Length

There are jackets that end at the waist and some that end lower. Longer jackets can keep upper pants and pockets dry. Keeping your body dry makes for a happier hike, as wet clothing can lead to chaffing, and a bad time. Lighter jackets that end at the waist can be more user friendly for some as they allow for more mobility.

Seams

Taped seams tend to seal fabric to help keep the water out. Good quality hiking jackets should have double-reinforced stitching. Seams that are not reinforced have a tendency to pull apart or rip much quicker.

Waterproofing

Waterproof, breathable membranes that allow sweat to escape while repelling rain help avoid that cold clammy feeling.

Fleece

Fleece liners in jackets increase the versatility of jackets. You can use the shell as your rain gear, wear the fleece by itself in cooler weather, or layer both to keep you warm, dry and comfortable in inclement weather.

Pockets

Jackets with lots of pockets are very convenient when out on the trail. The best jackets are those that have been efficiently designed. Pockets that are hard to reach in a jacket are not the best option.

Hoods

Hoods are best when removable; these don’t flop around on your back and are impossible to snag on vegetation if they’re not there. Removable hoods are easy to re-attach and come in handy when it rains as it will keep the rain out of your eyes. Drawstring hoods add extra protection from the elements, minimizing exposure to your neck.

After a long and physically demanding day of hiking in the backcountry of Grand Canyon it’s a welcome relief to take those dusty boots off and lounge. It’s the perfect way to relax sore and tired feet, and a more comfortable option for hanging out in camp. Footwear, like all backpacking gear is a favorite topic of discussion for many a Grand Canyon veteran, and is often a source of spirited conversation, if not light-hearted disagreements. So what is the better option, shoes or sandals?

Those in the shoe camp would argue that their choice is safer and more convenient. Safe, because of protecting toes from Grand Canyon’s more notorious creepy-crawlies like spiders, scorpions, and snakes. More convenient in the sense that day-hikes from camp are easier with shoes on.

Those in the sandals camp contend that their choice is more comfortable and efficient. More comfortable because sandals allow your feet to breathe, and more efficient because they are lighter and keep pack weight lower. In addition, river sandals can make the task of creek crossings less troublesome, as they are quicker to dry than shoes or boots.

So which should you choose? It turns out there is no wrong answer; it’s just a matter of personal preference. If you don’t like colder feet and/or creepy-crawlies, and don’t mind a little extra weight, then lightweight shoes are probably the right choice. If you’re seeking maximum comfort and minimum weight then sandals are a good fit. Who knows, the smartest of us all may be the backpackers who simply rely on their boots and don’t carry any extra footwear.

Any Grand Canyon backpacking trip should be thoughtfully organized and planned. Experienced backpackers will always be prepared for the expected and unexpected weather conditions. The clothing articles in your backpack should be selected based on the time of year and weather forecast. Aside from your customary seasonal hiking outfit, there can be several items that are often overlooked.

During the heat of summer a hat is critical for hiking Grand Canyon, the shade and sun relief provided may potentially save a hiker from heat exhaustion. For an extended trek in sunlight, sunglasses are a smart way to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. A bandanna can be useful for a variety of reasons, and few things feels better than wrapping a wet bandanna around your neck on a scorching day in Grand Canyon if you’re lucky enough to be around water. While a jacket is largely unnecessary in the summer, you might be glad you packed a poncho when a torrential monsoon storm hits.

As for winter hiking, the importance of packing a beanie cannot be overstated. Humans give off the majority of their body heat through their heads, and having a beanie on a long, cold trip can make the difference between keeping a warm core temperature and flirting with hypothermia. A final item to consider is a small, lightweight towel to battle sweat, rain, and/or snow in colder weather.

The answer to this question depends almost entirely on the weather conditions for a hike. During the intense summer heat, the necessity for pants is minimal. Sometimes monsoon storms can bring cooler temperatures; and nighttime at Grand Canyon’s higher elevations can be downright chilly, even when the depths feel like a furnace. These are scenarios when Grand Canyon veterans are thankful they packed a pair of lightweight pants or zip-offs. Two other factors to consider about pants in the warm season are protection from sunburn and bug bites.

On the flip side, and aside from rare exceptions, pants are a necessity during winter. Low temperatures can consistently dip below freezing for days on end. Newcomers to Grand Canyon can mistake it for just a hot, desert environment, but the unfortunate reality is that a handful of people have lost their lives below the rim due to hypothermia and/or exposure to the cold. One can witness much milder winter temperatures at the bottom of Grand Canyon, but experienced backpackers pack or wear pants nevertheless. In fact, it’s not uncommon to begin a winter trek bundled up and trudging through snow; only to reach the bottom hours later and be perfectly content in your birthday suit.

The weather in Grand Canyon can be notoriously fickle so the prudent choice should be to keep both options available. While shorts are ideal, lightweight or convertible zip-off pants for the summer are of negligible weight and may be useful. For winter hiking, heavier pants are encouraged, but not blue jeans. In the event of a rainstorm or blizzard, wet denim can take a frustratingly long time to dry out.