Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking
Packing List

Getting ready to start packing socks and shirts into a duffel bag? This trip is entirely frontcountry hiking. We will have access to our gear in the van for the entirety of the trip.

In anticipation for your trip, we recommend checking the weather forecasts for Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and making any necessary packing adjustments.

Bags & Packing

  • (1-2) Soft-Sided Duffel Bags

    We recommend arriving with all clothing and personal gear packed into 1-2 medium sized duffel bags. It is okay to pack your gear into a hard-sided suitcase instead, but most adventurers find more ease in working out of duffel bags during the trip.

  • Hiking Daypack

    A pack with 20 to 30-liters of volume works well for this trip. You need space for layers, trail snacks, water, and odds and ends. We suggest using a daypack that works well with a hydration bladder.

  • Small Packing Cubes or Stuff Sacks
    Optional

    These will help keep your clothing and gear organized.

Clothing

We expect to have hot and sunny days on this trip! Our camp in Bryce Canyon National Park is at over 8,000 feet of elevation so it gets cold, even in the heat of the summer! Make sure your clothes can be layered together to stay warm on chilly nights. If you are on an June itinerary, consider bringing extra layers.

  • (3-4) Synthetic T-shirts or Athletic Tops

    T-shirts or tops made for running or working out are good choices. Stick to moisture-wicking fabrics. A long-sleeve, light-color, vented sun shirt may also work well.

  • (2-3) Pairs of Hiking or Athletic Shorts

    Bring shorts designed for running or working out. Look for moisture-wicking nylon, polyester, nylon/spandex, or polyester/spandex fabrics.

  • Hiking Pants or Full-Length Athletic Bottoms

    Bottoms designed for hiking, running, or working out. Loose or compression fit. Look for moisture-wicking nylon, polyester, nylon/spandex, or polyester/spandex fabrics.

  • Long Sleeve Baselayer Top

    Look for wool, Capilene, or polyester fabrics. No cotton.

  • Pair of Baselayer Bottoms

    Moisture-wicking long underwear bottoms or ankle-length tights made for training or running. Look for wool, Capilene, nylon/spandex, or polyester/spandex. No cotton.

  • (2-3) Sports Bras

    Stick to synthetic or wool fabrics. No cotton.

  • Upper Body Insulation Layer

    A warm, thick polyester fleece jacket or synthetic "puffy" jacket. This should be able to be worn under your rain jacket. No cotton.

  • Extra Upper Body Insulation Layer

    A lightweight polyester fleece top or other layer to add additional warmth. You should be able to wear this with all your other upper body layers.

  • Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jacket

    A lightweight hard shell you can wear over your other upper body layers.

  • Casual Clothing for Travel
  • Waterproof/Breathable Rain Pants
    Optional

    These provide obvious protection from precipitation but can also be worn as an extra lower body layer for cold nights.

Hand, Neck, & Headwear

On par with desert weather, temperatures will drop drastically once the sun goes down. Nights at camp in Bryce Canyon National Park can get cold! Pack those warmies just in case we have a cold snap, especially if your itinerary is in June.

  • Hat with a Brim
  • Knit Hat
    Optional, But Recommended

    A wool, synthetic knit, or fleece hat for cool nights.

  • Lightweight Gloves
    Optional, But Recommended

    Pack fleece, Power Stretch, or other gloves made for running or for use as a medium-weight liner

  • Buff
    Optional

    Use for warmth, or to keep the sun off your neck, weather depending

Footwear

  • Pair of Hiking Shoes, Boots, or Trail Runners

    Make sure these fit well with the socks you plan to use on the trail. Also, be aware that feet tend to swell over the course of an adventure. It’s best if your shoes are already broken-in when you arrive for the trip.

  • Camp Shoes
    Optional, But Recommended

    Crocs, sneakers, or light hiking shoes work well.

  • (3-4) Pairs of Wool Hiking Socks/Athletic Socks

    We recommend sticking to purpose-built, medium-weight hiking socks from companies like Darn Tough and Smart Wool. Make sure these socks fit well with your hiking footwear.

  • Pair of Warm Socks for Sleeping

Gear

  • Sleeping Bag

    A bag rated for 30-degrees is appropriate for this adventure.

  • LED Headlamp and Spare Set of Batteries

    Headlamps with an optional red light won't blind your fellow adventurers or ruin your night vision.

  • Camping/Travel Pillow

    A compressible or inflatable camping pillow can make nights more comfortable.

  • (1-2) Water Bottles

    Minimum of 2 liters carrying capacity. If you pack a hydration bladder, you only need to pack one water bottle. Otherwise, pack two.

  • Hydration Reservoir/Bladder
    Optional, But Recommended

    A 2-3 liter hydration bladder works well for our hiking days.

  • Sleeping Bag Liner
    Optional

    If you are worried about your sleeping bag not being warm enough, a liner is a great idea for staying warmer when the nights get cold. Consider packing for colder June itinerary trips.

Personal Care

We recommend taking a stripped-down version of your personal care/toiletry items. Shoot for travel-sized items and repack liquids into anti-leak small containers. Our guides recommended the Nalgene travel bottles.

  • Sunglasses with Strap
  • Sunscreen

    Pack at least 4oz of sunscreen. Guides recommend at least SPF 30 Small containers work better than larger ones. No aerosol spray cans, please.

  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • 2oz Bottle Hand Sanitizer

    It's handy to have your own personal hand sanitizer that can either live in your tent, coat pocket, or PFD pocket.

  • Toiletries

    Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, moisturizer with SPF, brush/comb, ear plugs etc.

  • Microfiber Camp Towel

    To dry off after your shower. We recommend a small to medium-sized towel that won't take up too much packing space. Leave those beach towels at home!

  • Any Medications You Take
  • Menstrual Hygiene Supplies

    Tampons, Diva Cup, or pads. Pack 50% more supplies than you expect to need.

  • Spare Glasses or Contact Lenses
  • Bathing Body or Face Wipes
    Optional, But Recommended
  • Insect Repellent
    Optional

    Look for the active ingredient DEET. Ben's brand is packaged well for backcountry travel. No aerosol sprays.

Other

  • $20-$30 Cash

    For dinner in Springdale on day 3.

  • Guide Gratuity

    Please consider rewarding hard work and excellent service with a guide gratuity at the end of the adventure.

  • Personal Reading Materials
    Optional
  • Notebook and Pen
    Optional
  • Portable Charger Battery Pack
    Optional
  • Phone Charging Cord
    Optional

Provided by Bad Adventures

  • Tent

    Sturdy, dome-style backpacking tent. Prefer to share a tent? Contact us.

  • Camping Mattress

    A comfy, inflatable camping mattress makes nights restful.

  • Camp Chair

    Our camp furniture is comfy, collapsible, and fire engine red.

  • Narrows Hiking Gear

    Canyoneering boots and sturdy hiking staffs.

  • Group Gear

    Medical kit, satellite phone, emergency equipment, and more.

  • Trekking Poles

    These are great for extra stability on rocky, uneven terrain!

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