Desert Camping and Hiking Essentials
Utah’s otherwordly desert landscape, which includes the Mighty 5, is a well traveled and popular destination for adventurers around the world. Summer tends to be the most popular time to visit even with high heat and dry conditions. It is important to be prepared with the proper items before embarking on a desert adventure.
Water
It seems like an obvious item to take on any outing but the quantity of water you bring is of the utmost importance. A general rule of thumb is to drink when you’re thirsty and drink regularly. A gallon of water per person per day is usually a good amount to have on hand. It is always good to have too much water and not too little! While hiking or reaching peak temperatures of the day, be sure to have a water bottle on hand to cool off and avoid dehydration.
Signs of Dehydration:
First symptoms: irritability, quiet, slow to respond.
As the dehydration intensifies: fatigued, muscle weakness and unwilling or even unable to move.
Severe dehydration: heatstroke, confusion, lack of sweating, flushed red complexion, rapid heartbeat, extreme dry mouth, and delirium.
Heatstroke is an immediate threat to life and must be addressed rapidly with aggressive cooling.
Food
Having nourishing, low sodium food items and meals while out in the desert will help you feel your best! Fresh fruits, trail mix, and beef jerky are good snacking items to have on hand while on the trails. Our campervan rentals are all equipped with small fridges so that you can bring some cooling food items to enjoy while on your camping trip
Map
Always grab a trail map and know before you go! Free National Park maps are handed out while entering the parks so do not skimp out on the free materials. Many destinations have dead zones with minimal to no cell service so a map is a crucial tool to have on hand while navigating the outdoors.
Sunscreen
The sun is relentless out in the desert. Be sure to pack your favorite sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. Having a water resistant sunscreen can help you stay protected while you sweat it out on the hiking trails.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is always a good item to pack while camping. Make your own or bring a pre-packaged first aid kit that has the standard items as well as snake bite kit if necessary.
Layered Clothing
Even in the summer, desert temperatures can drop drastically when the sun goes down. Dusk and dawn can be breezy and cool while the afternoon heat can be unbearable at times. Make sure to bring layered clothing that you can easily add and take off during your trip.
CAMPERVAN RENTALS AVAILABLE IN SALT LAKE CITY, BOISE, PORTLAND, SPOKANE/CDA