DESERT PACKING LIST
We want folks to enjoy their time in the desert while also having what they need to be comfortable! Being prepared for warmer temps during the day and cold crisp temps at night can make your experience more enjoyable. Having enough food and water will keep you hydrated and energized for long days out. Here’s a packing list we recommend you bringing to Bishop:
Water!
For climbing days or days out during the festival, we suggest having 3 liters of water. You can carry gallon jugs, a hydration pack, or Nalgene bottles with you. No glass please!
Food!
Having a variety of salty, sweet, and feel good snacks and meals will help with stoke and keep you fueled during the day. We’ve got you set with breakfast (+ Saturday dinner), but please make and bring your own lunch. All areas are pack in/pack out - bring a trash bag so that you can leave with more than you brought!
Sun Protection!!
We can’t emphasize enough about sun protection in the desert. Even if temps are comfortable, the sun can still do more damage than you think. Sunglasses, hats with brims, sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and anything else you would like to bring to block out the sun.
Layer, layers, layers!!!
The desert can feel like that song from Katy Perry; hot then cold, yes then no. Understanding how to layer your clothes can make or break your experience in the desert. We recommend bringing a variety of base layers, short and long sleeved shirts, shorts and long pants, mid layers like a fleece or synthetic jacket, a down jacket for colder nights, and a shell for wind and rain protection.
Guide books and maps of the area!
Bishop is a popular climbing area and even though we are going to be a massive crew of badasses, these are not our private crags. Popular climbs may be taken so be prepared to be flexible with your plans and share the crag with respect. Here’s the recommended climbing guide book to Bishop.
Shine bright, like a headlamp!
Light sources like headlamps and flashlights are a must. They’re helpful for camping, leaving the crag in the dark and getting around all our evening festivities! Bring extra batteries just in case!
ELECTROLYTES!! WHAT PLANTS CRAVE!!
Seriously though, having some extra electrolytes handy will help with hydration, especially while climbing or the night before heading out into the sun. Remember folks this is the DESERT and we’re at ELEVATION, you’re gonna be extra thirsty if you’re coming from sea level or from a humid climate.
Here are the 10 essentials you should consider for a reference when recreating outside (depending on weather and circumstance):
Water - 3 liters
Food - Salty, sweet, feel good snacks and meals
Shelter - tarp, safety blanket, tent
Sun protection - sunscreen, sun hoody, UPF clothing, sunglasses, hat
Fire - Lighter, fire starter, matches
Navigation - maps, guidebooks, GPS
Light Source - Headlamp, flashlight, extra batteries if needed
Layers - rain or wind jacket, warm clothes, moisture wicking
First aid - personal or for a group. Refill as needed
Knife - various to choose from, multitool useful