Backpacking in the desert: A guide to gear and preparation

Easy ways to stretch the camping season...

The desert, with its expansive landscapes, towering red rock formations, and intricate slot canyons, is a backpacker's paradise. This unique environment, however, requires careful planning and the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you need for desert and canyon backpacking.

Why backpack in the desert?

Utah’s desert regions, including famous spots like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands, offer some of the most stunning and otherworldly landscapes in the United States. The terrain varies from vast open spaces and rugged mountains to narrow, twisting canyons that beg to be explored. The isolation and beauty of these areas provide a profound sense of peace and adventure.

Essential gear for desert backpacking

1. Navigation tools

• Topo maps: Always carry a detailed map of the area.
• GPS device: Useful for pinpointing your exact location, especially in remote areas.
• Compass: A reliable backup to electronic navigation tools.
• Guidebook: Provides insights into the trail and area you’re exploring.

2. Shelter and sleeping gear

• Tent or tarp: Choose a lightweight tent or tarp that offers good ventilation to combat the heat.
• Sleeping bag: A lightweight sleeping bag rated for cool nights (down to 20°F/-6°C).
• Sleeping pad: Provides insulation and comfort against the hard, rocky ground.

3. Clothing

• Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers: Long sleeves and pants protect against the sun and abrasion from rocks.
• Insulating layer: A lightweight fleece or down jacket for cooler evenings.
• Sun hat and sunglasses: Essential for sun protection.
• Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, shoes, or sandals: Preferably with good tread for rugged terrain.
• Gaiters: Consider these to keep sand and debris out of your boots.

4. Water and hydration

• Hydration system: A hydration bladder or bottles with a capacity of at least 3-4 liters.
• Water filter or purification tablets: Reliable water sources are rare, so be prepared to filter water when you find it and carry water for extended distances.
• Collapsible water containers: To carry extra water when needed.

5. Food and cooking

• Stove and fuel: A lightweight backpacking stove and sufficient fuel.
• Cookware: A small pot or pan, and a lightweight, heat-resistant utensil.
• Food: High-calorie, non-perishable food that’s easy to prepare, such as dehydrated meals, nuts, and energy bars.
• Bear canister or bag: To store food securely and keep wildlife at bay. Yes, there are bears in Bears Ears.

6. Safety and first aid

• First aid kit: A comprehensive kit tailored to desert conditions, including tweezers for cactus spines and extra blister care supplies.
• Multi-tool or knife: Useful for a variety of tasks.
• Emergency shelter: An emergency blanket or bivy sack.
• Personal locator beacon (PLB): Highly recommended for remote areas—make sure you are thoroughly familiar with how to use it before setting out. Cell phone coverage in the desert can be surprisingly good, but it's definitely spotty, and non-existent in canyons.

7. Sun protection

• Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, and lip balm with sun protection.
• Lightweight gloves: Planning on lots of scrambling? These could be a palm saver.

Tips for desert backpacking

1. Plan around water: Water sources are scarce. Research ahead to know where water is available and plan your route accordingly.
2. Timing is key: Avoid the extreme heat of midday by hiking early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
3. Leave no trace: The desert is a fragile environment. Pack out all trash, camp on durable surfaces, and minimize your impact.
4. Know your limits: Desert hiking can be physically demanding. Start with shorter trips to acclimate yourself to the conditions.
5. Weather awareness: Flash floods can occur with little warning in canyons. Check the weather forecast and be prepared to change plans if necessary.

Be smart about buying gear

There are two things to keep in mind when gearing up for backpacking in the desert: 1) While the cost of the gear can be expensive up front, once you have it, backpacking is basically free; and 2) buying used gear from the Durango Outdoor Exchange can be a very smart way to get your gear.

Here is why buying used gear is so smart: High-end camping gear is not cheap, but it does depreciate quickly, meaning you can get a great tent, backpack, or stove for about what you’d pay for a department store version, only the quality is vastly better. Further, most camping gear is lightly used—even hard core backpackers may only be out a dozen nights a year, meaning that you are getting great, lightly used gear for a fraction of what you pay new.

But where to get good used gear in Durango? The Durango Outdoor Exchange is packed to the rafters with seasonally appropriate new and used gear, including everything you need for backpacking in the desert. Stop by or call today.