The 2023 Desert-Ready Gear Guide

Written by Danielle Maxey

Car Camper

Day Hiker

Wilderness Backpacker

Spring is here, and that means it’s desert season in the west. Folks from all over venture out to enjoy the desert before it turns scorching hot during the summer. However, the desert can be a daunting and dangerous landscape at any time of year.

Yet there are reasons why so many desire to explore these arid expanses of sand and succulents. The desert may be a harsh, and at times, an almost inhospitable place to be, but it has a certain magic that will keep you returning year after year.

With that though, traveling in the desert can be a bit different than adventures in the forests or mountains. Water is harder to find, navigation can be a bit difficult, and many times, you may be further from civilization than you’re used to. That’s why we put together a list of essential gear to help make your desert adventure a more enjoyable and safer experience.

Read further details on the entire list of desert-ready gear here.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

I’m also a fan of the venerable Sawyer Squeeze. Just collect water and drink!

Trey French
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion lasts a long time, stores well in survival kits and cars, and doesn’t have the laundry-list poison control label like DEET sprays.

Sean Gold
Founder & Lead Writer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

I’m not a fan of bugs, so Sawyer Picaridin spray is always in my pack.

Isis Briones
Writer and Editor