What Makes Arizona Trail Gear Different
The Arizona Trail (AZT) runs roughly 800 miles from the Mexican border to the Utah border, crossing desert, mountains, forests, and the Grand Canyon. The same trip can include hot days, freezing nights, rain, snow at higher elevations, and long stretches between reliable water. Your gear list should cover that range.
This list is organized by category. Thru-hikers will carry nearly everything below, while section hikers can trim based on length, season, and the section they choose. Trail conditions, water availability, and regulations change, so check current guidance from the trail’s official association and land managers before you go.
Planning Factors That Shape Your List
- Season: Many northbound thru-hikers start in spring, but conditions at both ends of the trail can differ a lot. Your shelter, sleeping bag, and clothing depend on when you hike.
- Water: Natural water can be sparse and seasonal, and some sources are cattle tanks or other untreated sources. Plan water carrying capacity and treatment carefully.
- Resupply: Some sections are long between towns. Plan food carrying accordingly.
- Experience level: Lighter gear often takes more skills. Choose a setup you are comfortable with.
Backpack
Most long-distance hikers choose a pack in the range of 40 to 60 liters, depending on base weight and how much food and water they carry. Make sure it fits well and is comfortable with several liters of water added. Consider a pack that includes side pockets or a place for water bottles that you can reach without removing the pack.
Shelter
- Tent, tarp, or tarp tent: Choose something that handles wind and the possibility of rain. Some hikers prefer a freestanding or semi-freestanding setup because ground can be rocky or hard.
- Stakes: Bring stakes that work in hard or sandy ground.
- Groundsheet: Protects from thorns and abrasion.
Sleep System
- Sleeping bag or quilt: Nights in the high country can drop below freezing, even after warm days. Choose a rating that fits the coldest nights you expect on your dates.
- Sleeping pad: An insulated pad also protects against ground chill.
- Liner or extra layers for added warmth if needed.
Clothing
A simple layering system works well:
- Sun protection layers: A long-sleeve sun shirt, a wide-brimmed hat or sun hat, and sunglasses. Many desert hikers prefer covering up to staying exposed.
- Hiking shirt and shorts or pants, in quick-drying fabrics
- Insulation: A warm fleece or insulated jacket for camp and cold mornings
- Rain jacket and, optionally, rain pants
- Warm hat and light gloves
- Base layer top and bottom for sleeping in cold conditions
- Socks: Multiple pairs, rotating them and washing when you can
- Footwear: Many people use trail runners, but some prefer boots. Bring what you have already tested on long days. Gaiters can help keep sand and small stones out.
Water Carrying and Treatment
Because water can be sparse, carrying capacity is a key item:
- Several liters of capacity, such as multiple bottles or collapsible containers
- A water filter or chemical treatment. A filter with a pre-filter or a way to handle silty water is helpful
- A collapsible container for dry camps
- Electrolyte mix, if you use it
Check current water reports from the trail community before long dry sections, and carry extra when reports are old or unclear.
Cooking and Food
- Stove and fuel: Some hikers carry a small canister or alcohol stove. Check fire restrictions, which can change by season and area.
- Pot, spoon, lighter
- Food: High-calorie food that tolerates heat. Plan for hungry days.
- Food storage: A bag or container to protect food from rodents and other animals.
Navigation
- Phone or GPS with trail maps downloaded in advance
- Backup navigation: Paper maps or a printed guide, and a compass
- Portable power bank and cable
- Satellite messenger or personal locator beacon, as many sections are remote and without cell service
Desert-Specific Items
- Tweezers or a comb for removing cactus spines
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Extra electrolytes and salty snacks
- A lightweight shade option, such as an umbrella, for some hikers
- Gaiters for sand and thorns
- Insect repellent, depending on the season
First Aid and Toiletries
- Basic first-aid kit with blister care, tape, antiseptic, and pain relievers
- Any personal medications
- Toothbrush, small soap, and toilet paper
- Trowel and bags for waste, following current rules
- Hand sanitizer
Miscellaneous
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Trekking poles
- Repair kit with tape and a needle
- Permits, where required (for example, if camping within Grand Canyon National Park)
- Small bag for trash
Section Hiking Notes
If you are planning a few days rather than the whole trail, choose a section that matches your skill level and the season. Check for permits, water, and access points. Trim your list by leaving behind items you will not use for a short trip, but keep the safety items.
What You Can Leave Out
- Extra clothes beyond what you can wear and layer
- Heavy luxury items
- Large containers of toiletries
- Items that duplicate a function (for example, two knives)
Related Reading
For more general layering and day-hike basics, see the mountain vacation packing list. If you plan to add an overnight trip in the Sierra, the Mount Whitney gear list covers high-altitude and bear-canister considerations. For the Grand Canyon crossing, see Grand Canyon backpacking trails for permit and water notes, and for another long desert route, the Grand Enchantment Trail overview.