Arizona is a beautiful state to visit year-round, though be wary of the heat during summer. Packing the right clothes and gear for your trip is essential for making it the best possible.
With knowing what to wear in Arizona, you’ll be prepared for any city visit and stay comfortable during hiking. There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in Arizona, so hiking gear is part of the ultimate Arizona packing list.
Whether you’re spending the weekend in Phoenix or road-tripping around Arizona, this packing list will help you make the most of your time in this gorgeous Southwestern state.
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Arizona Packing List: Year Round Essentials
These are my most recommended packing essentials for hiking in Arizona and exploring the great cities here. Click the pink text links under “recommended” to browse my top picks.
Hiking Boots
There is no shortage of scenic hiking trails in Arizona; I recommend visiting Tucson for incredible hiking. If you’re going to hit the trails here, bring a pair of hiking boots or trail runners. The terrain is often uneven and rocky or sandy. There are tons of cacti (aka prickles) at ankle level, and warmer months bring more snakes in Arizona.
I love the Salomon Elixir Activ hiking boots, for men and women, because they have decent ankle support, excellent traction, and are really lightweight for hiking boots.
Comfortable Shoes
Recommended:
- AllBirds – The best place to find reliable tennis shoes.
- New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker
Long Pants
No matter what time of the year you’re visiting Arizona, I recommend packing at least one pair of pants for hiking and one for going out in the cities. The sun can be harsh and protecting your legs is a must. And the evenings can get chilly, so wearing pants to go out to dinner is often the best option.
Various Tops
Packing a variety of tops is best for an Arizona trip. Think about bringing an athletic top for hiking, a sun shirt for those really sunny days on the trails, and a couple of nicer shirts for exploring places like Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Recommended:
Jackets
Even if you’re visiting Arizona in the summer months, it’s a good idea to pack a jacket of some kind. Nights can get chilly, and if you’re planning on visiting any mountain tops, they tend to be much cooler. I recommend a lightweight jacket, like merino wool or cotton, or a cardigan.
Recommended:
Sun Protection
The sun in Arizona can be harsh. As this is a desert-y state, most hiking trails will not have any shade. Sun protection is a must for any type of trip to Arizona. Along with a sun shirt, pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Hiking Socks
Make sure you bring a good pair of hiking socks as well as hiking shoes. Merino wool is the best material to look for as it is sweat-wicking and will stay dry during hiking. If you’re in the market for a really good pair of hiking socks, I highly recommend investing in Darn Tough socks.
Backpack
I always bring a small backpack on any trip, but this is definitely a must for visiting Arizona as you’re likely to go hiking. It doesn’t have to be specifically a hiking backpack, but these will be more comfortable for wearing all day on a trail and won’t get you as sweaty.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is a must for traveling, and definitely essential for any hiking. Arizona generally runs very dry, so make sure you bring plenty of water when you hit the hiking trails. Plus, this is great to have for flying or roadtripping.
Recommended:
Snacks for Hiking & Travel
While not essential, I recommend bringing some type of snacks with you when you hike. My go-to snacks for outdoor adventures are granola bars, trail mix or salted nuts, and energy snacks like the delicious gummies linked below.
Recommended:
- GU Energy Chews (like fruit gummies)
- Honey Stinger Stroopwafels
What to Bring Hiking in Arizona
Summer & Spring Essentials
Tops
Summer, and even spring, in Arizona gets hot. Along with a sunshirt and hiking tops, pack a couple of tank tops or lighter weight shirts to stay cooler in the warm temperatures.
Sandals
Hiking long trails in just sandals might not be a good idea; however, a pair of sandals with straps can be nice for short hikes and paved walks. I also recommend packing sandals for going out if you’re visiting Arizona in the summer.
Shorts
Along with long pants, pack a pair or two of shorts for the warmer weather. I love my convertible hiking pants as the shorts are a nice length. But if you prefer, pack a regular pair of hiking or athletic shorts. You should also bring a dressier pair for going out on urban adventures.
Recommended:
- Hiking – Wasatch Ripstop 5in Short Women’s
- For going out – Linen High Waisted Shorts
Dresses
While dresses are not essential to complete an Arizona summer packing list, they can be a great outfit option for those who like them. Pack an athletic dress with built in shorts for hiking, and a lightweight dress for summertime outings.
Fall & Winter Essentials
Tops
Arizona never gets cold, but the winter months are much cooler than the rest of the year. I recommend packing a few long sleeve shirts and some extra layers. Layering is best for winter as your body temperature can fluctuate greatly when going from hiking to indoors, etc. Think fitted tank tops, long sleeve shirts, a zip up vest, and a lightweight down coat.
Jacket
Like I mentioned, Arizona doesn’t get cold per se, but the middle of winter can be chilly enough to merit the need of a down jacket. I recommend bringing a relatively light jacket, nothing too warm like a parka you would need in Chicago.
In Conclusion: What to Wear in Arizona
Knowing what to wear in Arizona will help you make the most of your trip, especially if you plan on hiking a lot. Pack outfits for going out in cities like Tucson and Phoenix, and bring gear to help make your outdoor adventures in Arizona as fun as possible.
This Arizona packing list includes everything you need for a summer, fall, winter, or spring trip, as well as hiking gear to keep you comfortable on the trails.
From weekending in Tucson to road-tripping in Arizona, this packing list is a must to help you prepare for your travels!
