Mather Campground 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. ReservationBook up to 6 months ahead for peak season.Need itHave it

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

   Source: Recreation.gov: Mather Campground

2. Bring all your waterNPS alert: Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim. Only dry camping is allowed, and visitors should bring water.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Grand Canyon: lodging suspended, Stage 4 water restrictions

3. Food storageStore food in your vehicle or a hard-sided container. Don’t leave food or trash out.Need itHave it

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

   Source: Recreation.gov: Mather Campground

4. Summer thunderstormsJuly to early September brings afternoon storms. Stay off the rim edge when lightning starts.Need itHave it

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

   Source: Recreation.gov: Mather Campground

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterCarry all of it: camp water plus about 1 L per 2 hours of hiking, more in heat.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   Carry all of it: camp water plus about 1 L per 2 hours of hiking, more in heat.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

2. Food and extra foodSalty snacks help on canyon hikes.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Grand Canyon: Hike Smart

3. Navigation: offline map, map and compassDownload an offline map before you lose signal, and carry a paper map and compass as backup.Need itHave it

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

4. HeadlampNPS: carry a light and spare batteries; don’t rely on your phone.Need itHave it
   

   Petzl Tikka Headlamp

   $34.95 on Amazon

   NPS: carry a light and spare batteries; don’t rely on your phone.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Grand Canyon: Hike Smart

5. Sun hatThe rim and canyon trails have little shade.Need itHave it
   

   Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat (UPF 50+)

   $54.00 on Amazon

   The rim and canyon trails have little shade.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Insulation and rain layerAt 7,000 ft, nights are cold most of the year.Need itHave it
   

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

   $22.74 on Amazon

   At 7,000 ft, nights are cold most of the year.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
7. 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)
8. Fire starter and emergency shelterYour car and tent are the shelter here. Carry a lighter and a bivvy on longer walks from camp.Need itHave it

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

9. Knife or repair kitFor camp chores and gear fixes.Need itHave it

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

Nice to have

1. Camp stoveA fast boil for coffee before a canyon hike.Need itHave it
   

   MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove

   $49.95 on Amazon

   A fast boil for coffee before a canyon hike.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
2. LanternPicnic-table light with no fuel.Need itHave it
   

   LuminAID PackLite Nova Solar Lantern

   $32.99 on Amazon

   Picnic-table light with no fuel.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
3. Camp blanketFor cold rim evenings.Need itHave it
   

   Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket (1-person)

   $99.95 on Amazon

   For cold rim evenings.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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