Pre-trip Considerations for a desert experience

            With all trips you will need some basic gear.  A trip into the desert is no exception to this rule but the desert has some specific gear needs in order for you to be successful.  You will need things to protect you from the scorching sun, the blistering winds, and the chilly nights, all of which encompass a typical day in a desert environment.  Below you will find an extensive gear list to help you have a fun and a safe experience while out in a desert environment.  These are just our recommendations so you should tailor this list to your own needs.

• Backpack.
• Compass.
• Personal cookware.
• Day pack (light weight).
• Flashlight, extra batteries, extra light bulb (are the batteries fresh?).
• Tent.
• Hiking boots, water proofed.
• Maps of the area.
• Matches, lighters, magnesium striker.
• Mirror.
• Nylon line, at least 12-15 ft.
• Sleeping Bag (appropriate for the season).
• Sleeping Pad.
• Small plastic trowel.
• Stove and extra fuel.
• Stuff bags, nylon (for sleeping bag and convenience).
• Water Bottles (2 quarts or more per person for use during the day)
• Water filtering pump.
• Water purification tablets.
• Zip-lock bags.
• Bandanna.
• Gloves, mittens - for warmth and a protective layer if you get wet.
• Hat to use at night or on cold days.
• Insect Repellent.
• Lipsalve with sunblock.
• Long pants - quick dry, light weight, wind and sun protectors.
• Long sleeve shirt to protect from sun.
• Long underwear - both top and bottom; (poly pro best).
• Notebook (small) and pencil.
• Personal sanitary needs.
• Pocket knife
• Rain jacket - lightweight yet able to wick moisture generated when carrying a backpack.
• Shoes, an extra light weight pair of shoes for around camp.
• Short sleeve or sleeveless shirt.
• Shorts, light yet strong; ability to dry quickly.
• Socks (hiking, and liners).
• Sunglasses.
• Sweater or fleece jacket.
• Toilet paper.
• Toiletries, including toothbrush, paste, and floss.
• Underwear; Jog bra for women.
• Personal Identification
• Watch.

One other piece of equipment that can be super useful in the desert is a GPS device.  It isn’t absolutely necessary if you already have a map and compass (and know how to use them) but it makes navigation super simple and almost impossible to get lost.  If you do bring a GPS, make sure to bring extra batteries for it just in case.

            The person with the most medical expertise, whether it is the guide or somebody with a WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certification, should include the following into the first aid kit you take along while in the desert.

• Anti-venom kit for snakebite.
• Bandaids for cracked hands and blistered feet.
• Hand cream; healing type for cuts and cracks.
• Moleskin.
• Personal medicines.
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 15).

The biggest issue with a trip into the desert is water.  In the gear list it says each person needs to have two water bottles.  We recommend using Nalgenes because they hold 32 ounces each and it is recommended that each person drink about 4 bottles worth per day while in the desert.  Hydration or Dehydration can be the difference between a fun or a miserable trip.

            Some tips to making you desert experience smooth as butter include:

Mark on your map where you parked.  The desert can be confusing with its large size and hills that all look the same.  A clearly marked route from beginning to end, even if it is just marked on your map will make everything a lot simpler.

Plan your trip for the time when you can be the most successful.  Hiking in the spring and fall will keep you out the most extreme temperatures the desert has to offer.

Never hike by yourself.  Always have at least one other person with you in case of an emergency.

Inform somebody that isn’t on the trip of when and where and how long you will be gone.  If you can, give that person a map with your proposed route and the day you should be back at the trailhead.  This way if your group becomes lost, someone will know that something has gone wrong and can direct people to where you are most likely at.

            Now that you know what gear you should bring and some things to consider you can go about planning your own desert adventure!

By Gunning Malone