If you’re starting to think about backpacking trips in Yosemite this year, you’re not alone.
Spring is the season when hikers across California begin opening Recreation.gov, checking wilderness permit dates, and planning the routes they hope to explore in the Sierra Nevada.
On this week’s episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sat down behind the microphone for a solo show to talk about three things that are shaping the upcoming adventure season:
• What I saw at the Outdoor Media Alliance gathering in Denver
• New gear trends emerging in the outdoor industry
• How I personally approach getting wilderness permits for Yosemite
If you’ve ever struggled to get a Yosemite permit, this episode might change how you think about the process.
Watch or Listen to the Episode
YouTube Episode
What I Learned at the Outdoor Media Alliance Event
Last week I traveled to Denver for the Outdoor Media Alliance (OMA) event.
For those unfamiliar with it, OMA is a gathering where outdoor brands and media connect to discuss new gear, innovations, and industry trends. It’s one of the best opportunities each year for outdoor journalists to get hands-on time with products before they reach store shelves.
This year’s event revealed a few clear themes shaping the next generation of outdoor equipment.
Sustainability Is Driving Innovation
Many brands are investing heavily in ways to reduce environmental impact.
Some examples include:
• Increased use of natural fibers like hemp in outdoor clothing
• Footwear companies rethinking materials used in soles
• Brands exploring ways to extend the life of outdoor gear rather than encouraging constant replacement
One particularly fascinating company showcased a CO₂-based cleaning system that allows outdoor gear to be cleaned and refurbished without using water. The process can restore gear to near-new condition, which opens the door for more circular gear programs in the industry.
It’s an example of how sustainability in the outdoor space is moving beyond marketing and into real technical innovation.
Backpacking Gear That Stood Out
A few pieces of gear caught my attention during the event.
BearVault’s Upcoming Design Changes
Anyone who has used a bear canister on a cold morning in the Sierra knows the struggle of trying to open one with frozen fingers.
BearVault is introducing a redesigned system that aims to make the process much easier. While full details are still under wraps, the concept could significantly improve how backpackers interact with bear canisters in the backcountry.
Jetboil’s TrailCook System
Jetboil has completely redesigned its cooking systems with the new TrailCook lineup.
The biggest improvements include:
• New burner designs with better wind resistance
• Multiple pot sizes for solo hikers and group cooking
• A redesigned connection system between pot and burner
For backpackers who have moved away from Jetboil in recent years due to limited pot size options, this update may bring them back into the conversation.
Lifestraw’s New Multi-System Filter Kit
Lifestraw also introduced a new filtration system that combines several of their popular products into a single package.
The kit includes:
• Personal water filter
• Gravity-style filtration bag
• Portable squeeze filtration system
For under $100, it provides multiple water purification options in one lightweight kit.
Why Yosemite Permits Aren’t as Impossible as People Think
Every year I see the same conversation happening online:
“Yosemite permits are impossible to get.“
The truth is, I’ve always managed to get a permit for Yosemite backpacking trips.
Not always my first choice route — but I’ve always gotten one.
The difference often comes down to how you approach the permit process.
Here are a few strategies that have consistently worked for me.
1. Be Flexible With Your Dates
Weekend permits disappear quickly.
If you can start a trip on a Wednesday or Thursday, your odds increase dramatically.
Sunday evening entries can also work well since many visitors are leaving the park.
2. Plan Multiple Trailheads
Many hikers make the mistake of focusing on a single trailhead.
But in Yosemite, there are often multiple routes to reach the same destination.
For example, if Cathedral Lakes permits are unavailable, you may still reach that area through alternative routes such as:
• Sunrise Lakes
• Nelson Lake cross-country approaches
• Other Tuolumne Meadows trailheads
Your permit only governs where you start your trip — once you’re in the wilderness, your route options expand.
3. Build Backup Plans in Recreation.gov
When applying for permits, I always submit several route options.
If my first choice doesn’t work, there’s still a strong chance one of the alternate routes will.
This simple strategy is often the difference between staying home and getting into the backcountry.
Sierra vs. Pacific Northwest Backpacking
One of the interesting personal transitions I’ve been experiencing lately is learning the differences between backpacking in the Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Northwest.
In the Sierra, many trailheads start at higher elevations.
You might begin at 9,000 feet and climb 1,500 feet to reach a lake.
In Washington, the situation is often reversed.
Many trails begin near sea level and require climbs of 3,000 to 5,000 feet just to reach alpine terrain.
The landscapes are different, the trail systems are different, and the planning process can feel very different as well.
It’s a new adventure for me — and something I’m continuing to explore.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Adventure Season
As we move toward spring, the outdoor season is beginning to take shape.
Upcoming Sierra Rec Now episodes will include:
• Interviews with outdoor brands we met at OMA
• Backpacking stories and trail insights from across the Sierra
• Gear reviews from products we’ll be testing this year
And of course, more conversations about the trails, lakes, and wilderness areas that make the Sierra Nevada such an incredible place to explore.
Join the Conversation
If you’re planning a Yosemite backpacking trip this year, I’d love to hear from you.
What strategies have helped you get wilderness permits in Yosemite?
Drop a comment below and share your experience.
And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the Sierra Rec Now Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite listening platform.
