Hiking Gear for the Grand Canyon
Hiking in the Grand Canyon can make for an awe-inspiring trip as you navigate this unique landscape. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the Grand Canyon can be very difficult to hike, and is extremely dangerous for unprepared hikers. Always make sure that you have a good understanding of the supplies that you need so that you can have a safe and enjoyable hike in the Grand Canyon.
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Types
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If you hike often, you may already own much of what you need. However, if you need to acquire new gear, this takes some careful consideration. First, decide if you are going to rent or buy. If you only take one hiking trip a year, or less, then you will probably be much better off renting. This way you will get the most up to date gear for a fraction of what it would cost you to buy it. This will also allow you to invest in hiking gear with no commitment. If you are planning to buy, one of the most important things to consider is whether you have a good working knowledge of what you want. It may be beneficial to ask for advice from sales clerks and other hikers. There are also a variety of websites that offer reviews of equipment. For high quality hiking equipment, you should shop at a specialty store. Supplies sold at discount stores are better suited for backyard and car camping, and may not hold up in the rugged conditions of the Grand Canyon.
Features
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Take good care of your feet. You should wear broken-in, properly fitted hiking boots. You will encounter many rocks and spiky plants in the Grand Canyon that you will need to protect your feet from. You will also experience a lot of extended downhill hiking. This means that you should wear shoes with plenty of toe room. If you are hiking between October and mid-May, you may encounter ice on the upper trails in the Grand Canyon. Instep crampons are a useful addition in these conditions. These are metal devices with four to six spikes that will strap on to your boots and provide additional traction on slippery trails.
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Function
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Hiking in the Grand Canyon is very different from many other sites. You will encounter extensive uphill and downhill climbing. The best way to handle this terrain is to bring along a good walking stick. You may be surprised to find the wide variety of walking sticks available. But whatever your budget, you should be able to find a good stick for your hike. For hiking the Grand Canyon, there are a few important features that your stick should have. The length should be adjustable, because when hiking downhill you will want a longer stick, and hiking uphill you will need a significantly shorter one. Shock absorbing features would also be a plus. You should also look for a molded hand grip, which will prevent blisters on the palm of your hand.
Time Frame
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The season in which you plan your hike can greatly effect the kind of gear you need to bring. It will especially influence your selection of clothing. In the summer, the Grand Canyon is dry dusty, and hot with harsh sunlight. You should wear a broad-brimmed hat to keep your face and neck away from direct sunlight. A neck strap will help to keep your hat from blowing away when you encounter sudden gusts of wind. A long-sleeved shirt is actually cooler than a short-sleeved shirt and will provide additional protection from the sun. Select a light color that will reflect the sunlight. If you are only hiking the Corridor Trails, shorts should be fine in the summer. If you will be hiking beyond these trails, consider long pants, or sport pants that zip at the knee and allow you to adjust your attire for changing conditions. In fall and spring you will want to add a waterproof shell to your ensemble as well. In the winter months, you will need to plan for different attire. You will want a warm knit hat. You should add an additional layer under your long-sleeved shirt, as well as a fleece sweater to layer over top to protect from the cold temperatures. You will also want a thicker waterproof shell to protect from snow flurries.
Considerations
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The Grand Canyon's terrain is very dry and dusty. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to consider bringing glasses along for the hike, as the dust may irritate your eyes. Sunglasses are also important, as the sun is very harsh here. In addition to these supplies, you will also need to remember the basics. Food and water are necessary for any hike. You should plan accordingly for the amount of time your hike will take. Remember that it will generally take one third of your trip time to get down the canyon, but at least two thirds to get back up. If you are planning on camping, you will need to obtain special permits in many locations.
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