Cascade Pass packing checklist

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Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match.

Trip-specific: permits and hazards

1. Road delaysNPS alert: road maintenance may delay traffic on Cascade River Road near the trailhead from October 13.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: NPS North Cascades: current conditions

2. Steep snow checkNPS: steep snow sections may require an ice axe as late as July.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: NPS North Cascades: Cascade Pass Trail

3. Black bear countryKeep your food with you and give bears room.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: NPS North Cascades: Cascade Pass Trail

4. No petsPets aren’t allowed on the trail.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

   Source: NPS North Cascades: Cascade Pass Trail

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterAbout 2–3 L each for the round trip: roughly 1 L per 2 hours.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   About 2–3 L each for the round trip: roughly 1 L per 2 hours.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Yosemite: hiking safety (1 quart every 2 hours)

2. Water treatmentTreat any stream or snowmelt you collect.Need itHave it
   

   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

   $17.95 on Amazon

   Treat any stream or snowmelt you collect.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
3. Food and extra foodPack snacks plus extra food in case the day runs long.Need itHave it

   No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park.

4. Navigation: offline map, map and compassCloud can hide the switchbacks. Save the NPS map offline.Need itHave it
   

   Suunto A-10 Compass

   $24.00 on Amazon

   Cloud can hide the switchbacks. Save the NPS map offline.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
5. HeadlampIn case you finish after dark. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.Need itHave it
   

   Petzl Tikka Headlamp

   $34.95 on Amazon

   In case you finish after dark. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Sun protectionSnowfields and open meadows near the pass reflect strong sun.Need itHave it
   

   Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)

   $11.49 on Amazon

   Snowfields and open meadows near the pass reflect strong sun.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
7. Insulation and rain layerMountain weather changes fast at the pass.Need itHave it
   

   FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)

   $22.74 on Amazon

   Mountain weather changes fast at the pass.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
8. First aid kitFor blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it
   

   Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5

   $31.95 on Amazon

   For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
9. Fire starter and emergency shelterIf you get stuck out after dark, a bivvy and a lighter keep you warm until help comes.Need itHave it
   

   SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy

   $25.49 on Amazon

   If you get stuck out after dark, a bivvy and a lighter keep you warm until help comes.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
10. Knife or repair kitFor quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it
    

    Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife

    $16.62 on Amazon

    For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 18, 2026, and may have changed.