Big Belt Hut Summer Packing List

Summer Gear Checklist

Getting into the big belt hut requires either a 3 mile hike with 1000’ vertical gain up Trail 151 (a beautiful, straightforward hike) or a 1 mile hike and 500’ vertical gain on a road if your vehicle can make it up the 4x4 road to the communication tower (need high clearance + 4x4)

Packing List

  • Medium to Large Backpack – Large enough for all your equipment and overnight gear (approx. 45-70L volume). If you are willing to carry the extra weight, an additional smaller day pack for hiking around the hut can be nice. Often we find that a medium sized pack that is good for both, can keep you from packing too many non-essentials while also working great for both the trip in and for day outings around the hut.
  • Light Puffy / Warm Layer – It can cool down at night and you’ll want to be able to sit out on the deck and enjoy the evening.
  • Waterproof Layer
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun Hat/Ball Cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Extra Batteries
  • Head Lamp
  • Water Bottle
  • Bear Spray
  • Hiking Pants/Shorts
  • Hiking Boots or good sneakers/running shoes
  • Hiking Socks – A thicker pair of wool or synthetic socks can make a big difference in blisters and comfort when hiking, especially with a heavier load than normal.
  • Light shirt or tee shirt
  • Warm shirt
  • Sleeping bag – A lightweight bag is adequate for Summer. Consider a warmer bag / extra sleeping layers in late summer/fall when the evenings are much cooler.
  • Personal Toiletries – Including all personal medications needed for the duration of the trip
  • Extra Snack Food and Specialty Foods

Optional

  • Camera
  • Cell Phone
  • Fishing Supplies

Group Supplies

  • Food

Want to keep it easy? Check out the excellent freeze dried meals from our friends at Gastro Gnome https://www.gastrognomemeals.com/

  • Cooking Oil + Spices (Salt + Pepper) (Please do not leave/stock any of these supplies in the summer months)
  • Water Filter/Treatment
  • Multi-Tool
  • First Aid Kit
  • Personal Locator Beacon For Emergencies

Cell Phone service can generally be good enough at the hut to call for help, but is not guaranteed to work!

Contact

USDA Forest Service

Montana Backcountry Yurts proudly operates on public lands as permitted by Helena National Forest, Townsend Ranger District.

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