Guide-Approved Essential Equipment List for Half Dome
After leading thousands of day hikers and backpackers to the Half Dome summit over the years, we have a pretty good idea of what equipment to pack to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Here’s our guide-approved Half Dome equipment list:
Essential Half Dome Equipment
A quality day pack: A sturdy, well-fitting day pack is essential to carry your gear. Choose one with a comfortable hip belt and shoulder straps. This is true whether you’re doing Half Dome as a day hike or as part of a backpacking trip. If you’re on a backpacking trip: Leave what you can at your campsite, and pack only what you need to summit Half Dome and return safely. (Need a new pack? Check out our recommendations)
Food and Water: This seems obvious, but we can tell you from experience: Many people don’t bring enough. Half Dome is strenuous, and the last thing you want after reaching the summit is to beg for water from another hiker because you ran out, or to hit a wall on the way back down because your energy levels are too low. Packing a water purifier like a Steripen or a Sawyer Squeeze will enable you to fill up along the way. Packing enough calories (and eating them!) will ensure you aren’t super hangry by the time you reach the top of Nevada Fall. Bring more than you think you need of both!
- Clothing: The weather can change rapidly up there. Be sure to wear season-appropriate clothing, including moisture-wicking base and insulating layers, and always pack a waterproof jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots (or trail runners) with good traction are crucial for both sub dome and the Half Dome cable section.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a good hat, and sunglasses will make your Half Dome trek much more pleasant.
- Headlamp: A reliable headlamp with extra batteries is crucial. Even if you plan on making it back before dark, you never know. Stay prepared.
First Aid Kit: A basic first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Your Permit & Personal Identification: Keep identification, emergency contact information, and your Half Dome permit handy.
- Navigation: Although the trail leading up to Half Dome is well-marked and pretty easy to follow, a trail map, compass, and a GPS or smartphone with offline maps is good for an emergency.
- Gloves: The last 400 feet of this hike ascends the ‘cable route’ where you pull yourself up holding onto metal cables. Having gloves with some grip will help tremendously. They don’t need to be expensive; basic gardening gloves will do. Make sure to take them with you when you’re done.
Good to Have:
Multi-Tool/Knife: A versatile tool for various purposes, including repairs and food preparation.
Fire Starter: Waterproof matches or a lighter for starting fires when necessary.
Harness and climbing equipment: Although we don’t use these on our guided trips, many people do for an extra level of safety. If utilizing, know how the equipment works before you get to the cables.
Whether you tackle Half Dome as a day hike or while on a more extended backpacking trip, having the right equipment will ensure a good time. Make sure to plan ahead and prepare and you will walk away with one of the most unforgettable hikes you’ve ever done!