{"id":21132,"date":"2016-10-04T11:41:01","date_gmt":"2016-10-04T18:41:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21132"},"modified":"2025-01-13T16:39:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T00:39:58","slug":"joshua-tree-national-park-backpacking-gear-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/joshua-tree-national-park-backpacking-gear-list","title":{"rendered":"Joshua Tree National Park Backpacking Packing List"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The following list is designed for a non-guided backpacking trip in Joshua Tree National Park. (For information about visiting the park, see\u00a0our Joshua Tree Visitor’s Guide<\/a><\/u>.) The list includes some environment-specific options for the park\u2019s desert backcountry. If you\u2019re going with a commercial group, check with the guide company to see what items it provides.<\/p>\n

Included in this list are the Ten Essential Systems you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire starter; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter. To learn more, see our\u00a0Ten Essentials article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Printer-friendly version (PDF)<\/a><\/u><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Equipment<\/h3>\n

Important info about water:<\/b>\u00a0Because all water sources in the park are reserved for wildlife, you have to bring all the water you\u2019ll need for your backcountry trip. The park service recommends 1\u20132 gallons per day, depending on the temperature and your activity level. That\u2019s just for drinking. For hygiene and cooking, you\u2019ll need more.<\/p>\n

The backpacking pack you choose will need to have enough space for your whole water supply. An alternative is caching. The park service allows multi-day hikers to\u00a0cache food and water<\/a>\u00a0for up to 14 days.<\/p>\n