Happy Isles toward Whitney

A packing list for the John Muir Trail

The John Muir Trail is a long, high walk. Camps sit well above the trailheads, nights can drop below freezing even in summer, and a bear canister is required. A generic weekend list misses the food weight and the canister.

What this list assumes

• A planning elevation around 10,000 ft. That is not a survey of every pass.
• Water is usually frequent, and you still treat it.
• The canister is on the list even if the form left the box unchecked.
• Calories follow a hard effort, then climb again if your low is at or below freezing.
• You set the nights. A 15-night hike and a 22-night hike do not carry the same food.

Confirm the permit quota and the accepted canister models with the National Park Service and the Forest Service before you leave. $15 unlocks the item suggestions, the shopping list, the group split, and the CSV after you see the weight summary.