More than a mile deep, up to 10 miles wide and 277 river miles long, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most breathtaking wonders. Located in northern Arizona, this remote icon lures nearly 5 million people each year, making it our second most visited national park.
The following list is designed for a non-guided, non-winter trip in the Grand Canyon. If you’re part of a commercial trip, check with your trip provider to see what items the guide provides. REI also provides guided backpacking trips in the Grand Canyon, so you can enjoy your trip without too much planning.
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
- Tent with guylines and repair sleeve
- Tent footprint (optional)
- Sleeping bag (40°+ or suited to the season)
- 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, fuel and repair kit
- 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
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Watersport sandals (for fording streams and relaxing in camp)
- Swimwear (optional)
Personal Items
- Sunglasses
- 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
- Hand sanitizer
- Women’s hygiene items
- Personal wipes
- Plastic zip-top 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)
- Backcountry permit
- National Parks pass
- Fishing gear and permit (optional)
- 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