{"id":16834,"date":"2018-10-10T13:05:33","date_gmt":"2018-10-10T12:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=16834"},"modified":"2020-03-23T13:36:53","modified_gmt":"2020-03-23T12:36:53","slug":"desert-hiking-essentials-packing-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/desert-hiking-essentials-packing-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Desert Hiking Essentials: Your Packing List"},"content":{"rendered":"

Desert hiking – yes, it\u2019s a thing. And while it\u2019s not for the faint of heart or an inexperienced hiker, desert<\/a> hiking is one of the most beautiful, challenging expeditions a hiker can embark on. The landscapes are dramatic, almost lunar, transporting hikers into what seems like a different world. The silence is peaceful, uniting you with the sand under your feet and the sun above your head. And the wildlife is undoubtedly unique: from flowering cacti to charming animals, there\u2019s something new around every corner. <\/span><\/p>\n

But behind the beauty and adventure of desert hiking is dozens of hidden risks. The bottom line is, if you\u2019re not prepared, desert hiking can be extremely dangerous. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before you take to the sand, review these essential desert hiking tips, and make sure your day pack includes these unique extra pieces of equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>Sahara Desert Tours<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n

Desert Hiking Essentials: Packing List\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

For the most part, hiking packing lists don\u2019t change very much from trail to trail. But desert hiking is a bit of an exception because the landscape you\u2019re tackling is entirely different. Deserts are hot, sunny, and unforgiving, meaning the list you referenced for your hike through forested trails won\u2019t be relevant here. Of course, pack all of the usuals, like running shoes<\/a>, snacks, and a compass<\/a>, but there are some other things you need to consider!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
A hiker hits the sand dunes | Andrew DesLauriers\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sodium Replacement Powder<\/b><\/h3>\n

Also known as electrolyte replacements<\/a>, these powders help your body replenish electrolytes and prevent hyponatremia. When you\u2019re out in the heat, exerting your body for long periods of time, these supplements are not only helpful but a safety measure as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Extra Water<\/b><\/h3>\n

This is a no-brainer; you need plenty of water when you take to the desert. Two to six quarts are recommended for each hiker each day, and an additional backup supply of about a gallon in your vehicle is also a good safety measure. If you get lost, the odds of a spring or river popping up are virtually non-existent, so don’t risk it.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Brimmed Hat<\/b><\/h3>\n

Because you\u2019ll be out in the sun all day, you\u2019re going to want a hat that provides all-around protection. A baseball cap or visor won\u2019t do. Consider a brimmed hat<\/a> – the wider, the better for shielding your eyes from the sun and protecting your neck from sunburn. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sunscreen<\/b><\/h3>\n

On the topic of sunburns, a very high SPF sunscreen<\/a> is a must, starting at least SPF 30 and working your way up, depending on your skin type. I pack sunscreen on every hike I go on, but this item is forgotten by a lot of hikers, so bring a big bottle and share with those who haven\u2019t packed it. <\/span><\/p>\n

Good Sunglasses<\/b><\/h3>\n

Just like the brimmed hat and sunscreen suggests, the sun can be a bit of an issue on desert hikes. A pair of really great sunglasses can make a huge difference when it comes to desert hikes, so make the investment and protect your eyes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Any experienced outdoors person knows cotton is the worst material for hiking. It\u2019s a terrible insulator and doesn\u2019t dry very quickly if you get wet. But in the desert, that cooling ability is an asset. Plus if you opt for a long sleeve, it will protect your upper body from the sun as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>Egypt's Pyramids of Giza <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n

Hats<\/a>, Mittens, and a Down Jacket<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

Yes, the desert is hot, so these items might feel strange to pack. But if you find yourself stranded in the desert at night, you put yourself at serious risk of hypothermia if you don\u2019t have warm clothes. The desert may be unbelievably hot in the day, but some locations drop to below freezing at night. Pack them just in case, and hopefully, you won\u2019t have to use them. <\/span><\/p>\n

A Mirror<\/b><\/h3>\n

This one is the most bizarre, but easily the most useful if you find yourself in trouble. Remember, you\u2019ve got the sun! So if you are in need of help, a <\/span>signalling mirror<\/span><\/a> can be the difference between staying stranded and making it home. As a bonus, they only cost a couple of bucks. <\/span><\/p>\n

GPS<\/a>, Map, and Compass<\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n

It would be a huge mistake to wander into the desert without a GPS, and an even bigger mistake to not pack a backup map. Cover all the bases and anticipate technology failure. Stick to the basics, like a paper map and a compass. <\/span><\/p>\n

Matches or Lighter<\/b><\/h3>\n

A somewhat-typical hiking item, it\u2019s still important to remember to bring fire starters. If you do get stuck and need to camp overnight, it will be a lot warmer with a campfire than without one. And honestly, you don\u2019t want to be sitting there rubbing two sticks together. <\/span><\/p>\n

Multi-tool<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

A multi-tool can be helpful in every hiking scenario, but in the desert, it\u2019s ideal for removing cacti barbs from skin and clothing. Bring it along just in case, and while you might not use it, it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry. <\/span><\/p>\n

Desert Hiking Essentials: Tips\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that you know what to bring, it\u2019s time to go over some tips you should follow. This will help to ensure your trip into the wilderness is safe, enjoyable, and makes you want to return to the desert again and again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Great
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, United States | Lionello DelPiccolo\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n