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What to bring to the Arizona Trail

Our hike will begin at the Picketpost Trailhead on the Arizona Trail. Depending on the speed of the group and distance covered, we expect to end somewhere around the Mazatzal Divide, about 90 miles north of where we started. Temperatures will range from the 80s in the lowland desert to below freezing at night in the mountains, so be prepared for a wide range of temps.

Page Last Updated 10/13/2005

Personal Effects

Bring very small containers of items like toothpaste or hand sanitizer.

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
• Bowl
• Fork & Spoon or Spork
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer or Bio-soap
• Toilet Paper
• Contact lenses / Mirror / Hair Clips / Ponytail Bands etc.
• Headlamp - LED lamps will run all week on 1 set of batteries.
• Some cash, a credit card, and ID (leave wallet home)
• Compass
• Pocket Knife
• Quick Dry Pack Towel
• Whistle / Mirror (if lost)
• Insect Repellent
• Medications
• Vaseline / Talcum powder
• Duct tape (good for removing cactus spines)
• Maps***
• Trowel***
• Rope***

Water

One of the MOST IMPORTANT things we have to deal with is the lack of water in the desert. As conditions change continually, we will be in touch with land managers to see how much water is available. However, we should each expect to carry as much as 2 gallons at any given time. This is 16 lbs of dead weight in your pack! We'll do our best to "plant" water along our route before the trip, but this is the one critical item we cannot skimp on.

When we find water along the way, we will purify it with water pumps and fill up all our water vessels. Here's what to bring:

• 2 gallons of water containers. Nalgene, Camelbacks, Platypus for example, even plastic soda bottles
• Water Filters***
• Water purification tablets / Aqua Mira

General Gear

We will try to provide items with 3 asterisks, but if you have any of these items, consider bringing them.

• Backpack (at least 5000 cu in)
• Sleeping Bag (rated to 20F)***
• Sleeping Pad***
• Tent***
• Hiking Poles (or ski poles)
• Bear Bags / Cannisters*** (There probably won't be bears, but there are other critters)
• Cook Stoves***
• Fuel Bottles and White Fuel
• Pots & Pans***
• Serving utensils*** (Ladle, Spoon etc)
• Lighter / Waterproof matches
• Trash Bags (bring a few)
• Straps and Caribiners

Optional Items

These items can add to your comfort greatly, but will also add to pack weight.

• An interesting but lightweight book
• Swimsuit and/or briefs/panties (not cotton)
• Glove liners
• Insect Headnet
• Deodorant (to prevent feet from sweating)
• Pen and Journal
• Camera
• Inflatable Pillow or soft Stuff Sack (for sleeping)
• First Aid Kit (guides will be carrying these)

Clothing

• Sturdy Hiking Boots (broken in). Lightweight hikers are OK with sufficient ankle support.
• Sandals (e.g. Tevas, Chacos) for in camp
• Socks, between 2-4 pair. Some people like Smartwool, Dahlgren or other 1 layer systems. Others prefer polypro liner socks and a wool outer sock. No cotton.
• Quick Dry Long Hiking Pants (No jeans which stay wet and heavy!).
• Quick Dry Short Pants (your long pants can have zip-off legs)
• Quick Dry Long Sleeve Shirt
• Quick Dry Short Sleeve Shirt
• Sweater or Fleece
• Waterproof Breatheable Rain Shell such as Gore-Tex (it probably won't rain, but just in case. Also good for repelling wind)
• Rain Pants or Gaiters
• Wool or Synthetic cold-weather hat (you lose most of your heat through your head).
• Long sleeve Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear top (can get cold at night)
• Long Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear bottom (can get cold at night)
• Wide Brim Hat
• Underwear (not cotton)