleeping. 1.7 oz (buy here)

Ex Officio Boxer Briefs  — I wear one pair, wash the other pair, and dry it on my pack as I hike. 3.2 oz ea (buy here)

Tilley LTM5 Airflo Hat — I made the mistake of taking just a plain old cap way too many times. This offers much more sun protection and helps my mosquito net work better. 3 oz (buy here)

Buff Coolnet — Another element of sun protection (UPF 50+) and super useful all around. 1.4 oz (buy here)

Orvis Polarized Sunglasses — Important for protection from the sun and wayward fishing flies blowing wildly in the wind. Polarized lenses help spot cruising fishing in alpine lakes. I use an old pair that needs to be replaced soon due to scratches. .9 oz

Da Bears

Bearvault BV500 Bear Canister — This one is light, but large enough to fit 4 or 5 days worth of food for myself and my dog. Bear canisters are required in most parts of the High Sierra. Even when they’re not, I still bring one. It’s the lightest, simplest, most effective way to avoid issues with bears. 42.3 oz (buy here)

or

UDAP No-Fed Bear-Resistant Container — Smaller and lighter (but just barely), so I use this one for shorter trips if I can fit everything into it. 38.9 oz (buy here)

Counter Assault EPA-Certified Bear Spray — Black bear attacks in the Sierra Nevada are rare enough that this is optional. The safest thing you can do is let bears know you’re around and keep a clean camp. I carry this because I’m usually alone and my little dog is exactly the type of dog that would go and start something with a bear that he couldn’t finish. Having this on my belt gives me peace of mind. 11.9 oz (buy here)

Random Stuff

ID — So they can identify me if anything goes awry. I kid, I kid. .1 oz

Key Fob — To get back in the car. 2 oz

Permit — You have to sign this and carry it with you at all times. .1 oz

Black Diamond Neutrino Caribener — I use it to hang stuff on my pack while I hike, like my first aid kit and mug. 1.3 oz (buy here)

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress (small) — Wait, what? Two sleeping pads? That’s ridiculous, you say? Hear me out. I bring this because it’s light, lashes easily to the bottom or side of my pack, and has a million uses. It turns rocks and trees into camp chairs. I stand on it when I’m changing. I kneel on it and lay my camera gear on it to change lenses when I’m shooting photography in the backcountry. And most importantly, my dog sleeps on it at night. It also functions as a backup if my inflatable pad is ripped beyond repair. Overall, I acknowledge it’s a bit extra, but this pad is useful enough to me to justify the weight. 10.4 oz (buy here)

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