What to Pack for Moab
Your complete packing guide for the desert, from day-trip essentials to activity-specific gear
Essentials for Every Trip
No matter what activities you have planned, these items should be in your bag every single day in Moab.
Water & Hydration
A reusable water bottle or hydration pack (at least 3 liters for a full day). Electrolyte packets are a smart addition. Plan for one gallon per person per day when active.
Sun Protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen (mineral/zinc works best for sweating), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Lip balm with SPF is easy to forget but essential.
Sturdy Footwear
Hiking boots or trail runners with good traction. Moab's slickrock isn't actually slick when dry, but the sandstone can be abrasive. Avoid smooth-soled shoes and sandals on trails.
Layers
Temperatures can swing 30-40 degrees between morning and afternoon, especially in spring and fall. A lightweight base layer, a mid-layer fleece, and a wind-resistant outer layer cover most conditions.
Snacks & Food
Trail mix, energy bars, jerky, dried fruit - pack more than you think you'll eat. Salty snacks help with electrolyte balance. There are no food options on most trails.
Navigation
Download offline maps before you leave town - cell service is unreliable outside Moab. A paper map of the parks is also smart backup. The visitor centers sell excellent trail maps.
Activity-Specific Gear
Hiking
- • Hiking boots with ankle support (recommended for slickrock)
- • Trekking poles (helpful on steep descents and scrambles)
- • Daypack (20-30 liters for a full day)
- • First aid kit with blister supplies and pain relievers
- • Headlamp (if starting pre-dawn or if hikes run long)
- • Gaiters (keep sand out of boots on sandy trails)
- • Moisture-wicking clothing (avoid cotton)
- • Lightweight rain jacket (spring and monsoon season)
Mountain Biking
- • Helmet (full-face recommended for technical trails)
- • Padded cycling shorts or liner
- • Cycling gloves
- • Eye protection (glasses or goggles)
- • Bike repair kit (multi-tool, spare tube, tire levers, pump)
- • Knee and elbow pads for technical riding
- • Hydration pack with at least 2-3 liters capacity
- • Clip-on or platform shoes depending on your setup
Note: Several shops in Moab rent bikes and gear if you don't want to bring your own.
Water Sports (Rafting, Kayaking, Paddleboarding)
- • Quick-dry clothing (synthetic materials)
- • Water shoes or sport sandals with straps
- • Dry bag for electronics, keys, and wallet
- • Swimsuit and towel
- • Waterproof sunscreen
- • Sunglasses with a retention strap
- • Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the water
- • Change of dry clothes for after
Most guided rafting trips provide life jackets and basic gear.
Off-Roading & Scenic Drives
- • Extra water and food (remote roads have no services)
- • Full tank of gas before heading out
- • Recovery gear if venturing on difficult 4WD roads
- • Spare tire and basic tools
- • Binoculars for spotting wildlife and distant features
- • Camera with extra batteries
- • Paper maps of the area (cell service is spotty)
- • A good playlist - some drives are long and remote!
Seasonal Packing Adjustments
Spring (March - May)
- • Warm layers for chilly mornings (40-50°F)
- • Rain jacket (spring showers are common)
- • Wind-resistant outer layer
- • Lightweight pants that convert to shorts
Summer (June - August)
- • Cooling towel and extra water (temps hit 100°F+)
- • Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- • UPF-rated sun shirt
- • Portable fan or misting bottle for camp
Fall (September - November)
- • Mid-weight fleece for cool mornings and evenings
- • Warm jacket for late October/November
- • Layers you can add and remove throughout the day
- • Headlamp (days get shorter)
Winter (December - February)
- • Heavy insulating layers (temps drop to 20s°F)
- • Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
- • Ice cleats/microspikes for icy trails
- • Hand and toe warmers
Don't Forget!
All Packed? Time to Plan Your Trip!
Now that you know what to bring, start planning your perfect Moab adventure.