How to pack for a desert adventure
As nice as it would be, there is no cut-and-dry packing list that will work for every person for every trip.
The best way to come up a packing list for you is to pull ideas from people you trust and adjust to fit your needs depending on your travel style and where in the world you’ll be going.
1. Travel Backpack
Let’s start with the vessel that will carry all of your gear: a backpack.
For a week of trekking in the desert we suggest a 30-40 L small minimalist backpack carry-on sized. These backpacks are typically 30-40 liters in size and don’t usually have compression straps or an internal frame as they are small enough to carry a load without them.
Carry-on size is the number one benefit – they can be taken as carry-on luggage on many airlines. No hassle of airlines losing your bag when it’s checked, plus you’re keeping all of your expensive digital equipment right there with you. Having a carry-on sized pack is also awesome for making sure you’re just bringing the essentials, nothing else. This keeps your load lighter and encourages minimalism. Environmental win for the small backpack!
There is no doubt that a number of these packs were designed by digital nomads, for digital nomads. They often offer integrated packing cubes that help you organize everything you need for a trip. A number of them have optimized their design so that it takes you the least amount of time possible to whip out your laptop for airport security checks. As a bonus, they’re usually designed with tactical openings for charging all of your tech devices. Pretty awesome stuff when you’re working on the road.
When you have a smaller load on your back it’s also a lot easier to retain your style. These bags tend to have fewer unruly straps and are more minimalistic in their designs. While some of these minimalist travel bags can look a bit boxy, there are a number of them that are really awesome looking packs.
A second downside can happen when you get the dreaded request from an airline attendant to weigh your bag. You’ve finally gotten all of your belongings snuggly fit into your new pack and you were feeling pretty excited not to have the hassle of checking that bag. But then it’s undoubtedly too heavy so you end up having to check your bag anyways and scramble to rearrange things.
The lighter you can pack, the better (for your back, for the environment, and for convenience!), but there are some justifiable reasons why some people still choose to travel with a larger variety of pack. If you’re travelling to multiple different climates and engaging in different types of activities, you often need versatility that is difficult for these smaller backpacks to facilitate. A 35 liter pack wouldn’t fit the gear you need for a trip through multiple climates (maybe just your sleeping bag!).
RECOMMENDED CHOICES:
This 40 liter backpack comes highly recommended, especially when you’re carrying a number of high-tech devices with you. The bag has a separate laptop compartment and tons of fleece-lined pockets for every gadget you bring with you. It has the ability to morph into a briefcase-style bag by unclipping the shoulder straps and tucking them into the back slots, while still offering some slightly more technical features including load lifters and sternum straps.
The creators of Minaal are two guys from New Zealand who built a loyal following after a super successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2013. The backpack’s straps can be concealed and carried as a briefcase like the North Face Overhaul. Its laptop compartment has velcro straps to keep your laptop in place, so even if the bag is dropped, your laptop isn’t likely to suffer any damage. It’s also easy to pull out your laptop when you go through airport security. It has all of the compartments you could need and these are really well thought out. Hip pads and a shoulder strap (if you want to carry it messenger bag style) are sold as add-ons. This is a pretty small bag, so be prepared you’re not going to be able to fit those hiking boots in here.
Check out our review of this amazing 35 L backpack here.
Not feeling ready to give up on the rolling abilities of a suitcase yet? In that case, the Malmo may be the choice for you! This hybrid between a backpack and a suitcase is both adaptable and affordable.
2. We highly recommend bringing a packable day pack. It’s perfect for short day hikes and folds up small when stored.
Camping Accessories
3. Raincover
4. Tent with guylines and repair sleeve
5. Sleeping bag
6. Sleeping pad
7. Watch
8. Knife
9. Compass
10. Topo map
11. LED headlamp with batteries
12. Water treatment system
13. Stove fuel and repair kit
14. Matches or lighter
15. Cookset dishes, bowls utensisl cups
16. Duct tape
Clothes
In desert environment (such as Joshua Tree or Liwa Oasis) sun protection is essential. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Some trails can be overgrown, so long or convertible pants are best to avoid scratches and protect against cactus spines. Because the temperature in the desert can change as much as 40 degrees in 24 hours, you should bring plenty of layers.
17. Underwear (wicking and quick-drying)
18. T-shirt and long sleeve shirt
19. Convertible, quick drying lightweight pants
20. Shorts
21. Insulated jacket
22. Rain jacket
23. Hat
24. Boots
25. Socks
26. Sandals (for relaxing in camp)
Personal Items
27. Sunglasses
28. Water bottle
29. Sunscreen
30. Lip balm
31. Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable tooth paste
32. Biodegradable soap
33. Sanitation towel
34. Hand sanitizer
35. Wipes
36. Eyeglasses and spare contacts
37. Medications
38. Plastic zip-top bags
39. Insect repellent
40. First aid kit
41. Quick drying towel
42. Camera
43. Toilet paper
Food and Water
You have to bring all the water you’ll need for your backcountry trip. For desert environment we recommend 1–2 gallons per day, depending on the temperature and your activity level. That’s just for drinking. For hygiene and cooking, you’ll need more.
Quantity of food varies depending on activity and length of trip. Keep in mind the trade-off between the water you need to hydrate dried foods and the weight of canned and fresh foods. If you want to cook, you’ll need to pack in a stove and fuel because fires are often prohibited in the backcountry.
o Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
o Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
o Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
o Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
o Energy gels
o Energy bars
o Electrolyte replacement drink mix
o Extra day’s supply of food
First Aid Kit
You never want to use these items, but it’s always good to have them handy. Extra small toiletry bags are great for keeping pill bottles in one location. Pick some up at the dollar store or you could use a small packing cube.
- Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
- Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
- Assorted adhesive bandages
- Gauze pads (various sizes)
- Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1″ width)
- Blister treatment
- Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
- Insect sting / anti-itch treatment
- Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
- Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
- Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
- Sunburn relief gel or spray
- Anti-diarrheals and laxatives (a.k.a. stoppers and goers), sometimes a good idea when traveling to far and unfamiliar places
- Antacid (Tums)
- Activated charcoal pills (removes toxins to prevent food poisoning)
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