Complete Havasupai Packing List
Before we left for our Havasupai trip, I sent everyone a packing list. Some followed it exactly; some added items to it; some skipped items altogether. Everyone came out of the canyon with a list of things they would do differently next time!
Our first stop after the hike out? REI. We had less than 24 hours before our next adventure- canoeing/kayaking the Black Canyon National Water Trail, and everyone picked up a few new essentials that we wished we’d had in Havasupai.
So here it is: the things we packed and loved, the things we packed but didn’t use, and the things we didn’t bring but wished we did! This post covers the essentials, the nice-to-haves, and the leave-it-behinds—plus a few seasonal tips to help you pack smart and hike happy. Let’s dive in!
- 👉 Related Read: Havasupai Trail Complete Guide: Permits, Tips & Highlights
- 👉 Related Read: Beaver Falls: The Best Day Hike in Havasupai
- 👉 Related Read: The Havasupai Confluence: Is It Worth It and Who Should Go?
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase them after clicking on my link, I may earn a small commission. I only recommend items that I personally use and love or that I think will add value to your trip. Thank you for supporting my blog.
The Essentials
These are the must-haves—the gear you absolutely need to make it in and out of the canyon safely and comfortably. You don’t want to skip on these items! Havasupai is remote and rugged, so packing smart from the start makes all the difference.
1. Backpack
The right backpack can make or break your Havasupai adventure. After hiking out of the canyon, Joshua and Jamie ditched their ill-fitting packs mid-trip and bought new ones before we started our next leg. Lesson learned: a properly fitted backpack—with padded hip belts and adjustable straps—isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential for surviving the long, rugged trail in and out of the canyon in comfort.
🌟 Jen’s Pick: Osprey Renn 65L
💰 Budget-friendly, beginner-friendly backpack
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ Pros
- Lightweight and supportive
- Women-specific fit for better comfort
- Great ventilation—perfect for hiking in desert heat
- Large, padded hip belt pockets
❌ Cons
- Access to contents only through top and bottom
- Limited organizational pockets
🌟 Emma’s Pick: Osprey Aura AG 65L
💰💰💰Premium backpack with comfort features for long hauls
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ Pros
- Osprey’s Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension system for exceptional weight distribution
- Excellent airflow and ventilation
- Additional easy-access pockets
- Comfortable, ergonomic fit
❌ Cons
- Main compartment accessible only from top and bottom
- More expensive
🌟 Joshua’s Pick: REI Co-op Traverse 60L
💰💰💰 Solid mid-range pack with smart features
Buy at: REI
✅ Pros
- Convertible lid doubles as a daypack
- Multiple exterior pockets for easy access on the trail
- Supportive suspension system and comfortable fit
- Built-in rain cover included
❌ Cons
- Not as ventilated as Osprey’s AG system
- Slightly heavier than other packs in the same size range
🌟 Craig’s Pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65L
💰💰💰 Premium men’s pack with standout comfort and airflow
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ Pros
- Osprey’s Anti-Gravity suspension system evenly distributes weight
- Excellent ventilation—ideal for hot canyon hikes
- Multiple easy-access external pockets
- Comfortable, customizable fit with tensioned mesh back panel
❌ Cons
- Higher price point
- Main compartment access limited to top and bottom
2. Daypack
Once you arrive at camp, you’ll want a lightweight daypack for hiking to Beaver Falls, Mooney Falls, or even all the way to the Confluence—without lugging your full backpacking setup
💧 Nevo Rhino Backpack with Bladder
💰 Budget-Friendly Daypack with Hydration Bladder
Buy at: Amazon
✅ Pros
- Comes with a hydration bladder
- Lightweight and affordable
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Padded straps for comfort
❌ Cons
- Limited space for extra layers or gear
- Less durable than premium options
Black Diamond Distance 15
💰💰💰 Premium Daypack for Serious Day Hikers
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ Pros
- Distributes the weight evenly, making the pack feel light
- Vest-style fit for secure, bounce-free movement
- Compatible with hydration bladder and soft flasks
- Streamlined design with side zip for easy access
- Great ventilation for hot-weather hiking
❌ Cons
- Minimal internal organization
- Higher price point
3. Sleep System
Getting a good night’s rest in the canyon is more than just comfort—it’s recovery. A well-thought-out sleep system helps your body reset after long hikes and cold nights. Here’s what we used (and loved) on our Havasupai trip:
🏕️ Tent
MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person
💰💰💰 Lightweight, durable, and easy to set up
Buy at: REI |
✅ Why We Love It
- Proven durability in desert and alpine conditions
- Freestanding design makes campsite setup easy
- Excellent ventilation for warm canyon nights
- Packs small but has plenty of room for two plus gear
🛏️ Sleeping Bag
A compact, lightweight sleeping bag rated for the right temperature is essential for Havasupai. Standard or bulky car-camping bags will weigh you down and make the already challenging hike in and out even tougher. Choose a sleeping bag specifically designed for backpacking—ideally under 2 lbs and rated for the season you’re visiting. Staying warm and well-rested isn’t a luxury in the canyon—it’s a necessity.
🔹 Naturehike CW280
💰💰 Budget-friendly summer bag
Buy at: Amazon
✅ Why We Love It
- Weight: 1.21 lbs (550 g)
- Pack size: 10 x 4 in (26 x 12 cm)
- Fill: 650 FP duck down
- Comfort rating: 10–12°C (50–54°F)
- Great for summer trips and warm nights
🔹 REI Co-op Magma 30
💰💰💰 Ultralight bag for colder spring and fall nights
Buy at: REI
✅ Why We Love It
- Weight: 1 lb 4.3 oz (575 g)
- Pack size: 5L stuff sack
- Fill: 850 FP water-resistant goose down
- Comfort rating: -1°C (30°F)
- Ideal for spring/fall trips or cold sleepers
🧘 Sleeping Pad
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated
💰💰 Warm, quiet, and compact
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ Why We Love It
- Quick inflate with included pump sack
- Insulated for cold desert nights
- Thick enough for side sleepers
- Packs small and weighs under 1.5 lbs
- Best For: Comfort-focused backpackers who don’t mind a few extra ounces
NEMO Tensor Insulated
💰💰💰 Lightweight, comfortable, and quiet
Buy at: REI
✅ Why We Love It`
- Ultra-quiet and stable
- Packs down small and weighs ~ 15 oz
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Great for side sleepers
- Best For: Ultralight hikers prioritizing quiet comfort and compact size
😴 Pillow
Don’t underestimate the power of a pillow. Whether it’s inflatable or just a stuff sack filled with clothes, something to cradle your head makes a big difference.
- Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
Buy at: REI | Amazon - Stuff sack pillow – Save weight by using clothes a pillow
4. Clothing
In the canyon you’ll need lightweight and quick drying clothes that you can layer. Expect the evenings to be much cooler than the daytime. Keep your clothes to a minimum while making sure to be prepared for the variety in temperature.
Brands we love:
- Outdoor Research
- Columbia
- REI
For All Seasons
- ✅ Moisture-wicking hiking shirt (short or long sleeve)
- ✅ Lightweight hiking pants or shorts (quick-dry)
- ✅ Sun hoodie or long-sleeve SPF shirt
- ✅ Sports bra / underwear / base layers (quick-dry)
- ✅ Swimwear (for the falls!)
- ✅ Wool or synthetic hiking socks (2–3 pairs)
- ✅ Camp shoes or sandals (Teva, Chaco, or Crocs)
- ✅ Hat (wide-brimmed or baseball cap)
- ✅ Buff or neck gaiter (for dust or sun)
- ✅ Rain jacket or poncho (always—monsoons happen)
- ✅ Grippy gloves for descending Mooney Falls
☀️ Add for Summer (June–August)
- ✅ Extra moisture-wicking top (you’ll sweat a lot)
- ✅ Cooling towel- essential for staying cool Buy at: Amazon
- ✅Ssun sleeves or long sleeved sun shirt = the desert sun is no joke
- ✅ Light sleepwear (shorts + tee or tank)
- ✅ Optional: Bug protection (in some buggy seasons)
📝 Expect hot days (90–110°F / 32–43°C) and warm nights (65–75°F / 18–24°C). Hydration and sun protection are your top priorities.
🍂 Add for Spring/Fall (March–May / September–October)
- ✅ Light puffy jacket or fleece
- ✅ Thermal long sleeve or base layer
- ✅ Light gloves (optional for chilly mornings)
📝 Temps can drop to 40–50°F (4–10°C) at night, especially in early spring or late fall. Layers are key for comfort at camp.
5. Footwear
Your feet will carry you every step of the 20+ miles in and out of Havasupai—so choosing the right footwear is crucial. Between desert sand, creek crossings, and rocky terrain, you need something breathable, supportive, and trail-ready.
My Pick: Teva Omnium Sandals + Cool Max Toe Socks
I hiked every mile in Teva Omnium sandals paired with Cool Max toe socks—and never got a single blister or stubbed toe! These sandals have great grip, dry quickly after water crossings, and are incredibly comfortable. The toe socks helped reduce friction and kept my feet cool and dry. The only downside? I had to stop and dump out sand occasionally.
Teva Omnium Sandals
💰💰 Great grip + water compatible
Buy at: Amazon
- Secure fit for rugged terrain
- Drainage ports for creek crossings
- Quick-dry materials
Cool Max Toe Socks
💰💰 Moisture-wicking & blister prevention
Buy at: Amazon
- Toe separation reduces friction
- Great for long, hot hikes, especially through water
Other Good Options
If you prefer more foot protection, here are two solid alternatives:
👟 Trail Runners
Lightweight and breathable—ideal for experienced hikers who want speed and comfort. Just make sure they dry quickly, as they’ll get wet! My new Hoka Speedgoats would have been perfect if I’d had them when I did this hike. They are light weight, breathable, and have great grip.
🥾 Hiking Boots
Best for those who need ankle support or are carrying heavy packs. Choose breathable, lightweight models over stiff leather boots. Consider waterproof boots only if you’re going early/late in the season.
🩴 Camp Shoes
Don’t forget a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear around camp and while swimming. Trust us—your feet will thank you after a long day on the trail. I decided to skip some extra weight and left my flip flops in the SUV. By the time camp was set up, I knew it was a mistake!
6. Water & Hydration
Staying hydrated in the desert is non-negotiable. Between the intense sun and long hiking distances, you’ll need a solid system for carrying, filtering, and replenishing water throughout your trip.
🥤 Water Carrying Capacity: 3–4 Litres
💰💰 3L Platypus Big Zip EVO
💰Collapsible Water Flask
Ideal for mixing electrolytes or as a quick refill
Buy at: REI | Amazon
⚡ Electrolytes
Electrolytes help replace what you lose through sweat and can help prevent dehydration, cramps, and fatigue. Always keep some on hand.
- Liquid I.V. – Great taste, strong electrolyte profile
Buy at: Amazon - Nuun Tablets – Easy to pack, less sugar
Buy at: Amazon
7. Water Filtration & Purification
While spring water is available at the campground and village, you’ll need a filter for any water collected beyond that—especially if hiking to Beaver Falls or the Confluence. Furthermore the Havasupai tribe officially recommends filtering spring water just to be safe.
✅ Group Option:
- Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System
Filters large volumes with no pumping
Buy at: REI | Amazon - Optional: Platypus Carbon Filter Attachment
Improves water taste
Buy at: Amazon
✅ Solo Option:
- Katadyn BeFree 1.0L with Activated Carbon Filter – Lightweight and fast, perfect for day hikes
Buy at: REI | Amazon
⛑️ Emergency Backup
Always carry water purification tablets in case your filter fails or you need a quick backup.
- Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets
Buy at: Amazon
8. Food and Cooking
A lightweight stove is a must if you plan to cook at camp or rehydrate backpacking meals—and we love our Jetboil. It boils water in just 90 seconds, making it perfect for fast meals after a long hike. The Jetboil system is also fuel-efficient, packs compactly, and has accessories for cooking more than just water.
🔥 Jetboil Flash
💰💰 Fast-boiling, compact stove system
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ Pros
- Boils water in 90 seconds
- Integrated cooking cup with measuring lines
- Push-button ignition
- Windscreen and fuel-efficient design
- Lightweight and compact (13.1 oz without fuel)
❌ Cons
- Best for boiling water, not ideal for cooking complex meals
- Fuel sold separately
☕ Jetboil Java Kit
💰💰💰 For backcountry coffee lovers
Buy at: REI | Amazon
If your mornings aren’t complete without a cup of coffee, this is your backcountry MVP. The Java Kit includes a silicone French press plunger that fits inside your Jetboil cup.
Don’t Forget: Fuel Canisters
Make sure to pack a compatible JetPower isobutane-propane fuel canister. One 100g or 230g canister should be enough for 3–4 days, depending on usage.
Sold separately at: REI
🔥 Fire Starter Kit
Even if your stove has a built-in igniter, always pack a lighter and a backup firestarter (like waterproof matches or a fire steel). You never know when you’ll need it—and it’s so lightweight, there’s no reason not to carry both.
- AOFAR fire starter
Buy at: Amazon
🍴 Cook Pot & Utensils
What you pack depends on how you plan to eat at camp:
✅ For Dehydrated Meals Only
- Spork – A long-handled titanium spork is ideal for eating out of food pouches.
Buy at: REI | Amazon - Mug – Optional, but nice if you want coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Buy at: REI | Amazon - Food Thermos– Great for either dehydrated or home-cooked meals. Prepare hot lunches in the morning and enjoy a warm meal hours later. This is one of my favourite backcountry hacks. Everyone in the family has a thermos!
Buy at: REI | Amazon
✅ If You’re Cooking Real Food
- Lightweight Cook Pot – Great for boiling water or simple one-pot meals.
- Frying Pan Attachment
Some stoves (like Jetboil) have pan supports.
Buy at: REI - Bowl & Utensils
Small nesting sets save space and weight.
Buy at: Amazon - Sea to Summit Ultralight Cook Set
Collapsible pot, 2 bowls, 2 mugs
Buy at: REI - Collapsible Bucket– for washing dishes
- Dishwashing Wipes
soap and dishcloth all in one lightweight package.
Buy at: Amazon
🥾 Dehydrated Meals & Snacks
Aim for high-calorie, high protein, low-bulk foods that are easy to prepare and carry.
🍲 Meal Brands We Love:
- Peak Refuel – High protein and great flavor
- Mountain House – Reliable classics
- Backpacker’s Pantry – More adventurous options (hello Pad Thai)
🥜 Trail Snacks:
- Protein bars
- Jerky
- Mixed nuts or trail mix
- Tuna, salmon, or chicken packets (flavoured or plain)
📌 Pro Tip: Bring a few extra snacks for the hike out—you’ll burn more calories than you think.
🐻 Food Storage (Bear-Resistant & Odour-Proof)
Although there are no bears in Havasupai, mice, squirrels, and other critters are common—and they will chew through your pack or your tent if you leave food inside.
✅ Bear Bag Hanging System
Ultralight and simple: just a dry bag + rope + carabiner to hang food from a tree or post away from camp.
Buy at: Amazon
✅ Rat Sack
A rodent-proof mesh bag—great if there aren’t good hanging trees near your site or you want extra peace of mind.
Buy at: Amazon
9. Toiletries & Hygiene
While the bathrooms at Havasupai campground are well maintained and usually stocked with toilet paper and soap, there are no facilities beyond camp—especially if you’re hiking to Beaver Falls or the Confluence. Practicing Leave No Trace is critical: pack out used toilet paper and bury human waste at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source or trail.
Toilet paper and Trowel
Ultralight Backpacking Trowel -sturdy, compact, and weighs less than 1 oz.
Buy at: Amazon
Quick-dry towel
Packs small and dries fast
Buy at: REI | Amazon
Toothbrush/paste
Biodegradable soap
Use for washing clothes, dishes, hair, or hands
Buy at: Amazon
Sun Safety
- Sunscreen
Buy at: Amazon - Lip balm with SPF
Buy at: Amazon - Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hat preferably wide brimmed
Bug spray (optional) – Depending on season
10. Safety & Extras
Havasupai is remote and rugged—it’s part of what makes it so special. But that also means you need to be prepared in case plans change, weather shifts, or someone in your group needs help. These safety items and extras offer peace of mind and convenience on the trail and in camp.
Navigation Tools
Download offline maps before you leave—there’s no guarantee of signal.
- AllTrails/Gaia GPS– Download maps with offline access
Satellite communicator
Cell service is extremely limited once you enter the canyon. A satellite device allows you to text family, communicate with your group, and reach emergency services if needed.
First aid kit
- Blister care (Moleskin, Buy at: Amazon)
- Bandaids
- Gauze and tape
- Medications
- Tweezers
Headlamp + extra batteries
Even if you only plan to hike during the day, be prepared for the unexpected, late night trips to the bathroom, or packing up camp the night before you hike out.
- Rechargeable 2 Packs
Buy at: Amazon
Multitool or knife
Portable Charger
Essential for keeping apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and Zoleo running; 10 000 mAh should keep you going for 3-4 days
- Inui
Lightweight, USB-C compatible
Buy at: Amazon
Waterproof Phone Case
The waterfalls are irresistible—and so are the photo ops. Protect your phone from splashes, sand, and sudden swims.
Buy at: 💰💰REI | 💰 Amazon
Carabiners
Great for hanging things up or hooking them to your backpack for easy access while hiking
Cash or card
For Supai Village Store/Cafe/ Fry Bread Stand/Lodge- if open
Nonessential Essentials
Because comfort and convenience matter, too.
Once your must-haves are packed, take a look at your remaining space and pack weight. If you’ve got room, these small luxuries can seriously level up your Havasupai experience:
🪵 Hammock
Perfect for shady naps along Havasu Creek or relaxed evenings at camp.
Buy at: Amazon
🪑 Ultralight Backpacking Chair
A luxury after a long hike! Great for sitting around the falls or making meals at camp.
🤳 Selfie Stick or Tripod
Capture hands-free photos at Mooney and Beaver Falls.
- Lightweight options won’t weigh you down.
Buy at: Amazon
🌬️ Mini Pump (Inflator)
For blowing up air sleeping pads without getting dizzy. Total game-changer if you’re using a pad like the Rapid SL.
Buy at: Amazon
Trekking Poles
For some of us, trekking poles were a total game-changer—for others, they just added weight. Whether or not you bring them really comes down to personal preference and your comfort on steep or uneven terrain. If you do go for it, I highly recommend Z-style folding poles. They collapse into three small sections, making them much easier to pack and less likely to snag on rocks or brush when strapped to your backpack.
☕ Collapsible Cup
Handy for coffee, tea, or powdered electrolytes at camp. Folds flat and weighs almost nothing.
Buy at REI | Amazon
📻 2-Way Radio
This was one of our favorite REI pickups after the trip—right before we rolled into our second adventure. Our group is big, and we tend to split up into smaller hiking clusters. These radios were game changers for staying in touch when there’s no cell service. Just make sure to bring extra AAA batteries or rechargeable ones with a charger!
- 💰💰Midland 2 Way Radios
Budget friendly, reliable
Buy at: REI - Rechargeable AAA Batteries
Buy at: Amazon
📸 Camera Clip or Mount
Peak Design Capture Clip or similar lets you keep your camera or GoPro accessible on your pack strap for quick shots.
Buy at: Amazon
🎥 GoPro Hero 13
Durable, waterproof, and perfect for shooting footage of waterfalls, creek crossings, and trails.
Buy at: Amazon
Things to Leave at Home
When you’re carrying everything on your back, every ounce counts. Here are a few things we either regretted bringing or were glad we left behind:
- Extra Toiletries – You won’t need a full skincare routine in the canyon. Stick to the basics, and pack them in small containers.
- Heavy Gear – Car camping tents, bulky sleeping bags, and oversized stoves = instant regret.
- Camera Accessories – A camera or GoPro is great, but tripods, lenses, and extras add up fast.
- Too Much Food – You’ll need calories, but plan your meals. A few extras snacks for the hike out and skip the rest.
- Bluetooth Speaker – Amplified music is not allowed. It’s in the terms the leader signs before you hike in. Havasupai is peaceful. Please keep it that way for others (and wildlife).
- Firewood – Campfires aren’t allowed in the canyon—leave it behind.
- Alcohol & Recreational Drugs – Not permitted in the canyon and could get you fined or banned.
- Too Many Clothes/Shoes – Rewear and repeat. Prioritize lightweight, quick-dry layers. If needed you can wash clothes with a little soap and water from the creek.
Pack smart, stay light, and thank yourself later.
Helpful Packing Tips
How you pack your bag is just as important as what you pack in it. These tips will keep your bag light, comfortable, and organized- so you can focus on the adventure, not the struggle. A little bit of preplanning can make a big difference on the trail.
Pack Light
We can’t emphasize this enough—every extra pound makes a difference on the hike in and out of Havasupai. Aim for a base weight (everything except consumables- that’s your food, water, and fuel) under 20 lbs. Once you add consumables, your total pack weight should stay under 20% of your body weight. The lighter your pack, the happier your knees, feet, hips, and back will be by the time you reach camp.
Stuff Sacks
Keep your backpack organized with stuff sacks, packing cubes, or even Ziplock bags. Trust me—you’ll be grateful when you’re digging for backup matches or hunting down your lip balm in the dark. Group your gear by category: toiletries, clothes, kitchen items, tech, and random extras should each have their own designated bag. It makes unpacking at camp faster, keeps everything dry, and helps you stay sane on the trail.
Test Your Gear First
Test everything before you hit the trail—even if it’s brand new. There’s nothing worse than realizing your air mattress has a leak or your tent is missing a pole once you’re already deep in the canyon. Make sure your gear works and that you know how to use it. Break in new shoes well ahead of time, double-check that your headlamp has fresh batteries, and do a full test setup of your tent and sleep system. A little prep now saves a lot of stress later.
Pack for Heat—but Be Ready for Cold Nights
Daytime temps can be brutal, especially on exposed trail sections. But evenings in the canyon can get chilly, especially in spring and fall. Bring layers: a light long sleeve for sun protection, and a warm base layer or puffy jacket for camp.
Unbox Before You Pack
Ditch the bulky packaging. You can shave off ounces (and save space) by repacking snacks, meals, and toiletries into Ziplocks or reusable bags. That box of protein bars? Leave the box behind and just take the bars. It’s lighter, easier to organize, and frees up space as you eat through your stash. Every little bit adds up on the trail!
Heavy Items on the Bottom
Pack your heaviest gear-like your tent, sleeping bag, or stove- at the bottom of your backpack. This keeps the weight centred over your hips, not pulling on your shoulders. Aim to balance the load evenly side to side, so your bag doesn’t feel lopsided or throw off your stride. An uneven bag can lead to pinching, bruising, or just general discomfort.
Hang Your Backpacks
Hang your backpacks when not in use — it’ll keep rodents out, and if a flash flood sweeps through camp, hanging your gear helps keep it secure and off the ground, reducing the risk of it being soaked or carried downstream.
Havasupai Packing List: Wrap Up
Hiking into Havasupai is more than just a backpacking trip—it’s an unforgettable adventure through one of the most stunning places in the Southwest. It was at the top of my bucket list, and it absolutely delivered. But even with all our preplanning the journey was intense.
From blisters, to flat sleeping pads, to ill fitting backpacks our group paid the price for every mistake. Although nothing can take away from the magic of this place, packing the right gear, understanding the terrain, and planning for the conditions can minimize the slog in and out of the canyon and keep you comfortable, safe, and fully present to enjoy every step of the journey.
Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned hiker, Havasupai comes with unique challenges: long miles in desert heat, limited facilities, and remote trail conditions. But it also rewards you with turquoise waterfalls, quiet canyon nights, and the kind of memories that stay with you for a lifetime.
Use this guide to pack smart, hike safe, and travel light. You’ll come back with sore legs, core memories, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that we are blessed beyond measure to experience.
