What to pack for Havasu Falls. Don’t Overpack!

I am so happy you’re going to Havasu Falls! You will definitely have the time of your life, no doubt about that. So, you’re trying to figure out what to pack on your backpacking trip and that’s why you’re reading this? Are you stressing out about it? I know I was! Don’t you worry, this packing list really helped me and I hope it helps you as well.

Oh, one little deet, please remember the hiking etiquette when you’re on the trails. Let’s take care of mother earth and be kind to people.

Alrighty then, let’s get to it!

First things first, here are some of the deets that you probably already know since you’re thinking of packing already, but here they are just in case.

Miles: 10 miles from trailhead to campground (16km) | 20 miles roundtrip

Coordinates: 36.1597° N, 112.7094° W (Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot | Trailhead)

Elevation Gain: 3,307 ft

Level: Hard

Permit: Yes, visit Havasupai Reservations to get your permit

One more thing, before you get to the campground you will arrive at Supai Village where there’s a small convenient/grocery store and a cafeteria. There you can grab a bite to eat or get some snacks. But most importantly, YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE PERMIT OFFICE where you will need to show your permit and you will receive tags for your tent and backpacks. Okay, let’s get packing!

1. ROPE AND FIRST AID KIT (SAFETY IS IMPORTANT)

When we go on hiking trips, one person from our group always brings a rope. A rope you ask? We bring one in case of an emergency, you never know when you need to pull someone away from danger. I know it might sound exaggerating, but these things do happen and it’s better to be prepared. I also highly recommend you to bring a First Aid kit, something small will do. This is the First Aid Kit I use.

2. HIKING BACKPACKING PACK

I bought my Osprey Backpack at REI, it took me about two years to save up, I was a student at the time and I had literally no money. I’m pretty petitie, 5’3 and I weigh around 118 pounds so this backpack was very helpfully and fit my body type.  

3. DAY BACKPACK HYDRAPAK

What I love about my backpacking pack is that it came with a Hydrapak, plus the top comes off and it becomes a day backpack. How awesome is that?! It’s very light but sturdy. It worked perfectly when carrying water and other essentials while hiking during our stay. If your backpack doesn’t come with a Hydrapak, this is the one I used, Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir. I highly recommend it. By the way, because it was my first time going, I thought we had to carry all our water in our backpacks for the 4 nights we were going to stay there. No, please don’t do that. You can definitely refill your bottles and hydrapak once you arrive at the campsite. Do take enough water for the 10-mile hike down to the campground.

4. HIKING BOOTS

Yes, these are very important because your feet are the ones that are taking you 10 miles in and 10 miles out. I highly recommend Lowa Hiking Boots. They fit me perfectly; however, make sure you go up a size if you’re going to buy these. You don’t necessarily need to buy Lowa’s, any hiking boots will do. Just know that you will be walking a lot, so sometimes buying expensive boots that will last is soooo worth it.

5. WATER SHOES

I didn’t take actual water shoes, I just took my Nike’s. If you do take water shoes, I highly recommend that you take close-toe ones because if you want to hike down to Mooney Falls, you will definitely get your shoes wet. My Nike’s worked fine and they don’t take much time to dry. But, if I had water shoes, I would’ve definitely worn those instead. 

6. SOCKS

Omg! Please, please, please take good socks, especially for your hiking boots. I used the REI Co-op Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks, but any will do as long as they’re for hiking. I also bought a pair of wool ones that wicks away moisture and breathes to regulate temperature. You can buy them anywhere. I recommend getting some at REI. I took about three good pairs and regular socks.

7. SANDALS

I took my rainbow sandals because I always take them everywhere I go. You don’t need sandals, but they’re just so comfy for me and lightweight to wear around the campsite.

8. LEUKOTAPE

Guys, I totally regret not taking Leukotape! If it wasn’t for my uncle’s generosity, my way back up the canyon would’ve of been the end of me. Why Leukotape you ask? Why, that’s a very good question. The reason for this marvelous tape is for the blisters you might get on your feet. Unfortunately, I got a couple of blisters from hiking in the river. Sad day…but, when I wrapped the tape on them, I was good to go! I was able to hike back with no pain whatsoever! Please, take some just in case. I hope you don’t get those pesky blisters, but if you do, you will have Mr. Leukotape to save the day. You can purchase it online.

9.HEADLAMPS

You need to take one of these because there is no light at the campsite, you are literally out in nature. Your only light is the moon and the stars; which, I don’t mind at all, but sometimes the moon is not bright enough for me to wipe my butt when I go number 2. Anyway, we hiked down the canyon at around 2am, so they were definitely needed. So yeeees, it’s very important you don’t forget a headlamp.

10. CLOTHES

I mean, you don’t want to go naked right? I took two pairs of black leggings, 1 pair of shorts, 5 shirts, 5 underwear, 2 sports bras, 5 regular socks, a lightweight jacket, a bikini, a beanie, and a hat. I should’ve taken less, but I’m a girl and it’s sometimes really hard to pack.

11. TOILETRIES

Sunscreen, please take sunscreen. Small toothpaste, toothbrush, face wipes, deodorant, etc. There’s bathrooms but no sinks. Make sure you take toilet paper in case it runs out in the bathroom.

12. TENT

My husband and I took a two-person lightweight tent and it was perfect. They are pretty pricey but they are so worth it when you have to hike with all your stuff.

13. SLEEPING BAG

You need to stay warm and you can’t be carrying those heavy Mexican blankets around, you know the ones with the huge tiger print. My family has so many of them lol. So try to take one that’s lightweight, warm, and compresses so it can fit perfectly in your backpack. Lightweight sleeping bags.

14. SLEEPING PAD

I honestly wasn’t going to take one because I can literally sleep anywhere, but I am so glad I did! It helped me get a better night’s sleep after hiking all day. I’m a very heavy sleeper, which I am very thankful for because my husband is a light sleeper and let me tell you, the struggle is real. My husband has the inflatable one that is super comfy, but I went the cheap route and bought a regular one, which did the job.

15. FOOD

You need food to energize for the long hikes. We bought packaged food from REI because we did not want to carry too much weight. We stayed there for about four nights so we took two for each day per person. To be honest, the food was actually quite tasty for just pouring hot water.

16. JET BOIL

You need a place to heat your water for your food right? My husband bought this Jet Boil for his previous backpacking trips and it’s amazing! It’s lightweight and the fuel canister is small! (Those are sold separately by the way.) It’s honestly perfect for backpacking.

17. SNACKS

We took small bags of nuts, beef Jerky, bars, fruit, etc. I highly recommend carrying high protein snacks on your hikes.

18. BOWLS

These flexible silicone bowls that collapse are perfect for backpacking because they don’t take much room. Honestly, you don’t need more than one.

19. UTENSILS

It’s all about the Sporks! A spoon, fork, and knife utensil! All in one! You can get these anywhere: Amazon, REI, Wish, etc.

20. YOUR ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT!

Don’t forget to pack good vibes and a flexible attitude. You are going to embark in an amazing adventure so go ready to have fun!

Well, I hope this packing list helps you and remember to embrace everything Havasu Falls has to offer!

Love you all!