Desert wear and hiking essentials for the American Southwest regions can be a bit more specific than a typical hike in the outdoors. As someone who has spent time in deserts all over the world, as well as lived in both Arizona and California, I’d like to share with you the essential desert hiking gear that you need in the American Southwest! We’ll cover what to wear in the desert, desert hiking essentials, and desert hiking gear below.
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The desert is such a wildly misunderstood region of the world! It gets a bad rap for being dry and lifeless, boring and empty. Well, I say that’s simply not the case.
Deserts are my favorite climate regions in the whole world. All types of deserts – from the unbelievable and vast Arabian Desert with it’s endless orange dunes to the otherworldly and alien-like landscapes in California’s Mojave Desert. I love them all.
For me the open space is beautiful. The prickly plants and wild animals that thrive in these harsh conditions are fascinating. I never tire of the desert!
Though their landscapes can be vastly different, one thing that all deserts have in common is the lack of water they receive – less than 10 inches per year, by definition. Because of this, if you plan on hiking in the desert, you need to be prepared.
I’ve written about important desert safety tips for hiking, but I’m going to take it one step further and talk about specific desert wear and hiking gear that are essential for any trek through the dry climate – particularly those found in the Southwestern USA.
I’ve recently returned from a multi-day trip to Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, where temperatures are typically above 100 degrees in summer months. This can be miserable, and even life threatening… but – it doesn’t need to be.
Hiking in the desert can be a magical experience, as long as you plan ahead and set yourself up for success. Below are the desert hiking essentials that you should never leave home without!
Desert Wear and Hiking Gear Essentials
1. A Dual-Function Daypack
I’ve previously written about my love for Camelbak backpacks, and that is probably due to how much time I spend hiking in the heat. If you’ve never used one, it is basically a normal backpack which also holds a plastic container or “bladder” for water, and a long tube that acts like a straw that slings over the shoulder strap.
During a desert hike, a Camelbak backpack can be the difference between quitting after one torturous mile or making it the length of your eight-mile trek, hydrated and happy.
I personally own two of them; a small pack which holds little else than the water bladder, and a larger Camelbak backpack, which is ideal for packing the additional gear below.
Small Hydration Backpack
This 70 oz. backpack is perfect for hiking, biking, and trekking. Be aware though that there is limited room for other gear. So this one works if you’re on a short hike or have a friend with you helping to carry your gear. Get yours here!
Full Sized Hydration Day Pack
I almost always use my larger hydration day pack because I am often solo. And, it allows me to pack all of the extra gear below. This one is comfy and fits 100 oz. of liquid. Get yours here!
For the desert I highly suggest the larger one, as you can store all of the upcoming hiking essentials in the pack as well. I’m all about a piece of gear that is dual-function and keeps my hands free as I hike.
2. Moisture Wicking Top Layers
If you have a long desert hike planned, you will definitely want a shirt that doesn’t hold onto your sweat but instead wicks moisture and will keep your body cool and dry. Luckily, these types of shirts have become more common over the past several years, so you have tons of options.
One thing that might surprise you, wool or synthetic fibers are more ideal gear for hiking than cotton. This is because cotton holds onto moisture and takes some time to dry. So check all labels before you buy!
Moisture Wicking Tank Top
I personally prefer to wear in the desert is typically a moisture-wicking tank top layer, and then in my daypack, I carry a light long sleeve layer (below) for cooler evening temperatures – or simply for covering my shoulders to escape the sun if needed. Get yours here!
A Long Sleeve Layer
You’ll also want a long sleeve layer, even in the desert. It will help to keep the sun off of your shoulders when things get toasty – and a physical barrier is often necessary! Get yours here!
3. Good Hiking Shoes
Any desert hike would be miserable without a sturdy pair of shoes to walk in. I have two go-to hiking shoe choices, depending on the specific landscape I am headed.
For colder months, and deserts with lots of pokey things – think cactus spikes, dry sticks, sharp rocks, or all of the above – I typically go with hiking boots or trail shoes that offer a lot of support, but are no higher than the ankles. And, in the summer months, I prefer rugged trekking sandals so my feet can breathe.
Rugged Trekking Sandals
I can’t say enough good things about my Keen trekking sandals. They have traveled with me across six continents and have lasted for years. They are my all-time favorite, go-to shoe. Sometimes the thought of bundling my feet in socks in the desert just sounds dreadful. With these, you don’t need to. Get yours here!
Lightweight Trail Shoes
These Columbia hiking shoes provide waterproof protection and a breathable fabric, no matter the conditions. They are durable and designed for the trail-life. Get yours here!
Choose wisely. Wear what makes the most sense. Either of the options above can and do work, but I typically choose one versus the other based specifically on what terrain I’ll be trekking on.
4. Pants that Breathe
I absolutely hate wearing stiff hiking pants. Such as, those convertible hiking pants that transform into shorts – I have never owned them and likely never will. Though many hikers and top hiking brands stand behind those pants, they are a no-go for me.
Instead, I always opt for thick fabric workout pants that are breathable and – you guessed it – as moisture-wicking as possible. I own about a zillion pairs of workout pants so I typically grab one of these for my hikes.
Women’s Sport Legging
The ones I’m wearing in many of the photos on this page are New Balance brand and they are super comfortable and super breathable. They are thick enough to deter cactus spikes but breathable enough for the desert. Get yours here!
Workout Leggings
These workout leggings from The Gym People are also a great option! Super thick and super breathable as well, and this pair has pockets for your phone (or snacks!) They’re nice and stretchy and won’t break the bank. Get yours here!
5. Electrolyte Supplements
If you’re feeling low energy or on the verge of dehydration, electrolyte tabs can be a life-saver in dry climates during physical activity. I’ve used them in the American Southwest during desert hikes and I’ve also taken them abroad.
Electrolyte Tabs
I like to keep these bad boys in my arsenal just in case. They dissolve in water and supply your body with electrolytes – similar to Gatorade, but non-GMO and without all the sugars. They’re also easy to carry on planes as the tube is so slim and easy to stow. A must! Get yours here.
Electrolyte Powders
If you prefer a powder or have a water bottle with a thin mouth, you might rather get these powder packets instead. Simply dump it in your bottle while you hike! Get yours here.
6. Hat and Sunglasses
Even if you are not in the habit of wearing hats or sunglasses normally, you will absolutely want both of these when hiking the American Southwest. You are unlikely to encounter much shade at all in the desert, so it is imperative to create your own.
A Wide Brim Hat
My current favorite wide-brim hat is both packable and crushable! It has a tiny string that you can tie to adjust the size exactly to your liking. This hat has made it with me across the America’s, the Middle east, and everywhere in between. Get yours here!
UVA/UVB Sunglasses
If you are on the hunt for a new pair of sunglasses, let me suggest this two-pack. They don’t have those uncomfortable rubber nose pads, so I can wear these for hours as I hike. Get yours here!
A Fleece Lined Beanie
Hiking in cold weather or winter conditions? You can’t go wrong with this fleece-lined hat. These are my go to for gray wintery days or early-morning starts when there is still a chill in the air. Get yours here!
Be sure to stash your sunglasses in a sturdy case so they don’t get crushed in your day pack.
Hats and sunglasses are essential gear to wear on your desert hike! Don’t skip them.
7. Bandana or Scarf
Dust-storms are a real thing. With no water to densely pack the earth down, windy days can create extremely dusty conditions in the desert. I used to live in Arizona and these could get intense!
Wear or pack a bandana or scarf that you can use to cover your face or neck if a dust-storm kicks up.
A Cooling Bandana
This bandana is probably the top choice for hiking. It absorbs water and instantly cools you off while you hike! It also has UPF 50 protection for the bright desert rays. Get yours here!
A Lightweight Scarf
I own this scarf here and it’s perfect for the desert. It is made from a very thin material that doesn’t overheat me. In fact, this type of scarf is a staple for me in the middle east as well. Highly recommend! Get yours here!
8. A Headlamp
Even if you don’t expect to be out past sundown, a headlamp is a very smart thing to have in your daypack. You never know what could happen or what could hold you up – an injury, getting lost, or just losing track of time while taking photographs. Trust me, it happens.
A High Quality Headlamp
Having a high-quality headlamp can help you find your way out of the desert even after sundown, when all of the terrain begins to look the same. No – a cell phone flashlight is not good enough.
A bright headlamp has helped me out more times than I can count, from Tanzania to California, and many places in between. Get yours here!
9. Sunscreen
While it may be obvious to use sunscreen before you head out for your hike, the desert will throw some ultraviolet curveballs your way. If you aren’t prepared to reapply, your skin will likely pay the price.
Eco Friendly Sunscreen
The sun is fierce in the desert and typically there is little shade. Keep a bottle of eco friendly sunscreen handy in your daypack and reapply regularly. This is my current fave. Get yours here!
10. Tweezers or Swiss Army Knife
Have you ever gotten jabbed by a cactus? How about by one of the ones with tiny little spikes, that lodge into your skin and are hard to see let alone grip with your fingers?
If the answer is yes, then you know that these spikes can haunt you for days or even weeks to come. Take my advice and bring a tool to combat this.
A Swiss Army Knife
Depending on the terrain you are about to hike, a pair of tweezers may be enough. But better yet, a Swiss Army Knife can be incredibly useful and is worth the tiny amount of space it takes up. The one linked contains many tools, including tweezers, by the way. Get yours here!
11. Sweat-Removing Body Wipes
What to do about the sweat and dirt involved in a multi-hour trek in the triple-digits and hot sun? Things can get sweaty, exhausting, and – ahem – a bit stinky.
Biodegradable Body Wipes
Bring some biodegradable body wipes to refresh yourself when you’re feeling a bit grimy. In the desert sun, this is likely to occur. Pair these with the aforementioned electrolyte tabs and a ten minute rest stop and you’ll be good to go! Get yours here.
12. Emergency First Aid
One thing that I love most about the desert is the solitude. The peacefulness, away from crowds, is refreshing. You often walk long stretches of land without seeing another soul.
However, if you’re not prepared, this can quickly become a problem in an emergency. Never leave for a long-haul trek in the desert without packing the essential gear required in an emergency.
Packable First Aid Kit
Don’t head out without a first aid kit! This tiny kit one gives you the most bang for your buck in a small package. It won’t take up much of the valuable space in your daypack, but it will be there when you need it.
Be safe, this is one thing you should not forget! Get yours here!
13. A Fire Starter
Have you ever heard the saying “better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it”? Well that saying applies to this desert hiking-gear item ten-fold.
A Weather Resistant Fire Starter
If you are headed out on a longer trek or a trail where you may not see many other hikers, you should consider bringing a fire starter for any extreme emergency. It will take up virtually zero space in your pack and it light-weight. Bonus, if you camp often, you know you will use it regardless! Get yours here!
The desert gets quite cold overnight, so if you do somehow get lost or stranded, this little guy could save your life.
Prepare for emergencies with this weather-resistant fire starter in your survival kit. While matches can become damp or blow out in the wind, this fire starter will work in all conditions.
14. A Pair of Binoculars
Especially if you are planning on a solo hike, you may want to consider packing a pair of compact binoculars. Not just for bird-watching, these can save your life in a pinch or if you get lost or veer off trail.
Mini Binoculars
Some desert hiking lends itself to losing eyes on the trail. Sometimes the trails are ill-defined like in White Sands National Park or the desert brush has become overgrown. Mini binoculars can prevent you from getting lost. They will help you locate the trails or civilization so that you can get out safely. Get yours here!
15. Snacks Galore
Don’t leave home without stuffing your daypack full of snacks.
Some of my desert hiking-favorites are fruit that is not easily crushed (think an apple over a banana) or small bags of trail mix or granola bars.
You want foods that will boost your energy without making you feel lethargic. Pack fruits, seeds and nuts. On longer hikes, I often pack a PB&J sandwich for extra fuel.
16. Water, Water, Water!
For anyone who doesn’t heed my advice about the Camelbak daypack, you are going to need to pack A LOT of water. Multiple bottles or one large jug, depending on the length of your hike.
I can’t be the only one out there who hates to carry their water by hand, am I? I seem to drink way more water than the average hiker and hate how lopsided it makes me feel (not to mention not having my hands free, as a frequent photographer.)
Basically, if I haven’t convinced you yet on the value of the Camelbak, be sure to set aside the water you think you need and then double it. Water is the most important commodity to have out there in the heat. It’s the one thing you definitely can’t get by without.
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So tell me – which items of the desert hiking gear mentioned above is the most essential for you?
Many of the above items would be useful on any hike, but are of particular importance in the desert. Everything listed here are among my most used desert wear and essential gear for hiking – particularly in the American Southwest desert regions.
Have fun, be safe, and stay hydrated!
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Let me know how it goes in the comments below! Is there anything you can’t live without when you hike the desert?
Really great list! I’ve been doing a lot of research lately because I’m going to do some hikes in Arizona. This list is really helpful.
Yay, thank you for the kind comment!
I used to live in Arizona so I know this list will serve you well. These items save me every singe hike!
Have a great time! 🙂