Old Rag Circuit packing checklist

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Trip-specific: permits and hazards

1. Parking changeNPS alert: the main Old Rag trailhead lot is closed for construction until about November 2026. Use the overflow lots.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Shenandoah: current conditions

2. Old Rag day-use ticketRequired March 1 to November 30. Book on Recreation.gov and carry your park entrance pass too.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Shenandoah: Old Rag FAQs and day-use tickets

3. Hands-free for the rock scrambleThe upper trail is a strenuous scramble over granite. Pack so both hands are free.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS: Old Rag Circuit

4. Leave dogs at homePets aren’t allowed on Old Rag.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Shenandoah: Old Rag FAQs and day-use tickets

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterNPS: there’s no water on the mountain. Carry about 3–4 L each for a 7–8 hour day: roughly 1 L per 2 hours, more in summer heat.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   NPS: there’s no water on the mountain. Carry about 3–4 L each for a 7–8 hour day: roughly 1 L per 2 hours, more in summer heat.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Shenandoah: Old Rag road and trail map (PDF)

2. Food and extra foodA long, hard day. Pack lunch plus extra food.Need itHave it

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

3. Navigation: offline map, map and compassSeveral trails meet on the descent. Save the NPS map offline.Need itHave it
   

   Suunto A-10 Compass

   $24.00 on Amazon

   Several trails meet on the descent. Save the NPS map offline.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
4. 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)
5. Sun protectionThe summit ridge is open rock.Need itHave it
   

   Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)

   $11.49 on Amazon

   The summit ridge is open rock.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
6. Insulation and rain layerThe summit is windy and cooler than the trailhead.Need itHave it
   

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

   $22.74 on Amazon

   The summit is windy and cooler than the trailhead.

   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)

Nice to have

1. Gloves for the scrambleGranite is rough on your hands.Need itHave it
   

   Carhartt Wind Fighter Fleece Gloves

   $33.90 on Amazon

   Granite is rough on your hands.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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