Grand Canyon Backpacking Checklist
This list should only be used as a guide. If you pack everything on it, your backpack will be too heavy, but if you forget or don’t bring enough of some critical items, your trip may be disappointing. There may also be items left off this list that veteran backpackers always carry.
Clothing:
2 Shirts – At least 1 should be quick drying material
2 Pairs hiking socks and sock liners
1 or 2 Pairs hiking pants – Lightweight and waterproof, no jeans
1 Pair shorts – Not necessary for winter
2 Pairs underwear
1 Belt – If necessary
1 Long sleeve fleece and/or long sleeve shirt
1 Long Underwear – Winter only
1 Waterproof Lightweight Jacket (winter) or rain poncho (summer)
1 Beanie – Winter necessity, summer optional
1 Hat
1 Bandana
1 Pair waterproof gloves – Winter only
1 Pair boots
1 Pair river sandals or flip-flops – Optional
1 Clothing stuff sack – Preferably waterproof
Cooking:
Most of these items are unnecessary if you run a cold camp.
Sponge – Optional
Stove
Fuel
Waterproof matches
Lighter – Optional
Cook kit – Pot, pan, etc., just keep pack weight in mind
Utensils
Plate – If necessary
Cup
Food & Drink:
Sufficient water carrying capacity – Never skimp on this in Grand Canyon
Dinners
Lunches
Breakfasts
Snacks
Gatorade mix – Or something comparable
Food stuff sack – Preferably critter and waterproof
Gear:
Backpack – Obviously
Tent – Optional depending on forecast and season
Sleeping bag – Lightweight and suitable for expected temperatures
Sleeping pad – Optional if you don’t mind back pain
Permit & itinerary
Water purifier – Backup tablets are strongly recommended
Camera and film or battery
Knife or leatherman
GPS or Compass – Know how to use them
Headlamp or flashlight
Extra batteries – Unnecessary if you replace all gadgets with fresh batteries
Survival kit
First aid kit
Bug spray – Optional
Toilet paper – Except for campgrounds and backcountry toilets, TP must be packed out so plan accordingly
Rope
Ziplocks
Garbage bags
Toiletries
Small lightweight shovel – Optional, catholes can be dug without one
Map
Sunscreen
Small book or field guide – Optional
Lightweight binoculars – Optional
Compact fishing gear – Optional
Daypack – If your backpack does not have a detachable version for dayhikes
Sunglasses
Crampons or icewalkers – Winter only, check trail/route conditions
Blues harp or other lightweight musical instrument – Optional
Tarp or tent footprint – Optional, but welcome in a storm
Journal – Optional
Lightweight towel – Optional
Waterproof pack cover – If precipitation is expected
Lightweight collapsible water bucket – Colorado River water is notoriously silty, a bucket can allow sediment to settle at bottom prior to filtration
