How to Be Prepared for Desert Adventures
Morgan Rogue 09.27.21
Time for Desert!
Are you heading out for an outdoor adventure in the desert?
Preparing for desert hiking, camping or any other outdoor experience is similar to preparing for an adventure anywhere else…with a few changes.
The desert can be an enjoyable place to spend some time outdoors, especially in the fall and winter months when the temps are perfect. I absolutely love all of the desert foliage, history and the sheer beauty of the desert.
However, the desert can be unforgiving if you’re not properly prepared.
Here’s how to be prepared for desert adventures:
Water
Water is the #1 priority in the desert. You need to be able to carry plenty of water with you, regardless of the time of year. There is no guarantee that you’ll find water along your path. In saying that, do carry a water purifier just in case you do come across water. There is water in the desert, it just may not be where you’d expect it to be. I’d recommend carrying water in a water bladder like a camelbak or other similar system. This is an easy way to carry a significant amount of water. Each person should be carrying their own water bladder.
Weather
In the desert, weather can be unpredictable, especially during monsoon season. Flash flooding can happen often so you need to take precautions, especially when going into low areas, or planning to climb mountains. Check the weather forecast ahead of time, but always pay close attention to the changes of the weather, including increased winds and clouds rolling overhead.
What to Wear
In general, loose fitted clothing that covers your arms and legs are recommended. It helps to protect your skin from the sun, but also helps to protect your skin from the numerous plants that reach out to poke you. Cotton is great for the hotter season as it absorbs moisture and holds it against your body to cool you down, but may want to switch to synthetic fabrics like polyester in the fall and winter months. It can still be warm, but it can also still be rather cold, especially in higher elevations.
Other attire is fine, such as leggings, shorts and short sleeves, just be sure to put on plenty of sunscreen and pick appropriate material for the time of year.
Sunglasses are a must in the desert because of the way the sun reflects off of the ground.
I recommend boots, specifically because of all the plants that have spikes on them, as well as the dirt. Though I do know people who are happy wearing sandals around. It’s up to you what is going to be most comfortable.
Hat is a must, full brimmed is preferred.
What to Pack
It’s a good idea to carry a few essentials with you in addition to water.
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Ready to eat snacks and foods that don’t require water to make
- Compass
- Map
- External battery charger and foldable solar panel to charge your devices
- Small lightweight tarp, paracord and stakes for emergency shade
- First aid kit, including any medications, especially for children, like antihistamines
- Tweezers
- Walking sticks can help you keep distance with snakes and other creatures
- Cook set with propane and propane stove because of the common fire bans
Don’t Get Lost
It’s incredibly easy to get turned around in the desert. People have gotten lost and almost died a mere 1/2 mile from the trail. Stay on trail if at all possible. If you’re forging your own path, align your path with the compass. For instance, take the compass out and point it in the direction you’re going to go. If you’re going to head north, then if you need to return home, you’d take the compass out and head south.
A map of the area can also be handy, orient yourself with a compass and map before heading out.
Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’re expected back.
Wildlife
There’s quite a bit of wildlife in the desert and as long as we stay situationally aware, we can usually avoid them. I lived in desert environments for 10 years and in all that time, came across 1 rattlesnake, 1 scorpion and 1 tarantula. Maybe I just got lucky, but wildlife tends to stay away from populated areas in general.
Keep your eyes and ears open at all times for tracks, noises in the bushes and any movement at all on or off the trail. Try to avoid walking in tall grass to avoid snakes and be cautious when picking up rocks to avoid scorpions.
Of course, sometimes the wildlife comes to you. If you ever come across a snake or other creature, remain calm and do your best to avoid it or simply let it pass before moving forward. In the summer months, most creatures come out before/at dawn and before/at sunset. Keep food secured and away from your tent.
Lastly, keep kids close by, and teach them not to touch critters or wildlife without permission.
The desert is an enjoyable experience and as long as you’re properly prepared, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
