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What to bring to Big Bend

Our two-part excursion will start with a 3-day loop hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Depending on the speed of the group and distance covered, it may take 4 days. We will then hike 3 days in the Chisos Mountains and South Rim of Big Bend National Park. Temperatures may range from the 90s in lowland desert to below freezing at night in the mountains, so be prepared for a wide climactic range.

Page Last Updated 11/11/2007

Personal Effects

Bring very small containers of personal items like toothpaste and hand sanitizer.

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
• Bowl
• Cup
• Fork & Spoon or Spork
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer or Bio-soap
• Toilet Paper
• Contact lenses / Glasses
• Hair Clips / Ponytail Bands
• 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)
• Medications
• Vaseline / Talcum powder
• Duct tape (good for removing cactus spines)

Water

One of the MOST IMPORTANT things we have to deal with is the lack of water in the desert. There are 2 reliable water sources in Big Bend Ranch State Park, so we should be fine as long as we carry a lot of water. Expect to carry as much as 2 gallons at any given time. This is 16 lbs of dead weight in your pack!

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

General Gear

We may be able to provide items with 3 asterisks, but many people prefer to use their own equipment such as sleeping bags over used ones. Also items such as backpacks are size specific.

• Backpack (at least 4000 cu in)***
• Sleeping Bag (rated to 20F)***
• Sleeping Pad***
• Tent***
• Hiking Poles (or ski poles)***
• Lighter / Waterproof matches (you will not be able to bring these on a plane)
• Trash Bags (bring a few)
• Straps and Caribiners

Optional Items

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

• A lightweight book or magazine
• Swimsuit
• Glove liners
• Insect Headnet
• Insect Repellant (35% deet)
• Deodorant (to prevent feet from sweating)
• Pen and Journal
• Camera
• Inflatable Pillow or soft Stuff Sack (for sleeping)
• Rope
• Bandanna
• First Aid Kit (guides will be carrying these)
• Water purification tablets / Aqua Mira (Guides will carry filters)

Clothing

Cotton is usually taboo in the wilderness, but in Big Bend's hot and arid climate, it would be OK to carry some cotton clothing, although it's still not recommended.

• 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)