Packing List
Whether you are travelling with us in the Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer these handy packing lists will prepare you for your trip! Our Packing Lists are not intended to be all inclusive but they are designed to pass along some of the tips and tricks we have learned over the years for staying comfortable regardless of the weather. Please use this as a guideline for what to pack. Remember to pack based on the weather and temperatures during your tour.
The Southwest is known for its varying weather conditions; the range of temperatures can be a difference of 30 degrees or more from morning/evening to afternoon even in the summer. We find the key to staying comfortable while traveling through the Southwest on an active trip is layering. If you have versatile layers that offer you the right amount of comfort when used alone or together, you will start your experience off on the right step. Layering your clothing is a way of life in the Southwest!
Things to Consider:
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet from rain, water, or sweat, it will drain your body heat. Bring quick-drying synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure your hiking boots are broken in. Bring moleskin for foot blister treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Remember these are suggestions.
Official Papers
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
Travel Accessories
- Sunglasses and retainer strap (Yes, even in the winter you need these!)
- Sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 15+)
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Toiletry kit
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Bath or body soap
Optional Field Gear
- Camera, spare media card and batteries
- Phone charger & cable - most of our vans have USB chargers
- Reading and writing materials
- Walking staff or trekking poles with rubber tip protectors for better grip on slickrock (we bring 6 pairs in each tour van if you don’t want to bring your own)
- Compact binoculars
- Whistle
- Ear plugs
- Travel pillow
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Motion sickness remedies
Luggage
- Luggage large enough to hold your gear and everything else you plan to pick up while on the trip (1 large suitcase per person only)
- Luggage tags and luggage locks if necessary
- Daypack (optional) to carry camera, water, snacks, and extra clothing for longer excursions away from van
Please feel free to contact us with any questions about what you can expect on your trip; it would be our pleasure to assist you!
Winter Packing List
Casual Clothing
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and evening wear
- Clothing
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight, synthetic or wool long underwear, top/bottom
- Hiking pants, synthetic
- Hiking socks, synthetic
- Liner socks, synthetic
- T-shirts or Base Layer (cotton and synthetic)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Underwear
- Outerwear
- Rain jacket/shell, waterproof, breathable or Winter Coat
Clothing Accessories
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves or appropriate winter gloves for the activity
- Bandana, Scarf, or Balaclava
Footwear
- Sturdy warm hiking boots, broken in, aggressive tread or good warm winter shoes
- Casual shoes or sandals for lodge/evening wear
Spring, Summer and Fall Packing List
Clothing
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight, synthetic or wool long underwear, top/bottom
- Hiking shorts, synthetic
- Hiking pants, synthetic
- Hiking socks, synthetic
- Liner socks, synthetic
- T-shirts (cotton and synthetic)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Underwear
- Outerwear
- Rain jacket/shell, waterproof, breathable
Clothing Accessories
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Bandanna
Footwear
- Sturdy lightweight hiking boots, broken in, aggressive tread. Sneakers or other type of footwear is ok as long as it has good traction
- Casual shoes or sandals for lodge/evening wear
- Old tennis shoes (should be fully enclosed for foot protection while wading in rivers. Only needed if hiking in Narrows or other areas)