Moab packing list

This list is broken up into two parts, an essentials packing list, and a list of links to great gear that you may want to buy if you are really serious about traveling a lot in the future. Before checking out the latter section, please realize that in no way, shape or form do you need to buy ANY of this stuff for our trip to Moab! This is just a list of some of my favorite travel items that I strongly stand behind. Also note that everything you pack needs to be able to fit in a carry-on sized bag, this means packing light! 

Also, as we are headed to the desert in the summer time, it is going to be HOT! Moab can reach 100+ in July. This heat is a lot different than what we have in the Midwest as it is a much drier heat and thus more comfortable, but it is still plenty hot and the sun will be really strong. Make sure you bring lightweight clothing and plenty of water bottles/hydration reservoir. Most importantly, leave the cotton at home!

If you have never experienced this type of dry heat, it’s important to realize that you will need to be even more conscious of hydration and paying attention to your body. Often in this type of heat, you will not sweat as much or your sweat will dry almost immediately, meaning that light clothing and ability to carry lots of water is even more important!

Being in the desert also means big temperature drops at night. Our nights will be an awesome 65-70 degrees most likely, meaning some light long-sleeve clothing would be smart for hanging around the campfire.

The essentials

• Clothes
  • 3-4 lightweight shirts- dri-fit would be very smart. 
  • 2-3 pair lightweight shorts- light hiking shorts are great if you have them but athletic shorts will do just fine!
  • 1 pair light pants, leggings or yoga pants for chilly nights. 
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt or light jacket. 
  • 1 swimsuit- in case you want to take a dip in the local springs or river.
  • 3 pair hiking socks
  • Hiking or running shoes/boots/sandals- this is personal preference, just be ready to walk in them A LOT! Make sure they are durable and worn in, you do not want blisters! 
  • Light casual shoes or sandals for camp and relaxation
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat- something with a big brim or neck protection from the sun would be smart, especially for anybody with shorter hair. 
• Gear
  • Water bottles or hydration pack/reservoir- You should be able to carry at MINIMUM 2 liters. I carry 3, sometimes 4!
  • Camera- our phones have great cameras too and I will take lots of photos with my professional camera, so no need to buy a camera if you don’t have one! 
  • Chargers- whatever tech you bring, keep it alive or else it’s dead weight!
  • Carry-on size backpack or luggage- If you plan to buy a new backpack, check it’s dimensions. If it is close, it will generally be accepted as a carry-on. Because we are living out of a group van, a backpack isn’t necessary if you don’t have one or don’t want to buy one. A simple suitcase will do just fine. 
  • Water bottles or water reservoir- be able to carry a minimum of 2 liters of water. Water reservoirs that fit in a backpack are a great option as they’ll keep water cool longer than bottles. There’s a great option in the gear list below. 
  • Daypack- any lightweight backpack that you can fit your camera, water and some extra sunscreen and snacks will do.
  • Sleeping Pad- if you don’t have one of these or can’t borrow one from someone, remember that you can rent one for the trip for a small extra fee.
  • Sleeping Bag- if you don’t have one of these or can’t borrow one from someone, remember that you can rent one for the trip for a small extra fee.
• Toiletries
  • Whatever you need! Remember it must be TSA-approved sizes (3.4 ounces or less), keep it compact! 
  • Towel- travel towel highly recommended since they are compact. Link to suggestion below.
  • Sunscreen- we will have a few big bottles to begin the trip with, but if you want special oil-free sunscreen for your face or anything like that, plan to bring your own. Make sure anything you bring is 3.4 ounces or less. 
• Extras
  • Any extras you’re thinking about bringing, just remember that you will not regret packing light!

Some gear recommendations:

(disclaimer: these are affiliate links. They do not cost you more, but No Strings Travel may receive a tiny portion of the sale from Amazon. Regardless, we swear by these items and regularly travel with them!) 

1. Travel/camping Pillow: An inflatable pillow that packs down to pocket-size.  
2. Travel towel– probably the biggest space saver on this list! Definitely a great investment. 
3. Daypack (my go-to or the cheaper Amazon brand)- to carry the day’s essentials.
4. Osprey Water Reservoir– keep this in your backpack and it will keep your water cool much longer than a normal water bottle. 
5. Buff– great and versatile! Keeps you warm when it’s cold, provides sun protection and I also use mine as an eye-mask to help me sleep in and sleep on flights and long drives!
6. Merino hiking socks (men and women)- merino wool! Experience it’s smell-resistant magic!
7. A good sun hat like this one.