Tips and Tricks for Backpacking in the Desert

Most people think of mountains and forests when they think of backpacking, but desert backpacking can be just as beautiful. It can also be just as challenging, if not more so. It’s not all that different from being in the mountains, but there are definitely some different considerations to keep in mind.

Stay Hydrated

Water is the most important thing to think about when planning a backpacking trip in the desert. Water sources can be few and far between, so planning accordingly and making sure you know where the water sources are and if they’re reliable is crucial. Carrying more than you think you’ll need is not a bad idea either. 

Depending on your hike, leaving water caches for yourself can make a hike possible or just a lot more pleasant. If you’re caching water, be sure to mark the exact location you left the cache, make sure it’s hidden and labeled, and be sure to carry out the containers or anything else you left with it.

On top of making sure to carry enough water, you also want to make sure you have some fail safes. Always bring a backup water treatment method. You never know when someone could happen to your filter, and having some Aquatabs or a small vial of bleach could save you from some extended time on the toilet, or squatting over your cathole in this case. 

Carrying an extra cap or two for your bottles or bladders can also come in handy in a pinch. For that same reason, bringing a repair kit with patches for a bladder can also save you from any pinholes that may appear if a cactus gets too close. We recommend Tear Aid Type A or other TPU based patches. All of these backups weigh hardly anything, but keep you prepared for any possibility.

It’s not just about carrying the water, you have to make sure you’re drinking enough too. Be proactive about keeping yourself hydrated. Electrolytes help you stay on top of your hydration and help you feel better overall, especially in the heat. 

Beat the Heat

The second biggest factor of desert hiking is the heat. It can be avoided if you hike in the right seasons, but not always entirely. There are a lot of different ways to help deal with the heat. One of the most popular ways is to avoid the heat entirely by hiking early in the morning and late into the night, while taking a siesta during the hottest part of the day. Taking advantage of any shade you can find also makes a huge difference, you’ll feel the immediate temperature drop. Even better, you can make your own shade by carrying an umbrella. It’s great for breaks anywhere and you could attach it to your pack to have hands free shade while you hike. 

Wearing light, but sun protective clothes is also a great idea to stay cooler. It may seem counter intuitive, but you won’t be staying cool if you get sunburnt. You also definitely don’t want to leave your hat and sunglasses behind.

Another great trick to cool down is wetting a bandana, buff, hat, etc with cool water and put if on the back of your neck. It’ll feel fantastic, trust me.

Take Advantage of the Seasons

Peak season for the desert is not the same as the mountains. You likely don’t want to plan a desert hike in the middle of summer. Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to hike in the desert. This can be a win-win, because it lets you get out backpacking when most other areas are still snowed in or too cold to be comfortable. On that same note, keep a close eye on the weather. Many desert locations can be prone to flash floods and you don’t want to be out there when there’s any chance for that. 

Protect your Gear

The desert can be tough on your gear. Sand is abrasive and it will get everywhere. There’s also a lot of sharp and pokey plant life in the desert that you’ll want to watch out for. Keep your gear protected with a ground sheet, like the Claim Jumper or Pardner’s Pad. The last thing you want is a hole in your tent floor or worse, a deflated sleeping pad. 

On a similar note, bring gear that keeps the environment you’re in in mind. This one might not be as popular, but I like to hike in sandals if I know the trail will be very sandy or if I’ll be wading in streams for an extended period of time. I don’t have to dump the sand out of my shoes or deal with heavy and wet shoes that way. There are lots of options with good traction and you can even wear them with socks if it’s colder. 

The materials of your gear can come in to play too. It’s always best to use the gear you have, but maybe bring a more durable option if you have it. Many packs or tents have different types of fabric in varying levels of durability, for example. It’s something to keep in mind when making purchasing decisions if you like to hike in the desert or off trail often.

Be Prepared

With any trip, safety should always be a top priority. Always carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. Taking a wilderness first aid course is a great idea for any backpacker. Desert trips tend to be more remote, so bringing a GPS/SOS device is also a great safety precaution. As always, make sure you have maps of the area and how to read them.

Another piece of gear you might not think to bring on other trips is some length of rope. This is dependent on your trip, but it can come in handy to lower or raise backpacks up short distances in a pinch. 

Hopefully these tips will help you not only be prepared, but have a blast backpacking in the desert!