Short Desert Hike Checklist

I was recently reviewing hiking checklists online and realized 1. A lot of the things that they recommend is too much if you want to go on a short hike and 2. Their checklists are for climates other than the desert. So I decided to write up my own checklist for short hikes in a desert climate.

·         Water

I put this first because in the desert sun (especially during the summer) you can become dehydrated quickly. The body loses .5 gallons of water through normal respiration, perspiration, and urination during exercise. one website I saw online recommended about .5 liter per hour. Depending on the degree of difficulty on the trail and time of year you may need more or less.

·         Hiking boots, Moisture wicking socks (and maybe liners), Wide brimmed hat, Light colored, moisture wicking clothing

Proper clothing is just as important as water and sun protection, but it is kind of a given to me. You don’t walk onto a football field without a helmet and pads. You don’t walk out onto the baseball diamond without a hat and a glove or a bat. Some people nowadays will go on a hike in their tennis shoes, but I kind of worry about twisting my ankle So, I go with the boots that go above my ankles. I also like the sock liners that keep your feet dry, because your feet will get sweaty, even at the end of a 2 hour hike. The moisture wicking clothing is also more comfortable because it lets your sweat evaporate and keep you cool, which is what sweat is supposed to do. It also keeps you dry.

·         First-aid

Just in case. I like to have a pair of needle nose pliers to pull out cactus needles. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you will definitely be glad you had them.

·         Pocket knife

I honestly don’t know why you would need a pocket knife, but I am sure it would come in handy. Maybe you brought along an apple and needed to cut it? One site suggested taking a length of rope to hoist your pack over obstacles in which case it would come in handy to cut the rope

·         Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Sun protection is a must in the desert. In fact, I have heard that anywhere you go you should protect yourself from UV rays. You don’t just get skin cancer in the desert. The sun can also damage your eyes and lips and the lip balm helps keep your lips moist

·         Map

Well, you need to know where you are going, right? A compass and GPS device might be useful as well. My phone has a GPS app, but is only as reliable as the available signal.

·         Flashlight

If something does happen and you are out after the sun goes down, it might come in handy. Also, the reflective part might be able to signal passing planes or helicopters or others on the trail.

·         Extra food/water

Again, just in case you get lost, or trapped under a rock that has just fallen on you or some extreme scenario like that. A person can last for days, possibly weeks without food, but water is essential. Don’t be caught out in the desert without enough water. It can be deadly.

·         Insect repellent

Bugs can be annoying. I have got along without it on desert hikes but it is not a bad idea.

·         Camera

Good to have, so you can later post pictures on your blog.

·         Poncho

During the monsoon season, a storm can come without warning. The forecasts are somewhat reliable, but not an exact science.

·         Watch

Good for keeping track of time, signaling overhead aircraft in an emergency and you can sort of use it as a compass (I forgot how. Look it up, that is what google is for).

·         Emergency blanket

If you do get stuck after dark, the rural desert temperatures can get quite cold. It also can be used as an emergency shelter.

·         Bandana

Good to cover your neck from the sun and you can also soak it in water and put it on your head to cool you off. I have also heard of people putting a wet bandana over there mouth to reduce moisture loss.

If you look online there are more extensive lists, but I see them as lists for longer hikes and for cooler weather. Proper planning is the key.  It is always better to err on the side of caution as many things can go wrong out on the trail, but using common sense and experience, one can determine what is best for the type of trip they are planning.