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I can practically hear that red rock calling your name. If your name is Stephanie. It definitely sounds like they’re saying, “Stephanie.”

I have been a BuzzFeed Shopping writer since 2017, with a focus on unique, practical products, up-to-date parenting finds, and up-and-coming home decor.

I grew up in Utah, which meant summers and school holidays belonged to camping trips in Zion National Park. Now that I live on the other side of the country, I love being a go-to packing guide for friends who are visiting for the first time. Don't let the heat, sun, or hikes get the better of you — stay cool and get ready to enjoy one of the most gorgeous places on earth.

Am I biased? Yeah, I'm biased! I'm also right.

These irresistible mixed-terrain, low-rise, lightweight hiking boots have incredible grip *and* are waterproof! If you're trying to pack light, this could be the only pair you bring. You'll be totally comfortable wearing these while walking through dusty flat trails *and* hiking up rocks that need a lot of grip. These boast an upgraded version of On's famous Missiongrip™ outsole, and they're filled with Plush Helion™ superfoam to keep your feet comfortable and prevent slipping on trails (which get super slick from the small rivers and rain). While we're at it, should we all just take another gander at Zendaya's colab? Okay, yeah, let's please.

Get them from On for $200 (available in women's sizes 5–11, men's sizes 7–14, and in four colors — not all colors are available in all sizes).

Adventure Medical Kits are a favorite among backpackers. This particular version is a hit for its impressive lightweight design (it's about 0.22 pounds). You'll find a wound care kit and blister care supplies. Altogether, it has insect sting relief, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, medication moleskin, alcohol swabs, a splinter picker, and a safety pin. The supplies are stored in a Durable DryFlex Bag with a reusable, waterproof DryFlex inner bag and a water-resistant outer bag with a water-repellent finish. 

Promising review: "This was highly recommended to me by an avid hiker as the med kit to get for one person. It has a great assortment of medical supplies in a small package. I always have it backpacking, hiking, or mountain biking, along with some Lukotape P sports tape added to the bag, which stays on when wet." —Zach The Outdoor Addict

These'll have you crying tears of joy when you realize how comfortable they are all day, despite your impressive sweating skills. They have built-in underwear, a phone pocket, and a high slit on each side, which is 1) CUTE and 2) extra comfortable. 

Promising reviews: "I hiked the Narrows at Zion National Park in these shorts! They held up well. They got wet from water and dried out fast. I did not chafe. I would definitely recommend these!" —Michaela P. 

"I wore these hiking in Arches National Park and RMP — performed excellently! I loved the side zipper pocket that was big enough for my iPhone 13 Pro Max. Very comfortable, cool, and I felt good in them. I will be buying more!!" —J. Poterof

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 36 colors). 

This is available in 40–70 liter sizes and weighs less than 2 pounds, which is gonna feel like witchcraft. It's built with waterproof material and has tapered seams, so you can feel confident that it'll keep food and clothes dry inside the main pocket even if it ends up raining on your vacation. The mesh exterior pockets make it easy to quickly see and grab things you'll need more often, and they're a great spot to carry anything you'd like to keep ventilated or dry off. Intended for all seasons, this thing is gonna deliver years after your first trip to Zion is over, and you start planning your next one.

Promising review: "I've only gotten to take this backpack out on a few trips, but I've come to really love it! At first, the fit was a little bit tricky, but once I figured it out, it's worked quite well! I really enjoy the roll-top closure system as well, and REALLY enjoy not having to fidget with a pack brain anymore. I've only used it in wet environments, so the mesh on the front has come to be really useful for drying my socks out when the dew attacks! It's super lightweight, but you already knew that. It's quickly become my favorite pack. When I do a thru-hike, I'll definitely be reaching for my Windrider!" —Pierce K.

Get the 55L model from Hyperlite Mountain Gear for $395+ (available in four lengths, three volumes, and two colors).

This pint-sized repellent is great for hikers-at-heart who are too ~bugged~ by insects to actually enjoy the great outdoors. It's unscented (thank you very much!) and provides up to 10 hours of protection. With that extended protection, you can totally apply this at the beginning of the day and leave it at your hotel, but it's also small enough to comfortably bring with you on nights camping out on a trail.

BTW, this is safe to spray on cotton, wool, and nylon, but avoid putting it directly on synthetic fabrics like spandex. 

Promising review: "This is hands-down the best repellent on the market. If there is a mosquito within a mile of me, it will find me. Same goes for tics, spiders, horseflies, or any other pesky bug. Unless I have this on. I have a bottle in each of my cars, bottles in my shop building out back, and in the house. IT'S A MUST-HAVE FOR ME IN GEORGIA!" —Lori D

Get it from Amazon for $8.19 — check out Repel's landing page for larger sizes and different styles. 

This is made of a polyester microsuede material that absorbs quickly and dries off fast, which is gonna be extra helpful if you decide to take a plunge in the water when it's HOT outside (it will probably be hot outside). It also has an antimicrobial finish to keep the towel cleaner longer and keep it feeling fresher if you use it to wipe off sweat. The design even repels sand, so you won't get covered in red rock dust if you lay this out while lounging on the ground!

Rumpl started SMALL, and thanks to founder and CEO Wylie Robinson, the Kickstarter success has become a go-to shop for nature lovers looking to stay cozy in the great outdoors. The company is now based in Portland, Oregon.

Promising review: "At first, when I felt the fabric, I was skeptical that this towel was going to work. I should’ve known better since it’s made by Rumpl. The drying power of this towel is quite remarkable! It’s lightweight and easy to pack, and dries quickly after a shower. I purchased it for camping in particular, and needed something that wouldn’t take up a ton of space when packed. It even has a built-in strap that snaps together as a loop for drying. You can literally wrap it around a thin tree branch. The print is awesome as well, since my husband and I are national park fanatics." —April&Izzy

Get it from Amazon for $39 (available in seven styles) — check out their Amazon landing page for other sizes and styles.

Go ahead and use this plant-derived product all over your nooks and crannies, and it'll help prevent chafing from ruining your time outside. It's not messy like a gel or powder, it simply glides on! It's suitable in both humid and dry environments (and believe me, Zion is a DRY environment), and it doesn't block your pores, so you'll still be able to sweat and stay cool. Seriously, necks, arms, thighs, butts, boobs, balls... this can go anywhere. And it should. Chafing would make you feel way less than your best. 

Promising reviews: "The Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm is a total lifesaver for anyone who loves staying active! 🙌 Whether I'm hitting the trails or logging miles on the pavement, this anti-chafing stick keeps me comfortable and focused on my workout. It's easy to apply, long-lasting, and works like a charm to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing or irritation. Say goodbye to chafing woes and hello to smooth, friction-free workouts with Body Glide!" —Review Expert

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three sizes and multipacks).

This lightweight and breathable hat is designed to keep your face and scalp protected while also keeping the sun out of your eyes. It has reflective sides to keep you safe when it gets dark out, so it's worth keeping on both day and night! The unstructured design makes this super packing-friendly, as you can simply scrunch it up and put it in a pocket when you don't need it. 

Promising review: "I went on a run with this hat, and I was pleasantly surprised. It is very lightweight. The hat completely covers my head from the front and reaches around a low ponytail, which is why I love it. It is reflective, too. The really cool part is how it folds. There are two creases on the bill, so it can completely fold up. And when you’re wearing the hat, the bill stays firm and in place. I was just trying to get a good price on a running hat, but I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality and features. I would recommend this hat. I’ll be getting another one for my friend." —Calista Brown

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 24 colors).

Look, I don't remember a single skill I learned at summer camp. I don't even remember how to make boondoggles, let alone start a fire. If you're in the same boat as me and worried about freezing your feet off on this vacation, grab these for your campsite. All you've gotta do is place one between your logs (maybe gather some twigs if you're feeling festive) and pull the string. Bam! Fire's going. Who says you wouldn't last on Survivor? 

Promising review: "Genius! Lit immediately, and our wood was soaking wet! It’s a must-have for all camping/fire-pit events! No more newspapers, boxes, or lighter fluid!" —Mcee

This key can remove ticks of any size. So if you're hiking through the brush and find yourself carrying a Rocky Mountain wood tick (ugh, hate 'em) on your body, you can scoop that thing away in an instant. The key uses "natural forward leverage" to remove the ticks without injuring them — you want to remove ticks without hurting them, because that's what can lead to infection. This is also safe to use on pets!

Promising review: "Bought this for a camping trip and forgot it last summer. Just finished Cub Scout bear camp with nine little boys and remembered to take it. It worked awesome, pulled big ticks, tiny seed ticks with no problem. No screaming kids." —Ray Schulz

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 17 colors).

This two-way satellite communicator can help you stay in constant communication with others, even during solo hikes far out of cell range. This sends SOS and messages on its own, and can even pair with your phone for maps and more (with many features downloadable from your phone, so cell service isn't needed). It has GPS travel-back tech, helping you find your way back to your starting point if you end up lost on a trail. Would it be cool to have a movie made about you? Yes. Do you want that movie to be about how you got lost for days in Zion National Park? I'd like to think not. 

Promising review: "I have owned this device for over three months now, and its performance is excellent. I've gone over 120 miles with this, hiking through slot canyons in Zion, Utah. Never once has a message failed to send. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to deliver the message, but the point is, it works. I did an 18-mile solo hike and checked in with my girlfriend every night, and got her replies back within minutes. After playing with the default settings, I still got around 30 hours on this device on a full charge. I would prefer the buttons to be glow-in-the-dark or come with a backlight because using this device at night can get tricky." —GoneHiking

I love the outdoors. Unless I'm dirty. I *always* have a pack of these with me when I'm spending any extended time outdoors. They're extra thick and can take on tough caked-in mud and other muck, but also 100% biodegradable. They're even formulated with aloe and vitamin E, so your skin won't feel dry after using them. Seriously, these are surprisingly refreshing. Well worth it if you tend to forget that a warm shower is an inside activity and nowhere near your campground. 

Promising review: "I will never go camping without having a fresh pack of these in my bag. I recently went on a week-long overland trip to Maine, and these wipes made my entire life better. Being able to wipe down the areas where the sun doesn’t shine while out on the trail was such a mood booster. I don’t think I ever had such a great camping trip. A smile on my face the whole time. If you’re going camping, I highly recommend these." —Markd1124

These super useful stickers will take up virtually no space in your pack but give you some much-needed sun safety assistance. Place one of these on exposed skin (somewhere you can easily spot it) and it'll change color when it's time to reapply.

Promising review: "I'm multiracial with tan skin. I burn when it's intense, but I get a great tan otherwise. My 9-month-old is fair, fair, fair. Blue eyes and fair porcelain skin. I reapply my own SPF 50 after a few hours, but I'm not consistent. I've never been great about sunscreen, but I was not going to let my daughter get burned. We live in South Florida, and just a walk or park time is a potential burning hazard. This is a great visual for me to reapply her sunscreen or make sure she gets in the shade. They're an absolute essential for parents, especially the 'sun goddess' type." —FlightLife

Get a 32-pack from Amazon for $31 (available in other pack sizes). 

This is K-beauty *blessing* is designed for anyone who is sick and tired of goopy, sticky sunscreen that leaves their eyes watering from harsh chemicals. The curved balm applies gently onto your skin — rather than pulling — which also makes it a breeze to put on. Simply keep this in your backpack and swipe it on throughout the day. This mess-free stuff is simple to pack and apply — you're gonna love having it on your trip.

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

The AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen, and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned black woman, and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin, and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin; like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two formulas). 

Don't forget your lips when you decide on your sunscreen setup! You are gonna be *so* glad to have this healing combo of lanolin oil, SPF, and vitamin E to moisturize, nourish, and protect that extra thin skin, whether you visit in the hot summer sun or prefer hiking through red rock when there's snow. Plus, it takes up no space! 

I've spent the last year trying to fall in love with a lip balm and tried *dozens* before (get this) nursing helped me find this brand. I saw a bunch of people recommend lanolin-rich nipple balm for their dry lips and, in turn, saw that Lanolips made some for your lips (which, let's be real, was preferable). I have several flavors now, and the glazed donut has been my favorite. When I found out they had an SPF option available, I immediately bought it, and I've worn it every dang day outside since. No other SPF lip option has compared to the quality of this balm. I wish I could cover my whole face in it. Though I *do* also use it on my cuticles! I love, love this stuff. It smells great, adds a little something to my otherwise makeup-free face, and feels nourishing every time I put it on.

Get it from Lanolips for $14 or Ulta for $7.

If you want to combine nature and high tech, these can't be beat. They have an impressive 8 hours of music/talking abilities on a single charge with Hi-Fi audio tech, so you aren't stuck keeping track of headphones on the go. They boast Lucyd's mirror polarized lenses for optimum comfort, perfect for long days in the sun. They are lightweight and sweat-resistant, which is a hit with folks who love mountain biking in Zion. These tech-forward frames let you hear high-quality music and audio while *also* hearing the sounds around you (a safety step that matters!). You can even get them as prescription lenses. Sweet.

Promising review: "My girlfriend and I love outdoor activities, and these sunglasses have been a great accessory to help us make the most out of this summer. She is very sensitive to light and has used them on long hikes and kayak rides on very bright days with no discomfort. The hands-free audio is also super convenient when we have our hands full walking our dogs. I've taken them out on a few Jet Ski rides, and I love the snug fit even when hitting top speeds. Looking forward to winter to try these out while skiing. Overall, this is a great product — we both recommend!" —Anonymous

Get them on sale from Lucyd for $189 (originally $199; available in two colors).

These are the game-changing hiking socks you won't believe you lived without after owning them. Plus, you'll never have to live life without them again, because they (famously) have a lifetime guarantee. Folks love these mid-weight hiking socks because the heels and toes are ideally cushioned with a soft (not scratchy!) merino wool blend. They're even designed with undetectable seams, so you won't need to worry about blisters getting in the way of a good time. 

Promising review: "After switching to Darn Tough socks for my hiking needs, I will never switch back. They are durable, comfortable, and backed by an industry-leading lifetime guarantee (pretty ridiculous, really — I don't know how they stay in business). As a person who is on his feet all day for work and all weekend camping and hiking, my favorite aspect of Darn Tough socks is that I never think about my socks. There's no reason. They don't slip down, they don't bunch up, they don't make my feet too warm or cold. Simply the best socks. The expense is worth it for the quality of the socks alone. Then, when you look at the return policy, the investment in these socks becomes a no-brainer. I'm a convert for life." —Patrick F

Get them from Amazon for $25.95+ for men's sizes (available in sizes M–XXL and 12 colors) and $25.95 for women's sizes (available in sizes S–L and 11 colors) — kids' sizes aren't currently available on Amazon, but you can get them directly from Darn Tough.

It's gonna be a ~bright~ idea to bring this along, even if you aren't planning on being out after dusk. It's a great option to have just in case. There are seven different settings, including a red light option. The differences are gonna be particularly handy if you're planning on exploring any *gulp* caves. Why, no, I would not like to tag along. I've seen The Descent. I know what happens down there. 

BTW, these run on two AAA batteries. You can grab some here, as they aren't included. 

Promising review: "I took the headlamps on a girls' weekend to the lava tubes in Flagstaff, Arizona, right after buying them. They were comfortable, and the different brightness settings and tilt option were perfect for climbing around in complete darkness. Great buy!" —Hannah

With three times the electrolytes of a typical sports drink, these are great for packing on days you'll mostly spend outdoors and want to make sure you're staying really hydrated. They're lightweight and small enough to practically keep inside your shoes... you're gonna be set!

Promising review: "No issues with the packaging. I love the lemon-lime taste. It dissolves in your water easily; I only used a straw to stir it up. It was not gritty, and after drinking a glass, I truly felt my headache vanish, which I felt coming on after a heavy workout! My husband uses them for hangover days when you just don't want to feel as if you are nearing death, LOL! Satisfied and definitely five stars. Great to have on hand." —Britt 

Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in different flavors and pack sizes).

If you want to invest in the highest-quality outdoor gear for this trip, and want it to last a lifetime after, this piece is gonna be the one. On top of that? You're going to be the most fashion-savvy hiker at The Virgin River. The funnel collar, the bandana-tie detailing, the hidden hood...it's too good! It's treated with a PFC-free, plant-based water-repellent finish (which I promise you'll appreciate while walking through the drippier bits of slot canyons). It's designed with two zippered pockets, and it cinches for a perfect fit. It even packs into its own pocket, which is great for storing if your hike gets too hot and whipping out when the sun goes down and that dusky chill hits hard.

Promising review: "This is perfectly and expertly detailed. This jacket is so well-crafted and has such high quality, it feels like it should be $1k. Just, wow! I'm so excited for more from this brand." —Megan

Get it from Hikerkind for $188 (available in sizes XS–3XL and in three colors).

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* Things Here To Prove That, Yes, You Can Pack Light For Your Next Trip

* Things You Definitely Don’t Want To Forget The Next Time You Take A Trip

* Comfy Travel Fashion Pieces You’ll Wish You’d Bought Many, Many Moons Ago

Plus, travel wallets, portable chargers, and finds from Walmart.

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.