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5 Gear Essentials for Backpacking in Ansel Adams Wilderness
REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag, $320
A Lightweight bag boasting an impressive water-resistant 850 fill goose down will keep you warm even if the Sierra challenges you with an unexpected thunderstorm.
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles, $130
A large majority of the trek up to Garnet Lake is steep with relatively rocky terrain. Your lungs will appreciate a set of supportive trekking poles to help pull yourself up this trail and others like it.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist II Cook Set,$50
A self-containing cookset perfect for any backcountry meal. Kittredge Sports, in Mammoth Lakes, opens early and has many propane options if you happen to forget fuel. BYOStove.
Sunday Afternoons Adventre Hat, $42
A stylish alternative to applying face sunscreen. This full brimmed hat is perfect for keeping the hot California sun off your face while camping at nearly 9,000 feet.
Ben's 100 Max Deet Tick & Insect Repellent, $6
A high DEET insect repellent I wish I used more of. You’ll be very happy to have this on a warm summer evening while camping next to the lake. Trust me.
10 Do's & Don’ts for Backpacking Ansel Adams Wilderness
DO get your free backcountry permit for the River Trail at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center the day BEFORE you intend to start your hike, as we got ours the same day and just barley snagged the last permit.
DON'T forget a map of the Agnew Meadows Area Trails as there are many splits in the trail and the signs were confusing for someone not familiar with the area.
DO get to the shuttle in the early morning. The later shuttles are very busy and make for an uncomfortable ride to the trailhead.
DON'T set up camp on the initial side of Garnet Lake—instead, walk across the wooden bridge and set up on one of the many flat spots on the far side with superior views.
DO bring a comfortable, yet lightweight pair of camp shoes for when you arrive at Garnet Lake. My recommendation is something similar to the Teva Original Universal Urban Sandals, as they are comfy, lightweight, and easy to hang off your pack while hiking.
DON'T forget to bring long sleeves and pants even if the weather is favorable. The mosquitoes will have a field day on any exposed skin.
DO remember to buy or rent a bear canister. They are required for the Ansel Adams Wilderness and can be rented at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.
DON'T fail to remember a good book to read once you have set up camp. Your favorite paperback after a hard day on the trail is truly hard to beat.
DO bring along a map or download an application to help identify the many peaks you will be seeing along your trek. My personal choice is PeakFinder App, which uses GPS to generate a 360-degree elevation model of all peaks. No internet connection needed.
DON'T sleep past sunrise! First light on Banner and Ritter Peak is unreal.