Ultimate Packing & Gear Guide for Bindlestiff Tours Camping Adventures

Ultimate Packing & Gear Guide for Bindlestiff Tours Camping Adventures

Camping with Bindlestiff Tours is designed to be hassle-free—you don’t need to bring heavy tents, bulky cooking gear, or even worry about campsite reservations. But having the right personal essentials will make your experience even more comfortable and enjoyable.

Here’s your complete checklist for 3–10 day camping tours in the American Southwest.

1. Essential Clothing Layers

The weather in national parks can shift dramatically—from hot desert days to chilly nights under the stars. Plan to dress in light layers you can easily add or remove.

✅ Base Layers:

  • Breathable T-shirts or moisture-wicking tops

  • Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts

  • Light thermal shirt for cool evenings

✅ Insulating Layers:

  • Fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket for chilly mornings/nights

  • Warm beanie or hat for nights in higher elevations (Zion & Bryce can get cold)

✅ Outer Layers:

  • Windproof/rainproof shell

  • Light gloves if traveling in spring or fall

✅ Footwear:

  • Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots

  • Sandals or water shoes for The Narrows in Zion

  • Comfortable camp shoes (light sneakers or slip-ons)

✅ Accessories:

  • Wide-brim sun hat

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Bandana or buff (helpful in dusty desert winds)

2. Daypack & Trail Gear

Bindlestiff provides the big camping gear, but you’ll still want a small personal daypack for daily hikes and exploring.

✅ Daypack Essentials:

  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 liters)

  • Snacks or energy bars for hikes

  • Trail map (your guide will have one, but it’s handy to have your own)

  • Trekking poles (optional, but great for steep trails like Angels Landing)

  • Small dry bag for slot canyon hikes like Antelope Canyon

✅ Tech & Navigation:

  • Headlamp or small flashlight (for camp nights)

  • Phone/camera with extra batteries or power bank

  • Offline maps (Google Maps offline or AllTrails app for hikes)

3. Health & Personal Care

National parks are beautiful but rugged, so a few basics will keep you comfortable.

✅ Sun Protection:

  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen

  • SPF lip balm

  • Aloe gel or moisturizer for dry desert air

✅ First Aid & Hygiene:

  • Travel-size toiletries (biodegradable soap if possible)

  • Personal medications

  • Basic first-aid kit (Band-Aids, pain relievers, blister pads)

  • Hand sanitizer or wet wipes (great for quick cleanups)

  • Quick-dry towel

✅ Insect Protection:

  • Bug spray (mainly for Zion or Bryce in spring/summer)

4. Sleep Comfort Extras

Bindlestiff provides tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. But if you’re sensitive to cold or want extra comfort, consider:

✅ Optional Comforts:

  • Lightweight sleeping bag liner for added warmth

  • Compact inflatable pillow (if you prefer your own)

  • Earplugs or eye mask if you’re a light sleeper

5. Food & Camp Comfort

Meals are usually included, but if you’re a snacker or have dietary preferences, pack:

✅ Food Extras:

  • Personal snacks (trail mix, protein bars, instant coffee/tea)

  • Small reusable utensils & mug (optional; Bindlestiff usually provides these)

✅ Camp Comfort Items:

  • Compact book or journal

  • Cards or small games for downtime

  • Reusable shopping bag (handy for storing laundry or extra snacks)

6. Photo & Memory Gear

The Southwest is a photographer’s paradise. Make sure you have what you need to capture it.

✅ Photography Must-Haves:

  • Smartphone or DSLR with extra memory cards

  • Portable tripod for sunrise/sunset shots

  • Lens cleaning wipes (desert dust is real!)

✅ Extra for Night Sky Photography:

  • Wide-angle lens for Milky Way shots

  • Remote shutter (optional but helpful for long exposures)

7. Documents & Money

Even in remote parks, it’s good to have:

✅ Important Items:

  • Valid ID/passport

  • Travel insurance details (if applicable)

  • Credit card/cash for souvenirs or park extras

8. Seasonal Add-Ons

Depending on the time of year:

🌞 Summer:

  • Cooling towel

  • Extra electrolyte packets for hydration

❄️ Spring/Fall:

  • Warmer jacket & extra thermal layer

  • Gloves & knit hat for Bryce Canyon or higher-elevation camps

Quick Packing Tips

  • Pack light! Remember, Bindlestiff provides the camping equipment.

  • Use a soft duffel bag or backpack instead of hard suitcases for easier packing into vehicles.

  • Bring ziplock bags for dusty hikes like Antelope Canyon.

  • Always have at least 2 liters of water on you for hikes.

What You DON’T Need to Bring

❌ Tent, sleeping bag, or pad (already provided)
❌ Camp stove, cooking gear, or fuel (all included)
❌ Chairs or bulky camp furniture
❌ Park permits or campground reservations (handled by Bindlestiff)

Sample Packing List for a 5-Day Tour

Here’s an example of what one traveler might bring:

  • 3–4 quick-dry T-shirts

  • 2 hiking pants + 1 shorts

  • 1 fleece jacket + light rain shell

  • 1 pair hiking boots + sandals

  • Small toiletries kit + sunscreen

  • 2L hydration pack + snacks

  • Compact daypack

  • Camera + extra batteries

  • Personal ID, cash/credit

  • Journal/book for downtime

Ready for Your Camping Adventure?

With this packing guide, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and memorable Bindlestiff camping trip—without overpacking or stressing about logistics.

From hiking Zion’s Narrows to watching a Grand Canyon sunrise, the right gear helps you stay focused on the adventure itself.

👉 Next step? Book your camping tour at www.bindlestifftours.com and get ready to explore the Southwest like never before!