Visiting a National Park in the Desert? Grab This Gear First
From Mesa Verde to Canyonlands, many of America’s most beautiful natural parks occupy desert landscapes. Within them you can hike, camp, bike, and explore to your heart’s content – but doing so and actually enjoying it requires showing up prepared. Beyond local maps, this guide covers all the gear you need to visit a desert-scaped national park.
We hope you love thegear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Roark 5 Day Mule 55L Backpack, Multi-Day Travel Pack with Laptop Storage[image error] [image error]
You need a lot of water when in the desert. Combined with trekking gear, a lot will fit in the Roark 5 Day Mule 55L pack. It is made from durable 210D nylon ripstop and features a variety of compartments to keep your gear organized and accessible.
The main compartment is large enough to fit all of your essentials, including clothing, toiletries, and electronics. There is also a dedicated laptop pocket that can accommodate a laptop up to 17 inches in size. Other features include a hidden passport pocket, multiple zippered pockets for smaller items, and a stowable hip belt for added stability.
The Roark 5 Day Mule 55L Backpack is a versatile pack that can be used for a variety of activities, including travel, hiking, and camping. It is comfortable to carry for long periods of time and is well-built to withstand the elements.
Here are the details:
Multiple compartments for organizationDedicated laptop pocketHidden passport pocketStowable hip beltComfortable to carryPrice: $135
Bajio Calda sunglasses
Photo courtesy Bajio
Made originally for anglers, Bajio sunglasses are the best on the market for deflecting brightly reflected light, which the desert has a lot of. Bajio Calda sunglasses are a popular choice for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. They are designed to provide superior sun protection and clarity of vision in all conditions. The Calda frame is made from a durable bio-based nylon that is lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. The lenses are polarized to reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see fish and other objects in the water.
Bajio Calda sunglasses also feature a proprietary LAPIS lens technology that blocks 95% of blue light and a majority of yellow light. This helps to reduce eye strain and improve visual clarity, especially in bright and sunny conditions. These sunglasses are available in a variety of lens colors and frame styles to choose from. They are also backed by a one-year warranty, so you can be confident that your investment is protected.
Price: $209
YEHOBU Survival Compass[image error] [image error]
Getting lost in the desert is easy. Gaining your bearings also doesn’t need to be difficult. The YEHOBU Survival Compass is a military-grade compass that is perfect for hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activities. It is made from durable metal and is waterproof and shockproof. The compass has a built-in bubble level and sighting lens for accurate readings. It also features a luminous dial for night navigation.
This compass has a variety of features that make it ideal for survival situations. It has a built-in clinometer for measuring slope and elevation, and a compass mirror for signaling. The compass also comes with a carrying case and lanyard for easy transportation.
Here are the details:
Price: $13.58
Surblue wide-brim hat
Photo: Creative Studio/Shutterstock
The Surblue Wide Brim Fishing Sun Hat is a great choice for anglers who want to protect themselves from the sun, rain, and wind. It is made from a lightweight and breathable polyester fabric that is quick-drying and water-resistant. The hat has a wide brim that provides 360 degrees of sun protection, as well as a neck flap that helps to protect the back of your neck and ears.
Price: $15.99
SunBum SPF50 sunscreen[image error] [image error]
You need SPF50 in the desert, no matter what time of year you’re going. This option from SunBum is reef-safe and vegan, so it’s as low-impact as can be. It’s also lightweight, non-greasy, and easy to apply. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy your time in the sun without having to worry about reapplying every time you get wet.
Price: $18.49
Paka Everyday Baselayer
Photo courtesy of Paka
Here’s the thing about the desert – it gets as cold as it does hot. The temperature fluctuation between day and hight is extreme, and mornings tend to be chilly as well. Matador’s outdoor editor loves the Paka Everyday Baselayer, aside from the flattering, straight-line fit, because of the warmth. For being a relatively thin feeling shirt, she found herself a bit overheated on a recent September trip to northern Vancouver Island when she wore it in 60-degree weather (and I’m a person that normally gets cold pretty easily). And when it started lightly raining, it didn’t get very wet.
Check out Matador’s detailed review of the Paka Everyday Base Layer
Price: $75
Merino Protect merino wool shirt[image error][image error]
Regardless of the temperature, merino wool is the way to go in the desert. Merino Protect 100% Merino Wool T-Shirts for Men are a great choice for travelers and hikers alike. They are made from soft, breathable, and lightweight merino wool that is naturally odor-resistant, making them ideal for extended wear. Merino wool is also a great insulator, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. This makes Merino Protect 100% Merino Wool T-Shirts a versatile option for a variety of climates and activities. In addition to their odor resistance and insulation properties, Merino Protect 100% Merino Wool T-Shirts are also moisture-wicking and quick-drying. This helps to keep you dry and comfortable, even during strenuous activity.
Price: $41.99
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots
Photo: REI
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boots (available for men and women) are a popular choice for hikers of all levels. They are known for their comfort, durability, and versatility. These boots are a great option for day hikes in the desert as well as backpacking trips, and even light mountaineering. They are made with a durable suede and mesh upper that provides good ventilation and support. The midsole is made with Merrell’s Air Cushion technology, which provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The outsole is made with Vibram rubber, which provides good traction on a variety of surfaces. The Moab 3 Mids are also available in a waterproof version, which features a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
Price: $130-$150
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Power Bank
Photo courtesy of Goal Zero
The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Power Bank is a portable power bank that can be used to charge a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras. It has a capacity of 95 watt-hours, which is enough to charge most laptops once or twice. The Sherpa 100PD also has a fast-charging USB-C port that can deliver up to 100 watts of power. This makes it ideal for charging laptops and other devices that require a lot of power. In addition to its fast-charging USB-C port, the Sherpa 100PD also has two other USB ports and a wireless charging pad. This makes it possible to charge multiple devices at the same time. The Sherpa 100PD is also airline-approved, so you can take it with you on your travels.
Check out Matador’s detailed review of the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD
Price: $199.95
Badger Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent[image error] [image error]
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray is a DEET-free, natural bug spray that is safe for kids and adults alike. It is made with certified organic ingredients, including citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary, which are known to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. Simply shake the bottle well and spray evenly on exposed skin. It is water-resistant for up to three hours, so you can enjoy your outdoor activities without having to reapply every time you get wet.
Price: $11.04
Marmot Crane Creek Two-person backpacking tent[image error] [image error]
The Marmot Crane Creek 2 Person Backpacking Tent is a lightweight and durable tent that is perfect for backpacking trips and extended camping adventures. It is easy to set up and has a variety of features that make it comfortable and livable, even in bad weather. It has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate two people and their gear. It also has two doors and two vestibules for easy access and extra storage space. The tent is made from durable materials and has a seam-taped rain fly to keep you dry in wet weather.
Here are the details:
Spacious interior for two people and their gearTwo doors and two vestibules for easy access and extra storage spaceDurable materials and seam-taped rain fly for weather protectionLightweight and portable designEasy to set upPrice: $83.64
REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants – Women’s
Photo: REI
The REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants – Women’s are a versatile pair of pants that are perfect for a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and travel. They are made from a durable and stretchy fabric that is comfortable to wear all day long. The pants also have a variety of features that make them functional and practical, such as zippered pockets, articulated knees, and a water-resistant finish.
Price: $99.95
Kuhl Renegade Rock Pants
Photo: REI
The Kühl Renegade Rock Pants are a versatile and durable pair of pants that are perfect for a variety of activities, including climbing, hiking, and camping. They are made from a soft and stretchy fabric that is also abrasion-resistant, making them ideal for challenging environments. The pants also have a variety of features that make them functional and comfortable, such as articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, and zippered pockets.
Price: $99.95
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