Zion Packing List: What to Bring and What to Rent

Not sure what to pack for Zion National Park? Between the steep elevation changes and unpredictable weather, Zion forced us to think differently about our gear. One day we had snow at a canyon overlook, the next it was 80°F in full sun. Based on everything we learned (and wished we’d packed), we built this Ultimate Zion Packing List to cover all the essentials—from trail gear to campsite must-haves.

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👕 Essential Clothing to Pack for Zion National Park

Zion’s weather kept us on our toes. With such dramatic swings in temperature, layering is key. Below, we’ve outlined the clothing essentials that kept us comfortable—cool during the day, warm when the temps dropped.

Hiking Shoes – Elliot’s favorite trail runners and Jen’s favorite hiking boots.
Hiking pants – We wore pants for the higher-elevation (cooler) hikes and early mornings. These are Elliot’s favorite hiking pants and Jen’s favorite hiking pants.
Hiking Shorts – When it would warm up in the afternoons, we changed into shorts. Elliot loves his Vuori Kore shorts and Jen loves her Vuori Clementine Shorts.
Long underwear – Elliot has had this REI base layer for almost 10 years, and the same for Jen! Jen wore her long underwear during our early morning hikes in Zion and then would change out of them later in the morning.
Wool shirt – Jen prefers to dress warmly with layers. Wool shirts are a great lightweight option for warmth and comfort.
Wool Socks – Jen loves these socks and Elliot loves these socks.
Sports Bra – Jen loves her Vuori sports bra.
Wool Cap & Warm Gloves – If going during the winter, we would make sure to bring a warm beanie and gloves. A must-have for chilly mornings and evenings. During our hike to Observation Point, it snowed, which made wearing a beanie with gloves essential.
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt – Elliot’s favorite long-sleeve sun shirt and Jen’s favorite long-sleeve sun shirt. We both have these sun shirts and love them! This sun shirt was our go-to! It’s what we wear in spring, summer, and fall to protect against UV rays.
Short-sleeved shirt – We were constantly taking off layers throughout the day as it warmed up in Zion. By the afternoon, we were wearing this men’s lightweight merino wool T-shirts or women’s merino wool short-sleeved shirts. Elliot loves his Vuori shirt as a comfortable, lightweight option.
Wide-brimmed hat – As part of sun safety, we love pairing sunscreen with wide-brimmed hats. Jen forgot to bring her hat on one of the hikes and regretted it.
Sunglasses – Sunglasses are a must-have for sun protection.
Fleece Sweater – Elliot loves his Vuori PowerGrid jacket as a midlayer, whereas Jen loves her Patagonia Fleece Pullover.
Down Jacket – We both have Patagonia Down Jackets to stay warm, and they were essential when it was snowing on our hike to Observation Point in April—Elliot’s jacket and Jen’s jacket.
Rainjacket – Although it didn’t rain during our time visiting Zion National Park, it did rain on the days leading up to our visit. We just got lucky. This is Elliot’s favorite rain jacket and Jen’s favorite rain jacket.
Swimwear – Especially if you’re visiting in the dead of summer, having a swimsuit on hand is always helpful, whether swimming within Zion at the Pine Creek Waterfall swimming hole, or outside the park at a hotel or campground.
Underwear – A few pairs of moisture-wicking, breathable underwear for comfort on the trails.
Nightwear – Lightweight sleepwear for warm nights, but consider layering up if you’re camping at higher elevations.

🥾 Top Hiking Gear to Pack for Zion National Park

These are the hiking essentials we never hit the trail without—especially in Zion. From high sun exposure to limited water sources, once you’re out on the trails, Zion comes with its own set of challenges. These non-clothing items are the must-haves we brought with us on every hike.

Lightweight backpack – Elliot carries this backpack with the included rain cover, which comes in handy if it rains, while Jen carries this backpack. Another option is to bring a hydration pack, which holds all your water, with some extra room for snacks and other hiking essentials.
3 Liters of Water Per Person – We broke our individual daily water supply down into a 2-liter water bladder and a 1-liter water bottle. We love this water bottle featuring all of the US National Parks, with stickers to check off your visit to the National Parks. The desert is no joke when it comes to heat, so carrying the appropriate amount of water is essential to hiker safety.
Hiking Poles – Jen loves these hiking poles for extra stability on trails. We found hiking poles to be useful on the less popular trails, as the popular trails in the southern part of the park were very busy and crowded.
Trail Map – We download all trail maps ahead of time with AllTrails+.
GPS – We carry the Garmin InReach Mini 2 with us on all trails for safety.
First Aid Kit – It’s one of those items we hope to never have to use but always carry, just in case. More often than not, we’re opening our first aid kit for others on the trail.
Flashlight & Signaling Device – NPS recommends carrying a flashlight and signaling device (like a whistle or mirror), especially on remote hikes. Always inform someone of your route and expected return time, especially if hiking solo.
Headlamp – A headlamp is especially useful when going on sunrise, sunset, or night hikes!
Snacks or Packed Lunch – Our go-to hiking snacks include dried fruit, protein bars, or meat sticks.
Toilet Kit – Whether it’s packing pre-divided toilet paper in a plastic baggie (and a second baggie for the dirty toilet paper to Leave No Trace) or a Kula Cloth, a toilet kit for the trails is a must!
Portable Charger – If we’re going on a long hike (longer than 3-4 hours), we make sure to bring a portable charger to charge our phones since we use AllTrails+ for maps.
Binoculars – Great for wildlife watching, birding, and taking in distant views.

🎒 Packing List for The Narrows Hike

If you’re planning to hike The Narrows, you’ll need a few extra items beyond your usual hiking gear—especially since this trail has you hiking through the waters of the Virgin River itself. Luckily, basically any of these items can be rented from local outfitters (we went to Zion Outfitters), so you don’t have to invest in specialized gear unless you plan on using it often.

Water Shoes – If hiking The Narrows during the summer, we recommend Keens as they have protection from stubbing your toes on the rocks in the water. Proper shoes are also available for rent from a local concession.
Neoprene Socks – These insulate your feet from the cold water and help prevent blisters. They’re especially helpful in spring or fall when the water temps are around 50°F or lower.
Thick Trekking Poles – Thicker trekking poles than your average hiking poles are a must in The Narrows to keep you steady in the running water.
Waders – These waterproof pants keep you warm and dry in colder months. We rented them in April and were glad we did. In warmer seasons (June–September), you can likely skip them and just wear water shoes and quick-dry clothes.
Waterproof Phone Holder – Keep your phone safe in a dry bag or waterproof case (or even a well-sealed Ziploc in a pinch).
Snacks & Water – Bring plenty of water and some high-energy snacks. You’ll be out there for hours, and there are no facilities on the trail. We packed sandwiches for the trail.
Small Dry Bag or Waterproof Backpack (Optional) – For keeping a few items dry and high on your back, carry a small backpack for the essentials.

💡 Check out our full guide to Hiking the Narrows for a list of local outfitters, our experience during the hike, and more!

⛺ Campsite Packing Essentials in Zion National Park

Camping in Zion adds a whole new layer to the adventure, but it also requires a bit more gear. Whether you’re staying in one of the park’s campgrounds or setting up nearby in Springdale or on BLM land, these are the camping essentials we packed to stay comfortable.

Sleeping Bag – An insulated sleeping bag is best for Zion’s varying temperatures.
Sleeping pad – A sleeping pad offers extra comfort and insulation from the ground when tent camping.
Tent – Choose a weather-resistant, 3-season or 4-season tent for wind and cold. We love this half-dome 2-person tent.
Tarp or Ground Cover – Useful for extra protection under your tent or for shade, we love this lightweight Trailbreak tarp.
Pillow (optional) – A small camping pillow or stuff sack with clothes works well.
Earplugs – Help block out noise from neighboring campers in campgrounds.
Food for meals – Pick up food from a supermarket before heading into camp to save money. We also always have a few Backpacker’s Pantry Meals on hand for quick and easy meals.
Cooking equipment – Bring a Jetboil Stove, cooking pots, utensils, fuel, matches, and/or a lighter if you plan to cook at the campground. Be sure to check with the Park Rangers about current fire restrictions.
Trash Bags – Leave no trace! Pack out all waste, including toilet paper.
Toiletries – Don’t forget your toiletries bag! Some of our go-to essentials include quick drying towels, shower shoes, SPF 50 sunscreen, shower and oral care items, Strong Bugspray, and any other small personal items like medication, contacts, etc.

🌤️ Zion Packing List By Season

Depending on the time of year, you might be hiking through snow, wading through rivers, or shielding yourself from the desert sun—all within a single trip. Packing smart for the season can make or break your experience. Below, we’ve summed up what to expect in each season and a bit more detail on what to bring to stay comfortable, safe, and trail-ready year-round.

🌼 What to Pack for Zion in the Spring (March–May)

This is when we last visited, in mid-April. Spring brings wildly fluctuating temps—think chilly mornings, possible snow at higher elevations, and sunny 70°F afternoons. Pack layers (base layer, fleece, and windbreaker), plus waterproof gear if you’re tackling trails like The Narrows (snowmelt can raise water levels). Even though it’s Spring, don’t forget a beanie and gloves, just in case.

☀️ What to Pack for Zion in the Summer (June–August)

Summer is hot, dry, and crowded. Lightweight, breathable clothing is key—look for moisture-wicking and UV-protective fabrics. Bring a hydration pack, sun hat, sunscreen, and plan for early morning hikes to beat the heat. Close-toed water shoes are great if you’re doing river hikes like The Narrows or just cooling off in streams.

🍂 What to Pack for Zion in the Fall (September–November)

Fall is a favorite for many thanks to cooler temps and lighter crowds. Pack layers, just like Spring, as temps can swing from warm afternoons to cold evenings. A light jacket, headlamp (sun sets earlier!), and plenty of water are must-haves. The weather is generally dry, but a rain shell is smart in case of sudden showers.

❄️ What to Pack for Zion in the Winter (December–February)

Winter in Zion is quiet and beautiful, but cold. Snow is possible, especially at higher elevations, so bring insulated layers, waterproof boots with traction, gloves, and a warm hat. You might even want to consider packing micro-spikes for more stability on the trails, as well as rechargeable electric hand warmers. Jen used them on our hike to Observation Point as late as April when it snowed, and they helped keep the blood circulation in her hands.

ℹ️ Packing Tips for Zion National Park

1. Layering is Key

Zion’s weather can swing fast—think snow in the morning and sunburn by afternoon—so layering is key. Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking layers you can add or shed easily depending on elevation and time of day.

2. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

The high desert sun is strong even in spring and fall, so bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Bonus points for sun shirts and lightweight, long pants to protect all of your body.

3. Pack Gear Based on Your Hiking Plans

Not all Zion hikes require the same gear. For short and easy trails, you can get by with lightweight trail shoes, a small daypack, and the basics (water, sun protection, snacks). But if you’re planning more technical hikes like The Narrows or The Subway, you’ll need extra gear—think water shoes, neoprene socks, and trekking sticks, which are easy to rent from local outfitters like Zion Guru.

4. Pack 3 Liters of Water & Plenty of Snacks

Sufficient water goes hand in hand with sun safety. Pack at least 3L of water per person per day and bring salty snacks or electrolytes. Many trails are exposed and dry, and there’s little access to refill stations once you’re out.

5. Download Maps & Permits in Advance

Finally, download offline maps (we use AllTrails+) as well as any permit you may need to show in advance, since cell service is spotty, especially in areas like Kolob Terrace or the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point.

With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails+. Get 7 days of AllTrails+ for free!

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