The following list is designed for a non-guided backpacking trip in Arches National Park. (For information about visiting the park, see our guide.) The list includes some environment-specific options for the park’s desert backcountry. If you’re going with a commercial group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide.
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
When it comes to backpacking in Arches, water is a special consideration. Natural sources of water are few and far between. Water you might find in potholes is needed by wildlife and can be easily contaminated by skin oils, salt, sunscreen or soap. Packing in all you’ll need will make your time in the backcountry safer and simpler. One to two gallons per day is recommended, depending on your activity level and the temperature. That’s just for drinking. For hygiene and cooking, you’ll need more.
The backpacking pack you choose will need to have enough space for your whole water supply.
- Backpacking Pack (70+ liters) and raincover
- Small daypack (optional)
- Tent with guylines and repair sleeve
- Tent footprint (optional)
- Sleeping bag (30 – 45°F or suitable for the season you go)
- Waterproof stuff sack for your sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
- Multifunction watch with altimeter (altimeter feature is optional)
- Knife or multi-tool
- Compass
- GPS (recommended)
- Topo Map(s) and route description or guidebook
- Trekking poles (optional)
- LED headlamp with extra batteries
- Backup water treatment system (for treating natural water source in an emergency)
- Stove, fuel and repair kit
- Matches or lighter
- Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups (measuring/drinking)
- Bear canister (or sturdy waterproof bag for hanging food)
- Rope (30 ft.; for hanging food)
- Repair kits for mattress; duct tape strips
- Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
Clothing and Footwear
In the desert environment of Arches, sun protection is essential. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Because the temperature in the park can change as much as 40 degrees in 24 hours, you should bring enough layers to adjust.
- Wicking, quick-drying underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying sports bra
- Wicking, quick-drying long underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeved shirt
- Quick-drying, lightweight pants
- Quick-drying, lightweight shorts
- Fleece jacket or vest, or insulated jacket or vest (depending on season)
- Fleece pants (optional)
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
- Bandana or Buff
- Sun-shielding hat or ball cap
- Winter hat (depending on season)
- Warm gloves or mittens (in colder months)
- Hiking boots or shoes suited to terrain (light, breathable)
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters (low)
- Sandals (for relaxing in camp)
Personal Items
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles or hydration reservoirs (enough to carry 1–2 gallons for each day)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm (SPF rated)
- Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Women’s hygiene items
- Personal wipes
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Medications
- Plastic zip-top bags
- Odor-blocking storage bags (for food waste)
- Insect repellent
- Bear spray (optional)
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
- Quick-drying towel
- Tweezers (for removing cactus spines)
- Camera or helmet cam and extra memory cards (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Cell phone (don’t rely on service)
- Satellite communicator / personal locator beacon (optional)
- Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)
- Journal, pen and e-reader or reading material (optional)
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- National Parks pass (yearly pass available from REI.com)
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car sea
Food
Quantity varies depending on activity and length of trip. Assuming you’re packing all water for your trip, keep in mind the trade-off between the water you need to hydrate dried foods and the weight of canned and fresh foods.
- 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
- Extra day’s supply of food