Hiking in the desert is a great way to see and experience incredible landscapes, geology, plants, and even wildlife. But visitors to arid climates need to pack the right desert hiking clothes and gear to stay comfortable and safe in extreme temperatures – hot and cold!
I’ve spent a lot of time hiking around the deserts of the Southwest and with the right gear, clothing, sun protection, and hydration, you’ll be well-prepared for an amazing desert adventure, too. In this blog post, I share my top suggestions for all of this and more whether you’re visiting Southern Utah’s National Parks, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, or another amazing desert destination.
Important Reminder: As it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice good trail etiquette and remember to Leave No Trace. This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper) and following the established rules. In the desert, this also means learning how to protect cryptobiotic soil and how it has a huge impact on our ecosystems.
Desert Hiking Tips
Before I get into my desert hiking clothes and gear suggestions, I want to share a few important things to be aware of as you pack for your trip.
Pack For Hot and Cold Temps
Desert evenings can actually get pretty chilly. Deserts are known for being extreme, and it’s not uncommon to have really high temperatures and really low temperatures on the same day. So, it’s a good idea to pack extra layers to throw on after the sun goes down.
This is especially true in the colder months when the weather in the desert can be surprisingly wintery. Don’t be surprised if the temps dip into the 30s (or below!) in the desert.
Don’t Skimp On Sun Protection
It’s smart to be prepared with ample sun protection, especially if you’re visiting in the summer and plan on spending your days out having fun in the sun. Rather than missing out on beautiful desert destinations, my advice is to pack plenty of sunscreen and wear clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun.
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to get dehydrated in the desert because sweat tends to dry quickly due to the arid climate, so you may not realize how much fluid you’re losing. Always bring a hydration pack filled with water or a large water bottle with you on any excursion out into the desert.
>> Read Next: Best Hiking Daypacks for Women
Choose Light Colors
Light clothing colors such as white, beige, and pastels will help keep you cooler on desert hikes since these colors don’t absorb the sun’s heat as darker colors do. Also, opt for loose-fitting clothes so you can get nice airflow while you hike.
Get An Early Start
Hiking in the desert can be HOT – spring, fall, and winter are the best seasons to visit the Southwest when daytime temps are milder. If you do plan to visit during summer, avoid hiking during the heat of the day (11am-4pm). Heat can turn dangerous quickly, so we always recommend starting at sunrise, or heading for a sunset hike.
Desert Hiking Clothes
Short Sleeve Hiking Shirt
Pack a lightweight hiking shirt that wicks moisture, dries quickly, and will keep you cool. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt is one of our favorites. It does all of the above while being super lightweight and packable, plus it doesn’t wrinkle. It’s ideal for any desert hike because it has great ventilation and odor control, making it perfect for hot days and long hikes. Plus it’s Fair Trade Certified and utilizes recycled materials.
Check price: REI | Patagonia | Backcountry
Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt
For extra sun protection, go with the Patagonia Capilene Cool Long Sleeve Shirt. I have fair skin and have recently gotten into the habit of wearing long sleeves when I hike in the desert, even on hotter days, in order to protect my skin.
This shirt is quick-drying, prevents odor, and is rated for 50+ UPF sun protection. It also breathes really well, so you won’t get too hot even in the sun. Safe to say, you could wear this on your whole trip and hand-wash it when you need to freshen it up. Plus, like the Patagonia tee above, this piece is made from recycled materials and is Fair Trade Certified.
Check price: REI | Patagonia | Backcountry
Hiking Shorts
You’ll want a pair of comfortable hiking shorts for those warm desert days. We love The North Face Aphrodite Shorts because they’re super comfy and lightweight and they have a wide waistband and just the right amount of stretch to them.
They’re also a perfect length and have pockets which are always handy, plus they dry quickly. We’ve worn these hiking, rafting, and lounging and they’re always a great choice.
Check price: REI | Backcountry
Hiking Pants
On cool desert days or when the sun goes down, you’ll want to put on another layer like these prAna Halle II Hiking Pants. They’re light and stretchy enough for you to keep moving on the trail but durable enough to stand up to the elements.
These pants layer well over a pair of long underwear if you’re visiting in the winter or the desert temps really drop at night.
Check price: REI | Backcountry
>> Read Next: Best Women’s Hiking Pants & Leggings
Light Warm Layer
No matter what time of year you’re heading to the desert, packing a flannel or lightweight warm layer is always a good idea. When you need to add a layer, the REI Wallace Lake flannel is a solid choice. It’s soft on your skin, yet durable for hiking and camping. And, it’s available in seven different colors, so take your pick.
Check price: REI
Warm Jacket
If you are traveling in the shoulder season, nights in the desert can get pretty cold and you’ll likely need a warm jacket (you can skip this if you’re visiting in mid-summer). I always have an insulated puffy jacket with me, and one of my favorites is the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. It’s super lightweight, warm, and made with eco-friendly materials (recycled ripstop nylon in this case).
And, it’s packable so it’s easy to bring along on any adventure.
Check price: REI | Patagonia | Backcountry
>> Read Next: Best Women’s Synthetic Down Jackets
Desert Hiking Footwear
Hiking Shoes
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid are perfect for hiking in the desert. They’re durable and breathable, making them great for desert hiking when paired with lightweight hiking socks (Darn Tough are our favorite).
The tempest outsole is super grippy which will help you navigate across rocky and sandy terrain. The Oboz Sawtooth X is comfortable from day one, so you won’t need to endure a stiff break-in period.
Oboz also has some waterproof hiking boot options that we love, although I personally recommend the non-waterproof for desert environments since they’re more breathable. If you’d like more info on the Oboz Sawtooth X’s you can read my full review here.
Check price: Backcountry
>> Read Next: Best Women’s Hiking Boots & Shoes
Hiking Sandals
One of the best parts of visiting the southwest is getting to explore the unique waterfalls, rivers, and canyons. Rather than wearing your hiking shoes or flip flops, I recommend packing a water sandal that can also double as a camp shoe.
These Teva Universal Trail Sandals are a durable option that will carry you from the trail to the river. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and provide great traction with their Vibram soles to prevent slipping.
Even better, the straps on these new sandals are made of 100% recycled plastic! Check out my complete review of these sandals for more info.
Check price: REI | Backcountry
Desert Hiking Accessories
Wide Brimmed Sun Hat
Wearing a well-brimmed hat in the sun will reduce your exposure and help keep your head cool. The best hat for your desert hiking adventure is a hat you’ll actually wear, so pick one out based on your style – the wider the brim the better out in the desert.
My absolute favorite sun hat is the Wallaroo Women’s Sedona Hat pictured below. It’s crushable making for easy packing, doesn’t get too hot when hiking, and it has a drawstring in the brim that allows you to tighten the hat if it’s windy.
*DISCOUNT CODE: Save 20% on the Wallaroo Sedona hat when you use the code BEARFOOT20 at checkout.
Check price: Wallaroo Hats
Polarized Sunglasses
Another must-have item for a desert hiking trip is a good pair of sunglasses. One of my favorite reasonably priced pair of sunglasses are the SunCloud Patrol Polarized sunglasses. With 100% UV protection, these are great sunglasses for hiking in the desert to protect your eyes from the sun.
Check price: REI
A Buff
Buffs are great multi-functional pieces that are great for keeping your neck protected in hot desert environments. We love the Buff CoolNet UV+ because it has a cooling technology finish and UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s also made from 95% recycled materials.
If the temps are really high or you feeling some heat exhaustion, wet your buff with water and wear it around your head. This will help keep your body temp cooler.
Check price: REI | Backcountry
Desert Hiking Gear
Day Pack
Once you get to your desert destination, you’ll need a rugged, durable day hiking pack, like the Osprey Tempest 20. With just the right amount of room, it has several pockets to store everything you need for a day outside.
You can attach a helmet or trekking poles to the exterior and integrate your hydration reservoir. Overall, the Osprey Tempest 20 Pack is a good all-around day pack to add to your desert packing list.
Check price: REI | Backcountry | Osprey
Hydration Reservoir
One of the most important things to remember when you’re out exploring the desert is to stay hydrated. The Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir is a reliable, BPA-free reservoir available in 1.5, 2, and 3 L.
I recommend the 3L reservoir if you’ll be heading out for a full day – water sources can be limited hiking in the desert. This hydration reservoir is designed to keep a low profile, so your pack will still be comfortable.
Check price: REI | Backcountry | Osprey
Water filter
If you’re heading out on a longer hike and you know there will be water sources like a river or creek, it’s a good idea to pack a water filter so you can fill up your hydration bladder and not worry about water. We love the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 22 fl oz water filter because it’s small and lightweight and very easy to use. Just fill it up and squeeze the water out into your larger container or reservoir.
Check price: REI | LifeStraw
>> Read Next: Best Backpacking Water Filters
GPS & Satellite Communicator
Throughout most of the wild places in remote desert areas, there’s very spotty cell service or none at all. You may want to consider carrying a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini 2-way Satellite Communicator.
This tiny handheld device has 2-way texting, SOS, and tracking capabilities. It could be a life-saver (literally) if you need help and you’re out of cell reception. I feel a little more comfortable when I’m off-grid knowing I have an emergency device like this.
Check price: REI
Sunscreen & Lip Balm
Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget the sunscreen and lip balm. We’ve been loving Think Sport’s Naturally Tinted Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen because it blends in well, doesn’t leave a white residue, and most importantly it’s eco-friendly, reef-friendly, and free of harmful chemicals.
Also, be sure to back a tube of chapstick with SPF because there’s nothing worse than sore and blistering lips!
Check price: Amazon
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I hope this helps you dial in the gear you need for your desert hiking adventure! What questions do you have? Where are you most excited about visiting? Let us know in the comments below.
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