Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse: Old Big Oat Flat Entry

PACKING LISTS

IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED

Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).

Packing List Video

For more guidance on the packing list, we recommend watching our Wildland Packing List Video. A senior Wildland guide and outdoor retail expert walks us through each item with examples and insights. Click here to see the video.

STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST

The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – mid-weight, lug-soled, waterproof, and ideally well broken in (Boots GG – Shoes GG)
  (Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Secondary Footwear – supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for camp comfort (GG)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking-specific padded socks, no cotton, please! (Hiking Socks GG)
  (Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters)
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (GG)
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (GG)
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
• Hiking Shirts – 1-2 non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long-sleeve shirts (GG)
  (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material – merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
• Mid Layer Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy-weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (GG)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Jackets GG – Rain Pants GG)

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking clothes and please feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference the Gear Guide.

GEAR CHECKLIST

• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (GG)
  (Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamps GG)
  (Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries)
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
• 2 Bandanas
• Contact Lenses and Glasses – if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
• Bug Repellent – preferably a product containing at least 25% “DEET”
  (Note: some people are sensitive to this product)
• Prescription Medication – please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
• 1-2 Face Masks (Recommended but Optional)
• Toiletries – small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
• Money – for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
  (Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction)

Important Note: We need to be “bear aware” on our trip. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured each night and never left in tents or backpacks overnight. Please keep scented items to a minimum and bring the smallest amount necessary for your trip (travel size items are perfect) in order to best fit into bear canisters or into bear bags to be hung away from camp each night.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Personal Sleeping Bag – please see information about bringing your own below (Sleeping Bags GG)
• Personal Trekking Poles – as a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own (Trekking Poles GG)
• Swimsuit – only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
• Gaiters – recommended for wet or snowy conditions
• Camp Pillow – lightweight, compressible and packable
  (Note: many guests use their extra clothing in a stuff sack with a bandana as a pillowcase, and it works well)
• Stuff Sacks – various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
  (Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions)
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
• Camp Reading Material – lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
• Cell Phone or Camera 
• Spare Batteries – for camera, headlamp or other electronics
• Solar Charger or Charging Bank – small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics
• Vitamins & Supplements
• Quick Dry Towel – lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work
• Fishing Gear – optional, lightweight and packable equipment for fly-fishing or reel-casting. A license may be required. Check with your guide about fishing opportunities and requirements for your trip.

DO NOT Bring

• Firearms and Weapons – per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
• Illegal Drugs – including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
• Pets of any kind

BRINGING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG

Some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!

Thinking of purchasing a sleeping bag for your trip? Take a look at our Sleeping Bags Gear Guide for suggestions.

SLEEPING BAG TEMPERATURE RATING NEEDED FOR THIS TRIP: 10-20° F

TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING

MEETING TIME & PLACE

This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your trip.

TRIP CONCLUSION

This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES

Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves (backpacking trips only) and departing the day after getting back from the field.

GATEWAY CITIES IN CALIFORNIA:

Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced, Sacramento, Oakland, San Franciso, San Jose, Visalia

GATEWAY CITIES OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA:

Reno, Nevada or Las Vegas, Nevada

BY RAIL AND BUS TO YOSEMITE

From Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 1 bus ride each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp get off at Curry Village and either walk or take a national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Walk to the back of the campground and across the footbridge to the camp.

From Other California Cities: by rail on the Amtrak San Joaquin Train to the city of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California) or by Amtrak “Thruway” Bus Service from Merced to Yosemite Valley. To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).

TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD

We will be utilizing Wildland Trekking vehicles as well as the Yosemite National Park Shuttle Service for transport inside the park.

STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES

We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate. On backpacking trips and basecamp trips vehicles can be parked at Curry Village . On the inn-based trip you’ll park your vehicle at Curry Village the first day, and at the lodge for the remainder of the tour.

PRE & POST-TRIP RECOMMENDED LODGING

Pre and post-trip lodging is the guest’s responsibility.

Yosemite Valley Lodging
Website / 801-559-4884

Yosemite Lodge (in El Portal, 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley)
Website / 209-379-2681

Yosemite Blue Butterfly Inn (in El Portal, 30 minutes from Yosemite Valleyl)
Website / 209-379-2100

The Cedar Lodge (40 minutes from Yosemite Valley)
Website / 209-379-2612

Wild Haven Yosemite (glamping and cabins in Mariposa, CA)
Website / 209-225-9225

Redwoods in Yosemite Vacation Rentals
Website / 877-753-8566

Wildland Trekking Pre-trip Camping Option: free

Trip Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.

Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR YOUR TRIP

We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. Because of elevation changes, we suggest checking the forecasts for two areas:

• Yosemite Valley
• High Country

PACK WEIGHT AND CONTENTS

You will be hiking with a multi-day backpack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the trip – tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, rain gear, personal items, water, a share of the group food/gear…etc.

ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 35-45 POUNDS

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

TRAINING

Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.

TRAINING FOR YOUR WILDLAND TRIP

GROUP TRAVEL

Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.

It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.

Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.

TIPPING YOUR GUIDE

Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated!  Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!

The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!

GUIDE SHIFTS

Yosemite Guides work daily shifts from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. During off hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) the guides’ time is their own, and they are free to sleep, rest, take personal time, postpone guest requests until the next morning, and any other legal, reasonable activity people engage in when not working. We ask all guests to respect the guides’ off-duty hours by not waking or asking anything of them unless there is a true emergency. Also, state law requires that employees receive an uninterrupted 10 minute break every four working hours, so guides are required to take four 10 minute breaks between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.