Complete Havasupai Packing List


As someone who has been lucky enough to backpack Havasupai twice, once in cooler weather and once in warmer, here are the items that I've found necessary, plus a few extras that are only if you have the room.


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Backpacking Gear


  • Backpack - for this length of a trip, I prefer a 60L backpack although it really is what is the smallest you can fit all your gear in. The Blaze is my second backpacking backpack and I really love it. Highly recommend.
  • Granite Gear Blaze 60L
  • Tent w/ Footprint - lighter is better! Do a test run with your tent before the trip to make sure you know how to set it up.
  • Nimbus UL 2 Tent & Footprint
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Nemo Tensor Elite Mummy Sleeping Pad
  • Blanket
  • Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
  • Inflatable Pillow - any inflatable pillow works. I like this one since it's shaped to stay in a sleeping bag.
  • Cocoon Aircore Hood/Camp Pillow
  • Hiking Poles - look at the REI clearance section. That's where I got mine. I like them but really, I don't recommend paying full price.
  • REI Flash Carbon Compact Trekking Poles
  • Quick-Dry Towel - trust me, you want quick dry. My first trip my towel wasn't quick dry and it was kinda miserable to reuse it.
  • Nomadix Ultralight Towel
  • Daypack - when hiking down Mooney and further, it is so much easier to have a packable daypack so you aren't carrying your big backpacking pack everywhere. I like this one from REI because it's lightweight and packs small. I put a camera insert inside to give it some structure and protect my camera.
  • REI Stuff Travel Pack - 18L
  • Hiking Boots - I have weak ankles so I like this pair from Danner because they are high. The trail is pretty rocky so the better quality boot, the better. Just make sure to work the boots in before the high.
  • Danner Explorer
  • Water Shoes - if you plan to wade into the water, water shoes are a must. I prefer my Chacos over my Tevas but it really is personal preference. Either are great because they have good tread for hiking.
  • Chaco Mega Z/Cloud Sandals
  • Sleeping Bag - really only needed for cooler weather. I used the one linked below and it was perfect for the chilly evenings in November.
  • Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass GORE TEX 15


Clothing


My favorites are linked.


Food/Water



Toiletries


  • Kula Cloth - useful to save on toilet paper. Only to be used after peeing.
  • Toilet Paper - the bathrooms at camp do have toilet paper supplied but it is not guaranteed.
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Tampons/Pads
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Wipes
  • Chapstick

Documents


  • Print-out of reservation
  • Trip Leader ID
  • Proof of account for each hiker
  • Wrist band and tags (received at checkin)

Miscellaneous


  • Chargers
  • Power Bank - linked one is my favorite since it has the primary cords built in
  • VEGER Portable Charger
  • Phone
  • Credit Card
  • First Aid Kit - pack what you will actually need/use. This is what I bring
  • Bandaids
  • Blister Bandaids
  • Aleve
  • Odor Proof Bags - also useful to put dirty clothes in so they don't attract animals
  • Smelly Proof Bags
  • Dry Bag - if you hike to Beaver Falls or further you will have water crossings. I recommend a dry bag for anything you can't get wet (i.e. camera).
  • Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag
  • Lights (flashlight, lantern, etc) - I don't like headlamps but others do.
  • Biolite Luci Outdoor 2.0 Inflatable Solar Lantern
  • Luminaid Solar String Area Light with Phone Charger
  • Rope (to hang food/packs) - most camp spots do have rope already hung between trees but don't rely on it.
  • Rainfly - get one that fits your backpack. You do not want to risk all your gear getting wet in the off chance you get caught in some light rain.
  • Sunglasses
  • Carabiners (to hang items)

Nice to Have/Fun


  • Camp chair - most camp spots do have picnic tables but a separate chair would be nice to bring down to relax by the falls.
  • Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair
  • Camera with wide angle lens - if you can only bring one lens, go with a wide angle. However, a zoom lens would be preferred. I shoot Nikon and like the 24-200mm lens.
  • Tripod - needed if you want to do long exposure for that smooth water look or night photography.
  • Ulanzi Zero F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod 3131 - this one is expensive but worth it. However, if you aren't big into photography, I'd suggest something less expensive.
  • Ulanzi MT-33 Octopus Tripod - I like this one for lighter cameras. It's small, lightweight, and not too expensive.
  • Camera insert for backpack - keeps my camera safe and provides structure for my daypack
  • Headphones - entirely up to you. I didn't really use mine. But if you want music, you need headphones. You cannot play music on speakers.
  • JLab Go Sport+ Wireless
  • Garmin inReach Mini (or similar) - everything is pretty straight forward but I always recommend a satellite phone just in case
  • Gloves (for Mooney Falls) - it's possible to go down without them but the chains are very wet and slippery. Anything to make it less nerve-wracking is recommended.
  • Playing Cards
  • Cash - not everyone takes credit card
  • Hammock + Straps - some use a hammock instead a tent. However, not every camp spot has trees good for a hammock
  • Kindle/Book
  • Onesie - fun to use in warmer weather instead of a sleeping bag