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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love this list Max. Thanks for breaking it down.
You bet, Kristin! Glad you found it helpful.