- Camping & Backpacking, Destinations
Complete Havasu Falls Packing List for Backpackers
First and foremost let me congratulate you on securing some of the most coveted backpacking permits in America to the most beautiful collection of waterfalls in America! The trek to Havasu Falls is one for the books, but before heading out on your trip, let’s make sure you have everything you need to make the journey. In this guide, I will share a complete backpacking Havasu Falls Packing List!
Located in Northern Arizona, Havasu Falls consists of a 20-mile round-trip hike into the Grand Canyon. This is a true desert hike that requires some extra planning to account for extreme heat, low temperatures, and potential flash floods.
The journey is worth it though. So let’s get into it!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission on purchases made through this site. Thanks in advanced for your support!
Comprehensive List of Everything You Need to Backpack Havasu Falls
This post will cover everything from gear to clothes, accessories, and desert-specific items. For a general list of backpacking essentials, you can read this blog post.
This Havasu Falls Trip Packing List is organized into the following sections:
Camp Set-Up: Tent, Sleeping Pad, Sleeping Bag, Pillow, and Optional items
Camp Kitchen: Stove, Fuel, Utensils, Food List, Water
Clothing & Hiking Gear: Trekking Poles, Hiking Boots, Wool Socks, Four-Day, Three-Night Clothing Guide
Personal Care & Safety: Toiletry Bag, First Aid Kit, GPS Device
Optional Items: Camp Lights, Games
For a complete guide on everything you need to know about backpacking Havasu Falls, check out my guide here!
NOTE: Havasu Falls is located on the land of the Havasupai People. You may hear people refer to Havasu Falls as Havasupai Falls which is incorrect. Havasupai translates to the “people of the blue-green waters”.
Camp Set-Up
Backpacking Havasu Falls is a little different compared to other backpacking treks in that you have a base camp! Where you would typically set up and break down camp every evening and morning, you only have to set up and break down camp once on this trail! You will be camping at Havasu Falls Campground!
In knowing this, I did bring some items that I typically would not normally bring on a backpacking trip. Those items are indicated by an asterisk (*).
Backpacking Pack
For this length of trip, a backpacking pack with 60 Liters of space will be sufficient! If you do not have a backpacking pack head to REI to try on packs with one of the employees. They will show you how to pack your pack properly for even weight distribution.
I have been using the Osprey Aura LT for the last three years and it is still holding up really well! A good backpack is key for a safe and comfortable trek on this Havasu Falls hike. You will want a backpack that is light weight and durable. There are lots of different packs to choose from so pick one that works best for you!
Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UVL3 is my favorite backpacking tent. This Hyperlite tent is sturdy and spacious. While my dog couldn’t join me on this trail, he typically does and the Big Agnes Copper Spur has enough room for myself, my partner, and my dog, meatball, with room to spare.
For a cheaper tent, you can try out this Featherlight Tent that uses trekking poles to set up! If you’re new to backpacking and will be using trekking poles anyway, this is a fantastic and affordable option.
Don’t forget a ground cover, for both tent wear and tear and inclement weather!
Sleeping Bag
I brought a new sleeping bag with me on this trail and it was FANTASTIC. To Havasu Falls I brought the Sea to Summit Spark 15 Degree. It was lightweight, fluffy, soft, and durable. This bag is definitely a keeper in my eyes, but another great option is the Sea to Summit Ascent 15 Degree.
What sleeping bag should you bring to Havasu Falls?
Depending on the time of year, you may want to adjust the temperature rating of your sleeping bag. I found that 15 degree was perfect in March when evening temperatures were just above freezing.
If you don’t want to purchase a warmer bag for this trail for the colder months, you can add a sleeping bag liner which can improve your temperature rating by up to 30 degrees. I love the sea to summit react, but it is extra weight to carry.
In summer months, you will be comfortable with a 40+ Degree Bag or even a blanket! In the summer I typically backpack with just a Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket.
Sleeping Pad
You will want a good sleeping pad for this trail! Consider bringing a pad with at least a 3-4R rating. The ground can get pretty cold if not frozen at night during colder months. My favorite sleeping pad is the EXPED Ultra 5R. It is an all-season pad which makes it a little heavier due to the insulation, but it is a fantastic pad.
For additional comfort, add a Z-Pad!
Pillow
Some may call it a necessity, some may go without it. But with the extreme packability of most backpacking pillows, I always opt to bring mine. I use the NEMO Fillo Pillow.
Some other great lightweight pillow options include the Sea to Summit Aeros Down and Thermarest Compressible Pillow.
Hammock*
There were so many trees at Havasu Falls Campground! You could set up a hammock anywhere really. Many people managed to hang their hammocks over the river that ran through the campground. Remember, you need to purchase the hammock AND straps.
Honestly, no Havasu Falls trip is complete without a good hammock. It is a great way to relax!
Camp Chair
The NEMO Moonlite Elite is my favorite camp chair.
Camp chairs are great so you can still sit around and enjoy the company of your group without having to sit on the cold ground, but again it is likely that your campsite will have a picnic table.
Clothes Line*
I have been bringing this small Sea to Summit Clothes Line with me for the last year and it comes in more handy than you’d think! Even if I don’t get my clothes wet, it still helps sweaty clothes dry quickly.
In Havasu Campground, there are actually lots of clotheslines hung for food hangs. I used them for drying clothes since I brought a bear can instead.
Trekking Poles*
I did not bring trekking poles, but on the last 0.25 mile stretch hiking out of the canyon I kind of wish I had them. Many people had brought trekking poles and were using them.
Note: A trekking Pole cannot be part of your carry-on bag. They need to be checked in your luggage.
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot pack as a carry-on item, reference my blog post on Flying with Camping Gear or drop a comment below!
Camp Kitchen
Since I create my own backpacking meals, I found that the best option for rehydrating those types of meals is a stove and pot set! But if you’re planning on bringing backpacking meals like Mountain House or Backpackers Pantry, a Jetboil or other camp stove works great!
Tip: Bring a small scraper to clean out your pot or Jetboil to minimize clean-up!
Stove & Pot
I use the MSR 900 mL pot! This post heats evenly and quickly with the MSR Pocket Rocket Plus. The plus is that it has an ignite switch so I do not need to pack matches(if I don’t want to).
This setup works great for controlling the temperature and reheating homemade backpacking meals.
Jetboil
IF you DON’T want to go the stove/pot route, JetBoils are AMAZING. They heat water quickly. They’re compact. They’re great for pre-packaged backpacking meals! Since you make backpacking meals in the package they come in, you can just pour the boiling water directly into the package.
Fuel
You will need to purchase fuel when you get to Arizona (unless you’re driving). Fuel canisters are not allowed on airplanes.
Long Spork
You will want a long spork and I cannot emphasize LONG spork enough. Many sporks or silverware are rather short. When you’re eating out of a deep pot or pouch, the long spork comes in handy so you don’t have to put your actual hand inside of the pouch.
I’ve been using this Hyperlite long spork for four years and it still feels basically new.
Water Container*
This is optional! There is a faucet in the campground that you can drink from so many people brought a collapsible water container with them to fill up and keep at camp. I am a big fan of the HydraPak Flux Bottle because it also fits an optional filter on the end!
Otherwise, your hiking bladder and a Nalgene water bottle will work great!
There is NO water along the route to the campground so pack enough water to safely make it to and from the campground to the trailhead. I brought my 3L water reservoir and a Nalgene for electrolytes. You will want at least 3 liters of water hiking in and out of the canyon. There is no water source along the trail.
Collapsable Cup
Alright, I admit it. I have a caffeine addiction so I NEED to drink coffee in the morning. This lightweight, collapsible mug worked great!
Food Storage
Due to the many different animals that live in and around the Havasu Falls Campground, the Havasupai Reservation requires guests to properly pack and store their food. This can be done with a bear canister or hanging a rat sack or stuff sack on a hang line.
Stuff sacks are a good option for minimizing pack weight. Bear canisters are a heavy durable option and do not need to be hung. So while there are no bears in Havasu Falls Campground, a bear canister is still a good option.
Meal Plan for One Person
This is a general meal plan for one person completing the four-day, three-night Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip:
3 – Dinners (Fried Rice, Backcountry Burritos, Penne with Red Sauce Dehydrated Meals)
3 – Breakfast Meals (instant oatmeal, egg scramble, meal bar)
3 – Instant Coffee Packets
4 – Lunches (Ramen w/ Chicken Packet, Dehydrated Mashed Potatoes)
2 – Energy Blocks (2 servings per package)
3 – Granola Bars/Protein Bars/Trail Mix
4 – Meat Sticks/Beef Jerky
8 – Servings of Electrolyte Mix
1 – Large Bag of Candy
Adjust this according to your caloric needs so you have enough food! I packed around 2,200 calories per day knowing that on the first and last day, I would eat more and on days two and three I would eat less based on my energy output for those days! It is better to have too much food than too little, however food can be heavy.
Clothes & Hiking Gear
Something to keep in mind is that the more outfits you bring, the heavier your pack will be. I brought an additional outfit outside of my standard backpacking packing and could definitely feel the extra weight.
Layering System
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom).
- Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket).
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
- Convertible hiking pants (for versatility).
Hiking Bottoms
I am definitely one for wearing leggings while hiking and thankfully the trail was cool enough while I was hiking that it wasn’t sweltering. My favorite pair of hiking leggings are the Athleta Stasher Leggings.
For summer hiking, consider packing a pair of pants with ventilation panels or zip-off into shorts. The REI Sahara Pants checks all the boxes for breathable, stretchable, and convertible hiking pants.
Hiking Shirt
To minimize sun exposure, I always wear a sunshirt. My two favorite sunshirts are the REI Sahara Sunshirt and the Outdoor Research Sunshirt.
If you’re more comfortable hiking in t-shirts, the Patagonia Capilene Cool T-Shirt and REI Sahara Hiking Shirts are airy and lightweight!
Outer Layer
Even in the summer, the canyon gets cool at night. For most of the day, the canyon is shaded. Bring a lightweight puffy jacket or fleece pullover for cool mornings and evenings as an extra layer.
Warm layers are important but they can also take up significant space. Try to find a warm layer that is also packable.
Hiking Socks
A good pair of hiking socks will make or break your trek. Opt for wool socks to minimize the potential of getting blisters.
My go-to hiking socks are the Darn Tough Midweight Socks.
Hiking Boots
The first time you wear your hiking boots SHOULD NOT be on this trail. You will want your boots to be well broken in by the time you get to the Hilltop Trailhead.
My favorite boots are the Oboz Bridgers. There is a waterproof version that I love as a Pacific Northwesterner, but for desert hiking, they would get a little swampy. Be sure to leave enough time to break in your hiking boots prior to the trek.
If you’re looking for a more lightweight hiking boot, the Altra Timp Hiking Boots are a great waterproof option.
Camp Shoes
No backpacking trip is complete without camp shoes. They’re the shoes you start fantasizing about putting on the minute you hit the trail and they are a fresh relief at the end of the day.
Teva Hurricanes are my favorite option for campshoes, not just because they are comfortable, but because they are also sturdy enough to hike in if you unfortunately end up with a blister. Speaking from experience.
Teva Hurricanes also make for fantastic water shoes for river crossings.
Rain Jacket
I thankfully did not need to wear my rain jacket, but my friends who hiked out a day after me did need to wear theirs. If you bring a rain jacket, you should also bring a rain cover for your backpack.
OR
Bring a rain poncho. It will cover you and your pack at the same time for all-encompassing rain gear.
Swimsuit
Bring your swimsuit! But I will let you know that many people were just getting in, in their underwear. If you do get in, in your underwear might I suggest Merino wool undergarments?
If you’re bringing a swimsuit, you might as well pack a towel. The REI Packable microfiber towel has been on many backpacking trips with me.
Havasu Falls Clothes Packing Guide
How many outfits do you really need to pack for hiking? I typically bring one outfit to hike in and one outfit to sleep in. On the Havasu Falls Trail, I brought one outfit to hike in, one outfit to sleep in, and one outfit for adventures from base camp which consisted of a second sunshirt, a pair of shorts, and a swimsuit. In cooler months, I would have packed an additional warm layer.
What should you bring?
- Hiking Shirt
- Hiking Pants
- Two Pairs of Socks
- Sleeping Outfit
- Swimsuit
- Rain Coat
- Micropuff Jacket or Fleece Pullover
- UNDIES!
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Hiking Boots
- Camp Shoes/Water Shoes
Be sure to pack your clothes in stuff sacks for organization! Or even better, a compression sack to minimize the space they take up.
Personal Care & Safety
One of the best parts of Havasu Campground is that there are bathrooms at the campground! This is definitely a plus since you cannot bury your poop in the desert, you have to carry it out.
Toiletry Items
Here is a list of self-care items you should bring with you. Items marked with an asterisk (*) next to them are optional but encouraged, items.
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant*
- Small Brush*
- Ibuprofen or Advil
- Melatonin or Magnesium*
- Feminine Products (Not any Tampons or Pads will need to be packed out)
- Face Wipes (I use Ursa Major)
- Plastic Baggies or Mini Nalgene for things that need to be packed out
- Toilet Paper
Garmin Inreach
The Garmin InReach is my favorite GPS device so I can stay in contact with family while on the trail, track my trip, and request weather updates. Your cell phone will not have service once you get to Hilltop, but some people have reported having a bar or two of service in Supai Village.
I loved having the Garmin InReach with me on this trail because I was able to get weather updates. One of the weather updates let us know that there would be 100% rain coverage with potential snow on the last day of our trip which encouraged us to leave a day early.
Especially during monsoon season, this will come in handy.
Bear Can
You need to bring a bear can or do a food hang to keep critters from getting into your food. Since I already had a bear can, that is what I brought even though it added weight.
You can also use a dry bag that clips and clip it over one of the clotheslines around the campground.
Headlamp
Once it is dark, you will want a headlamp to see around camp at night, whether that is to stay up later or to take a midnight trip to the bathroom. Make sure to get one that has a red light so you don’t blind your neighbors and minimize light pollution for star gazing.
I use the Black Diamond Spot and love it because it is lightweight, comfortable, and rechargeable.
Medical kit
There are some medical kits that are solid for different lengths of trips and the number of people. The medical kit I use most frequently is the Adventure Medical Kit.
Be sure to restock it before each trip and have any emergency medications you may need.
Water Filter
While there is a freshwater faucet in the campground for drinking water, there are some times when the Havasupai Reservation recommends people filter the water. Pack a gravity filter or the HydraPak filter to ensure you have clean drinking water.
AllTrails Pro
Consider purchasing AllTrails Pro for this trek! The offline navigation was helpful in navigating the canyon and keeping track of how far we’ve gone and how far we need to go.
There is also navigation to the different falls after the campground!
Optional Items
As with any trip, there will be some things that you will bring that aren’t necessarily a “necessity” but they add to your overall comfort. For me, that was camp lights and games!
Camp Lights
These camp lights by Revel Gear, are super lightweight and connect to a power bank via USB cable. They made our little camp a lot more fun to stay up chatting and playing games.
There are also solar charge lights that you can string up! I use these for car camping but they were just too heavy for backpacking.
Camp Games
When I bring camp games they need to fit in my palm and not include a bunch of little pieces.
Some of my favorite games to bring backpacking include Wizard, Dutch Bliss, Phase 10, and The Mind.
Most of those are more enjoyable with more than two people so on this trip we brought a new game Scout! It was pretty fun once we learned all the rules!
Day Pack
If you’re planning on doing day trips down to Mooney or Beaver Falls, you might want to pack a lightweight day pack so you do not have to bring your entire backpacking pack with you to the falls. This of course is optional since you will already have a backpack and if you’re trying to pack light, it is a non-essential.
Havasupai Packing List
While having all the right gear for your trek into Havasupai is important, you will need to bring some additional paperwork for check-in!
Photo ID: The trip leader will need their ID at multiple checkpoints.
Reservation: Print out the reservation details from the confirmation email. Some of this paperwork will act as your parking pass and some of it you will need to carry with you on the trail.
License Plate Number: This is particularly important for people who rent a car. At check-in you will have to provide your License Plate Number, so write it down for a smooth check-in process.
Mask: While on the reservation and hiking through Supai, you will need to wear a face mask. At the registration center, they have paper masks available but do not rely on those always being available.
Cash: To purchase Fry Bread, you will need cash. However, the cafe and store in Supai accept a credit card.
Wristband: The trip leader will pick up wristbands for everyone in the party. These wristbands need to be worn the entire time your party is at the Havasupai Reservation and at Havasu Campground.
Tent Tag: This will be provided at check-in and must be kept on your tent for the duration of your trip.
Packers
One of the options to get into the canyon is to reserve a packing horse to carry all of your camping gear.
To reserve packing horses for your trek, you will need to reserve the horse ahead of time on the reservation site. Pack horses cannot be reserved once you are there.
Renting Gear for Havasu
Prefer to rent gear for backpacking in Havasupai?
Basecamp Outdoor Gear is located near the Las Vegas Airport and is the perfect place to snag all the necessary gear for your trip.
When you make an appointment with them, they can fit you for the appropriately sized backpack and outfit you with everything you need for a safe and responsible trip. They are available by appointment only, so make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time!
Pack It Up
Backpacking to Havasu Falls is an incredible journey and I am so excited for you as you prep for your trip! This Havasu Falls Packing List should provide you with a good jumping-off point for packing. This was my first backpacking trip of the year and it was amazing!
If you have any questions about packing for Havasu Falls, please drop me a comment below and I would be happy to help
Otherwise, Happy Hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
