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Gear Reviews

The Backpacking Gear I Used to Hike Across Zion

Contents

Overview

In late October 2017, I completed the 50-mile Zion Traverse (aka Trans-Zion Trek) with some close friends and family. Three months in advance, I reserved permits online, which afforded us the luxury of doing a multi-day backpacking trip.

Our group hiked across Zion in four days and three nights. Daytime temperatures rose to the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures dropped to the low to mid 30s.

We encountered a few ultra runners on the trail, which is another way to do it that I can’t help but admire. That being said, there is something special about spending a little extra time to enjoy Zion’s magnificence. When it comes to beautiful views, the park is truly in a class of its own.

If you are interested in doing your own multi-day trip across Zion, I wrote a backpacking guide to help you plan it. I thought you might also like to see a full breakdown of the backpacking gear I carried and used on our hike.

To see my gear breakdown for the Zion Traverse, watch the video below. If you want to learn more about or purchase an item, scroll down to view a complete list.

Tip: Not sure which lightweight backpacking gear to buy? We’ve done the “heavy lifting” for you. See our top picks.

Backpacking Gear
A screenshot of my LighterPack dashboard

View on LighterPack

Packed Gear

The Big Three (Backpack, Shelter, Sleep System)

ZPacks™ Arc Haul-Zip Backpack (one of my favorite backpacking packs)
Weight: 27.5 oz
View at ZPacks

Marmot Eos 1P Tent: 1-Person 3-Season
Weight: 39 oz
View on Amazon

Disclosure: On this particular trip, I made a last minute decision to leave the tent behind and sleep under the stars. I used a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Footprint as a ground cloth. Weight: 4 oz

Marmot Hydrogen Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Down
Weight: 23.3 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Sea to Summit The Toaster Fleece Thermal Liner
Weight: 20.8 oz
View on Amazon

NeoAir Xlite (one of my favorite sleeping pads)
Weight: 12 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Cooking

MSR PocketRocket Stove (one of my favorite stoves)
Weight: 4.2 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

TOAKS Titanium 1000ml Pot
Weight: 4.4 oz
View on Amazon

Jetboil Jetpower Fuel 100g
Weight: 6.8 oz
View on Amazon

Snow Peak Titanium Single 450 Cup
Weight: 2.4 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip (learn how to make coffee with it)
Weight: 0.4 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Optimus Titanium Long Spoon
Weight: 0.7 oz
View on Amazon

Clothing

Buff Printed Wool Buff
Weight: 1.7 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Fox River X-Static Liner Socks
Weight: 1 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks
Weight: 2.2 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief
Weight: 2.1 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Midweight Crew
Weight: 6.7 oz
View at REI
View at Patagonia

Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Midweight Bottoms
Weight: 6.8 oz
View at REI
View at Patagonia

Outdoor Research Starfire Fleece Hoodie
Weight: 17oz
View on Amazon

View at REI

The North Face ThermoBall Insulated Jacket
Weight: 12.3 oz
View at REI

Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket (read my review)
Weight: 6.4 oz
View at OR
View at REI

Health and Safety

Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets
View on Amazon
View at REI

Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen
View on Amazon
View at REI

Potty Pack Kit
View on Amazon

First Aid Kit
I brought a custom first aid kit that my wife Kim helped me put together. She is an ICU Nurse and has tremendous knowledge about first aid. To read more about her approach, check out her series on wilderness first aid.

Electronics

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Weight: 3.2 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Sony a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera
Weight: 16.7 oz
View on Amazon

Sony FE 35mm f2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar
Weight: 4.2 oz
View on Amazon

Pedco UltraPod Mini
Weight: 1.7 oz
View on Amazon

Anker PowerCore 10000
Weight: 6.35oz
View on Amazon

Daytime Wear

Smith Optics Lowdown ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses
View on Amazon
View at REI

Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running Shoe (read my review)
Weight: 23.3 oz
View on Amazon
View at REI

Pure Outdoor Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Weight: 22.7 oz
View on Monoprice

Patagonia Bandito Shirt
Weight: 4.9 oz
View at REI
View at Patagonia

The North Face Crag Tank Top
Weight: 4.7 oz
View at The North Face

prAna Stretch Zion Pant (one of my favorite hiking pants)
Weight: 13.6
View on Amazon
View at REI

Dirty Girl Gaiters
Weight: 1.5 oz
View at Summit Hut

Cloudline Hiking Sock – Ultra Light Cushion
View on Amazon

Patagonia P-6 LoPro Trucker Hat
Weight: 3 oz
View at REI
View at Patagonia

Mtech Xtreme Ballistic Black Grey Assisted Tactical Flipper Pocket Knife
View on Amazon

Tip: Accidents happen. Learn how to treat cuts and wounds in the backcountry.

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5 comments

  1. No knife? No first aid or survival gear? Not even a rope for possible assistance with dicey scrambles? Rescue in the back country is not eminent.

    1. Thanks for your comment, Pablo. I have updated this post with info about the first aid kit and knife that I took to Zion. In my view, all of the gear listed above is for survival. The Zion Traverse does not involve dicey scrambles, so I did not bring a rope. I don’t think “eminent” is the word you are looking for.

      1. Right on all parts. Stupid autocorrect. Knowledge of weather predictions and route is important. However, as an overprepardness person I don’t like to be relying on just that. I’m often criticized by go-lighters for carrying something that I’ll never use. Part of the excitement of such a trip is how little you really need to do it.

  2. I love this list Max. Thanks for breaking it down.

    1. You bet, Kristin! Glad you found it helpful.

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