Fortunately, you don't need to bring much on these
trips. You don't even need to wear much, but we'll leave that decision
to you! Some clothing recommendations are listed below depending on the
season. These are only recommendations! Bring all types of
clothing with you on your vacation (rain gear, warm clothes, hat,
gloves, etc.) regardless of the season. Weather in the desert can change
drastically from day to day. You can always leave clothes in your car or
room if it doesn't look like you'll need them that day. Following the
clothing recommendations is a list of items you may want to bring.
During the spring and fall months of March through May and
September through November the daytime temperatures are generally
very comfortable and a pair of shorts and a T-shirt are all that's
needed. The mornings and early evenings can be chilly, so a fuzzy
pullover or sweatshirt is nice to have. Maybe even a warm hat during
March and November. Pants are fine as long as they do not restrict your
movement. Some people like pants because they offer some abrasion
resistance while rappelling and shimmying on, around and under rocks.
The spring months can be very windy, so a windbreaker type jacket is
nice.
We'll be honest here, the summer months of June through August
can be brutally hot. That's not to say that it isn't a good time of year
to visit Moab, but you'll have to adjust your clothing accordingly. A
loose, light colored, long sleeve cotton shirt will help keep you cool
during these months. Pants are great only if they are loose-fitting and
light colored, otherwise they will restrict your movement when it comes
time to scramble on the rocks. Dressing with loose-fitting, full
coverage clothing will keep direct sunlight off your skin. Whatever you
do, dress in light colors to avoid absorbing heat. If you're planning to
hike Dipper Creek Canyon, Dragonfly Canyon or Entrajo Canyon, wear shoes and
clothing that you do not mind getting soaked! Without a doubt the
absolute best canyon to be in during the summer months is Pleiades
Canyon.
That said, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt are OK if you're not
sensitive to the sun, but bring plenty of sunblock rated SPF 15 or
higher if you choose to wear these items. Keep in mind that many of
these trips are more than a mile above sea level and the UV rays here
are more intense than in your hometown. We also recommend a brimmed hat
to keep the sun off your face and neck. Important: Afternoon
thunderstorms in the late summer can be so common that you can sometimes
set your watch by them. They only last an hour or two but can be very
fierce! If you are traveling into the canyon country during this time,
bring good rain gear. At least a good rain top. These storms
will quickly make a joke out of those cheap, discount store ponchos.
Decent rubbery-type jackets can be had inexpensively at most sporting
goods stores. The brief duration of these showers and the short amount
of time we may spend in our rain gear doesn't warrant the need to buy
expensive, "breathable" outerwear. If prepared, being in
canyon country during these storms is magnificent! The waterfalls from
accumulated runoff are spectacular!
December through February can be a wonderful time to visit
Moab if you're properly dressed. Daytime temperatures are usually
perfect for hiking. Shorts and a t-shirt aren't out of the question when
we're moving in the sun, but loose pants and a long sleeve shirt or
sweatshirt are preferred. During the wintertime, our trips often begin
the day in near freezing temperatures, so a fuzzy warm jacket, hat and
gloves are mandatory till the sun warms us up. Keep in mind that a fair
bit of time is spent in shady canyons with little body movement
(rappelling). You'll want something warm to wear while you wait for your
buddies to come down the ropes. And finally, those who bring a thermos
seem to be the happiest - and most popular.
Below are the items and knick-knacks you'll need or may want to
bring regardless of the trip. There are several stores in Moab where you
can purchase these items.
· Soft hiking boots (very extremely definitely highly
recommended) - Heavy, stiff-soled boots are horrible for hiking over
the steep slickrock slopes and uneven terrain that's so prevalent on our
trips. The trendy, lowcut, all-terrain type hiking shoes work best, as
do their Payless counterparts for a fifth of the price.
· Camera (Optional) - There are numerous photo-ops
out here in the canyon country. We always bring one. If you bring
your's, make sure you have a camera case or something similar to pad it.
Small drybags are highly recommended if you're bringing them into
Entrajo Canyon. Consider using a disposable camera if you're worried
about it getting banged up. As always, carry cameras at your own risk.
· Sunblock (Optional) - Bring at least SPF 15 or
higher. The need for this varies with season and skin sensitivity.
· Chapstick (Optional) - It is very arid out here.
· Sunglasses (Optional) - Obvious.
· Hair ties (Optional) - Those of you with long
hair will want to tie it up so it does not tangle with the rappel device
at an inopportune time. The straps in our helmets kinda help contain
long hair, but a tie is much more effective.
· Climbing equipment (Optional) - You may bring
your own harness and helmet if you like. Your harness will probably fit
you better than the adjustable harnesses we have. We may ask that you
use our equipment depending on what you have.
· Necessary medications (?) - This seems obvious,
but if you require any kind of medication (insulin, albuterol, etc.)
please let us know and bring them. Bringing a little extra is always a
good idea. Also determine if the meds will affect your ability to go on
these trips. For example, some antibiotics make your skin more
susceptible to sunburn. |
