standard
$150
Osprey Scarab 30
30 Liters
2.01 lb | 0.91 kg
Backpack
▢ Daypack
▢ Dry Bag
Water Bottle
▢ Insulated Water Bottles
▢ Plastic Water Bottles
Footwear
▢ Hiking Boots
▢ Hiking Socks
▢ Canyoneering Boots
▢ Waterproof Socks
Summer Clothing (Jun-Sep)
▢ Short-Sleeve Shirt
▢ Hiking Shorts
▢ Rain Jacket
Winter Clothing (Oct-May)
▢ Long-Sleeve Shirt
▢ Hiking Pants
▢ Waders
▢ Puffer Jacket
▢ Beanie
▢ Gloves
Hiking Stick
▢ Trekking Poles
▢ Wooden Walking Stick
First Aid Kit
▢ First-Aid K it
Flashlight
▢ Flashlight
Gloves
▢ Work Gloves (optional)
Multi-Tool
▢ Multi-Tool (optional)
Watch
▢ Watch (optional)
A backpack is essential for visiting Zion National Park. Carrying food, water, and other important gear. A quality pack will make a comfortable journey.
Hip Belt
• Essential for backpacks to properly transfer weight from your back to your waist
Size
• Backpack capacity is measured in liters (the backpack volume)
• 6-10 liters: Compact backpacks to hold the essentials
• 10-30 liters: Common size for dayhikes
• 30-50 liters: Large daypacks for family use
• 50+ liters: Multi-day hiking backpacks
The Narrows Dry Bags
• Waterproof backpack or dry bag preferred for the Narrows trail (you are likely to fall into the river at some point)
• At least carry a small internal dry bag for electronics and wallet
Waterproof
36 Liters
3.37 lb | 1.53 kg
30 Liters
2.01 lb | 0.91 kg
35 Liters
2.2 lb | 1 kg
12-20 Liters
1.26-1.50 lb | 0.57-0.68 kg
5-40 Liters
0.53-1.64 lb | 0.24-0.74 kg
1.7 oz | 48 g
Zion National Park lies in Utah's arid desert, where summer temperatures can soar beyond 100°F. Staying hydrated is essential to prevent heat stroke and dehydration.
Stainless Steel
• Keeps water cold for long periods and doesn't produce condensation
• Dents rather than cracks when dropped
• Heavy compared to plastic
• Tends to be more expensive
Plastic
• Lightweight and simple
• Porous material can retain an aftertaste from non-water drinks
Why No CamelBacks (bladders)
• Complicated to use, prone to leaks, difficult to clean and refill, and you cannot see water usage
• Tubes will freeze and crack in extreme cold
• Most experienced hikers don't use bladders
18-64 oz Capacity
14.1-33.0 oz | 400-936 g
20-64 oz Capacity
2.51-7.1 oz | 71-200 g
14-64 oz Capacity
9.2-20 oz | 261-589 g
Plastic
32 oz Capacity
6.25 oz | 177 g
HDPE Plastic
32 oz Capacity
3.75 oz | 106 g
Plastic
17 oz Capacity
0.3 oz | 9 g
Your shoes and socks are key to a comfortable visit to Zion. Investing in a quality hiking shoes and wool socks will be a decision you'll be glad you made and something you can carry on many more adventures.
Canyoneering Boot + Waterproof Sock Setup
• Best for the Narrows trail (you will be hiking through a river)
• Preferred due to ankle protection, slip resistance, and performance when submerged in water
• Rental options available at Zion Outfitter
Hiking Boot + Hiking Sock Setup
• Best for all Zion trails except the Narrows
• Likely to result in discomfort/blisters if submerged
High Cut vs Low Cut Shoes
• High cut preferred in Zion
• High Cut: Prevents rolled ankles and provide protection from brush/rocks. Best in rocky, steep terrain
• Low Cut: Ideal for flat, hot, or sandy areas where ankle support is less critical
2.29 lb | 1.04 kg
2.56 lb | 1.16 kg
Merino Wool
3.4 oz | 96 g
Polyester/Wool/Spandex
4.4 oz | 125 g
15.3 oz | 435 g
20.48 oz | 580 g
Waterproof
Marino Wool Lining
7.68 oz | 218 g
Waterproof
3.53 oz | 100 g
Zion is located in the dry, arid desert of southern Utah. Summers can be extremely hot and proper clothing that can handle the wet trail of the Narrows and the exposed trails on Angel's Landing is key.
Warm Weather Setup (June-September)
• Short Sleeve Shirt + Shorts
• Light-weight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothing is preferred
• Avoid cotton for synthetic fabrics (polyester/nylon/spandex)
• There is minimal brush and insects in Zion
Rainy Season (July-September)
• Pack some form of rain protection (at least a cheap poncho)
• Flash floods make slot-canyon hikes (The Narrows) extremely dangerous
Polyester/Spandex
UPF 50+
10 oz | 283 g
Polyester
UPF 50+
8.8 oz | 249 g
Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
10 oz | 283 g
Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
9.14 oz | 259 g
10.5 oz | 298 g
1.7 oz | 48 g
Winter in Zion National Park can get cold, especially when hiking through hyperthermic rivers in slot canyons. Proper clothing for the trail is crucial to staying safe and warm.
Cold Weather Setup (October-May)
• Long Sleeve Shirt + Pants + Puffer Jacket
• The Narrows: Waders + waterproof socks needed (you will be walking through cold river-bed)
• Rental options available at Zion Outfitter
Puffer Jacket Packing Tips
• Year-Round: Always pack if staying outside overnight as nights get very cold in the desert (even in summer)
• October-May: Pack for day-hikes
Nylon/Polyester
UPF 30+
8.6 oz | 244 g
Polyester
UPF 50+
6.7 oz | 190 g
Polyester
14.9 oz | 422 g
Nylon/Spandex
UPF 50+
13 oz | 369 g
Dry Bib
1.75 lb | 0.79 kg
Traditional Waders
6.1 lb | 2.77 kg
800-Fill Down
14.8 oz | 420 g
580-Fill Down
10.58 oz | 300 g
Merino Wool
3.2 oz | 90.7 g
Synthetic
2.8 oz | 79.4 g
Zion is filled with very steep climbs and river crossings making a hiking stick an essential tool. They help you maintain balance, prevent falls and rolled ankles, and take pressure of your knees.
Wood Walking Sticks
• Preferred for the Narrows trail
• Strong and can support your body weight
• Heavier and less compact compared to trekking poles
• Rental options available at Zion Outfitter
Trekking Poles
• Lightweight, easy to carry, and collapsable
• Not designed to support full body weight
Trekking Pole Benefits
• Take pressure off your knees
• By engaging your arms, trekking poles improve uphill hiking efficiency
• Assist in river crossings by offering extra balance
• Reduce the risk of falls and rolled ankles, particularly on downhill terrain
100-135 cm Length
18.0 oz | 510 g
66-137 cm Length
20 oz | 567 g
140 cm Length
1.8 lb | 0.82 kg
It is wise to always carry a first-aid kit on any outdoor adventure. Even in a park as popular and small as Zion. Being able to handle poison ivy, sprained ankles, cuts and cuts is important.
Common Injuries and Prevention in Zion
• Slipping: Caused from hiking on uneven terrain and prevented by wearing proper shoes and using a hiking stick
• Falling: Caused by hiking near drop-offs and prevented by exercising caution
• Dehydration: Caused by improper water preparation on exposued trails in the summer
• Hypothermia: Caused by walking in cold water in the Narrows and prevented by wearing waterproof clothing (from October-May)
Key Items to Pack
• Personal Medications: Medications relevant to your medical conditions
• First-Aid Medications: Ibuprofen, Benadryl, hydrocortisone, Tylenol, antibiotic ointment, and antacids
• Sanitation Supplies: Hand sanitizer and gloves
• Cleaning: Alcohol wipes
• Support Wraps: Compression wrap for sprains
• Tweezers: For splinters
• Wound Care: Gauze pads and assorted bandages.
14.2 oz | 403 g
8 oz | 227 g
4.97 oz | 141 g
Zion day-hikes do not follow lit, paved paths making a flashlight crucial for your adventure. Bring one, even if you don't expect to be out after dark.
Batteries
• Flashlights with removable external batteries are ideal for ease of replacement
• Stick to standard battery sizes like AA or AAA
• Always carry spare batteries
Headlamps
• Preferred by seasoned adventurers
• Allow you to use your hands on critical trails where hand use is necessary (Angels Landing and Narrows)
3-AAA Battery
400 Lumen Output
3.04 oz | 86 g
2-AA Battery
332 Lumen Output
4.15 oz | 118 g
3-AAA Battery
140 Lumen Output
4.51 oz | 128 g
(optional)
Gloves are useful both on the Angels Landing trail when climbing up the metal chains or in the Narrows when using wooden walking sticks to hike through the riverbed.
Leather vs. Rubber
• Leather: More durable and strong, handles friction and heat well.
• Rubber: Better for precision tasks and generally more comfortable.
Thick vs. Thin Gloves
• Thick Gloves: Offer better durability and protection, but tend to be bulkier.
• Thin Gloves: More comfortable and flexible, but generally don’t last as long.
Touchscreen Compatible
Goatskin Leather
Touchscreen Compatible
Synthetic Material
Nitrile Dipped
(optional)
A multi-tool can be a useful day-hiking companion because of the variety of different tools in a small and compact package.
Multi-Tool vs. Knife
• Knife: Typically unnecessary for most day-hike purposes
• Multi-Tool: Preferred for its range of built-in tools, which already includes a knife
Leatherman vs. Swiss Army
• Leatherman: Heavier and bulkier. Notably contains pliers making it a more durable pick
• Swiss Army: Lighter with a classic, time-tested design, ideal for lighter carry and essential tools
8.6 oz | 243 g
8.5 oz | 241 g
12.8 oz | 363 g
(optional)
Watches are a helpful tool for Zion day-hikes. It can be used for things such as basic time-keeping to GPS location and satellite communication.
Mechanical vs Automatic Watches
• Mechanical watches are primarily for fashion and status.
• Automatic watches are simpler, require less maintenance, are more durable, and offer better precision—making them the practical choice.
• Best for adventuring: Automatic watches excel in functionality and reliability.
Smart-Watches
• Highly functional, acting as a mini-computer.
• Offer features like notifications, fitness tracking, and more.
• Require frequent charging, often daily, due to high battery consumption.
32-Day Battery With Solar
GPS Navigation
100m Water Resistance
3.14 oz | 89 g
72-Hour Battery
GPS Navigation
Satellite Communicator
100m Water Resistance
2.26 oz | 64 g
Solar
100m Water Resistance
1.76 oz | 50 g