Arches National Park
Packing Checklist
Explore, hike, or travel scenic roads through the unique landscapes at Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The Arches trail system is flexible and allows for both short hikes to famous red rock arches or multi-night backcountry trips to explore the landscapes formed over the past 300 million years.
Water isn't available in the backcountry, so plan to carry all you need. If you get off the beaten path, expect mostly rough terrain with very limited water sources. You'll need to be prepared for steep terrain, loose rock, lightning, flash floods and dehydration. But the beauty is well worth it for those who come prepared.
Want to learn more before you go? Read our Arches National Park guide.
Filter by season, gender, and trip type to see exactly what to pack.
Bring a pack to fit all of your essentials, layers, and water. It's helpful to have room for a camelback.
Osprey Hikelite LT 30L
A good overall pack focused on comfort.
Gregory Citro 30L
A pack designed with cooling and hydration built in.
You shouldn't be camping on a day hike. But it's a good idea to pack an emergency blanket just in case
Emergency Blanket
Designed with insulation in mind, mylar emergency blanket can reflect over 90% of body heat, effectively preventing heat loss and ensuring your comfort and protection even in the harshest conditions.
Prepare for the desert. Water capacity depends how long you are hiking and which trails. 3-4 liters is normally enough for a day. Pick a BPA free water bottle for shorter trips or combined with a reservour for longer hikes.
Platypus 2L water reservoir
Premium taste-free, leak-proof reservoir with fast flow rate
Nalgene 32oz
The Nalgene bottle is simple, versatile, and practically indestructible.
A spork lets you get creative with your hiking snacks
Titanium Spork
Durable and versatile flatware utensil for your adventures.
Just because you're in the wilderness doesn't mean you need to skimp on food… or wait in long lines for mediocre National Park snacks.
Bear Box Brew
Enjoy your own cold brew coffee on trail.
Greenbelly Backpacking Meal
A meal made to keep you going on 20 mile days where keeping things fast and light is crucial.
Pick athletic shorts/pants and sunhoodie/shirt that works for you. We love merino wool for any season, to stay warm and protect against the sun.
Training Shorts - Men's
Moisture-wicking and all-way stretch performance fabric that allows for flexibility and circulation during even your toughest workouts.
Sunhoodie
Lightweight, durable Merino fabric uses a recycled nylon core while still keeping 100% Merino wool next to skin UPF 40+
Lightweight Outdoor Pants
Hiking pants with built-in mesh vent panels that actively wick away heat and moisture
Mirage Shorts - Women's
Fashionable yet functional, with a soft elastic waistband, bulti-in breathable mesh liner and side slits for additional range of motion.
Sunhoodie
Lightweight, durable Merino fabric uses a recycled nylon core while still keeping 100% Merino wool next to skin UPF 40+
Lightweight Outdoor Pants
Hiking pants feature quick-drying, breathable, and water-resistant fabric, offering sun protection and durability for a comfortable outdoor experience
A combination of fleece or puffy and a rain jacket will be good protection against unpredictable weather.
Columbia Kalamata Fleece
Comfortable and versatile with the perfect amount of warmth, this Men's lightweight fleece pullover will be a new favorite.
Frog Toggs Poncho
100% waterproof, breathable, lightweight and durable. Great price to stay dry.
Columbia Fleece
Comfy, casual, and versatile Women's zip-up fleece jacket.
Don't skimp here! Get high quality garments that prevent chafe and keep you moving in comfort.
Men's Sport Briefs
Designed for a snug active fit and lower rise, ideal for high-energy activities
Midweight Cushion Hiking Socks
Men's fine gauge knitted sock provides mid-level cushion density under your foot. Comes with a lifetime guarantee!
Women's Full cut Briefs
Ultralight breathable mesh fabric that supplies airflow to keep you cool
Midweight Cushion Hiking Socks
Women's fine gauge knitted sock provides mid-level cushion density under your foot. Comes with a lifetime guarantee!
You may need to bring extra layers for chilly mornings.
Merino Wool Gloves
Merino wool lightweight gloves
Merino Wool Beanie
This lightweight and moisture-wicking hat keeps you warm even when wet.
High quality hiking shoes are essential! Break them in before your trip to prevent blisters.
Olympus 6 Trail Runners - Men's
The perfect balance of support and comfort for trail.
Trail Gaiters
Keep the rocks and dirt out of your shoes.
Olympus 6 Trail Runners - Women's
The perfect balance of support and comfort for trail.
Protect yourself from the basics - sun, bugs, germs, and darkness.
Nitecore Headlamp
Lightweight rechargeable headlamp.
Tilley Airflo Hat
Ventilated hat with maximum sun protection UPF 50+
Pact Bathroom Kit
Hopefully you won't need this, but it's the lightest, most environmentally friendly way to bury your poop, speeding up decomposition by up to 10x
Be prepared for the unexpected while you explore the backcountry.
Ultralight Medical Kit
First aid supplies designed for the backcountry.
Download an app Goat Maps to download maps directly to your phone. But don't only rely on your electronic maps. Pack a paper map. You can pick up a less detailed paper map at the park.
Compass
Lightweight and reliable compass
Arches Trail Map
National Geographic illustrated trail map
Pack the fun things that will make your hike special and comfortable. We don't go anywhere without our trekking poles, and sometimes bring our 1 pound camp chair.
Cork Trekking Poles
Get extra support and walk comfortably with these hiking poles.
Mini multi-tool
A compact multitool features needle nose pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, bottle opener, retail package opener, plain edge blade pocket knife, scissors, small and medium flat head driver, fine and coarse file
Helinox Chair Zero
Revolutionarily lightweight design and packs small.
Stay in contact and keep your phone charged no matter how deep in the wilderness you go.
Power Bank
Can fully charge most phones three times with power to spare
In-reach mini 3
Lightweight SOS satellite communicator uses the global Iridium satellite network so you can stay connected without cell coverage
Forerunner GPS Watch
Perfect if you love to track your hikes.
