ELIMINATE THAT “OH NO, DID I FORGET SOMETHING?” FEELING
We all have it when we hop on a plane or in the car for a road trip. Did I remember everything? What if I forgot this, will that ruin my trip? This packing list for Havasu Falls Campground was super helpful for our group when we were preparing for our weekend in Arizona. It’s a combined list pulled from what I’ve read on other blogs, my 3 Week Backpacking List and some things friends who have been to Havasu Falls suggested I bring! Whatever you do, pack as light as you possibly can! You’ll be carrying your bag in and out of the campground and it’s much easier without a super heavy pack. Everyone goes to the falls a different amount of days so obviously, if you’re going for three nights bring a few pairs of shorts, not just one. I have listed my favorites brands for a few items. And as always, email me if you have any questions!
CAMPING GEAR/ELECTRONICS
Backpack
I’m obsessed with my Gregory Backpack, I’ve had it for almost 3 years now and it’s been with me on almost all my adventures and still looks brand new! Make sure you get your pack properly sized for your body, it makes a huge difference for long hikes.
Day Pack
My favorite daypack that I use is from my friend’s company, 934 Bagworks, it’s the perfect size, super comfortable, waterproof and has plenty of pockets!
Tent
I have yet to find the perfect tent so if you have one you love and it’s light for backpacking please comment below! But for now, I have always heard good things about REI Tents.
Hammock
I slept in my Hammock so no tent needed, and just like my backpack, my Eno Hammock has been with me for years! I have slept in it in over 10 countries and it’s never failed me. Here is a picture of me in it in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Sleeping Bag
It can get up to 90 during the day (in April) but also down to 45 at night (in April) so you’ll want one! I brought a very thin and small one by Lake and Trail. It is barely 3 pounds and kept me warm. Keep in mind this only keeps you warm down to 40 degrees.
Sleeping Pad
The ground is quite hard and cold so bring one along if you’re going the tent route.
Quick Dry Towel
Another backpacking item that has been with me for years and I love it! Check out MountFlow Towel it’s a great and affordable brand.
Head Lamp
You’ll want this for the start of your hike and if you do any pre-sunrise or post-sunset hikes. I really like Black Diamond headlamps. Always get something more than 300 Lumens.
Power Bank for Phone
or
Solar Phone Charger
They sell them at REI and most get you 1-2 charges. Check out this awesome article by REI to help you decide what charger is best for you.
Dry Bag
There are some river crossings on a few of the hikes so definitely bring a dry bag or waterproof daypack.
Camera
Headphones
*NO DRONES ALLOWED IN HAVASU*
Floaty
(If you wanna look extra, floating in the falls)
Lightweight Compact Stove/Butane
I love my Optimus Crux Lite Solo Cook System. It’s perfect for tea, oatmeal, or quick rice and dry foods. Keep in mind this is a small size fit for one or two people, get something larger if you are cooking for a group. Also, you can’t fly with Butane so pick it up at a local REI or Cabela’s before you start your drive to the trailhead.
Dishes
Utensils
Biodegradable Soap for Dishes
Bag for Trash
Water
There is a spring once you get to the camp but none on the trail.
Coffee/Tea
Twine or Rope
Tie up your food, the squirrels are insane, they chewed through my coat to get to my trail mix!
Food
It depends if you want to pack your own dry food (really good options at REI) or just get food at the market in the Supai Village. The biggest issue with relying on this option is that the village is about a 45 minutes walk from the campsite. So if you need to grab something or visit the restaurant you’ll have a 4-mile round-trip trek ahead of you.
Snacks
It’s really nice to have trail mix or protein bars on you for snacks along the hikes. If you forget them you can get some at one of two markets in the Supai village. The picture below is the first market you’ll come to, the smaller of the two.
CLOTHES
Swimsuit
You’ll want to jump in this gorgeous water as much as you can! The water is about 70 degrees year round, but quite cold if the sun isn’t out so plan for that and try and swim in the mid-day.
Shorts
Pants for night
T-shirts
Sweatshirt
Light Coat
Rain jacket
Warm Clothes for Sleeping
Wool socks/Hiking Socks
I’ve fallen in love with the Fits Socks. I used to be a Smartwool girl but after a day hike, they were always stretched out and bunchy. These were more compression like and so comfortable never stretching out or bunching up even after 20 miles of hiking.
Hiking Boots
I definitely recommend hiking boots over tennis shoes for this hike. It’s pretty rocky, steep and extremely sandy in some parts. I love my Merrell’s I’ve had a few pairs from them and they were all wonderful. Here is a picture of my friend’s tennis shoes after the hike, she duct taped them to keep the sand out!
Water Shoes
You will have a few water crossings if you make the Adventure to Beaver Falls so you’ll definitely want water shoes! I recommend Chaco’s so comfortable and durable mine have lasted five years so far.
Sports bra
Undies
Socks
Hat
Sunglasses
Gloves
If you decide to make the Descent to Mooney Falls (and you so should) then you may want to bring thin gloves to help you down the wet chains! Some people said it was super helpful.
TOILETRIES
Baby wipes
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Biodegradable soap
Sunscreen
Deodorant
Medications
Tiger Balm or Icy Hot
My muscles were so sore after hiking over 20 miles in one day and I wish I would have had icy hot to put on my legs after! So if you have room definitely bring some.
Ibuprofen
I hope this packing list for Havasu Falls Campground makes preparing and planning a trip to Havasu Falls a bit easier! To learn more about the area check out my other posts including The Descent to Mooney Falls from Havasupai Campground, Hiking the Havasu Falls Trail to Havasu Falls Campground and the Adventure to Beaver Falls.