What should I pack for Half Dome day hike?

WHAT TO PACK FOR HALF DOME

1. Permit – Before planning on hiking Half Dome, you need to get a permit.
2. 3L of Water – Water is a must for this hike, especially if you do it in the summer.
3. Backpack – We’ve seen people do this hike with just a water bottle, a small day pack, and a full backpack.

How do you prepare to climb Half Dome?

How to Train For Half Dome

1. Work your way up to a 15 mile hike by adding 1-2 miles onto your longest hike every week.
2. Feel comfortable climbing at least 4,000 feet in one day.
3. Do some pulling exercises like seated rows for a few weeks before the hike.
4. Try to spend some time at altitude before you hike Half Dome.

Do you need gloves to climb Half Dome?

Gloves: Proper gloves are a must on the Half Dome Cables. Any hardware store will carry nitrile utility work gloves that would be suitable for this hike. Nitrile coated gloves are lightweight and work best.

Do you need hiking shoes for Half Dome?

TRAIL SHOES – Make sure you have a good pair of trail runners or hiking boots with sticky outsoles and sufficient traction. This is very important because the granite at the top of Half Dome has been worn smooth from thousands of hikers before you.

Do you need a harness to climb Half Dome?

You do not need a climbing harness to hike Half Dome. You can make it the many miles up to the base of the cables without one. If the cables are up for the season, then the last stretch to the summit is like walking up a staircase with handrails on both sides.

How long does it take to climb Half Dome?

10 to 12 hours
Most hikers take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back; some take longer. If you plan on hiking during the day, it’s smart to leave around sunrise (or earlier) and then have a non-negotiable turn-around time. For instance, if you haven’t reached the top of Half Dome by 3:30 pm, you will turn around.

Do you need gloves for Half Dome?

Gloves: Proper gloves are a must on the Half Dome Cables. Any hardware store will carry nitrile utility work gloves that would be suitable for this hike. Nitrile coated gloves are lightweight and work best. Latex gloves with extra ‘rubberized’ grip are very good too, but some people are allergic to latex.