No items found.

The 2023 Desert-Ready Gear Guide

Written by Danielle Maxey

Car Camper

Day Hiker

Wilderness Backpacker

Spring is here, and that means it’s desert season in the west. Folks from all over venture out to enjoy the desert before it turns scorching hot during the summer. However, the desert can be a daunting and dangerous landscape at any time of year.

Yet there are reasons why so many desire to explore these arid expanses of sand and succulents. The desert may be a harsh, and at times, an almost inhospitable place to be, but it has a certain magic that will keep you returning year after year.

With that though, traveling in the desert can be a bit different than adventures in the forests or mountains. Water is harder to find, navigation can be a bit difficult, and many times, you may be further from civilization than you’re used to. That’s why we put together a list of essential gear to help make your desert adventure a more enjoyable and safer experience.

Read further details on the entire list of desert-ready gear here.

LAST UPDATED

October 20, 2023

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Danielle Maxey

Danielle Maxey is a mountaineer, skier, climber, mountain biker, and canyoneer, with a love for any outdoor adventure. With a background in anthropology, she has a huge interest in human affairs and conservation issues. Colorado based, you can find her renovating her van (again), writing about her travels, or exploring the mountains with her camera in tow. Follow her adventures on atlascalling.com.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Personally, I use Sawyer’s Fabric Treatment–available in pump or spray–for my hunting and hiking clothes.

Popular Mechanics

Media Mentions

Casserly’s favorite water treatment is a squeeze filter like the SAWYER SQUEEZE filtration system ($29, sawyer.com), which screws onto the included flasks or a plastic water bottle. Squeeze filters are ideal for individual use. They’re light and inexpensive, and you can drink the water immediately through the filter.

Scout Life
Media Mentions from Scout Life

Media Mentions

While young babies should be protected with clothing and netting (not chemicals), older babies and children should use a suitable repellent to help avoid bites, discomfort, and insect-borne illnesses.

Molly Bradac