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A sun hat with a brim that can keep your head cool is essential to avoiding heat-related health problems.
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Sunglasses are essential in the intense desert light of spring and summer. Avoid cheap ones. Most are made of plastic and don't protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet light. In fact, wearing poor-quality sunglasses can be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all. The manufacturers of high-quality sunglasses not only make distortion-free lenses but also specify the amount of ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light transmitted.
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Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15; SPF 30 or higher is better. The hot desert sun will burn your skin quickly, even if you already have a tan.
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Bring an extra layer of clothing, such as a fleece jacket or a shell. You might be surprised to learn that cold can be a problem in the desert. After dark, temperatures fall rapidly, even in summer, because of the clear, dry air. The best seasons for desert hiking are fall, winter, and spring, and cold can be even more of a factor during these seasons.
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Always carry some means of starting an emergency fire. Disposable cigarette lighters are light and provide a sustained flame. Stash at least two in your pack.
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You can use a pocketknife to prepare kindling from wet desert wood in an emergency. If you have a deluxe model, you can use the scissors to cut moleskin, and use any other features for repairs and cooking chores.
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Carry an extra bulb and extra batteries for your flashlight or headlamp, and know how long fresh batteries last. Always have a spare set of batteries (or several sets on long backpack trips).
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Buy a quality liquid-filled compass. You don't necessarily need sighting mirrors and all the extra features for general desert travel, but these features may be useful.
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Get a signal mirror with a sighting grid, which makes the mirror more accurate and easier to use. Glass mirrors produce a far brighter flash than metal or plastic ones, but a small glass mirror can work just as well as a large one.
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Always store several extra energy bars (granola or snack bars) that won't melt in your emergency/survival kit. You may really appreciate that extra bar on a trip you pack short or in an emergency situation.
