Desert Hiking - Personal Equipment

FOOTWEAR

After proper fit, ventilation is the important feature to look for in desert hiking boots. Waterproof boots are seldom necessary. Avoid heavy, full-grain leather boots. If you insist on waterproof boots, consider a model made with one of the lightweight waterproof/breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex. Many of the recent lightweight designs work well in the desert.

Look for a shoe with durable toe and heel caps, as well as reinforced stitching, because desert trails tend to be rocky and abrasive.

Exploring canyons frequently requires wading or swimming. Non-leather hiking boots or shoes work better than leather, because the water collected while wading can escape during dry stretches. Also try sport sandals, which can double as relaxing camp shoes (except in the warm summer months, when snakes are active).

Heat and sweat buildup in your boots can cause blisters.

The old hiker's trick of wearing two pairs of socks works well. The thick outer sock provides cushioning, and the thin liner sock clings to your skin and prevents the outer sock from rubbing and causing blisters. Wool is hard to beat for the outer sock, because it retains its loft better than synthetics or cotton when damp with sweat.

For the inner layer, polypropylene liner socks do an excellent job of wicking sweat away from your skin, but some people don't like the feel of the synthetic fiber against their skin. Thin cotton liner socks are a good compromise for the inner layer. Other hikers prefer a single cotton athletic sock, especially in hot weather.

If you're caught in cold, wet weather with nonwaterproof boots, wear a pair of plastic bags over your outer socks as a vapor barrier. Gallon-size freezer bags with zipper closures work well and double as resealable trash bags. Although some moisture will build up from perspiration, your feet will be warmer than they would be if your socks were completely soaked.

BLISTERS

Wearing two pairs of socks—a thin inner and heavy outer—can reduce friction on your skin and cut down on blisters.

Pay special attention to the fit of new boots, and always take them on a few trial day hikes and shorter backpack trips before committing to a long trip. Even though lightweight fabric-and-leather boots require little break-in, you still want to be sure of the fit.

At the first sign of a hot spot or other discomfort on your feet, stop and have a look. Protect a hot spot with a piece of felt moleskin. Changing to clean socks will help as well. Once a blister has fully developed, protect it with a piece of moleskin with the center cut out to surround the raised area of skin.

WALKING STICKS

A walking stick can be helpful, especially for rough slopes, stream crossings, or other places where the footing is uncertain. The stick can also be used to push brush and low branches out of the way, probe potential hiding areas during snake season, prop up a pack into a backrest, or support a tarp for shelter from the weather.

Attach a small loop of nylon cord to the top of your walking stick. The loop lets you hang the stick from your wrist when you need both hands for a moment. It also makes it easier to attach a tarp once you reach camp.

CLOTHING

Keep your skin covered with a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Long pants will also protect your skin from scratches when hiking a brushy trail.

Shorts are comfortable, but if you wear them, use a good sunscreen. The intense desert sun can produce a painful sunburn in a short time, even on tanned skin.

Protect your head. In cold weather, up to half your body heat loss is through your head, because of all the blood vessels close to your skin. For the same reason, protect your head from summer sun with a good sun hat. Some hikers like floppy, broad-brimmed cotton hats; others like the "desert rat" style with a long flap in the back. Whatever the style, it should not only keep the sun out of your eyes but also shade your neck and ears. Baseball-style caps are only a little better than no hat at all.

The four-layer system is versatile enough to handle nearly any weather condition and helps keep your load light. The first, inner layer consists of lightweight, synthetic, moisture-wicking long underwear. A pair of sturdy pants (with shorts as a warm-weather option) and a sturdy long-sleeved shirt that will hold up to brush and rocks form the second layer. The third layer consists of an insulating jacket or parka. The fourth layer consists of a good pair of rain pants and jacket with hood or a waterproof and breathable outer layer.

In dry weather, down is the lightest, most durable, and most practical insulation in the desert. However, when wet, down loses insulating value and does not dry quickly. Consider a jacket insulated with a synthetic fill (pile) if you expect wet weather. Synthetic fleece is the warmest, driest insulator for wet conditions. Even after getting completely soaked, you can wring out synthetic fleece and wear it immediately. Check the forecast before you go, then you can decide whether to take pile or down.

Don't put up with being overheated or chilled. While hiking, stop to add or subtract layers as necessary to stay comfortable. Add layers until you feel warm in cool weather, and seek shade until you feel cool in hot weather. Drinking extra water can also help you cool down.

BACKPACKS

Many experienced desert hikers still use external frame packs

because of their superior air circulation. In fairness, some internal frame packs provide good airflow around your back. Of course, internal frame packs provide better balance for rough, cross-country desert walking.

Desert day hikers often prefer fanny packs for the same reason. The major drawback is that sometimes you can't carry enough water in a small pack.

Since water is the heaviest item in your pack, keep it close to your back for better balance. Don't put large amounts of water at the bottom or top of your pack.