An overnight (or longer) hike into the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s great adventures—for the stars, the massive sense of solitude, and richly colored sunsets you just can’t see from the rim. You’ll want to pack the same items you’d carry for a dayhike, plus food, cooking gear, and these canyon-specific recommendations.
From spring through fall, the nighttime climate in the canyon is reliably warm and dry, which means there’s no need for heavy, bulky gear and clothing to keep you comfortable. In fact, it’s a great place to travel light (except for water, of course). Our gear list focuses on a few lightweight favorites, plus two picks for overcoming challenges peculiar to the canyon.
|
 |
1. BACKPACK:
Unless you’re planning a two-week expedition or lavish five-course meals,
you should be able to pack everything you need for a few nights in a midsize pack
built for weekends. BACKPACKER testers raved about the Osprey Exos 58 this year;
at just over 2 pounds, it carried 40 pounds comfortably, and it’s trampoline back
panel provides excellent ventilation. If you’re looking for a pack that’s still
light but has enough room for weeklong trips back home, check out the REI Flash
65, which earned one of BACKPACKER’s 2009 Editors’ Choice Awards. Read reviews of
these and other packs here. (Photo courtesy
Seth Hughes) |
|
 |
|
 |
2. TENT:
Prolonged rainstorms are rare in the Southwest, and even when they hit, the
precipitation rarely makes it to the ground mid-canyon. That means you can opt for
a superlight tent built for living space and ventilation more than mountain weather.
The Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 gets our vote for its minimal weight—only 3 lbs.
4 oz.—and full-mesh ceiling, which keeps breezes moving (read a full review here).
Tip: Pitch this tent without its rainfly for wraparound
stargazing. (Photo courtesy Sierra Designs) |
|
|
|
 |
3. SLEEPING BAG:
Temperatures may only drop to 60ºF on spring and summer nights in
the canyon, but it can feel like a lot more if the daytime high was 100ºF. BACKPACKER
field editors recommend a bag rated to 40ºF or lower, depending on the timing of
your visit. One of their favorites is the Sierra Designs Nitro 30, a high-quality
down mummy with elastic stitching that stretches with your body as you sleep for
maximum comfort. Check out this bag and other options here. (Photo courtesy Sierra
Designs) |
|
|
|
 |
4. FOOD STORAGE:
Many new canyon hikers worry about snakes, scorpions, and spiders,
which are actually a very minor threat. The real wildlife worries here are mice
and ravens, which haunt every campsite and are known to chew or peck their way into
tents to steal food. To keep your supplies safe, pack them away in a bearproof food
canister or the Ursack, a Kevlar-reinforced stuff sack. (Photo courtesy ???) |
|
|
|
 |
5. WATER TREATMENT:
Purifying your drinking water is a good idea no matter where you
camp in the Grand Canyon. BACKPACKER editors often use Aquamira (chlorine dioxide
drops), which is a light and expensive. But that changes if their route goes all
the way to the Colorado River. If that’s the case, they use a two-part system. First,
they strain the silty river water through a bandanna into a large, collapsible water
bag or pail. After several hours—the remaining silt needs time to settle so it won’t
clog your filter—they pump the water through a filter like MSR’s Hyperflow. See
the Hyperflow in action and get water treatment tips
here. |
|
|
|
For complete gear checklists for this and other types of hiking trips, visit
www.backpacker.com/gear/checklist/. |
|
