Sky Pond 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. Timed Entry with Bear Lake RoadRequired May 22 to October 18, 2026, 5 am to 6 pm.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Rocky Mountain: Timed Entry permits

2. AltitudeYou start above 9,000 ft. NPS: learn the early 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

3. LightningNPS: start early and get below treeline before storms. Leave summits and isolated rocks.Need itHave it

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

   Source: NPS Rocky Mountain: Lightning safety

The Ten Essentials (NPS)

1. WaterAbout 3 L each for the round trip: roughly 1 L per 2 hours, more at altitude.Need itHave it
   

   Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz

   $17.99 on Amazon

   About 3 L each for the round trip: roughly 1 L per 2 hours, more at altitude.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

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

2. Water treatmentNPS: purify any lake or stream water.Need itHave it
   

   LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

   $17.95 on Amazon

   NPS: purify any lake or stream water.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

   Source: NPS Rocky Mountain: High Country Hazards

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

   Suunto A-10 Compass

   $24.00 on Amazon

   Download an offline map before you lose signal, and carry a paper map and compass as backup.

   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 protectionHigh-altitude sun burns fast.Need itHave it
   

   Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)

   $11.49 on Amazon

   High-altitude sun burns fast.

   Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
7. Insulation and rain layerNPS: a sunny day can turn windy and wet in minutes.Need itHave it
   

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

   $22.74 on Amazon

   NPS: a sunny day can turn windy and wet in minutes.

   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.