Things to have if you hike the wilderness of the Grand Canyon!

       The hike of the Grand Canyon is spectacular experience.  Hikers and guides from around the world come to do the hike for the breath taking views and the thrill of the accomplishment.  In the summer the temperatures quickly rise from 40 F (at 4 AM at the trail head) to 110 F (or higher at the Colorado River). We will be in designated wilderness with no cell signals, no internet and no promise of rescue if we are in a compromised position and unprepared.  So preparation is important.  The good news is that I have been hiking these trails and this wilderness many times.  So we will be ready!

NEEDED CLOTHING:
A range of clothing is important and this is a personal decision.
The following items are essential:
 Sturdy hiking boots, well broken in (½ to one-size larger than your street shoes to allow for swelling and thick socks)
 Brimmed hat and bandanna
 T-shirt and long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun (cotton for the hotter months)
 Underwear
 Shorts
 Long pants such as leggings or lightweight trousers (no jeans) to block sun
 Swim wear
 Warm top such as a sweater or fleece jacket (especially for the cooler months). Even in July I have had hikers complain about the cool temps at the rim in the morning)
 Hiking socks such as SmartWool®, Thor-Los® or similar padded socks
(wearing a thin liner sock under your hiking socks is highly recommended. Thin polypropylene socks are one type). No cotton socks!  Good socks are very important!
 Sport water sandals OR light-weight flip-flops for camp comfort

EQUIPMENT
Important note: The less weight you carry the more fun you will have. Tim will carry a number of shared items. Cut back on “stuff” by practicing a less complicated style of living while on the trail. It is really is amazing just how little one needs.  Below is an equipment checklist; examine it carefully. Final gear choice should be based on the most up-to-date weather forecast. For example, no rain gear will be needed if rain is not forecast.

PERSONAL CHECKLIST
 Backpack is best with padded waist belt, padded shoulder straps, and a suspension system that will shift weight to hips. Internal or external frame. (Beware of borrowing a pack from someone not your size.)
 Lightweight sleeping bag. (Some trips that are at higher elevations need warmer bags. Trip description will contain this information.)
 Lightweight self-inflating mattress (such as Therm-a-Rest® Ultralight) to insulate you from the ground. (Important no matter what season.)
 Sunscreen and sunglasses
  If you have special meds bring them!

 Towel for drying (and for use as a pillow.)   Moleskin or duct tape to prevent blisters.
 I recommend the Tubed hydration bladders (such as the Camelback® recommended) . Generally you’ll need 3-4 liters in bladders and bottles.  Note:  I normally fill my 3 liter bladder with 1/3 strength gatorade and carry a liter of water for each hour of strenuous hiking.
 Plastic cup, bowl, and utensils. You may not need a knife as you will be carrying a pocketknife.
 Stuff sacks for keeping gear organized in your pack.
 Each hiker may want a plastic bag for dirty wet/soiled clothes and trash
 Toilet articles and washcloth (bandanna can double as towel and/or washcloth)
 Small amount of Toilet paper and 2 Ziploc® bags to carry out (if needed)
 Walking stick/Trekking Poles (strongly recommended), knee brace if needed [Tim has some extra trekking poles]
 Headlamp or flashlight (small, lightweight, using AAA batteries) &
Pocketknife such as a Swiss Army knife (with scissors is best)
 Notebook pencil (have addresses of people you want to write to at Phantom Ranch!)

EQUIPMENT WE WILL SHARE:
 Water filter with chemicals as a backup water supply  [Tim will have & carry]
 First-aid kit* [Tim will have & carry]
     Includes a cleaning pads, snake venom extraction kit, wrap, bandages, 
     Tylenol, Aspirin, some duct tape
 10 ft x 12 ft Ground cloth tarp  [Tim will have & carry]
     Dry weather means no tent but this could change based on forecast.
 Pots, stove*, fuel (one container is usually sufficient), lighters  
    [Tim will have & carry]

 Guidebook, map & compass [Tim will have and carry]

 10 Ft. of light nylon chord [Tim will have and carry]

FOOD:
 Phantom Ranch meals are when we are at Bright Angel Campground in the middle of the wilderness.  Two nights of meals is typical.
 We will pick up your favorite freeze dried meal(s) prior to departure (I happen to like the lasagna) for each night that we camp outside of Bright Angel. Each person will carry the meal they plan to eat.  Tim will carry cooking supplies if there are no teenagers.
 Snacks are important for munching on during our 3-5 hours of hiking.  There are salty "trailing mixes" for sale at local stores.  Some prefer sweet and salty so this is a personal decision.  I would suggest 12-24 ounces for the entire 5 days which has 4 days of intensive hiking (depends on your size and appetite).  We will also use the mix as a replacement for breakfast at the start of hikes (the summer requires early morning hiking!)