Utah Packing List (22 Things to Bring in 2024)

Preparing to spend time outdoors in Utah’s wilderness? Then a high quality pack is perhaps the most crucial part of your packing checklist for Utah.

Our team recently tested 8 of this year’s top portable luggage in a head-to-head competition. The overall champion? The Osprey Eja (females) and Osprey Exos (males).

Looking for a travel backpack that is just as convenient on an airplane as on a hike? We’ve also ranked the top backpacks for travel, and our overall selection is the Osprey Sojourn Porter Pack 46. It has plenty of room, is comfortable, and has an attractive design. While 46 liters may not seem like a large storage capacity, it’s perfect for a weekend or quick week trip to Utah.

Hiking Boots

The primary thing you don’t want to forget on your upcoming Utah trip is a sturdy pair of hiking boots. Hiking paths line the state from north to south with popular Utah hiking trails suited for all fitness levels.

Don’t miss out on the fun and be sure to bring your sturdy hiking shoes, also available in a model for men. The weatherproof technology of this pair makes them unstoppable on trails in any season.

Daypack

This pack that is comfortable enough for day trips keeps you from needing to constantly readjust your belongings on hiking trails. Though lightweight, the durable Osprey Daylite backpacks` features have made it a top selection for us, suiting activities like running errands, exploring new places, or taking on paths in Utah`s landscape.

Water bladder

You’ll require a considerable amount of water if hiking in Utah, especially in the hotter months. This hydration bladder from Osprey is able to hold up to three liters of water at once, eliminating your need to pump for more water in the midst of the hike.

The straw`s feature also allows for drinking water without needing to stop the vehicle, a crucial benefit in time-sensitive situations.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the essential products recommended for hiking, especially important to bring for hiking in the Utah desert region. I am fond of Thinksport Clear Zinc SPF 50 Sunscreen as it offers a high protection factor, does not get washed away by sweating, and provides full coverage of the skin.

I’ve worn this Thinksport sunscreen while skiing in northern Utah and while hiking through the Zion Narrows in southern Utah. You should always have this sun protectant in your hiking backpack or carryall bag when traveling outdoors. UV rays can cause harm without proper sun protection.

Sun Hat

A head covering similar to the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is advised to be taken for the high temperatures encountered in the Utah desert areas. This head covering will prove helpful during sightseeing trips to cities like Ogden or Park City, or on hiking excursions through Utah`s national parks.

Rock Climbing Shoes

If rock climbing is your passion, don`t forget to bring your climbing shoes to Utah! Within the desert state`s Navajo Sandstone across the landscape lie thousands upon thousands of rock climbing routes calling out to be explored.

Considered one of the most comfortable climbing shoes available, the La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes, which is also accessible in a women’s shoe variation, includes a spacious toe box and customizable laces.

Water Filtration Bottle

The ideal season to explore Utah varies based on the activity but hiking can be done throughout the year. You will likely require a LifeStraw Go water filtration bottle during the warmer summer months when water consumption is high in the desert climate.

This is one of the most convenient water filters on the market, as you simply filter straight from the source to your bottle and voila! You have freshly filtered drinking water.

Rock Climbing Rope

Don’t miss out on some excellent rock climbing in Zion National Park or Arches National Park and be certain to pack this flexible rope. The Mammut Crag Taking Care Classic 9.5mm Non-dry Rope is flawless for passionate trad or sport stone climbers. Not merely is it eco-acquainted, but it’s additionally smooth and extremely premium.

If exploring the Southwestern United States by vehicle, be sure to check out some of the notable rock climbing locales within California mentioned on this website.

Rock Climbing Harness

If climbing at an elevated level on cliff faces or walls utilizing specially designed climbing equipment and safety gear is planned in Utah, having climbing attire such as a body harness is crucial. The Black Diamond Momentum 3S Harness is considered one of the highest quality safety belts available on the market today with an adaptable design allowing use between both males and females when needed as a temporary safety device.

Crash Pad

The highly padded design of the crash pad makes this mat a most loved among boulderers. Don’t miss out on top bouldering in Utah’s national parks simply because you forgot to bring yours.

Crash pads aren’t exactly compact in volume, so I recommend traveling with this pad if on a road trip, as it may be cumbersome to fly with. The top-rated climbing routes in Utah will make the hassle worthwhile if you do choose to check the pad, however.

🚍 Best for: Saving money
💵 Cost: $
👉 Where to Book:Rome2Rio

Rock Climbing Chalk

While it’s not impossible to rock climb without climbing chalk, it definitely makes it more challenging. Chalk takes up virtually no space in your travel bag and helps you set a new climbing PR.

Metolius Super Chalk provides great value while being readily available, making it my preferred option. Keep your chalk in a cool chalk bag and you’ll be prepared to scale the wall.

Tent

Without question, Magic Kingdom features the most toddler-friendly attractions of all Walt Disney World parks. If only one day is available to visit Disney World with toddlers, Magic Kingdom will provide the most enjoyment.

The two-person REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint provides enough space for gear or a pet making it one of my favorite tents currently available.

Sleeping Bag

The peak time period to tent camp in Utah is during the later portion of spring, throughout the summer, or the beginning area of fall when sites are cleared of ice and snow. Be certain to transport your Mountain Hardwear Lamina 30 Sleeping Bag if tenting in Utah at this time period.

The 30-degree temperature ranking is ideal for camping in the summer and early fall months and the unisex feature makes it a flexible bag suitable for the whole family to share.

👉 Pro Hint: Don’t neglect to also explore the nearby top campsites in New Mexico!

Sleeping Pad

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is one of the most comfortable sleeping pads one can have when camping in any of Utah`s national parks, and it`s an item I`ll always bring along on such trips to ensure the best possible sleeping experience.

Camp Food

Dehydrated nourishments are generally my top decision on multi-day trekking undertakings. They take up almost no space in your overnight pack and are all set in minutes.

I`ve tried almost every dehydrated food meant for camping that`s available on the market and based on my subjective assessment, I`d say the brand AlpineAire Foods offers some of the best options. Especially the AlpineAire Foods Mexican-Style Veggie Bowl contains protein and carbohydrates in high amounts and proves to be the best meal for replenishing one`s energy while hiking trails.

Map 

Physical maps are completely important when hiking a new trail. The State Geographic Utah National Parks Maps Pack will assist you in finding your location if you become disoriented on a national park trail in Utah.

I recommend reviewing the map beforehand so you know how to read it in case of an emergency on the trail.

Other Utah Essentials to Pack

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Face wash
• Deodorant
• Hair ties
• First-aid kit
• Phone charger
• Solar charger
• Hand sanitizer
• Books/ Kindle
• Packing cubes
• Pepper spray
• Sunglasses
• Bandana
• Shower sandals
• Toilet paper
• Bug spray
• Hydration pack
• Water bottles
• Plastic bags
• Flip flops

Clothing to Pack for Utah

The clothing items you pack depends on when you plan to visit Utah. If visiting during the winter, your packing list will include warmer clothes like down pants, ski goggles, and thermal base layers instead of a bathing suit and water sandals.

Certain fundamental supplies should be carried year-round, including weatherproof outerwear, shorts, undergarments, pants, dressier tops, and protective eyewear.

So what clothing should you pack for Utah? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Utah:

• 3-4 pairs of shorts
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• 1-2 pants
• 1 pair of casual sneakers
• 1 pair of water shoes
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 4-5 T-shirts
• 1-2 dressier shirts
• 1 swimsuit coverup
• 1 pair of casual sandals
• 1 down jacket
• 1 rain jacket

Let’s examine specifics about some of my favorite mentions above.

Socks

I never hike a trail without the trusted Darn Tough Hiker Socks. Also offered in a style for men, the Darn Tough socks are the ideal, blister-free accompaniment when hiking in the desert heat through the Utah national parks or the southern Utah monuments like Bears Ears or Grand Staircase Escalante.

Sandals

I’ve personally hiked 4 days to Machu Picchu in these sandals without a blister or a slip. While sturdy hiking shoes also get the job done, sometimes a hiking sandal is the ideal choice for hiking in hot terrain.

I consistently carry my Teva Tirra Sandals with me when on a expedition either domestic or worldwide. Also accessible in a male style, these shoes can take you to new elevations on a hiking trail or allow you to relax comfortably by the campfire.

Shorts

Shorts always prove to be a smart choice to have on hand during hiking trips through Utah`s national parks, as the desert climate can drastically vary throughout each day relying on the season.

The Patagonia Baggies Shorts are my favorite type of shorts for hiking. They have an appealing style, feel comfortable, come in men`s designs, and are not excessively tight, allowing full mobility.

Sundress

Travel attire in Utah does not require hiking clothes exclusively. Pack a comfortable sundress such as the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Curves Movement Dress to mix up your wardrobe options during the trip.

This versatile dress can be worn for hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, sightseeing in Utah`s national parks, or simply while exploring town, particularly in the warm summer months.

Pants

The durable REI Co-op Trailmade Pants can be worn during all seasons in Utah. These pants, beloved by hikers for their extreme strength, guarantee not to tear during hiking or climbing. They`re also offered in a men’s option, and the REI Trailmade pants are consistently within my Utah travel case.

🚍 Best for: Saving money
💵 Cost: $
👉 Where to Book:Rome2Rio

Utah Packing Tips

Don’t Forget the Hiking Clothes

Going on walks in nature is among the most popular things to do in Utah. Don`t forget necessities for hiking when packing for Utah such as hiking boots,walking sticks, a sun hat,hiking socks, and a water pouch backpack.

Pack for a Variety of Adventures

The optimum way to pack for Utah is to pack multi-purpose clothing. For instance, hiking sandals that may be worn on the trail and within the water and bandanas which may serve as a sun hat, face wind blockage, and top are great to pack.

Always Have a Jacket on Hand

It’s prudent to always carry an “just in case” jacket in your backpack even during summer months in Utah. Desert nights can cool down significantly and surprise monsoons occasionally happen during the summer months. A down jacket or rain jacket is required to carry year-round.

FAQs About Utah Packing List

***

🖨️ Obtain a printable version of this checklist

That wraps up our ultimate packing list for Utah! Remember you can also get the printable version here.

Thanks for reading our Utah packing list guide! For additional Utah travel tips, check out our greatest things to do in Moab guide.