Zion gear kits

Jump to a kit: Day Hike · Narrows (river hike) · Desert Heat · Family / Toddler · Dog Hike · Sunrise & Night Photo · Stargazing · E-bike Day · Car & Road Trip · Canyoneering Intro · Backpacking Overnight

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Day Hike kit

The core kit for a dry-trail day in Zion Canyon.

• Daypack, 18–25 L Qty: 1Hip belt and side bottle pockets.
• Water bottles or reservoir Qty: 2–4 LNPS suggests about 1 gallon (4 L) per person per day.
• Electrolyte mix Qty: 1 per 2 hFor long or hot hikes. Read the label.
• Trail shoes with grip Qty: 1 pairSandstone and sand need grip.
• Wide-brim sun hat Qty: 1
• Mineral sunscreen Qty: 1Reapply as the label says.
• Sunglasses Qty: 1
• Headlamp Qty: 1Even if you plan to be out before dark.
• Small first-aid kit Qty: 1
• Salty snacks Qty: Plenty
• Paper map holder / map case Qty: 1Print the official map. Phones drop signal.

Narrows (river hike) kit

For the bottom-up Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava. Check flow and the forecast with NPS that day. The park closes the route above 150 CFS.

• Canyoneering / water hiking shoes Qty: 1 pairClosed-toe, grippy, can stay wet.
• Neoprene socks Qty: 1 pairNPS says neoprene may be necessary in cold months.
• Hiking staff / trekking pole Qty: 1For balance on river rocks.
• Dry bag Qty: 1–2Phone, keys, snacks, layer.
• Waterproof phone pouch Qty: 1
• Quick-dry shorts or pants Qty: 1
• Warm synthetic layer Qty: 1The canyon is shaded and the water is cold.
• Headlamp Qty: 1

Desert Heat kit

The extra layer of protection for summer and hot afternoons. Hike early. Afternoon heat on exposed trails is real.

• Insulated water bottle Qty: 1–2NPS suggests about 1 gallon (4 L) per person per day.
• Cooling towel Qty: 1
• Sun hoodie, UPF 50 Qty: 1Light long sleeves block sun.
• Neck gaiter / sun buff Qty: 1
• Electrolyte tablets Qty: 1 tube
• Small umbrella for shade Qty: 1Useful at shadeless viewpoints.
• Car windshield sunshade Qty: 1The car will be hot when you get back.
• Cooler for the car Qty: 1Cold water waiting at the trailhead.

Family / Toddler kit

For short trails with little kids: carry, shade, snacks, and spares.

• Child hiking carrier Qty: 1Check the trail; many have steps and sand.
• Kids’ sun hat Qty: 1 per child
• Kids’ sunscreen Qty: 1
• Kids’ water bottles Qty: 1 per child
• Snack containers Qty: Several
• Wet wipes Qty: 1–2 packs
• Portable changing pad Qty: 1
• Kids’ binoculars Qty: 1For lizards, ravens, and rock shapes.
• Small first-aid kit Qty: 1

Dog Hike kit

Pets are allowed only on the Pa’rus Trail in Zion, on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

• 6 ft fixed leash Qty: 1No long retractable leash.
• Dog waste bags Qty: 1 roll
• Collapsible dog bowl Qty: 1
• Extra water for the dog Qty: 1
• Dog booties Qty: 1 setHot ground is a real issue. Boots are a choice, not a rule.
• Cooling vest for dogs Qty: 1
• Dog harness Qty: 1

Sunrise & Night Photo kit

For first light, golden hour, and dark-sky shooting.

• Travel tripod Qty: 1
• Remote shutter release Qty: 1
• Spare camera batteries Qty: 2
• Headlamp with red mode Qty: 1Red light keeps night vision for you and others.
• Lens cloth / cleaning kit Qty: 1Desert dust gets on everything.
• Power bank Qty: 1
• Warm layer for pre-dawn Qty: 1Desert mornings can be cold.

Stargazing kit

For an evening under the sky. The park is open 24 hours. NPS lists dark-sky spots such as Checkerboard Mesa, Lava Point, and Timber Creek.

• Red-light flashlight Qty: 1White light ruins night vision.
• Binoculars Qty: 1A good first “telescope.”
• Planisphere / star chart Qty: 1No signal needed.
• Camp chair Qty: 1 per person
• Blanket Qty: 1
• Warm jacket Qty: 1 per person
• Thermos Qty: 1

E-bike Day kit

Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed in Zion. E-bikes are not allowed on park shuttles.

• Bike helmet Qty: 1 per rider
• Bike lock Qty: 1
• Bike repair kit / multitool Qty: 1
• Frame bag or handlebar bag Qty: 1
• Cycling gloves Qty: 1 pair
• Bike bottle cages Qty: 2
• Rear light Qty: 1

Car & Road Trip kit

Everything the car should carry to the park and back.

• Large water jug Qty: 1Refill bottles at the car.
• Cooler Qty: 1
• Car phone mount Qty: 1Download offline maps before you go.
• Car charger Qty: 1
• Windshield sunshade Qty: 1
• Roadside emergency kit Qty: 1
• Trash bags Qty: 1 rollPack it in, pack it out.
• Paper road atlas Qty: 1No signal in places.

Canyoneering Intro kit

NPS requires a wilderness permit for all technical canyoneering trips. Technical canyons also need skills and current beta. Gear is not training. Take a course or hire a permitted guide first.

• Climbing helmet Qty: 1
• Canyoneering harness Qty: 1
• Rappel device Qty: 1
• Locking carabiners Qty: 3–4
• Canyoneering rope (static) Qty: 1 per teamLength per route beta.
• Canyoneering pack Qty: 1Drains and survives rock.
• Leather gloves Qty: 1 pair
• Canyoneering shoes Qty: 1 pair

Backpacking Overnight kit

Overnight trips in Zion need a wilderness permit from the park.

• Backpacking pack, 45–60 L Qty: 1
• Backpacking tent Qty: 1
• Sleeping bag Qty: 1 per person
• Sleeping pad Qty: 1 per person
• Backpacking stove Qty: 1
• Water filter Qty: 1Treat all natural water.
• Bear-resistant / odor-proof food bag Qty: 1
• Trowel and waste kit Qty: 1Follow the park’s waste rules for your route.

Want the park-specific basics first? Read packing, what to wear, and the printable checklist.