Packing List by Season

Year-Round Staples

Packing for a Southwest road trip? Desert conditions vary a lot by season and elevation. Here’s a simple packing list I use for Southern Utah — year-round essentials plus seasonal add-ons.

The essentials you’ll want on every trip:

• Clothing: hiking shoes, moisture-wicking layers, packable jacket, sun hat, sunglasses

• Gear: daypack, 2–3L hydration system, headlamp, portable charger

• Health & Safety: sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, first aid basics, electrolytes, SOS device (ie - Garmin InReach)

• Navigation: offline maps, paper backup

• Other: National Parks Pass, salty snacks, camera

Summer Add-Ons

• Breathable long sleeves for sun protection

• Lightweight hiking pants or shorts

• Cooling towel or bandana

• Extra water capacity

• Water shoes or sandals for water hikes

• Rain shell (July/August we sometimes have afternoon monsoons)

Spring & Fall Add-Ons

• Mid-weight layers (flannels, fleece, or vests)

• Beanie + light gloves for cool mornings

• Rain shell (occasional storms)

Winter Add-Ons

• Insulated jacket and thermal base layers

• Warm hat, gloves, and thick socks

• Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes with traction

• Thermos for hot drinks

• Hand warmers

• Microspikes

A few things I use to explore the Desert Southwest. Linking my favorite gear and necessities below:

GAITERS:

• REI Flash Gaiters This is the newer version of the gaiters I currently wear (discontinued REI Co-op Activator gaiters.)

• Mid-Gaiter to keep the sand and rubble out of your shoes. I have these and also an REI pair that's no longer made, but the newest version is linked just above.

LEGGINGS:

• Best Lulu Align Dupe Ever Made ($25 on Amazon // I get the Essential fit and they are true to size - I am 5'6", 140lbs and wear size small but can also fit medium.)

WATER SHOES:

• TEVA Hurricane XLT2 -- I SWEAR by these sandals and have hiked up to 10 miles in them with significant elevation gain (Think Professor Creek and the Subway) They have great cushion for longer hikes and support for difficult terrain.

BOOTS:

• Danner Mountain 600s are my tried and true boot - I'm on my third pair (after putting >500 miles per pair) and the best part is they are waterproof.

TRAIL RUNNERS:

• Salomon GTX Speedcross (women's) are my go to trail runner - this is the goretex option and the one you see me wearing above. The men's version can be found HERE.

• Salomon Speedcross without GTX can be found here. These are just as comfy, however don't have the waterproof of the others. I primarily wear the GTX, but will switch back and forth depending on what is on sale.

***Links listed may be commission links, meaning I earn a small commission on any purchase at no extra expense to you.***