Arizona is a state in the United States located in the southwest region. Arizona is the 6th largest state, so it has a lot of potential for backpacking and road-tripping. Arizona is east of California and Nevada, north of Sonora and northeast of Baja California, surrounded by a lot of sun and sand. There are a lot of picturesque areas that are tourist-friendly and exciting. You can have fun in the sun and take travel photos that are to die for.
However, it’s not all fun and games. When you’re traveling to Arizona, some areas don’t have buildings for miles apart. Among the approximate 114 thousand square miles of land area, only 0.32 percent of the place is water. Keep this in mind when you’re planning on what to bring to the desert.
If you’re planning on a vacation in Arizona, here are some tips on how to pack your bags to survive the heat:
Table of Contents
Arizona Climate
The first consideration is that you should pack your bags according to the expected climate and season. You should strategize your outfits based on the anticipated temperatures and seasons of the places you’re planning to visit. In some parts like Phoenix, they have an average temperature of around 83 to 100 Fahrenheit during July and approximately 45 to 66 in December.
If you’re planning to go to certain places, try to read up on the expected temperatures and pack accordingly. However, hot or cold, you shouldn’t forget to bring a waterproof jacket. Aside from a coat, get a multipurpose sweater. A sweater can help regulate your body temperature, so it’s neither too cold nor too hot.
Instagram-worthy Accessories
The sun is the best natural lighting equipment, and sunny Arizona is a great place to have beautiful travel photos. Multiple landscape formations would look marvelous on your Instagram and Facebook accounts. Don’t forget to pack a cute hat or a beautiful necklace that would stand out against the dunes and land formations.
You can check out the Materialist for the best accessories to wear while traveling. Aside from accessories, you can color-coordinate your outfits and bags. These accessories can also add character to your getup. Caps, hats, and scarfs could add color, as well as much-needed sun protection.
Comfortable Footwear
You can’t venture to Arizona without regarding what you’re going to wear. Whether you’re visiting museums or going against sandy terrain, you shouldn’t forget to bring comfortable footwear. You need to make sure that your shoes are light enough to allow you to move freely, yet have soles thick sufficient to withstand the heat.
There is no specific advice on the kind of shoes or sandals you should wear because every terrain is different, and every person has a particular preference. The safest bet would be wearing boots that can look good and withstand any weather. Boots can come in any shape, size, and color so you can coordinate it with any outfit.
Sun Protection
Arizona is mostly sunny, so you should pack things to prevent sun damage. The sun is one of the leading causes of skin cancer and other skin issues. Your trip won’t be an enjoyable one if you end up having sunburnt or damaged skin. If you are going to bring makeup, try to use a lightweight foundation that has added SPF protection. Even if you’re planning to wear a sweater, don’t forget to apply sunscreen underneath.
Aside from sunscreen and foundation with sun protection, don’t forget to use a cap and sunglasses to protect your face. You can also bring an umbrella and gloves, but you have to make sure that it’s not too bulky for your bag. A hoodie may work, but it doesn’t guarantee a total sun damage block.
Hydration
Water makes up approximately 60 percent of the adult human body, and too much heat will cause dehydration. When traveling, whether you’re trekking through sand or rocky terrain, you need to have sufficient hydration. You can hydrate both internally and externally. If you’re planning to go for a whole day trek, take a 2-liter water jug and fill it up with a sports drink.
The sports drink will help replenish any electrolytes you lose from sweating too hard. Aside from bringing water and sports drink, you should have a face mist to maintain your face’s hydration. If you’re planning to take a long trek, use a hydrating moisturizer so that your face won’t end up dry.
Reliable Bags
The type of bag you bring will make or break your trip. You need to make sure that your bag won’t rip or tear while you’re out in the desert. It’s the type of mistake that you can’t easily replace or repair, so you need to avoid it at all costs. Get one bag that can fit everything so that your hands are free to take photos. You can get a hiking bag with a cover.
Even if you’re not planning to go to the beach, it’s a good idea to pack waterproof bags just in case. These bags will help in containing your valuables and protecting it from all kinds of weather conditions. The material on waterproof bags allows sand and water to slide through and not penetrate the contents.
Multipurpose Knife and First Aid Kit
When you’re traveling to picturesque locations in Arizona, consider that the next store might be miles away, so you have to pack things that will help you fast. You need to bring a first aid kit and multipurpose knife in case of emergencies. The blade will help you open food packets and cut rope, while the first aid kit will allow you to administer emergency care.
Conclusion
If you’re heading out to see the sand and sun, you shouldn’t forget the essentials listed above. There are many sights to see, and you must go prepared so that you can experience Arizona in all its wonders. If you’re on a wanderlust, Arizona is an excellent place for various adventures; you just need to know where to go.
Source:
https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/arizona-road-trip-packing-list/
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-pack-arizona-60636.html
https://www.smartertravel.com/arizona-pack-clothing-supplies-tips/
