ULTIMATE Death Valley Packing List

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Though the area is a desert and the sun (even in winter) is glaring and the temperatures are a cool 60-70F, it gets exceptionally cold once the sun goes down. So, be prepared with a different array of layers and sun protection!

This packing list is for when Death Valley is hospitable to tourists - late Fall to early Spring. (Please don't visit Death Valley in the summer?)

CLOTHES:

• Breathable (lightweight) LAYERS - if you're starting your day early (for sunrise), planning to hike early-morning and will be out for the day, you'll need to be dressed in layers. Before the sun comes up, it's SO cold so I recommend packing layers that keep you versatile for any weather. There's a huge debate between cotton shirts and synthetic fibers; I prefer my synthetic fibers that keep me temperature controlled better and will be quick-dry in case it gets wet. Plus, I'm personally just used to wearing them for my workout classes.

  • RxTravelBug Rec: 3/4 zip up pullover - I bring 1-2 on EVERY trip and typically size up (I'm usually an XS, but buy S) so I can wear a short sleeve under if necessary! My favorite right now is one I got a few years back from REI

  • Typically you'll need a base layer --> fleece jacket --> windbreaker

• Fleece Jacket/Vest - to keep you warm (if you plan on doing sunrise/sunset things/stargazing)

  • RxTravelBug Rec: I love Patagonia fleece

  • RxTravelBug Rec: I usually opt for vest OVER fleece, but that's only because I don't like too much restriction on my arms. A vest provides chest protection, but is also typically not as warming

• Down or Synthetic Down Jacket - layers over your fleece for your outershell protection

  • RxTravelBug Rec: Patagonia Radalie Jacket (some argue, it's TOO warm- synthetic down) or Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (lightweight, a bit more expensive, more breathable compared to Radalie, but not as warm so you may need an outer outer layer in some climates)

• Windbreaker /Rainjacket - alternative lighter option for your outershell

  • Right now, I have a North Face rain (waterproof) jacket and an Under Armour rain (water resistant) jacket, but I'm still looking for one I absolutely love- so no recs quite yet! If you have one you love, feel free to drop a comment/rec <3

  • For those who are new to hiking/traveling, make sure you know the differences between water repellent VS water resistant VS waterproof when shopping for gear - this applies to jackets AND pants!

• Long Pants (hiking pants vs leggings) - shorts are tempting, especially with the mid-day heat, but I recommend long pants to protect you from sunburn, the harsh sands. You can opt for leggings, which is my personal favorite thing to wear, but make sure to wear a thicker kind (Lululemon Wunder Train vs avoid pants that seem like Lululemon Align). But, a hiking pant material is probably preferable - even convertible pants are a good option

• Good hiking shoes - everything is not too high in elevation gain, but sometimes you have to scale bigger rocks or walk on gravel of different sizes, so something with good grips will help support you. I always wear mid-top hiking waterproof shoes -

  • RxTravelBug Rec: Salomon Outpulse GORETEX Women's ($111 right now on Amazon/REI) - I love these because GoreTex is normally heavier and less breathable, but I feel like these are lightweight compared to some of the other GoreTex hiking shoes I have. The material feels sort of a blend between sneaker and true hiking shoe protection, so if you're doing rugged hikes in the future, there are more protective shoes.

• Hiking (wool) socks - even on shorter hikes, I wear wool socks and just vary the thickness to the length/terrain of my hike; they protect your feet, keep you cool if sweating, and fit in the shoe better.

  • RxTravelBug rec: DarnTough Socks ($25 Amazon) - they are guaranteed for LIFE and just the most comfortable socks I have ever used for hiking/outdoors. They come in different styles/thickness - I love this one. I'm a size 7 in Womens and I wear size Small

OUTDOOR NECESSITIES:

• FACE Sunscreen - after years of looking for the perfect sunscreen, I now only use zinc oxide ones since they're better for the environment and non-toxic to us

  • RxTravelBug Rec: EltaMD Face Sunscreen SPF 40 - comes in a tinted version as well! ($39 on Amazon)

  • RxTravelBug Rec: (budget): Neutrogena Zinc SPF 50

• BODY Sunscreen

  • RxTravelBug Rec: Blue Lizard - mineral sunscreen. It does not go as pastey as other brands I have used and it's reasonably priced ($15 for 5 ounces) - this brand was also a NYT rec! (I also sometimes use this as face sunscreen and have the baby version as well - I am a sunscreen fanatic, best to save your skin from wrinkles... and cancer!)

• Hiking Poles - when I was younger, I thought hiking poles were only for the old; however, after a few knee injuries and many hikes, I realize they save your joints, provide blood flow for your arms, and are good for stabilization - I recommend them to ALL.

  • RxTravelBug Rec: Black Diamond Ergo Cork Poles ($129 on Black Diamond): the positive is that they are sturdy and comfortable, the negative is that they are not collapsible in a small check-in bag when you're flying

  • RxTravelBug Rec: (budget): Amazon foldable ones ($30) - if you're not ready to invest that much into it! These were sturdy enough for my boyfriend to trek Fitz Roy with them

• Bug Spray - there's not as many critters as the jungle, but I still got a few bites when I didn't bug spray and wore a tanktop for a hike.

  • RxTravelBug Rec: I love, love, love these DEET wipes! They're more portable and clean to bring; I have had a few experiences where the DEET spilled in my bag and that is not a fun time. My cousins and I have used these on a trip at the same time, and they protected me SO well, but the bugs were still all over her. So, maybe not protective for all?

  • RxTravelBug Rec: for those looking to spend a little more, something that is considered to be less toxic is Picardin - it's quite pricey so I save this for areas where there is more risk for bugs and I will be applying mosquito protection 24/7. This is Picardin Lotion ($15 on Amazon)

• Sunglasses / Sun hat - the sun is so strong here! When it's clear, you'll want to protect your face and eyes from the sun, so make sure to pack this along in your backpack

• Water bladder / CamelBak / Daypack - I used to use a CamelBak, but now opted for a cheaper version water bladder and actually prefer the mouthpiece on it!

  • RxTravelBug Rec: this Hydration Bladder (get at minimum the 2L) on Amazon - $12. 3L is a bit big to carry for someone my size, but would be more optimal for those wanting something more versatile for long hikes as well

FOOD/DRINK ESSSENTIALS:

• Water - For 2 people, for a 48-hour trip - we brought 3 gallons of water.

  • There's water refill stations at the Oasis, but you never want to get stranded without water - so bring more than you think you will need

• Protein Bars - I never go on a hiking/outdoors trip without protein bars, in case you're in a bind for food, for time, or you just want to replace a few meals if it's too $$$ for what you're getting

  • I don't LOVE protein bars - does anyone? But the ones I find the best tasting are Clif Bars and Kind Bars. Here's a Clif Bar Variety Pack ($25 for 16 bars) and a Kind Bar 10-count pack ($17 for 10 bars)

• Nuts/Trail Mix

  • I love pistachios! Typically, with the shell-on, but that's a nuisance (and please don't litter!) when out - my favorite brand is the Wonderful brand; here's a packable size ($5 on Amazon)

  • For a variety of trail mix, I tried the Sahale snacks a few years ago and love them - come in different flavors. Here's a Sahale variety pack ($20 for pack of 12 on Amazon)

  • The bargain option is to buy the bigger size and pack them into Ziplocs before you leave :)

• Cooler / Ice - ours lasted us the 2 day trip

• Beer / Wine / Drinks

• Trash Bag - please don't litter inside the park (or anywhere!). Absolutely make sure you bring your trash to throw away in correct containers.

OTHER ESSENTIALS:

• External Battery Pack/Cords - I never go on a trip (weekend, domestic, month-long, international) without an external battery pack! You never want to be without your ability to take photos or communicate!

  • RxTravelBug Rec: Anker PowerBank 10,000mAh - should last about 2-3 phone charges, $27 on Amazon - there ARE cheaper ones, and I used to get them when I was younger but if they're not a reputable brand, it can ruin your phone battery. iPhones aren't cheap! So spend a little extra money. There are also ones with faster charge/longer lasting, but this one is an affordable one and you can always charge while you're in the car! No need for a big one, unless maybe you're camping a while

• Satellite Radio - if you have; there's literally almost no service in the park anywhere, except at the Oasis. So, be prepared if you have this (you don't need it though, just don't get yourself into trouble)

• Cash - Everywhere we went took card, but just in case, always bring a little bit of money

• Hand Sanitizer

• Headlamp - you need these if you are going to be doing anything near sunset or after

  • I have these energizer ones, which are SUPER bright. Almost too much, where you couldn't wear them when other people/cars may be walking in your direction. But.... if you're stranded anywhere, ever, and without light? These are a great option! $18/2 pack

Other things you might want to bring, but don't need:

• Camera and camera necessities

• Water shoes - if you have and want to use them for when there's water at the basin (like 2023-2024 season!). I walked barefoot, but after a few feet, the sand/salt got a little painful

• Book to read, if you're EV charging.... bring lots of things to do if you're EV charging....

• National Park Map

Did I miss anything? Drop a message to let me know if you think there would be anything else that's helpful