Four Pass Loop packing checklist

We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. Details

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. Overnight permitUSFS requires an advance overnight permit for each camping zone, from Recreation.gov.Need itHave it

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

   Source: USFS White River NF: Four Pass Loop

2. Bear canister (required)USFS: an IGBC-approved hard-sided canister is required. We don’t have a verified pick yet.Need itHave it

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

   Source: USFS White River NF: Four Pass Loop

3. WAG bagsUSFS recommends packing out human waste.Need itHave it

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

   Source: USFS White River NF: Four Pass Loop

4. AltitudeAll four passes top 12,000 ft. Learn the signs of altitude sickness and descend if they get worse.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Rocky Mountain: Acute Mountain Sickness

5. Lightning planUSFS: get off passes and ridges before storms. Be below treeline when lightning starts.Need itHave it

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

   Source: USFS Intermountain Region: Weather safety

6. Group size limitUSFS limits groups to 10 people.Need itHave it

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

   Source: USFS White River NF: Four Pass Loop

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterCarry at least 1 L per 2 hours between sources, more on the climbs.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   Carry at least 1 L per 2 hours between sources, more on the climbs.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

2. Water treatmentTreat all stream and lake water.Need itHave it
   

   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

   $17.95 on Amazon

   Treat all stream and lake water.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
3. Food and extra foodPack all trip meals plus a spare day of food, all in the canister.Need itHave it

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

4. Navigation: offline map, map and compassSnow and cloud can hide the route over the passes.Need itHave it
   

   Suunto A-10 Compass

   $24.00 on Amazon

   Snow and cloud can hide the route over the passes.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
5. HeadlampFor early starts to cross passes before storms.Need itHave it
   

   Petzl Tikka Headlamp

   $34.95 on Amazon

   For early starts to cross passes before storms.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Sun protectionAbove treeline for long stretches.Need itHave it
   

   Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)

   $11.49 on Amazon

   Above treeline for long stretches.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
7. Insulation and rain layerNights near freezing and daily storms are possible in summer.Need itHave it
   

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

   $22.74 on Amazon

   Nights near freezing and daily storms are possible in summer.

   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 shelterYour tent is your shelter. Carry a lighter and fire starter too.Need itHave it

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

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)

Nice to have

1. Light stoveFor hot meals at camp.Need itHave it
   

   MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove

   $49.95 on Amazon

   For hot meals at camp.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
2. Foam padDurable, and it doubles as a sit pad.Need itHave it
   

   Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

   $59.52 on Amazon

   Durable, and it doubles as a sit pad.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
3. Warm hatFor cold nights at camp.Need itHave it
   

   Smartwool Thermal Merino Cuffed Beanie

   $29.96 on Amazon

   For cold nights at camp.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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