Mist Trail to Vernal Fall 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. Slippery granite stepsNPS: the steps are slick with spray. Wear shoes with good grip.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails

2. No swimming above the fallsNPS prohibits swimming in Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails

3. Winter closure and summer detourThe lower Mist Trail closes in winter. In 2026 there’s a weekday detour Mon–Thu 7 am–3:30 pm from July 27 into October.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterNPS: bring 2 L to the top of Vernal Fall (3–4 L to Nevada Fall). Refill only at the trailhead and footbridge.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   NPS: bring 2 L to the top of Vernal Fall (3–4 L to Nevada Fall). Refill only at the trailhead and footbridge.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Fall trails

2. 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.

3. Navigation: offline map, map and compassKnow your route down: the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail.Need itHave it

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

4. HeadlampNPS: carry a headlamp on every hike, even short ones.Need itHave it
   

   Petzl Tikka Headlamp

   $34.95 on Amazon

   NPS: carry a headlamp on every hike, even short ones.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

5. Sun protectionThe upper steps and the top of the fall are in full sun.Need itHave it
   

   Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)

   $11.49 on Amazon

   The upper steps and the top of the fall are in full sun.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Rain jacket for the mistYou’ll get soaked by the mist in spring.Need itHave it
   

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

   $22.74 on Amazon

   You’ll get soaked by the mist in spring.

   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 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)
9. 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.