Before You Buy Gear: A Safety Note
Canyoneering involves rappelling, route finding, and sometimes swimming in cold water, in terrain where escape routes can be limited. Flash floods are a serious hazard in many canyons, and the equipment on this list is only useful if you have the skills to use it. If you are new, consider a guided trip or a course from a qualified instructor (our guide to Grand Canyon canyoneering for beginners explains why that canyon is a poor place to learn), and learn rope systems, anchor building, and rescue basics before attempting technical canyons without guidance. Always check the weather and the canyon’s conditions for the day, including upstream rainfall.
Guided Trip or Your Own Gear?
On a guided trip, the operator typically provides the technical equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and wetsuits in wet canyons, and tells you what to bring yourself, usually clothing, shoes, food, and water. Confirm exactly what is included. If you are going independently, the full list below applies.
Technical Gear
- Harness. A canyoneering harness, or a climbing harness, with a reinforced seat to resist wear from sliding on rock. Many canyoneers use a harness with a protective seat.
- Rappel device. A descender suitable for canyon use, with adjustable friction. Many people choose devices made for canyoneering because they handle wet and sandy ropes well.
- Locking carabiners. Several screw-gate or similar locking carabiners for the device, personal anchor, and rigging. Check how your carabiners cope with grit and sand.
- Personal anchor system. A tether with a locking carabiner, so you can secure yourself at anchors.
- Ascending gear. Prusik cords or mechanical ascenders for self-rescue or climbing a rope.
- Ropes. Canyon ropes are usually static or low-stretch, often in the range of 8 to 9.5 millimeters in diameter. A common guideline is to carry a rope long enough for the longest rappel on your route, usually with extra length for rigging. Always consult a current route description or guide for specific lengths.
- Pull cord. A thinner cord used to retrieve the rope after a rappel, if you are using a rope retrieval setup.
- Webbing and rigging materials. Used for building or replacing anchors, which should be done only by those trained in it.
- Rope bag. Protects the rope from sand and helps in deployment.
- Knife or cutting tool, stored where you can reach it.
Helmet
A helmet certified for climbing or canyoneering protects against falling rocks and bumps. Wear it throughout the canyon, not only at rappels.
Footwear and Socks
- Shoes: Sticky-rubber canyoneering or approach shoes that grip wet and dry rock. Avoid open-toed sandals in technical canyons.
- Socks: Neoprene socks for cold-water canyons, and quick-drying socks for dry ones.
Clothing for Wet and Dry Canyons
Dry Canyons
- Quick-drying, non-cotton shirt and pants or shorts
- Light long sleeves and long pants to protect against abrasion
- A light wind layer for cool mornings
- Sun hat or buff and sunscreen
Wet Canyons
- Wetsuit, shorty, or dry suit: Thickness depends on water temperature and how long you will be in the water. Some canyons have cold water even in warm weather.
- Thermal layer: A synthetic or fleece top for warmth under your gear or after exiting.
- Neoprene socks and gloves, depending on temperature.
- Spare dry clothes left in the car or in a dry bag.
Gloves
Thin, durable gloves protect hands from rough rock and rope friction. Many people use gardening or light leather gloves.
Packs, Dry Bags, and Water
- Canyon pack: A pack designed to drain water and resist abrasion, since it may be dragged or dropped
- Dry bags: For phone, keys, food, and a first-aid kit
- Water: Carry enough for the full trip. Water in canyons can be unsafe to drink without treatment.
- Snacks with high energy, in waterproof packaging
Safety and Emergency Items
- First-aid kit including bandages for scrapes
- Headlamp with spare batteries, in case the canyon takes longer than planned
- Whistle
- Space blanket or emergency bivy
- Navigation: a map, a route description, and a GPS with downloaded maps
- Communication device, since cell service in canyons is often poor. Some people carry a satellite messenger.
- Permit and trip plan, if required for the canyon you are visiting
Cameras, Phones, and Medications
Protect electronics in waterproof cases or dry bags. Bring any personal medications in a waterproof container. Tell someone your plans and when to expect you back.
Quick Checklist
- Harness, descender, locking carabiners, personal anchor
- Rope, pull cord, rope bag, rigging materials
- Helmet and gloves
- Canyoneering shoes and appropriate socks
- Wetsuit or quick-dry clothing, depending on the canyon
- Dry bags, pack, water, snacks
- First aid, headlamp, whistle, emergency layer
- Navigation and communication
Related Lists
For other types of trips, see the Arizona Trail gear list if you are hiking through the desert, or the mountain vacation packing list for general layers and day-hike essentials.