Desert

When we traveled to Jordan for a trek through the desert of Wadi Rum, we made some significant changes to our gear list. I.e. a 4 season tent requiring lots of pegs does not come in handy when hiking and camping in the desert. Also, you will most likely be carrying a lot of water with you, making it important to keep the rest of your gear list as lightweight as possible. On this page, we will take you through all the important aspects of creating a gear list for a trek through the desert.

Clothing

For clothing, we like to work with the layering principle. This way, you can always put things on or off depending on the weather conditions.

Merino baselayer: Provides excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable.  

Sun protection: Since you will most likely be hiking in the sun, it is wise to keep your skin protected at all times. With no proper protection, you will burn in no time as you are fully exposed to the sun when you are not in the shades. We really like the Craghoppers Nosilife long sleeve shirts. These shirts are very cool but still offer enough protection from the sun.

Insulating layer: Opt for a warm insulating layer, but be cautious about down jackets, as they lose insulation when wet.

Wind and waterproof hardshell: Mainly for cold winds, bring a good hardshell. A Gore Tex Paclite jacket is very light and will offer you plenty of protection.

Hiking trousers and waterproof trousers: Pack both hiking trousers and waterproof trousers, as the weather can quickly turn cold when it starts raining.

Shoes: When hiking in the desert, it is essential to bring lightweight and breathable trail shoes. Since you are hiking through sand, heavy boots will be horrendous and a total waste of energy. We would highly recommend bringing the Altra Lone Peaks or something similar.

Hat and buff: To protect your face and neck from the sun, it is nice to bring a buff and a hat. You can also make these items wet during the day to keep yourself cool (if you have enough access to water, of course!).

Sleeping Kit

When you are in the desert, the temperatures can drop drastically at night. Therefore, it is wise not to bring gear suited for summer temperatures only.

(Freestanding) 3-season tent: Since you will most likely be pitching your tent up in sand or on rocks, it is wise to bring a freestanding tent. This way, putting up your tent is always a possibility. Of course, there are sand stakes on the market, but they are heavy and big. Still, always bring some to stabilize your tent in case winds pick up.

Warm sleeping bag: Bring a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, as you may encounter nights where the temperature drops below freezing. A comfort rating of at least -5 degrees Celsius is advisable.

Insulated sleeping mat: Even with a warm sleeping bag and well-insulated mattresses, we still had some cold nights. Consider a sleeping mat with excellent insulation to enhance your comfort and warmth.

Cooking Kit

Our cooking kit for hikes is straightforward since the food we bring only requires water. We carry a gas canister, a burner, and a titanium mug for boiling water. It’s important to note that gas canisters cannot be taken onto planes. We usually plan to visit an outdoor shop upon arrival to purchase gas in the country we are hiking in. For a burner, we recommend one that can handle wind to increase efficiency (meaning it takes longer to run out of gas). Lastly, if you’re only boiling water, skip the big pans – a mug is sufficient. This approach saves a significant amount of weight and space!

Other Essentials

There are some final items you should consider bringing when hiking through a desert. First of all, you will most likely have to bring lots and lots of water. The most durable and light option is probably bringing two CNOC 3L water bags. Bring one water bottle and fill this one up every time you run out. This way, you keep having a good understanding of the amount of water you drink and still have left. Something you do not have when using a water reservoir like CamelBak.

Also, do not forget your sunscreen and an emergency device. Getting stuck in the desert can be very dangerous as the facilities, also provided by nature, are probably the worst of any trail you will encounter.

Below, you will find a gear list you can use as a starting point when hiking in the desert. If you have any questions regarding this list, feel free to reach out using our contact page.