Sierra Nevada Summer Backpacking: 5-Days

Created by Mike1

  • Sierra Nevada
  • Summer
  • 5 days
  • Sierra Nevada, California, United States (13422 ft)
  • Rain
  • Cold
  • Bears
  • Bugs
  • 60.0 mi
  • Elevation gain: 10000 ft
  • Base elevation: 8000 ft
This Sierra Nevada summer trip demands preparation for variable conditions including rain, cold temperatures, and significant elevation gain. The gear selection reflects the need for layering in a high-altitude environment where afternoon thunderstorms and temperature swings are common. The light
more... down jacket and fleece provide crucial insulation for cold nights and unexpected weather, while the mosquito net offers protection during buggy evenings at lower elevations. Bear country protocols are essential in the Sierra Nevada. Proper food storage practices using bear canisters should be practiced. The trowel, soap, and hand sanitizer support Leave No Trace principles and hygiene in remote settings. Trekking poles reduce knee strain on steep descents and improve stability on rocky terrain. The headlamp is critical for early morning starts and evening camp setup during long summer days, while the GPS device or personal locator beacon provides navigation and emergency communication in areas with limited cell coverage. Water management is important at higher elevations where sources can be sparse in certain locations at certain times. The 2-liter water bag allows for carrying extra capacity between reliable water sources, and the purification system ensures safe drinking water throughout the trip. Consider your personal needs: glasses, medications. Pack fishing gear for fun or fresh fish meal.
28.98 lb Total pack weight
  • Base 18.89 lb 65%
  • Consumable 6.34 lb 22%
  • Worn 3.75 lb 13%
By category
Pack 1 item 3.00 lb · 10%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Backpack
1 48.00 oz
Shelter 1 item 3.31 lb · 11%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Backpacking Tent, stakes and rain fly Lightweight tent, rainfly if material not already waterproof, footprint if base is fragile, and stakes.
1 est. 52.91 oz
Sleep 3 items 1.57 lb · 5%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Sleeping Bag
1 12.00 oz
Sleeping Pad
1 10.00 oz
Pillow Inflatable pillow unless you'd rather use extra clothes
1 est. 3.17 oz
Clothes 13 items 6.32 lb · 22%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Beanie Good for sleeping and cold mornings
1 est. 3.00 oz
Mosquito net with bag Sea to summit, bad to protect, also usable for rock bag
1 0.95 oz
Sun hat
✓ 1 3.50 oz
Sunglasses
✓ 1 est. 2.47 oz
Gloves
1 est. 3.17 oz
Long Sleeve Shirt
1 7.76 oz
Light Fleece Jacket For hiking when cold and as a layer in camp or sleeping.
1 est. 9.88 oz
Light Down Jacket Puffy jacket for cold nights and mornings in camp
1 est. 9.88 oz
Rain Jacket
1 est. 15.87 oz
Hiking Pants
✓ 1 est. 14.11 oz
Underwear
✓ 3 6.60 oz 2.20 oz each
Socks, moisture wicking
✓ 2 est. 4.59 oz est. 2.29 oz each
Trail Runners Good for well established trails and light to moderate pack weight
✓ 1 est. 19.40 oz
Toiletries 9 items 1.10 lb · 4%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Bug Spray
1 est. 2.12 oz
Sunscreen
1 est. 2.12 oz
Toothbrush
1 0.53 oz
Toothpaste, travel size
1 0.65 oz
Soap
1 2.12 oz
First Aid Kit
1 6.35 oz
Hand Sanitizer Small bottle clipped to backpack or in toilet kit
✓ 1 —
Trowel Small tool to dig a hole for pooping
1 1.59 oz
Toilet Paper
1 2.12 oz
Cooking 10 items 8.50 lb · 29%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Stove
1 16.00 oz
Large Fuel 230g net isobutane can
✓ 1 13.40 oz
Mini Bic Lighter Bring extra or matches for backup or if first is lost or runs out of fuel
2 0.80 oz 0.40 oz each
Hot Pad
1 —
Kitchen Towel
1 —
Cup, large metal For drinking and heating water
1 est. 2.82 oz
Spoon
1 est. 0.71 oz
Trash bag freezer bags for small trash bags
2 —
Food per day per person Subtract one for half first and last days, first day sierra do less because low appetite, from freeze dried, only needed one serving/half bag
✓ 5 60.00 oz 12.00 oz each
Bear Cannister
1 42.33 oz
Water 3 items 2.37 lb · 8%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
Water Bottle 750ml (25oz), filled
✓ 1 28.00 oz
2L Water Bag, empty Useful for filtering water, extra water in camp, and for long water carries
1 est. 3.53 oz
Water Purification
1 6.35 oz
Other 7 items 2.80 lb · 10%
Name Worn Consumable Qty Weight
GPS Device or PLB If might be out of cell range, especially if solo.
1 est. 4.59 oz
Headlamp or Flashlight
1 est. 2.82 oz
Pocket Knife
1 est. 3.17 oz
Small battery pack and charging cable For phone and any other electronics
1 est. 7.05 oz
Phone with Mapping App
1 10.00 oz
Bandana Many uses
1 est. 1.23 oz
Treking Poles
✓ 1 16.00 oz
Total 47 items

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