The answer, as it turns out, depends on the expected weather conditions of a hike and personal preference. With the exception of monsoon season and the occasional storm, the use of a tent is largely unnecessary during the summer. You certainly won’t need it to keep warm at night. To save weight in the warm season many hikers carry just a ground cloth and perhaps a tarp if a rainstorm is possible. But if you have issues with creepy-crawlies like spiders, scorpions, and snakes (especially the nocturnal variety), then packing a lightweight tent may be a good idea.

It is far more common to see backpackers with tents during the winter in Grand Canyon. Heavier snowstorms and blizzards can extend all the way down to the Colorado River. Under these conditions a lightweight tent with a waterproof fly can keep a hiker warm and dry, making potentially miserable weather at least more comfortable. Of course, some hardcore hikers still don’t carry a tent in winter, but they prepare by packing warm synthetic sleeping bags and at least some kind of waterproof sheet in the event of heavy precipitation.

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.