Overview

In late October 2017, I completed the 50-mile Zion Traverse (aka Trans-Zion Trek) with some close friends and family. Three months in advance, I reserved permits online, which afforded us the luxury of doing a multi-day backpacking trip.

Our group hiked across Zion in four days and three nights. Daytime temperatures rose to the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures dropped to the low to mid 30s.

We encountered a few ultra runners on the trail, which is another way to do it that I can’t help but admire. That being said, there is something special about spending a little extra time to enjoy Zion’s magnificence. When it comes to beautiful views, the park is truly in a class of its own.

If you are interested in doing your own multi-day trip across Zion, I wrote a backpacking guide to help you plan it. I thought you might also like to see a full breakdown of the backpacking gear I carried and used on our hike.

To see my gear breakdown for the Zion Traverse, watch the video below. If you want to learn more about or purchase an item, scroll down to view a complete list.

Tip: Not sure which lightweight backpacking gear to buy? We’ve done the “heavy lifting” for you. See our top picks.

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Packed Gear

The Big Three (Backpack, Shelter, Sleep System)

ZPacks™ Arc Haul-Zip Backpack (one of my favorite backpacking packs)

Weight: 27.5 oz

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Marmot Eos 1P Tent: 1-Person 3-Season

Weight: 39 oz

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Disclosure: On this particular trip, I made a last minute decision to leave the tent behind and sleep under the stars. I used a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Footprint as a ground cloth. Weight: 4 oz

Marmot Hydrogen Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Down

Weight: 23.3 oz

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Sea to Summit The Toaster Fleece Thermal Liner

Weight: 20.8 oz

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NeoAir Xlite (one of my favorite sleeping pads)

Weight: 12 oz

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Cooking

MSR PocketRocket Stove (one of my favorite stoves)

Weight: 4.2 oz

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TOAKS Titanium 1000ml Pot

Weight: 4.4 oz

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Jetboil Jetpower Fuel 100g

Weight: 6.8 oz

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Snow Peak Titanium Single 450 Cup

Weight: 2.4 oz

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GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip (learn how to make coffee with it)

Weight: 0.4 oz

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Optimus Titanium Long Spoon

Weight: 0.7 oz

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Clothing

Buff Printed Wool Buff

Weight: 1.7 oz

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Fox River X-Static Liner Socks

Weight: 1 oz

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Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks

Weight: 2.2 oz

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ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief

Weight: 2.1 oz

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Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Midweight Crew

Weight: 6.7 oz

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Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Midweight Bottoms

Weight: 6.8 oz

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Outdoor Research Starfire Fleece Hoodie

Weight: 17oz

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The North Face ThermoBall Insulated Jacket

Weight: 12.3 oz

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Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket (read my review)

Weight: 6.4 oz

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Health and Safety

Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets

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Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen

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Potty Pack Kit

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First Aid Kit

I brought a custom first aid kit that my wife Kim helped me put together. She is an ICU Nurse and has tremendous knowledge about first aid. To read more about her approach, check out her series on wilderness first aid.

Electronics

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

Weight: 3.2 oz

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Sony a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera

Weight: 16.7 oz

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Sony FE 35mm f2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar

Weight: 4.2 oz

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Pedco UltraPod Mini

Weight: 1.7 oz

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Anker PowerCore 10000

Weight: 6.35oz

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Daytime Wear

Smith Optics Lowdown ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses

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Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX Trail Running Shoe (read my review)

Weight: 23.3 oz

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Pure Outdoor Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

Weight: 22.7 oz

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Patagonia Bandito Shirt

Weight: 4.9 oz

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The North Face Crag Tank Top

Weight: 4.7 oz

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prAna Stretch Zion Pant (one of my favorite hiking pants)

Weight: 13.6

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Dirty Girl Gaiters

Weight: 1.5 oz

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Cloudline Hiking Sock – Ultra Light Cushion

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Patagonia P-6 LoPro Trucker Hat

Weight: 3 oz

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Mtech Xtreme Ballistic Black Grey Assisted Tactical Flipper Pocket Knife

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Tip: Accidents happen. Learn how to treat cuts and wounds in the backcountry.