A Complete Packing Guide: Backpacking Havasupai
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I have been fortunate enough to have visited this landscape on two occasions — the second time around was definitely an improved experience, in part because of the adjustments I made to my packing list. I hope you find this list helpful whether you have permits to explore this beautiful destination, or have plans for a different multi-day trek. Find my comprehensive locker here!
Camp Gear
Backpacking bag
Tent or Hammock
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Rumpl blanket
Camp chair
Dry bags
Head lamp
Day pack
Camp light
Some of these are super obvious but this is everything I brought that I felt necessary to comfortably camp in Havasupai. The first year we went, Niko and I brought a hammock for lounging but no camp chair. However, it was kind of hot to be sharing a hammock at times and we got tired of laying down in it. We also got stiff and uncomfortable from sitting at the provided picnic tables so having a camp chair to tote around with us everywhere for year two was a much needed improvement. I brought a blanket both years — I sleep better under a blanket in warmer climates vs a closed in sleeping bag, and it was nice to have for sunrises and sunsets at the falls. It also serves as another lounging option. The dry bags will be important for keeping electronics and books safe during water crossings and from the heavy mist of the falls. Additionally you can use them for food and/or trash storage. I brought two each year. The camp light is definitely not needed but nice to have for reading in the tent or playing card games past sunset.
Food
Bear bin
Gallon size freezer bags
Breakfasts: mix of oatmeal, snack bars, dehydrated meals (four total)
Dehydrated meals (three total)
Hiking snacks: trail mix, PB packets, gummies // candy, ramen, jerky, energy snacks (i.e. gu gel, clif bloks)
Electrolyte powders
Tea bags and instant coffee // pour over system
Mug
Collapsable bowl
Spoon // spork
Water bladder and Nalgene
Jet boil and fuel
The nalgene is super nice to have for mixing electrolyte drinks — it will be hot in the desert sun and you will burn a lot of energy from hiking and swimming. We did not bring any the first year and it was so so nice to have something other than water to drink during the daytime. Not to mention it also helped us rehydrate more quickly. Having a variety of snacks is essential for me — it is nice to have several options outside of dehydrated meals. These are usually things I don’t typically eat on a regular basis and get super excited to treat myself to on a hiking trip. The energy snacks are great for the long hike in and out. We used the freezer bags for trash storage which then goes inside a dry bag. It helps with odors and prevents a mess. The bear bin is important to keep the critters from getting into your food and tearing apart your gear to get there. We used paracord to dry our clothes, and keep our food and bags out of reach. The daypack is necessary for all the day trips as you’ll want to have snacks, water, the chair, etc on hand; however, if you cannot fit one you can always repurpose your backpacking bag.
Clothes
Shorts: one
Hiking pants: one
Leggings: one
UV long sleeve shirt: one
Bras // Crop tops: three
Bathing suit: one or two
Hiking boots
Water shoes
Camp shoes
Hiking socks: two or three pairs
Underwear
Puffer Jacket
Beanie
Sun hat
While the camp shoes/slippers are entirely optional and a luxury to have, everything else is a must for me. I also highly recommend wearing hiking socks under your water shoes to prevent rubbing and blisters from all of the sandy gravel on your wet feet — I learned my lesson the hard way on this one. The UV shirt is so nice to have for sun protection and wicking sweat away, as well as layering up.
Miscellaneous
Sun screen
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Baby wipes
Deodorant
Toothbrush and paste // retainers
Toilet paper
Hair ties // comb
Utility knife
Lighter
Garmin in-reach mini
Blister care (i.e. moleskin)
First aide
Advil // Benadryl
Playing cards
Book // Kindle
Watch
Charging block
Camera gear (camera, memory cards, tripod, batteries)
Cash
Feminine products if needed
Bathing in the waters of Havasupai with soap is not allowed. We utilized baby wipes (our go-to for backcountry) when needed. The bathrooms do tend to run out of toilet paper now and then so it is always a good idea to bring toilet paper with you. A lighter is important to have in case your jet boil ignition fails, or in case of some emergencies. Cash is required for the fry bread stands. Having entertainment such as cards and books or camera equipment is definitely not a necessity but we really enjoyed having these items with us.
Disclaimer: my pack was quite heavy (roughly 43 lbs — probably mostly from my camera gear), but I prefer to be super comfortable in the backcountry and to have the ability to capture all the memories. I think it really enhances my personal experience to know I have everything I could need or want.
As always, drop any questions down below — happy adventuring!
