Grand Canyon Outdoor Gear – Gear for Adventure Travel

Grand Canyon Gear for Travelers

Make sure you have the right gear for your Grand Canyon adventure. We talk a lot about the vast size of the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas, but there are also huge variations in climate due to elevation changes throughout the park. These changes in elevation create different Grand Canyon Ecosystems and each of them have weather and conditions that vary throughout the year. The gear you'll need also depends on the Grand Canyon Activities or guided tours you'll be doing when you travel to Grand Canyon National Park. Someone hiking to the bottom of the canyon in June, will have much different needs than a person taking photos on the South Rim in December, but there is some recommended gear everyone should bring along for their Grand Canyon adventure. Read the guide below to learn more about Grand Canyon outfitters and gear shops.

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Grand Canyon Recommended Gear List

Gear for Every Trip

Below you'll find a list of gear that will be helpful for almost anyone traveling to the Grand Canyon. Whether you'll relaxing at a scenic vista or hiking to the bottom of the canyon, these Grand Canyon essentials will help you have a safe and comfortable experience.

Sun Glasses are essential with the canyon's intense sunshine and high elevation.
Sun block is a must, Neutrogena spray sunscreen works great and is easy to apply.
A good sun hat is a great way to protect yourself and feel comfortable.
Camera: use your DSLR, phone, or our favorite the GoPro Hero7 Black.
Cell Phone: phone, camera, map and more, we also love lifeproof case to protect them.
Layers (even in the summer it can be cool or rain on the canyon rim).
Good shoes for walking or hiking. Moosejaw has a great selection of footwear.
Hydration: Camelback for day hikes, MSR for backpacks & Hydroflask for ice cold water.
Snacks are important to have handy (food is not always readily available).
Patagonia duffel and travel bags are the best to pack everything you need.
Small backpack or bag, gear.com has some great options.

Renting Gear for Grand Canyon Trip

Another great option for people who are new to the types of activities the Grand Canyon area offers or families with children who don't want to buy a ton of new gear is to rent it. Outdoors Geek is a Guru favorite for rentals and has a big selection to help outfit your trip.

Gear for Adventure Travel

For travelers heading below the rim on a Grand Canyon adventure you'll want a few extra pieces of gear to make sure you're prepared for everything the Grand Canyon has to offer. If you're thinking about do a Grand Canyon rafting trip, or overnight backpack you'll need a lot of extra gear and knowledge...make sure you do your research before head out.

Trail Sneakers or Boots. Here's some great men's options and women's options.
Light weight men's or women's hiking socks .
Sun Glasses.
Sun block (Neutrogena spray sunscreen works great).
Hats are essential and a good sun hat is a great for the canyon's blazing sun.
Patagonia makes some of our favorite jackets for every canyon season.
Camera: use your phone, or get a GoPro Hero7 Black to record your adventure.
Hydration: Camelback for day hikes, MSR for backpacks & Hydroflask for ice cold water.
Snacks (protein like jerky and salty snacks especially when it's hot).
Sports Drink Powder (replacing electrolytes is key, especially when it's hot).
Daypack/Small Backpack (comfortable with space for your stuff).
Trekking Poles: a big help for the canyon...MSR trekking poles are our favorites.
Coolers: Car camping, rafting and a cold drink after a hike...Yeti is our top pick.

Seasonal Gear for the Canyon

Below are some quick tips for different seasons, for more information on seasonal conditions to prepare for your trip, check out our Grand Canyon Weather page.

Summer Season- Summer is hot from the rim to the river. It can reach the 90's on the rim and 115 at the bottom of the canyon. Stay out of the heat from 10-4, stay hydrated, eat plenty of food and salty snacks, use sun block and be prepared.
Fall Season- Fall is one of the best times to visit the canyon, but it can still get cool (on the rim) and hot, especially on the bottom of the canyon. Be ready for a lot of variation in weather.
Winter Season- The Grand Canyon is cold in the winter. The higher elevation on the North Rim means it is shut down and the South Rim frequently gets snow. Even though you're in Arizona, be prepared for cold and icy winter conditions.
Spring Season- Spring conditions can have some of the most dramatic changes in climate and weather. March and April are usually the months with the biggest snow falls and May can already have temperatures that exceed 100 degrees. Spring can be one of the best times to visit the canyon, but make sure you're prepared.