“All gear included” is a phrase you see a lot in the travel industry. It can mean a lot of different things. Often, it means “all gear is included… except for your food, your eating utensils, your sleeping bag,” and a dozen other things.
It’s a marketing term, not a practical reality.
So, what does “all-inclusive gear” mean at Yosemite Wilderness Company?
It’s simple. We provide everything you need except for three things: your shoes, your hiking clothes, and your personal toiletries.
You can fly into a Bay Area airport with a single carry-on bag. We’ll pick you up with a backpack, tent, sleeping system, food, and all the tested-and-proven equipment you need, all perfectly fitted and ready to go.
Here’s the practical breakdown of what we provide, and what we ask you to bring.
What You Bring (The Short List)
Hiking Clothes: The layers you’ll wear on the trail and at camp. We’ll send you a detailed, no-nonsense packing list for this after our consultation call, and we’re happy to make recommendations on specific gear. Check out our complete clothing guide for details on building your layering system.
Shoes: This includes your hiking shoes (we recommend trail runners over boots) and a pair of lightweight “camp shoes” (like Crocs or sandals) to wear at night.
Personal Toiletries: Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and any personal medications.
A quick, honest note on toiletries: leave the rest at home. Don’t bring shampoo, conditioner, or four different kinds of face wash. We’ll be living in a Spartan way, and there’s nowhere to use them. Everyone is going to be a little stinky. It’s normal, and it’s part of the experience. We’ll be outside with plenty of fresh air, not locked in an elevator together.
What We Provide: The “Big 3”
The “Big 3” is backpacking slang for the heaviest, most expensive items. We’ve spent years testing (and breaking) gear to find the perfect balance of weight, comfort, and durability.
The Pack: You’ll get a modern, ultralight backpack. It’s the same simple, durable, and extremely adjustable model that Shawna and I have used for years.
The Tent: We use high-end, name-brand 1-person or 2-person tents. They are true 3-season tents: very lightweight, but durable enough to handle the high-wind and sudden hail storms the Sierra is famous for.
The Sleep System: This is two parts.
- Sleeping Pad: We use high-insulation inflatable sleeping pads. They are far more comfortable than foam pads, and a good night’s sleep is worth the few extra ounces.
- Sleeping Bag: We use high-quality synthetic sleeping bags. From a purely logistical standpoint, they have to be washed after every trip, and down is incredibly difficult to clean properly. If you have your own down bag you love, you are welcome to bring it—we just need to talk first to make sure it’s appropriate for the trip.
What We Provide: Camp Kitchen & Essentials
Bear Canister: This is a non-negotiable, required item in Yosemite. You’ll get your own bear canister to store your food and scented items.
Mess Kit: You’ll get a bowl and a spoon. (We use a spoon for pretty much everything).
Group Kitchen: As guides, we carry the group gear: the stoves, fuel, and water filtration systems.
First Aid & Safety: We carry a full first-aid kit, and we are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, so we know how to use it. We also carry satellite communication devices for emergencies. Learn more about our guiding experience and certifications.
The “Poop Kit”: Everyone poops. It’s part of life. We follow Leave No Trace principles to the letter, which means packing out used toilet paper. You’ll get a “poop kit” with a trowel and the necessary bags. It’s clean, simple, and tucked away in your pack. It’s not a big deal.
The Little Things: Headlamps, small sponges for your bowl, and other small essentials are all included.
Want to Learn? The Self-Sufficiency Option
We love this sport and we are not trying to gatekeep any knowledge. If your goal is to eventually backpack on your own, we offer an option to help you learn.
Upon request, you can carry your own stove, fuel, and water filtration system. This gives you the opportunity to learn how to be totally self-sufficient, but in a supported environment where we can teach you and back you up.
What Not to Bring
Just as important as what we pack is what we don’t pack. When you get our clothing list, it’s very important you don’t start adding extra “what if” items. That’s extra weight you won’t use.
Trust that we’ve done this a lot. We know what you’ll need. Read our guide on what NOT to pack for Yosemite to avoid common mistakes.
This is the shortcut. Getting your gear system dialed can take years of expensive trial and error. We’ve handled all that research and logistics through our all-inclusive charter system.
All you have to do is show up and hike.
Ready to experience truly all-inclusive Yosemite backpacking?
Request a free consultation and we’ll match you with the perfect trip. Or explore our Sierra Immersion and Traverse options to see which style fits you.
