A trip to Utah is a treat for those who enjoy the outdoors. With its high terrain, deep valleys, mountains, and desert environment, Utah is considered one of the greatest outdoor states in the US. No matter which national parks you plan on visiting, they’re all rich with breath-taking views, hikes, and memories to last you a lifetime.
With a range of outdoor adventures to experience, it’s hard to know exactly what to take. Having the right gear is important if you don’t want to be stranded without sunscreen during a mountain hike.
But what is the right gear to carry to a city filled with rivers and desert land? There are some essentials needed all year round, but some things are required for specific times of the year. Let’s look at what you will require on your vacation in Utah.
Footwear
Choosing the right footwear to carry along with you is important. Whether you’re planning to hike up a mountain or go river canoeing, what footwear you wear can make or break your experience.
For hiking, make sure to get a pair of durable, waterproof, and breathable hiking boots. These will allow you to skip through wet and dry trails with ease and aid you in getting further than you probably expected. A good pair of water shoes would be perfect for river activities and help prevent any sticky desert dirt from sticking to you. Stay away from wearing flip-flops. They won’t be durable for these conditions.
Navigation
Utah is filled with wide terrains and beautiful overlooks. A map is necessary to navigate through the area or back to your accommodation at St. George Utah rentals. You can wait until a park ranger gives you a map at the entrance station, or you can take it one step further and have your map ready by picking up one online to get a head start on your journey.
Protection from the Sun
Anyone who has been on a trip to Utah would tell how strong and unforgiving the Utah sun can be, especially since the desert provides little to no shade. When on a hike or having a picnic out in the desert where there is no protection from the sun, having a wide-brimmed hat that’s big enough to shield your face from the sun is a very useful thing to have. Apply a high SPF sunscreen to any part of your body exposed to the sun, and use sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you plan on going to the waters, carry along a strap for your sunglasses, so you don’t lose them. Carry along a lip balm as well for whenever your lips get dry.
Carry more water than you need
Having adequate amounts of water while hiking is really important. The desert air in Utah gets so dry that you often don’t realize you’re sweating before the sweat evaporates from your body. Staying hydrated keeps your energy levels up and prevents you from getting headaches or even heat strokes.
If you plan on camping, keeping a large jug of water comes in handy for keeping you hydrated and cooking meals. Often campsites do have water pumps, so you can always refill your water bottles from there, but if you’re in a situation where there isn’t any water supply, that large jug can be a lifesaver.
Clothing
The weather in Utah fluctuates like crazy, so you have to be ready for anything to hit you. Packing light clothes for daytime is ideal but make sure you pack layers to protect you from the cold winds once the sun sets and it starts getting a bit cooler. Of course, the time of year plays a huge role in your clothing decisions, but you’d want to be prepared for whatever weather Utah offers.
This may seem odd, but carrying a rain jacket is also useful. Even if you’re out in the desert, you could experience a burst of rain, albeit for a short period, but you’d want to stay warm and dry during that short rainfall. Ensure your rain jacket is waterproof to stay protected from any unexpected showers.
Protection from Bugs
Why spend your time swatting off bugs when you could be taking in those breathtaking views that Utah has to offer? Carrying bug repellent prevents bugs from gnawing at your skin, giving you a more pleasant outdoor experience. If you’re worried about using strong chemicals on your body, plenty of bug sprays are made from natural ingredients and are safe for children.
Equipment
When going on a long hike or camping outdoors, being well equipped with the right tools is important. First and foremost, a First aid kit is necessary to be with you, and learning how to perform first aid can help you or your traveling companions treat cuts and wounds endured during a trek.
Carrying binoculars can come in handy, and keeping flashlights with extra batteries for backup is useful if you’re still hiking down the mountain after sunset. It’s also useful to carry grocery bags with you to protect any electronics you may be carrying from the weather conditions in Utah.
Electronics
Cell phone reception is probably not the most reliable in some isolated parts of Utah. To communicate with someone or in case of an emergency like getting lost or injured, use walkie-talkies or alarm systems designed for hikers.
Take a camera along with you to capture some of those breathtaking views and ring a music player along to pass the time listening to your favorite music. Don’t forget a portable power bank for keeping your devices charged.
Conclusion.
Utah has plenty of activities for adventurists and history buffs, from hiking and river rafting to observing Native American events and museums. Carrying the right things to accompany you on your journey allows you to enjoy your vacation even more and explore firsthand the vast beauty of what Utah has to offer. The most valuable thing you can bring back home from your vacation is a memorable experience and something you will look back on with delight.
Enjoy the trip!
