Whether you’re hitting a summer trail in Zion or bundling up for a snowy winter hike at Bryce Canyon, what you pack in your backpack can make or break your experience. We’ve learned through plenty of family adventures, both great and not-so-great, exactly what needs to be in that pack for each season. Here’s our complete guide!
The Year-Round Essentials (Always Pack These)
No matter the season, these items should live in your hiking pack permanently:
- Water, At least 2 liters per person. Even on cold days, hydration is critical. We love a mix of a water bottle and a hydration bladder for long hikes.
- Snacks, Trail mix, granola bars, jerky, or fruit. Hungry hikers are grumpy hikers, especially kids!
- Navigation, Download offline maps before you go. Cell service disappears fast in Utah’s canyons. AllTrails works great with downloaded maps.
- First Aid Kit, Bandages, blister pads, pain reliever, antihistamine, and any personal medications. Compact kits are worth every penny.
- Sun Protection, Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Utah’s high elevation sun is no joke.
- Headlamp, Even on day hikes. Trails take longer than expected and you never want to be caught in the dark.
- Multi-tool or pocket knife, You’ll be surprised how often this comes in handy.
- Emergency whistle, Lightweight and potentially lifesaving, especially hiking with kids.
- Trekking poles (optional but amazing), Game-changer on steep descents and rocky terrain.
Spring Hiking Essentials
Spring in Utah is magical, wildflowers blooming, waterfalls rushing, and comfortable temperatures. But it’s also unpredictable. Here’s what to add for spring hikes:
- Rain jacket or packable shell, Spring showers pop up fast. A lightweight, packable rain jacket takes up almost no space and saves the day.
- Waterproof trail shoes or gaiters, Muddy trails and stream crossings are common after snowmelt. Keep those feet dry!
- Allergy medication, Pollen is high in spring. Pack antihistamines if anyone in your family is sensitive.
- Extra layers, Mornings can be cold; afternoons warm up fast. Layer up and peel down as needed.
- Bug spray, Mosquitoes start showing up near water sources in spring. Pack a DEET or picaridin-based repellent.
- Trekking poles, Especially useful for crossing snowmelt streams and navigating muddy trails.
Summer Hiking Essentials
Summer hiking means heat, especially in southern Utah where temps can hit 100°F+. Preparation is everything. This is the season where hydration and sun protection move to the very top of the list.
- Extra water, seriously, pack more, Plan on at least 1 liter per hour of hiking per person in summer heat. We carry 3+ liters each on hot days.
- Electrolyte packets, Nuun tablets or Liquid IV are lifesavers. You sweat out more than just water in the heat.
- Wide-brim hat, For every single person in your family. No exceptions.
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, Long sleeves in light colors actually keep you cooler than short sleeves by blocking UV rays.
- Cooling towel, Wet it, snap it, instant relief. Kids especially love these on hot summit hikes.
- Early start time, This isn’t gear, but it’s the most important summer tip: be on trail by 7am and off by noon to beat dangerous afternoon heat.
- Misting spray bottle, Small, lightweight, and an amazing morale booster on exposed trails.
Fall Hiking Essentials
Fall is honestly our favorite hiking season in Utah. The crowds thin out, the temperatures are perfect, and the foliage is stunning. Here’s what to add to your pack:
- Warm mid-layer, A fleece or light puffy jacket. Temperatures drop quickly once the sun dips behind canyon walls.
- Gloves and beanie, For higher elevation hikes like Bryce Canyon (9,000+ ft), fall mornings can be frosty.
- Packable down jacket, Compresses to almost nothing and provides serious warmth on summit hikes.
- Traction device (microspikes), Higher trails may have early-season ice or frost in October and November. Better safe than sorry.
- Extra food, You’ll be hiking longer because the weather is so perfect. Pack more snacks than you think you need!
Winter Hiking Essentials
Winter hiking in Utah is absolutely stunning, snow-dusted hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, quiet trails at Zion, frozen waterfalls in the canyons. But it requires the most preparation of any season. Don’t let the cold catch you off guard!
- Microspikes or crampons, Non-negotiable for icy trails. These strap over your regular hiking shoes and provide incredible grip.
- Insulated, waterproof boots, Regular trail shoes won’t cut it in snow and ice. Invest in proper winter hiking footwear.
- Moisture-wicking base layer, Cotton is the enemy in winter. Wool or synthetic base layers keep you warm even when wet.
- Insulating mid-layer, Fleece or a down jacket worn over your base layer.
- Waterproof outer shell, Blocks wind and repels moisture from snow and sleet.
- Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter, Extremities get cold fast. Bring extras for kids.
- Hand warmers, Toss a few in the pack. Kids especially love these and they can be genuinely important in emergencies.
- Thermos with hot drink, Hot cocoa at a winter summit? Best. Thing. Ever.
- Extra food, Your body burns significantly more calories staying warm in winter. Pack heartier snacks.
- Emergency space blanket, Compact, lightweight, and could be lifesaving if someone gets wet or hypothermic.
Bonus: Family Hiking Add-Ons (With Kids)
Hiking with kids is the best, but it requires a few extra items beyond the basics:
- Extra snacks (and then more snacks), Kids ask for snacks approximately every 12 minutes on the trail. You’ve been warned.
- Blister pads and moleskin, New shoes + long trails = blisters. Pack prevention and treatment.
- Small toy or activity, A tiny toy or activity book for rest breaks keeps little ones happy.
- Wipes, For sticky snack hands, unexpected muddy falls, and everything in between.
- Change of clothes, Especially if hiking near water. Kids WILL get wet.
- Kid-sized backpack, Even toddlers love carrying their own little pack. Let them own a piece of the adventure!
The best hike is a prepared hike! Getting your pack dialed in takes a trip or two, but once you find your system, hitting the trail becomes second nature. Now get out there, Utah is calling!
