How to Pack for a One Day Hike to Half Dome

Packing the right gear is essential for tackling Half Dome at Yosemite.

With 4,800 feet in elevation gain and 14 to 16 miles of hiking in one day, the trek to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park poses a daunting challenge for some and a rewarding adventure for others. Being prepared and organized with the proper gear and sufficient food and water can make the journey a safe and enjoyable experience. By toting only the essential items and packing efficiently, you can avoid a backpack that isn't too cumbersome or heavy.

Things You'll Need

• Hydration backpack
• Water filter or water purification tablets
• Water
• Topographic map
• Compass
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Small plastic bag
• Pain reliever
• Antibiotic ointment
• Warm jacket
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Band-aids
• Protein- and carbohydrate-rich food

Instructions

1. Use a hydration backpack because it will provide ample water and storage space for all your gear and food. Choose a hydration backpack that will hold at least 100 ounces of water and provide 1,500 to 2,500 cubic inches of storage space. Many of the packs have plenty of zippered compartments and pockets to effectively organize all your items. If your hydration pack is new, make sure you thoroughly rinse and cycle water through the drinking tube, otherwise your water will taste like plastic.

2. 

   Fill your hydration pack with water before you load anything else into your backpack. Pack a portable water filter or water purification tablets. You can refill your hydration pack at the Merced River in Little Yosemite Valley, which is about halfway to Half Dome. Staying hydrated is key to a safe hike, especially in the hot summer months when temperatures can reach the 90s. Yexplore.com, a company that has lead hiking and adventure tours in Yosemite for six years, suggests taking 120 ounces of water for the hike. Refilling your hydration pack at the Merced River will provide you with more than enough water to stay properly hydrated.

3. Pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer and a small plastic bag for trash because there are no bathrooms after Nevada Falls.

4. Although the trails are well-marked, bring a topographic map and compass in case you accidentally wander off the trail. A flashlight or headlamp will come in handy if you leave before sunset or return after sunrise.

5. Pack a warm and weatherproof jacket during the early spring and fall months. Dress in layers, because you may get fairly warm during the strenuous ascent. Bring a hat and sunscreen too.

6. Make a compact first aid kit with a Ziploc bag filled with pain reliever, antibiotic ointment like Neosporin and a few band aids .

7. Pack a sufficient amont of food for a strenuous hike. Yexplore.com recommends plenty of protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods to their hiking tour groups to Half Dome.Three to four peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches, trail mix, granola bars, energy bars, fruit, and nuts are good staples and provide the necessary energy. The hike can take 10 to 14 hours and you'll be burning quite a bit of energy and calories, so take enough food to last all day.

8. Pack a pair of gloves to climb the cables at Half Dome. Some leather gloves can be too slippery to properly grip the cables. Find a pair that will provide a firm grip on the. There are gloves with rubber or neoprene palms that make it easier to get a good grip.

Tips & Warnings

• During the summer months, the hike to Half Dome gets very congested at the cables. Leave by 5 a.m. to beat the crowds and the heat. You can also bring a lightweight, compact camera to capture the views.

References

• yexplore.com