This comprehensive packing list is designed to cover all contingencies in the Grand Canyon. Even experienced backpackers should go over this list carefully for unexpected items. If you have questions or concerns, your trail leader is available to explain the purpose of the items and to help you assemble your personal pack.
For the four nights of hotel stays:
- Small-to-medium-sized duffel bag or suitcase
For the backpacking trip:
Provided for you:
- Extensive first-aid kit, carried by the trail leader
- Traction devices for footwear, in case of snow at the canyon rim
- Cooking stove and cookware
Luggage
- Backpack
- Cover for backpack, such as a large trash bag or a poncho
- Stuff sacks, to organize and protect pack contents
- Daypack, for hikes
Outerwear
- Waterproof shell or poncho
- Rain pants
- Mid-weight vest, with fleece, down, or synthetic fill
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Clothing
It is strongly advised you use wicking fabrics (such as wool or synthetics such as Capilene or polypropylene) for all your clothes, except perhaps underwear.
- T-shirt (1–2)
- Long-sleeve T-shirt (1)
- Underwear (3)
- Lightweight thermal base layer top and bottom (1 pr.)
- Quick-drying convertible pants (1)
- Quick-drying hiking shorts (1)
- Long-sleeve shirt(s) (1–2)
- Hiking socks (3-4 pr.)
- Liner socks (2 pr.)
Clothing Accessories
- Wool or fleece hat
- Gloves (full-finger for warmth & bike gloves for trekking poles)
- Sun hat
- Bandana
Footwear
- Hiking boots (exceptional fit, sturdy, mid-weight, broken-in, aggressive tread)
- Light-weight camp shoes (that may be used for day hikes)
Travel Accessories
- Two one-quart water bottles or a two-liter hydration system
- Biodegradable shampoo and multi-use soap
- Hand sanitizer (with alcohol)
- Hand cream
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Wash cloth
- Quick-drying towel
- Alarm clock
- Personal first-aid kit, including moleskin and adhesive tape
- Ibuprofen or other pain reliever
- Neosporin or other topical antibiotic
- Ziploc bags, for wet clothes and trash (qt. and gal.)
- Ear plugs
Gear
- Tent, rain fly, and ground cloth
- Sleeping bag (rated for 30 degrees)
- Sleeping pad
- Flashlight or headlamp, with spare batteries and bulb
- Art materials: camera, pens/pencils, journal, paints, sketch pad
- Pocket knife or multi-tool with scissors
- Duct or Gorilla tape
- Hiking snacks, such as bars, gels, trail mix
- Drink mixes, such as Emergen-C with electrolytes
- Dish or bowl, utensils, cup
- Personal I.D., credit card, cash, phone calling card
- 1/4″ nylon cord, 25′
- Trekking Poles (recommended)
Emergency packet for day pack
- Compass
- Whistle
- Water-proof matches
- Space blanket
- Candle
Optional Field Gear
- Camera
- Small Binoculars
- Watch
