JAC Gear List Title

Gear List

What to pack, what we provide, and tips for traveling light.

What We Provide vs Need

What We Provide

Food & Kitchen

  • All meals (dinner Day 1 through lunch final day)
  • Backpacking stove + fuel
  • Cook pots, utensils, bowls, mugs
  • Water filter (Sawyer Squeeze)

Safety & Navigation

  • Bear canisters (where required)
  • Comprehensive first aid kit
  • Garmin inReach satellite communicator
  • All required backcountry permits

Additional Gear (or bring your own)

  • Clothing compression sacks
  • Headlamp
  • Bug head net
  • Stuff sacks / dry bags
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bladder or water bottles
We provide these items, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

What You Need

The Big 4 (or rent for $200)

  • Backpack: 50–65L capacity
  • Tent: Lightweight 3-season
  • Sleeping bag: Rated to ~40-45°F or lower
  • Sleeping pad: R value >2

Essential Personal Gear

  • Hiking boots or trail runners (broken in!)
  • Daypack or hip belt pockets for day use
  • Personal toiletries + medications
  • Camp shoes or sandals (optional but nice)

Clothing (trip-specific)

  • See detailed packing lists below ↓
  • Each trip has unique weather conditions
  • Scroll down for your specific trip
JAC Gear Photos
Tent at lakeside campsite
Evening campfire with mountains
Organized backpacking gear layout
Rental Package

Optional Gear Rental Package — $200

Not sure if you have the right gear? We’ve got you covered. For an additional $200 we provide the 4 big-ticket items — backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Everything else (stove, water filter, bear canister, cook kit, etc.) is already included for everyone at no extra charge.

  • Lightweight 3-season tent (solo or shared)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag rated to ~40-45°F or lower
  • Backpack (50–65L capacity)
You’re welcome to bring any of your own gear and only rent what you need — just let us know at booking.
JAC Master Packing List

Complete Packing Checklist

Everything you need for all three California backpacking trips. Check items off as you pack.

Master Packing List — All Trips Covered

This list covers Redwood, Desolation, and Yosemite — pack once, adventure everywhere.

Clothing & Layers

  • 4 pairs wool or synthetic hiking socks
  • 1 waterproof rain jacket
  • 1 waterproof rain pants
  • 1 puffy jacket or down jacket
  • 1 mid-weight fleece
  • 1 long-sleeve base layer (merino wool)
  • 1 base layer bottom (for sleeping)
  • 2–3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
  • 1 long-sleeve sun shirt (UPF 50+)
  • 1 hiking pants (quick-dry or convertible)
  • 1–2 pairs hiking shorts
  • 1 swimming suit
  • 3 pairs underwear (wool/synthetic, no cotton)
  • 1 warm beanie
  • 1 pair gloves or mittens
  • 1 wide-brim sun hat
  • 1 neck gaiter or buff (sun protection)

Footwear & Essentials

  • 1 pair hiking boots or trail runners (broken in!)
  • 1 pair camp shoes or sandals
  • 2–3L water capacity (bottles or bladder)
  • 1 daypack or hip belt pockets for day use
  • 1 trekking poles
  • 1 SPF 30+ sunscreen
  • 1 lip balm with SPF 30+
  • 1 pair polarized sunglasses (UV400)
  • 1 insect repellent with DEET
  • 1 pack towel (quick-dry)
  • Personal medications
  • Toilet paper + trowel
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap

Optional Gear

  • Camera (phones work great!)
  • Portable battery pack
  • Book or journal
  • Playing cards
  • Personal snacks / extra food
  • Gaiters (helpful in Redwood)
  • Bandana or extra buff
  • Binoculars (wildlife watching)
  • Small dry bag for valuables

Leave at Home

  • Cotton clothing (deadly when wet)
  • Jeans or denim
  • Brand new, un-broken-in boots
  • Hair styling tools
  • Heavy or non-essential items
  • Anything you can’t afford to lose

Trip-Specific Details: Each trip has unique weather conditions and requirements. We’ll send you a detailed email 2 weeks before your trip with specific guidance for your destination — including which items from this list are most critical, weather forecasts, and any special considerations. This master list ensures you have everything you might need across all three environments.

JAC Packing Tips

💡 Packing Tips

Pro advice to help you pack smart and stay comfortable on the trail.

Go Light — Every Pound Matters

Try to keep your base pack weight (everything except food and water) under 20 lbs. Every pound you carry makes the miles harder.

  • Weigh your packed bag before the trip
  • If something feels heavy, leave it home
  • Don’t bring “just in case” items
  • Share gear with trip partners when possible

Break In Your Boots

This is the #1 cause of a miserable trip. Blisters can ruin your experience and even force you to turn back.

  • Wear boots for 50–100 miles before the trip
  • Never wear brand new boots on Day 1
  • Hike in the same socks you’ll use on the trip
  • Apply moleskin at the first sign of hot spots

Avoid Cotton at All Costs

Cotton holds moisture and loses all insulating properties when wet. In cold or wet conditions, this can cause dangerous chilling.

  • Every base layer should be wool or synthetic
  • Check underwear, socks, and t-shirts
  • “Cotton kills” is not an exaggeration
  • Merino wool is the gold standard for backpacking

When in Doubt, Leave It Out

It’s tempting to over-pack “just in case.” Resist this urge. If you’re debating whether to bring something, leave it home.

  • You’ll thank yourself on mile 5
  • We provide all group gear already
  • Focus on the essentials: layers, socks, boots
  • Trust that you have what you need

Questions About Gear?

Unsure if you have the right equipment? Want us to review your packing list? We’re here to help. Reach out before your trip and we’ll make sure you’re set up for an amazing experience.

Contact Us — We’re Happy to Help