What to Pack for Dry Heat in the Grand Canyon

Start with this no-brainer to keep your skin from going all lobster. BACKPACKER
editors have been using Smartshield’s Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion over the last year,
and report that it protects without feeling greasy or running into their eyes (read
a full review here). No matter what sunblock you buy, choose an SPF no lower than
15, and reapply every hour or so during your hike—you may not feel like you’re perspiring
in the canyon’s dry heat, but you are, a lot. (Photo courtesy Smartshield)

It may seem counterintuitive, but a light-colored long-sleeve top is a smart
pick for hot canyon hikes. BACKPACKER’s editor-in-chief swears by Woolrich’s Stillwater
3XDRY, a loose-fitting cotton shirt with a high collar and vents in the back and
armpits. When wet, the cotton creates evaporative cooling (the moisture against
your skin pulls heat away), and the long sleeve reflect the sun (meaning less sunblock
to slather on). (Photo courtesy Brooks Freehill)

Double down to protect your face, ears, and neck with a thin, light-colored
lid like Royal Robbin’s Extreme Expedition Hat. This fast-drying Coolmax cap comes
with a snap-off neck shield that we soaked with water throughout the day for extra
evaporative cooling. For more on this and other hats, including wide-brimmed sombreros,
click here. (Photo courtesy Royal Robbins)

Another counterintuitive pick—wool would be hot, right? Nope, and that’s
the beauty of nature’s wonder fabric. Our testers used Teko’s Hike/Trek Heavy Cushion
Crew in the Grand Canyon and reported that they transfer moisture away from the
foot and minimize friction; both features are critical to blister prevention. For
advice on fitting and buying the perfect sock click
here.
(Photo courtesy Teko)

Even on the smoothest Grand Canyon trails, like the South Kaibab and Bright Angel,
it’s tempting to hike down in sneakers. But that’s an almost-guaranteed recipe for
blisters and sore feet, thanks to the steep grades, heat, and trail grit. BACKPACKER
recommends a mid-cut or high-cut hiking boot even for dayhikes to provide stability,
cushion, and rock protection, especially on the rougher South Rim trails. Select
something that’s not waterproof for better breathability, like Merrell’s Chameleon
Evo Mid, which stood out in BACKPACKER’s recent boot testing (full review here).
For a wide selection of boots for all feet and types of trails, see the
reviews
at Backpacker.com. (Photo courtesy Julia Vandenoever)