The following list is designed for a non-guided, non-winter trip in Zion National Park. If you’re part of a commercial trip, check with your trip provider to see what items the guide provides. REI also offers guided trips to Zion National Park, for those who want to adventure but not plan.
Included in this list are the Ten Essential Systems you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire starter; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter. To learn more, see our Ten Essentials article.
Equipment
- Backpack and raincover
- Lightweight dry bags (optional water protection for wading in creeks)
- Tent with guylines and repair sleeve
- Tent footprint (optional)
- Sleeping bag (40°F+)
- Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam or pack a repair kit)
- Whistle, plus signaling mirror
- Multifunction watch with altimeter (altimeter feature is optional)
- Knife or multi-tool
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Map(s) with good topographic and water-source details
- Route description or guidebook
- Trekking poles (optional)
- LED headlamp with extra batteries
- Water treatment system and backup
- Stove and fuel
- Matches or lighter
- Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups (measuring/drinking)
- Food storage (rodent-resistant)
- Gear repair kits; duct tape strips
- Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
Clothing and Footwear
- Wicking, quick-drying underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying sports bra
- Wicking, quick-drying long underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Fleece jacket or vest, or insulated jacket or vest
- Fleece pants (optional)
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
- Bandana or Buff
- Sun-shielding hat or ball cap
- Winter hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Ankle-high gaiters (optional)
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Water sandals (for fording streams and relaxing in camp)
- Swimwear (optional, but recommended)
Personal Items
- Sunglasses
- Sunglasses straps (optional)
- Water bottles (3) or hydration reservoirs (drink ½–1 qt. of fluid per hour)
- Sunscreen (high SPF; pack plenty and apply liberally)
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Waste bag (required for The Narrows; recommended elsewhere)
- Hand sanitizer
- Women’s hygiene items
- Personal wipes
- Plastic zip-lock bags
- Insect repellent
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
- Venom extractor (optional, for snakes, scorpions, spiders, wasps, etc.)
- Camera or helmet cam and extra memory cards (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Cell phone (don’t rely on service)
- Satellite messenger or personal locator beacon (optional)
- Portable power device (optional)
- Field guide; star identifier (optional)
- Outdoor journal, pen and reading material (optional)
- National Parks pass
- Backcountry permit
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat
Food
Quantity varies depending on activity and length of trip.
- Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
- Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
- Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
- Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Energy gels
- Energy bars
- Electrolyte replacement drink mix (pack plenty)
- Extra day’s supply of food