Trying to figure out exactly what to pack for your trip to Zion?
Zion National Park might look straightforward on a map, but the weather swings, the mix of adventure levels, and the sheer variety of terrain can trip up even experienced travelers.
I’ve seen people show up totally unprepared – and I’ve made a few packing mistakes myself (hello, soaked shoes in The Narrows).
That’s why I created this complete packing list for Zion National Park – so you don’t have to guess.
I’ve hiked, climbed, splashed, and sweated my way across Zion, and this list reflects what you really need, whether you’re hiking Angels Landing, exploring the canyon floor, or just want to be comfy back at your lodge.
This is for anyone planning a Zion trip who wants to avoid rookie packing mistakes and be ready for anything – from hot sun to flash floods. This Zion packing list includes gear, clothing, food tips, and a few smart extras you might not have thought of.
There is a free downloadable packing list: Zion National Park with everything you need, plus an item-by-item breakdown if each item.
And, if you see something on the list that you don’t have, you can get it right here.
🛏️TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
🚘FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
✈️FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
🧳GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
📱TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now
Table of Contents
THE BASICS: Things Everyone Needs to Bring to Zion
1. Day Pack – Essential for full-day hikes
A mid-sized pack is perfect for carrying water, snacks, layers, and the Ten Essentials on longer hikes. You don’t want to run out of space when packing for a full day in Zion.
Get the Osprey Atmos AG 50 Backpack on REI
2. Small Daypack – Ideal for short hikes
For shuttle rides and quick trails, a smaller daypack keeps your load light and your essentials close at hand.
Get Osprey Daylite Plus on REI
3. Hydration Reservoir – Stay hydrated
Zion’s dry desert air will leave you parched fast. A hydration bladder lets you sip as you hike without constantly stopping.
4. Water Filter – Perfect for backcountry trips
For longer hikes or camping, filtering water from springs ensures you don’t run out.
Get the Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System on REI
5. Dry Bags – Protect your valuables
Dry bags are a must when hiking The Narrows to keep your phone and snacks safe from splashes.
Try the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack on REI
6. Park Entrance Pass – Saves time and money
Skip the line with the annual pass, especially if you plan to visit more parks this year.
NEED A PASS? Buy the America the Beautiful Pass from NPS
7. Headlamp – A must for early starts or late returns
Sunrise hikes or late dinners at camp make a headlamp essential.
Get the Black Diamond Spot 400 on REI
8. Navigation Tools – Always carry a backup
Even with trail signs, a map and compass are smart backups if your phone battery dies.
9. Emergency Beacon – Essential for remote hikes
If you’re exploring less-trafficked areas, a personal locator beacon can be a lifesaver.
10. First Aid Kit – Be ready for scrapes and blisters
Blisters, cuts, or headaches are common on long hikes—be ready with a compact kit.
Get the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight on REI
Clothing
11. Moisture-Wicking Base Layers – Stay dry and comfortable
Quick-dry fabrics keep you cool in Zion’s heat and wick sweat away during steep climbs.
Get a Long-Sleeve Rashguard on REI
12. Quick-Dry Hiking Pants/Shorts – Beat the heat
Lightweight pants or shorts are ideal for hot days and dry quickly if you get wet.
Get the prAna Stretch Zion II on REI
13. Fleece Jacket – Stay warm on cool mornings
Even summer mornings in Zion can be chilly, so a fleece is a great mid-layer.
Get the Columbia Steens Mountain on REI
14. Rain Jacket – Be prepared for sudden storms
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during monsoon season.
Get the Columbia Rain Jacket on REI
15. Insulating Mid-Layer – For spring and fall trips
A lightweight down jacket keeps you warm during chilly evenings at camp.
Get the Columbia Men’s Powder Lite Jacket on REI
16. Neoprene Socks – Protect your feet in The Narrows
Cold river water can numb your feet fast; neoprene socks provide warmth and cushion.
Get the NRS HydroSkin Socks on REI
17. Hiking Socks – Prevent blisters
Good hiking socks are worth every penny for dry, blister-free feet.
Get Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew on REI
18. Sun Hat – Essential for summer hikes
Protect your face and neck from Zion’s intense sun.
Get this Columbia Unisex Adult Hat on REI
19. Buff or Bandana – Versatile and lightweight
A buff works as sun protection, a sweatband, or even a face covering in dusty conditions.
FOR HIKING
20. Hiking Boots – Support and grip for rocky trails
Zion’s terrain is steep, rocky, and uneven – especially on trails like Angels Landing or Observation Point. Sturdy hiking boots provide ankle support and great traction.
Get the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX on REI
21. Water Shoes – Perfect for The Narrows
You’ll be walking through cold water over slick rocks, so closed-toe water shoes with good grip are essential.
Get the Merrell Men’s Waterpro Maipo 2 Water Shoe on Amazon
22. Trekking Poles – Extra balance on steep climbs
Poles reduce strain on your knees, help with stability in water, and give confidence on slick sandstone.
Get the Black Diamond Trail Pro on REI
23. Trail Snacks – Stay fueled on the go
Zion hikes can be long and strenuous. Bring easy-to-eat, high-energy snacks like protein bars, dried fruit, or trail mix.
Grab a CLIF Bar Variety Pack on REI
24. Zip-Top or Wet Bag – Keep wet or dirty items separate
After The Narrows or rainy weather, stash soggy socks or muddy clothes in a waterproof stuff sack.
Get the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack on REI
25. Gaiters – Keep out sand and debris
Zion’s sandy trails can fill your boots fast. Gaiters keep dust, pebbles, and water from getting in.
Get the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Gaiters on REI
26. Navigation App – Helpful on longer trails
Apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS can help track your location and progress – but don’t rely on them alone.
PICNIC & COOKING GEAR
27. Picnic Blanket – Rest in comfort
Great for lunch breaks or just lying in the shade between hikes. Choose something waterproof and packable.
28. Camp Chair – Relax after long hikes
Perfect for taking a break at overlooks or hanging out at camp. Lightweight and compact makes it easy to bring.
Get the Helinox Chair Zero on REI
29. Portable Stove – Make hot meals on the go
Having a way to heat water or cook a quick lunch makes picnicking even better.
Get the MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove on REI
30. Fuel Canister – Don’t forget the fuel
Your stove won’t work without it! Make sure it’s compatible with your cooking setup.
Get the MSR IsoPro Fuel on REI
31. Camping Mug – For coffee, tea, or soup
A lightweight, insulated mug lets you enjoy a warm drink at sunrise or over lunch.
Get the GSI Outdoors Infinity Mug on REI
32. Spork or Utensil Set – Eat with ease
Reusable utensils help reduce waste and are handy for anything from oatmeal to trail mix.
33. Food Storage – Keep meals secure
Reusable containers or silicone bags help organize your snacks or meals—and keep them safe from critters.
Get Reusable Silicone Bags on REI
34. Trash Bags – Leave no trace
Pack out all your trash – always. Bring a couple of small bags for wrappers and food waste.
CAMPING
35. Tent – Your home away from home
A lightweight, freestanding tent is perfect for Zion’s campgrounds. Choose one with good ventilation.
NEED A TENT? Try the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ at REI
36. Sleeping Bag – Stay warm all night
Even in summer, nights can get cool in the desert. A 20–30°F bag is ideal.
Get the Kelty Cosmic Sleeping Bag on REI
37. Sleeping Pad – Comfort and insulation
A good sleeping pad helps you rest well and keeps cold ground from draining your heat.
Get the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm on REI
38. Pillow – Sleep better
A small, packable pillow adds just enough comfort to help you sleep well outdoors.
Get the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow on REI
39. Lantern – Light up your campsite
Lanterns are great for hanging out at camp after dark or reading in your tent.
Get the Black Diamond Moji Lantern on Amazon
40. Camp Towel – Quick-drying and compact
Great for drying off after a wash-up or swimming in the Virgin River.
Get the PackTowl Personal Towel on REI
41. Camp Shoes – Give your feet a break
After a long hike, it’s nice to slip into sandals or slides at camp.
42. Fire Starter – Always be ready
If fires are allowed and conditions are safe, bring waterproof matches or a lighter.
Get the UCO Stormproof Match Kit on REI
43. Power Bank – Charge your devices
You’ll likely drain your phone battery using maps, taking photos, or tracking your hikes.
Get the InstantGo 10000 Wireless Power Bank on REI
44. Biodegradable Soap – Clean up responsibly
Use biodegradable soap at designated sites to clean dishes or freshen up.
Get the Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap on REI
45. Collapsible Sink or Wash Basin – Makes cleanup easy
A portable basin is great for dishes or rinsing dusty feet.
Try the Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink on REI
46. Rope or Clothesline – Dry clothes or hang gear
After river hikes or rain, it’s helpful to hang up wet clothing at your site.
47. Duct Tape – Fix almost anything
Wrap a few feet around your water bottle for patching torn gear or quick repairs.
48. Extra Tent Stakes – For wind or rocky ground
Bring a few extras in case one bends or goes missing.
Get the MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes on REI
49. Food Bag or Bear Canister – Store food safely
Zion doesn’t have bears, but squirrels and raccoons will absolutely raid your food. Keep it secured.
50. Camp Table – For cooking or organizing gear
Many sites don’t have tables. A lightweight folding table is useful for food prep or gear storage.
Get your Zion National Park Printable Packing Checklist
Note that this packing list focuses on Zion. I have additional packing lists for other specialty aspects of a vacation, so check them too if your vacation:
🥾 will involve hiking (day hikes packing list)
❄️ is in winter (winter trips packing packing list)
🏔️ will involve hiking in winter (winter hikes packing list)
🚗 includes a road trip (road trip packing list)
🌲 is to a national park (national parks packing list)
🔥 also includes a stay in a cabin (cabin packing list)
⛺ is a camping trip (tent camping packing list)
Have a great time on your Zion trip!
Do you have any other thing to include on your packing list for Zion that’s not here? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
If you’re planning to visit Zion National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries for Zion National Park that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
If you found this Zion packing list helpful, Pin It to your Zion National Park board!
💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Zion National Park? Read my Guide to Zion National Park
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Zion? Get a detailed 1 – 3-day Zion National Park Itinerary
🛏️ Are you looking for a place to stay near Zion National Park? Find a vacation rental near Zion National Park
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about Zion National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Zion National Park
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.