Advice sought: Minimum gear/permit for Zion backcountry overnighter

[Greg]

Greetings,

I am visiting Zion for three days, April 9 - 11. Whereas I initially
had planned just on day hikes I'm now gearing up for one or two nights
backpacking. I'll be keeping to the trails and using the approved
backcountry camping spots.

I've got the basics (pack, tent, bag, pad, bottles) already. The
question is what else will I need for such a short trip? Most
pressing is, should I bring a camp shovel for burying waste? I assume
so, but wasn't sure if the backcountry sites maybe had a minimalist
facility already. Advice on other must-haves is appreciated, although
I realize this is extremely subjective. Suffice to say I don't want
to stock up unnecessarily on trinkets.

I also have a permit question. Clearly, I will need a backcountry
permit. However, I won't be able to get to the park much in advance
of starting my hike. Does anyone know how quickly that time of year
the permits are exhausted? Can I pick one up the afternoon of the day
before I want to hike?

Thanks... Greg

[Jim Karsh]

If you can make it to a bookstore in the next few days, you might look at a
backpacking book. Most of them will have a "what to bring" checklist in the
back of the book. In addition to the items you've listed, I'd add a map,
compass, first aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, a multipurpose tool, baggies
to carry out your trash and toilet paper, and maybe a stove and cooking
utensils, depending on what your eating plans are. You will also need to
arrange to keep your food out of the reach of critters, probably by hanging
it in a bag from a tree using fishing line. I've never been to Zion so I
can't advise on the availability of potties there, but if there aren't any
then yes, you'll need the trowel. This list was just off the top off my
head, so you still might want to look at a checklist.
"Greg" <greg_j_...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
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