Packing List for Firefall in Yosemite

5 Jan 2022 Jeff Pfaller

Here’s a suggested packing list for Firefall in Yosemite. It’s winter time and you should expect below freezing temperatures and lots of snow on the ground. A lot of the paths in the park will be cleared, but lots will also have hard pack on them we’ll need to walk over. That said, the trails are pretty flat and typically run alongside or on a paved road)

Traveling and Commuting

  • Plane Tickets
  • Driver’s License or Passport
  • Credit Card / Cash
  • Medications / Prescriptions
  • Toiletries
  • *Mask and Digital copy of COVID Vaccination Record (I don’t believe these are required anywhere we’ll be visiting, but bring them if you prefer)

Clothes for 4-5 days (Think layers, there could be a range of temps and we’ll be actively walking)

  • Sturdy, water resistant hiking boots
  • Thermal underlayer (top and bottom)
  • Hiking pants (bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Hiking shirts, long and short sleeve (bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Fleece or Sweater
  • Warm socks (ideally quick dry, bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Winter Jacket (ideally wind / water resistant in case it rains)
  • Rain pants
  • Winter Hat
  • Winter Gloves (consider bringing both lightweight and heavy)
  • Scarf / Neck Gaiter
  • Underwear
  • Comfortable clothes for the hotel / restaurants
  • Gaiters (optional)

Photography Gear

  • Phone
  • Camera body
  • Camera lens
    • You’ll want a lens or lenses that fall in or near the range of 20mm-100mm
    • Bring your fastest lens (low f-stop) for astrophotography
    • If you’ve got 200mm+ you can bring it to punch into the falls if you want to.)
  • Extra camera batteries
  • 16GB SD Card (ideally, bring multiple cards)
  • Camera and Phone battery chargers
  • Tripod
  • Plastic grocery or small trash bag
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Lens cleaner
  • Remote shutter (optional, but a good idea)
  • Photo storage (optional, but a good idea)
  • ND or polarizing filter (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)

Other Gear

  • Camera bag or backpack
  • Water Bottles
  • Headlamp (ideally one with a red light)
  • Sunglasses
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Tissues / Wet wipes
  • Trekking poles (optional)