Posted: 7/12/2026 11:13:10 AM EDT
|
We're going to tour the Southwest and visit some of the great parks and natural wonders. We're not backpacking or doing overnight in the bush, just day hikes to see the sights. I have outfitted my harem with Osprey Cirrus packs as they have a superior suspension system and we are taking 5 liters of water in bladders because we don't know what fill stations will be like, or available. I am curious what else the hive thinks should go in a day pack for desert tours. |
|
We were out in CO and NM last fall and did some day/night hikes. Water, comms, general basic survival stuff- knife, magnesium fire starter, compass, map, watch, some 550. NODs, extra batteries, Nightcap. Always like to experience different terrain under NODs and we don't get to the SW much so we did some hikes in NM, absolutely beautiful out there. 
|
www.jrhenterprises.com
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
In business since 1992- Over 30 Years in business- Thank you for your business!
Quickest ways to contact us-
912.375.1480
[email protected]
|
Electrolyte powder ? Sunscreen. Always prepare for an unexpected night out if something happens. Just the basics. Lightweight shelter ( large contractor bag plus cordage,or LW Tarp etc) Fire ( two or three ways) IFAK Signaling ( mirror/whistle/blaze orange bandanna) Emergency food- granola bars etc. Proper clothing for expected temps. |
|
Originally Posted By KoolOperator: We're going to tour the Southwest and visit some of the great parks and natural wonders. We're not backpacking or doing overnight in the bush, just day hikes to see the sights. I have outfitted my harem with Osprey Cirrus packs as they have a superior suspension system and we are taking 5 liters of water in bladders because we don't know what fill stations will be like, or available. I am curious what else the hive thinks should go in a day pack for desert tours. Kind of depends on where, what conditions, and how long. But 5 liters is a good start. You can go through ridiculous amounts of water in the desert. Throw a dash of salt in the water too. We have lots of people SAR'd out, and several actually die every year because they underestimated how much water to take. Really, if there's one thing you should have extra of, it's water. Almost anything else can go wrong, and you can survive long enough to get help or get out, IF you have enough water. For an out-and-back in the day, maybe 5 liters is fine. If you want more, throw a second bladder in the pack and swap it out if/when needed. |
|
Aside from the obvious water, electrolytes, sunscreen + proper clothing, just be sure to prepare for an unexpected overnighter (to include hypothermia protection, depending on where you're at you can ironically get very cold at night even in the desert) and some sort of satellite or PLB messenger that you know works. You might even consider a compact sunshade umbrella |
|
Originally Posted By Burncycle: Aside from the obvious water, electrolytes, sunscreen + proper clothing, just be sure to prepare for an unexpected overnighter (to include hypothermia protection, depending on where you're at you can ironically get very cold at night even in the desert) and some sort of satellite or PLB messenger that you know works. You might even consider a compact sunshade umbrella Just a few comments….I've spent a few years of my life in various deserts around the world. In the summer the desert does not get cold at night. 110 degrees at 10pm is common. Middle of summer it might only drop to 85-95 degrees at night. BUT…..it can FEEL cold compared to the heat depending on the time of year. I remember shivering in the late Sept desert night air….at 70 ish degrees. When it’s 120 in the daytime, 70 feels cold. Now in the winter, yes it can get below freezing in the desert usually with wind. And it FEELS terribly cold because it was 70 degrees in the daytime. 70 in the daytime and 25 at night is a massive drop in temps. If you are in the high desert, the temp swings can be even more wide. The old adage of 3 days without water does NOT apply to the desert in the summer. You might make it 1.5 days in the summer with no water especially if active….maybe. I’ve consumed easily 2+ gallons per day when active in the desert. I never knew the human body could drink that much until I was in the desert. If you are going to be in the desert for an extended time, add salt to your food. Your body needs extra salt because you are sweating it all out. And the desert is misleading because you sweat a TON but it evaporates extremely quickly so you don’t think you are sweating as much as you are. You could jump in a pool fully clothed and your clothes will be dry in 20-30 mins depending on what clothes you are wearing. A swimsuit and tshirt will dry in 10 mins or maybe less. Hydrate yourself well before activity. Force water down. You want to head out with lots of water in your tissues. I know the OP said he’s not camping but just a note….do not eat anything before going to sleep. Food digesting makes heat and you’ll sleep hot. Exact opposite to sleeping in the cold. In the cold, always eat before sleeping and when you wake up in the middle of the night, eat something….you’ll sleep warmer OP said he is taking 5 liters of water. I don’t think he said how many people. That may not be enough for a multi hour hike for more than 1-2 people. Slightly cool to lukewarmish water will hydrate yourself better than ice water. You’ll drink more of it. But, having some ice water on breaks is awesome. Some insulated Yeti type jugs full of ice and topped off with water to sip on and to supplement your bladders of water is a great thing to have. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
|
Originally Posted By ColtRifle: The old adage of 3 days without water does NOT apply to the desert in the summer. You might make it 1.5 days in the summer with no water especially if active….maybe. You'd really have to be doing things right to make it that long. We have people die on the same day they set out hiking, because even though they had water, they didn't have enough. |
|
Originally Posted By GlutealCleft: You'd really have to be doing things right to make it that long. We have people die on the same day they set out hiking, because even though they had water, they didn't have enough. I have no doubt you are right. I also would be willing to bet in many cases, they did not start out well hydrated AND may have been consuming caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and will help dehydrate you. It’s not a big deal in more moderate climates but in the desert, it can do you in. My 1.5 days guestimate assumes starting out well hydrated. If you aren’t peeing clear or nearly clear at the start of the day, be very careful. Hike slow and take lots of breaks. And drink lots of water. Hydration bladders are great because you can sip steadily vs drinking it all at once. Gatorade is great BUT….don’t just drink Gatorade. I made that mistake once…..  Maybe 1 quart of Gatorade for every 2-3 quarts of water is a good ratio. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
|
Originally Posted By KoolOperator: We're going to tour the Southwest and visit some of the great parks and natural wonders. We're not backpacking or doing overnight in the bush, just day hikes to see the sights. I have outfitted my harem with Osprey Cirrus packs as they have a superior suspension system and we are taking 5 liters of water in bladders because we don't know what fill stations will be like, or available. I am curious what else the hive thinks should go in a day pack for desert tours. First, user name checks out.  I lived in Arizona for about five years. Here’s what I found useful: 1. Proper vehicle emergency kit inside a well-maintained vehicle. Your carried preps are woefully inadequate if your vehicle won’t start after a long hike. Also, get a windshield screen for when you’re parked. You’ll thank yourself. If you have a dark or black car, gloves for touching things (like your steering wheel!) are a lifesaver. I kept a spray bottle with water for seat belt buckles and similar. 2. Camelbak. People suggest different water carry methods, but this is what I used. Pick whatever is best for you. Add ice to keep things cool AND to replenish your water with cool water as it melts throughout the day. 3. Extra salt. One of the weirdest feelings is not sweating because it’s too hot, and then touching your head for whatever reason and salt falling off your forehead. You need salt tablets and electrolytes. I also recommend bringing a can of normal Dinty Moore beef stew, a can opener, and a spoon. Eat that right away if you start feeling a headache coming on. These days I’d add a Sat Phone with built-in GPS to call for help in an emergency. Beyond that, lightweight / breathable long sleeve shirt and long pants in light colors or even white. Short sleeves and shirts are a fine way to end up with severe (blistering) sunburn. Add a wide brim hat that covers your ears and face. I always hiked with a walking stick to probe around areas before stepping into them; snakes can be a hazard. Snake boots may or may not be necessary. Bring both a tweezers and a small pliers in case you meet a cacti. (Ask me how I know.) Try the sunscreen you bring well before your desert trek. Does it work? And even if it does, are you allergic to it? (Again, ask me how I know.)  Weirdos in the desert are a thing in some areas. Don’t approach trailers with busted out windows but with curtains or other visual blocks in place, especially if you smell cat urine, ammonia, a sharp (unpleasant) citrus odor, and/or something like rotten eggs. “Dead” or heavily damaged areas of yard around it should be avoided. (The whole place should be avoided.) Quantities of weird trash, especially lots of batteries, medicine blister packs, chemical containers, etc., are another sign it’s time to backtrack. No need to go full battle rattle in most places, but a revolver loaded with snake loads and a speed loader in a pocket with normal ammo for bigger problems were always welcome friends. But overall, your greatest danger on a day hike is dehydration and salt loss. Plan for hydration. |
“Don't post anything here or send anything you aren't willing to defend in court.”
-Notcalifornialegal
-Notcalifornialegal
|
I lived in the SW for ten years. Listen to Coltrifle on this especially the you won't realize how dehydrated you are and the importance of salt. The lack of humidity throws your judgement off. What I can add is I use to think it suicide to be out in the sun and heat without a hat. |
"We prepare so we don't have to go to the Superdome!"
|
Originally Posted By prebans: One of the weirdest feelings is not sweating because it’s too hot, and then touching your head for whatever reason and salt falling off your forehead. Oh gosh. Throwbacks to walking around in central Mexico. On the hottest, driest days, it was so hot and dry that you would sweat more or less as fast as you could, but it would evaporate even faster than you could sweat, especially if there was a little wind. You wouldn't get soggy or wet, you'd just get dirty and salty. It was wild. |
|
These are excellent replies and suggestions, thank you. The water is 5 liters per person; 3L and 2L bladders in the pack. We will also have a nalgene or bottle for mixing electrolyte drink as needed. We are aware of the random storm cloud and night time temperature swing so we have light weight packable jackets in case. We will also have a very packable emergency bivouac and material for trek pole shelter if needed. Though if it's windy it will probably become a kite. We all have sun hats and long sleeve sun shirts. My favorite straw hat just fell apart so I'm trying some other hat now but I dont think it breathes enough. We all need sunglasses yet. On the subject of fire starting I am very hesitant to make any fire unless we are on deaths doorstep. Conditions are very bad. We will have that ability but extra headlamp batteries and chemlights are the go to. Our first aid is a little of everything from scratch and dent to trauma and Benadryl. I've had a hard time trying to scale back for weight but include things for foot care and mobility that I have never dealt with before. Like I said these are planning to be day hikes but you never know what will happen. I am the guy telling my family to reconsider every item in the pack because every ounce counts on this trip. |
|
Originally Posted By KoolOperator: These are excellent replies and suggestions, thank you. The water is 5 liters per person; 3L and 2L bladders in the pack. We will also have a nalgene or bottle for mixing electrolyte drink as needed. We are aware of the random storm cloud and night time temperature swing so we have light weight packable jackets in case. We will also have a very packable emergency bivouac and material for trek pole shelter if needed. Though if it's windy it will probably become a kite. We all have sun hats and long sleeve sun shirts. My favorite straw hat just fell apart so I'm trying some other hat now but I dont think it breathes enough. We all need sunglasses yet. On the subject of fire starting I am very hesitant to make any fire unless we are on deaths doorstep. Conditions are very bad. We will have that ability but extra headlamp batteries and chemlights are the go to. Our first aid is a little of everything from scratch and dent to trauma and Benadryl. I've had a hard time trying to scale back for weight but include things for foot care and mobility that I have never dealt with before. Like I said these are planning to be day hikes but you never know what will happen. I am the guy telling my family to reconsider every item in the pack because every ounce counts on this trip. Sounds like you are set up well. Not sure if you have any desert experience but if not, be prepared for a level of dryness you have to experience to believe! Im sure a 90* day is pretty miserable in PA. In the desert, due to the lack of humidity, a 90* day is a beautiful and comfortable day. Only real recommendation beyond your existing packs is, again, hydrate well before you step off on your hike. Use the bladders as a guide to monitor everyone’s water intake. You won’t need to light a fire and in much of the desert, there won’t be anything to burn anyway. Go have fun! The desert has its own beauty. I hated it at first. Then I grew to like it. I still wanted to see green every so often so I couldn’t live in the desert for the rest of my life. But, I enjoyed my time in it (mostly). |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
|
Originally Posted By Aikibiker: On the topic of dryness, lip balm (with spf sunscreen in it) and some hand lotion are great things to have. I always kept both in my pack in Kuwait and Iraq. Good info here. Another note….some people experience nose bleeds due to the dry air. Not everyone. I didn’t. But it wasn’t uncommon. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
|
Is that five liters of water split amongst you or five liters per person? Its summer in the desert . I go through a liter an hour on the northeast this time of year. I second the suggestion about using a hard walled container as a secondary. I use one for mixing drink powders so I don't have to go too much cleaning of the hydration bladder |
*post contains personal opinion only and should not be considered information released in an official capacity*
0110001101101100011010010110001101101011
0110001101101100011010010110001101101011
|
Originally Posted By KoolOperator: We are aware of the random storm cloud and night time temperature swing so we have light weight packable jackets in case. I may have overlooked the time frame you're going, but temps can vary greatly. We did a bunch of day hikes at various areas in Utah during springtime several years ago. I recall doing a long hike around the Arches, and our starting temp was just above freezing and daytime highs hit the mid 90's with a wonderfully blistering sun beating down on us. I think you covered clothes (hat), sunglasses were mandatory for me. Snacks/good breakfast and don't just drink electrolytes. We did stop and rest in the shade in some places, so even a small sit pad is nice. My son was younger and if you're kids are hard to keep on the trail like mine, have some pliers for pulling out cactus spikes and thorns  ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
|
Originally Posted By Aikibiker: Does your 1st aid kit have any of those instant cold packs they use for sports injuries? Might be useful to treat a real heat emergency. I.E. put the patient in shade and place cold packs in the armpits and groin while you wait for rescue. and soak them down in water. |
|
Originally Posted By GlutealCleft: and soak them down in water. Originally Posted By GlutealCleft: Originally Posted By Aikibiker: Does your 1st aid kit have any of those instant cold packs they use for sports injuries? Might be useful to treat a real heat emergency. I.E. put the patient in shade and place cold packs in the armpits and groin while you wait for rescue. and soak them down in water. That's the thing about the desert, there isn't a lot of water, so it might be better to save what you have for drinking so the people tending to the patient don't get heat stroke also. Plus soaking a patient and causing a rapid decrease in body temperature might not be a good idea even if they are a heat casualty. You might be making things even worse. |
|
OP update here, we had a great trip. Wife came down with COVID or flu shortly after arrival. She was in bed for two days then back on her feet to hike. While on desert highway sight seeing the rental Jeep Wagoneer decided that was the time to act up and it wouldn't start. Went to Flagstaff next day to swap cars. They were out of SUVs. The guy did me a solid favor by getting a Jeep Rubicon that was just returned but not cleaned after having come through a forest fire. He gave it a once over with fabreeze and handed me the keys. Better than no SUV. We hit the road and discovered the air conditioning was broken in the Rubicon. I insisted the girls hike around the canyon to acclimate to the heat, elevation, and shake down all the new gear. They were not happy with me for this but they changed their tune shortly after. They all had Osprey Airspeed packs, they are great. Expensive, but you know where the money went. They fit great and are very light. Osprey water bladders are garbage. I knew this before going in and bought camelbacks instead. I made each pack a loop of kevlar thread through the Osprey hanging strap that would accommodate a camelback bladder. Each person had a 3L and 2L bladder, 11 pounds of water in the pack. They all drained both bladders in an afternoon. They also had a nalgene or water bottle that was used for mixing up electrolyte additives. Nobody liked Liquid IV, the Mio was meh, the Stur was preferred. Several spring water fill stations around the canyon were turned off, but we had enough water. Later at the ranger station I found a list of what fill stations along the bright angel trail were on/off. Everyone's footwear and hot weather clothing performed as expected. No blisters or sunburn. The various sundry gear began to migrate out of packs each trip as they got comfortable with what they actually needed. They hiked the entire rim trail from Hermits Rest to Yaki Point. After that they declined to enter the canyon. We hiked several trails through painted desert and petrified forest. They are relatively short easy walking trails except for the brutal heat and sun overhead. There is zero overhead cover in that park, save for one place where I hid next to a big rock at the right time of day. I'm not sure how the town of Winslow AZ survives, much of it looked abandoned but maybe that's the desert vibe. We had an excellent dinner in the Turquoise Room at La Posada hotel that evening. The little town of Page AZ was nice but hot as heck. The girls did some rafting from Page down to Lee's bridge to see the rocks and petroglyphs. We left the Grand Canyon at a cool 90° around noon and descended towards Phoenix reaching 116° at our hotel. What a trip! On the subject of desert vibe, I saw a LOT of concertina wire in Phoenix. Like it was the state flower. Even the Mexican restaurant had it woven through the chain link fence and up around the roof. Abandoned dirt lots had fences with razor wire on top.  |
|
Originally Posted By KoolOperator: These are excellent replies and suggestions, thank you. The water is 5 liters per person; 3L and 2L bladders in the pack. We will also have a nalgene or bottle for mixing electrolyte drink as needed. We are aware of the random storm cloud and night time temperature swing so we have light weight packable jackets in case. We will also have a very packable emergency bivouac and material for trek pole shelter if needed. Though if it's windy it will probably become a kite. We all have sun hats and long sleeve sun shirts. My favorite straw hat just fell apart so I'm trying some other hat now but I dont think it breathes enough. We all need sunglasses yet. On the subject of fire starting I am very hesitant to make any fire unless we are on deaths doorstep. Conditions are very bad. We will have that ability but extra headlamp batteries and chemlights are the go to. Our first aid is a little of everything from scratch and dent to trauma and Benadryl. I've had a hard time trying to scale back for weight but include things for foot care and mobility that I have never dealt with before. Like I said these are planning to be day hikes but you never know what will happen. I am the guy telling my family to reconsider every item in the pack because every ounce counts on this trip. Carry a case or two of extra water in the vehicle. Drink a bottle or two [with electrolyte powder] before you even leave the vehicle area and take one with you and sip out of that constantly before you go to your packed water. Take some ''lifeboat'' bars with you, they require very little water to eat and are high calories but also take some protein like jerky, eat with swigs but the salt in most jerky will help and it's light. You can never carry too much water, especially if you have several in your group. Don't wait until you are thirsty, sip water constantly as you travel. By the time you are thirsty, you are already running a water deficit. Watch your pee color and if you aren't peeing, you aren't drinking enough. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
| Too late for your trip related purchase but for the future I'd advise anyone to buy the military camelbacks, not the blue ones you see on places like REI. The military models are modular so you can replace parts instead of the entire thing, and they are sawyer squeeze compatible with an adapter so you can refill the bladder without removing it from the pack. That alone is a time saver |
*post contains personal opinion only and should not be considered information released in an official capacity*
0110001101101100011010010110001101101011
0110001101101100011010010110001101101011
|
Water more than you think you need Food to last you 2 or 3 days jic Knife Boo-boo kit to include moleskin Pistol if you can carry where you are going Sunscreen Fire starter kit 1 change of clothes currently it should be light weight. Wear a good pair of boots that have ankle support Jm2c |
Join the Community
Your next conversation starts here.
Create your free account to join discussions, share your experience, save topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.
- Join discussions
- Follow topics and replies
- Connect with fellow enthusiasts
Already a member? Sign in
Stay informed by subscribing to our Newsletter