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Complete Havasu Falls Packing List (2024)

Get ready for your Havasu Falls backpacking trip! Check out our complete Havasu Falls packing list with all of the gear you need for a fun & comfortable adventure .

Woman sitting on rock ledge looking down over Mooney Falls in Havasupai with turquoise water and red rock cliffs

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Havasupai in Arizona is one of my all-time favorite backpacking destinations. I’ve been twice now and both times it was a magical experience; it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.

With turquoise-colored waterfalls, beautiful swimming holes, and nice weather for a good chunk of the year, a trip here feels like a magical vacation. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve landed a golden permit to visit Havasu Falls yourself (and if you don’t have one, see how to get a permit here) — congrats!

To help you plan your unforgettable backpacking trip to Havasupai, I’ve put together this Havasu Falls packing list so you can make the most of your trip.

Important Reminder: As it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice good trail etiquette and remember to Leave No Trace. This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper), being respectful to others, and following the established rules.


Essential Havasupai Camping Gear

Note: With this Havasupai packing list, I’m assuming that you are carrying all of your own gear. When you get down to the Havasu Falls campground, you’ll see elaborate basecamps with full-blown kitchens and a lot of extras that most certainly require a pack animal to carry in. There have been reports of abuse to the pack animals at Havasu Falls, and while I didn’t see any signs of abuse myself, it’s something to be aware of if you want to bring more than just the necessities.

We also saw TONS of camping gear left behind at the campground ranger station – tents, water shoes, half-empty (or fully empty) fuel canisters, food, etc. PLEASE pack out everything that you pack in. It is not the tribe’s responsibility to clean up after us, and they must pay to fly out everything that is left behind.

Backpacking Backpack

For most people, a 45-60 liter pack should be more than adequate for a 4-day/3 night trip to Havasu Falls.

If you don’t have your own backpack yet, I suggest going to REI and trying on some fully loaded packs to find one that is comfortable for your size and body type. What works for me might not necessarily work for you and vice versa, so it’s smart to get properly fitted.

My favorite backpacking backpack is the Deuter Aircontact Lite SL 55L. I used it on my 22-day John Muir Trail backpacking trip and it held up great and most importantly, it was super comfortable. It also comes in a 45L and 70L option.

Shop the Deuter Aircontact Backpack at:

Sleeping Pad

Your sleeping pad provides cushion and insulation while you’re sleeping. I’ve tried nearly a dozen different sleeping pads, and my favorite is the Therm-a-rest ProLite Plus.

It’s not the lightest or most compact sleeping pad, but I like that it consists of one flat solid piece. It’s also self-inflating which means you don’t get out of breath trying to blow it up.

Shop the Therm-a-rest ProLite at:

Sleeping Bag

The time of year you visit Havasu Falls will determine the sleeping bag you’ll need. In spring and fall months, a 20-degree 3-season bag should do the trick. In summer, nights can be very warm so you can get away with something lighter and cooler like a 50-degree bag or even a sleeping bag liner.

Shop the Sea to Summit Spark at:

Shop the Sea to Summit Ember at:

Tent

Choose a lightweight backpacking tent that will accommodate you and whoever you’ll be sleeping with.

I like tents with two doors and vestibules, like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, which make it easier to get in and out of and to store your gear while you are sleeping.

Shop Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent at:

Alternatively, if you want to sleep in a hammock at Havasupai, you can save weight and skip the tent, but make sure you bring a lightweight waterproof tarp to protect you in the case of rain. I slept in the ENO Doublenest Hammock during my first trip to Havasu and loved it.

Even if you don’t plan to sleep in your hammock, you may consider packing one for this trip because there’s amazing spots to hang up hammocks around the falls and river.

Hammock set up between two trees at Havasupai in Arizona next to blue water pool
I slept in my ENO Doublenest Hammock on my first visit to Havasu Falls

Havasupai Camp Kitchen Tips & Gear

Water & Hydration

At the campground

There is a fresh piped spring at Havasupai Campground that is tested for contaminants on a monthly basis. On my trip, this is where we filled up and we didn’t worry about filtering our water. You will need water bottles or a collapsable water jug to transport the water from the spring back to your campsite so you don’t have to walk back to the spring every time you need water.

There are times, though, when the Camping Office will recommend you filter the water and for that reason, it’s always good to bring a water filter. Good options include simple purification tablets or the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filtration System which is lightweight and effortless to use.

On the trails

Water is NOT available at the trailhead, so make sure you have plenty with you for the hike before you drive all the way out to Hualapai Hilltop. This means you should have a way of carrying 3 liters of water for the hike in and out, such as this 3 liter Osprey hydration reservoir. I especially like this bladder because the back side is made of hard plastic, making it easy to slide in and out of your pack.

You’ll also want a hydration reservoir or water bottles to carry with you as you explore the trails and waterfalls during your visit to Havasupai. I love carrying Platypus soft waterbottles which roll up super small when they’re not in use.

Tip: Leave a small cooler in your car packed with drinks for your drive home. The hike out of the canyon can be tough, so having a cold, non-alcoholic beverage waiting for you will feel like a treat after the trek!

Backpacking Stove

You’ll want a lightweight backpacking camp stove to cook your meals at Havasupai. If you are sticking to dehydrated backpacking food that only needs boiling water, I recommend the Jetboil Flash.

For a 3 night/4 day trip, we didn’t even burn through one small fuel canister for 3 people, and the Jetboil is one of the fastest stoves for boiling water. If you pour the hot water directly into the dehydrated food bag, then clean-up is really simple and you can use that bag to pack out your micro trash.

Shop Jetboil Flash stove at:

Kristen filling Jetboil backpacking stove on picnic table at Havasu Falls campsite from hydration water reservoir
Using the JetBoil Flash at camp during a rainstorm

Spork

A spork is always handy on backpacking trips and serves as an all-in-one eating utensil – spoon and fork. Sea to Summit makes a lightweight long-handled spork that is handy for eating out of deep dehydrated meal pouches and will last you forever.

Shop long-handled spork at:

Camp Mug

If you want coffee in the morning or a warm drink at night, you’ll need something to drink out of. Your Nalgene works too, but this mug will keep your coffee hot for a long time. I love the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug. It’s lightweight and holds 17 ounces of liquid.

Shop GSI Mug at:

Food Bag and Paracord

Anytime you are sleeping or away from your campsite at Havasupai, you need to hang your food so squirrels and marmots can’t get into it.

Bring some paracord and a bag (Ursack is our recommendation!) that you can use to tie your food to a branch. The further from the main tree trunk the better and make sure it’s far enough off of the ground.

If you have a bear canister, that’s an even easier option for food storage that doesn’t require hanging, although bear canisters take up more room in your pack.

A woman hangs a bag of food at a Havasu falls campsite to avoid critters getting into it
You must hang your food or store it in a bear canister to prevent rodents from getting it

Havasu Falls Clothing Packing List

Being prepared with the right clothing can make or break a backpacking trip. Below are the items that I packed for my 4 day/3 night trip in May where we experienced everything from hot sun to windy rain and cool nights.

If you are going in the heat of summer when days are blistering hot and nights are warm, you won’t need as many warm layers and you can adjust this Havasu Falls packing list as needed.

Hot Weather Clothes

Quick-Dry Shirt

Pack two short-sleeve shirts. You can wear one during the day when you are hiking and then have one “clean” shirt for the night when you are hanging around camp.

Avoid cotton and instead, choose quick-dry, wicking fabrics. These Patagonia Capilene quick-dry shirts are my favorite and they don’t stink even after several days of wear.

Shop Patagonia Capilene Cool Tee at:

Hiking Shorts

Any pair of exercise shorts will do. If you have a comfy pair of board shorts that you can hike in, like these Patagonia Baggies, it’s a great option since you’ll be swimming a lot at Havasu Falls.

Shop Patagonia Baggies Shorts at:

Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt

Bring one long sleeve shirt that you can throw on as an extra layer while hiking or use as sun protection while exploring the falls. One of my go-to layers is the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie.

Shop REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie at:

Hiking Pants or Leggings

I always hike in leggings because I find them more comfortable than pants. These lululemon Invigorate HR leggings are my go-to for hiking because they breathe well and aren’t too tight in the waistband. They also have a drawstring at the waist and two side pockets, perfect for your phone.

Depending on the time of year you visit Havasupai, you might be more comfortable hiking in shorts or cropped leggings, but you still want might long pants for the evening.

Shop lululemon invigorate leggings at:

Underwear

I’ve tried nearly all of the different “outdoor” underwear out there, and this pair of Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs are my favorite (they might feel a little small at first, but they stretch over time).

They clean easily, don’t retain smells, wick moisture, and show no panty lines. I’d recommend bringing at least two pairs of quick-dry underwear. You can alternate days and rinse them (without soap) in the river when they need a refresh.

Please remember to abide by the Leave No Trace principles and refrain from using soap (even biodegradable soap) in or near natural water sources.

Shop Icebreaker Hipkini Briefs at:

Rash Guard

If you want to protect your skin from the sun or want to cover up in general while you are swimming at the waterfalls, this Carve Designs Cruz rash guard is very flattering, dries quickly, and keeps you cool when it’s damp.

If you’re between sizes, I suggest sizing up.

Shop Carve Designs Cruz Rash Guard at:

Quick-Dry Towel

You’ll want something to dry off with or lay on when you’re exploring the waterfalls. This REI travel towel is lightweight, big, and will dry very quickly hanging up at camp.

Shop the REI Multi Towel Lite at:

Rain Jacket

Depending on the season and forecast, you might want to bring a rain jacket, just in case. This Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is very lightweight, breathable, and will keep you dry in case of a storm (Note: rain is common July – September).

Shop the Helium Rain Jacket at:

Swimsuit

One of the best parts about visiting Havasupai is all the amazing swimming opportunities! Whether you stay at Havasu Falls or explore the other waterfalls, be sure to pack a swimsuit so you can experience the clear blue-green waters of Havasu canyon.

Swimsuits are very personal, but I’ve been loving the styles by Nani Swimwear.

Shop Nani Swimwear at:

Woman taking a dip in crystal clear turquoise waters of Havasu Creek
Remember to pack your swimsuit so you can experience this amazing water!

Hat

There is quite a bit of shade once you get to Havasu Canyon, but you’ll still want to pack a hat, especially for the hike in and out, which is very exposed. Any hat will do, but I like this REI Sahara Guide Hat because it’s cute and has a brim for 360-degree sun protection.

Shop REI Sahara Guide Hat at:

Sunglasses

Don’t bring your expensive sunglasses to Havasupai because there’s a chance you might lose them in the water. Instead, grab a pair of inexpensive, but polarized, sunglasses like these Goodr shades.

Shop Goodr Sunglasses at:

Headlamp

There are no lights or electricity at Havasupai, so be sure to pack a good headlamp. My favorite headlamp is the BioLite Headlamp 325. It’s ultralight at only 1.8 ounces (with the built-in battery), USB rechargeable, and it has a red light mode for night vision.

Tip: Pack a headlamp that has a red light mode so you don’t blind your camp neighbors at night. Campsites are incredibly close together and white light travels far. Several times we were woken up by bright lights from people walking to the bathrooms.

Shop BioLite 325 headlamp at:

Cold Weather Additions

If you’ll be visiting Havasu Falls during the colder months, you’ll want to pack a few extra cold-weather layers.

Warm Jacket

Whether you need a warm jacket like this or not will depend on the time of year you visit. If you’re visiting in late July, chances are the nights are going to be very warm and you won’t need one.

In the spring and fall, though, I’d suggest bringing an insulated layer for evenings and you’ll definitely need one for winter trips. This Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is lightweight, packable, warm, and windproof. You can read our full review of the Nano Puff here.

Shop Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket at:

Fleece Pants

These Smartwool Merino fleece-lined leggings are perfect for cool nights at the Havasupai Campground. You won’t need these in the summer, though.

Shop SmartWool Fleece Pants at:

Beanie

Wearing a warm layer on your head is super important. Much of our body heat escapes through our head, so a warm beanie will make a big difference in your overall comfort level when the temps drop. A lightweight yet warm beanie, like this North Face one, is a smart idea to keep in your pack just in case.

Shop The North Face Salty Bae Beanie at:


Havasu Falls Footwear

Hiking Socks

Ever since backpacking the John Muir Trail, I’ve been hooked on the Darn Tough CoolMax Micro Crew socks. While wearing these socks, I’ve never gotten a blister, my feet never feel sweaty, and they provide just the right amount of cushion. Plus, Darn Tough Socks are guaranteed for life!

Shop Darn Tough CoolMax Socks at:

Hiking Shoes

From the trailhead to the campground, you’ll mostly be hiking in a sandy wash. I’ve been using the Oboz Bridger BDry boots for a while and they quickly became my go-to.

For Havasu Falls, it was nice to have a high ankle for the additional ankle support and to prevent sand and rocks from getting into my boots. But, if you’re more comfortable with trail runners then you can definitely get away with those too.

Shop Oboz Bridger BDry Boots at:

Water Shoes or Sandals

Shoes you can wear in the water are an absolute must for Havasupai. If you plan on hiking down to Beaver Falls where there are several river crossings, these Astral TR1 water shoes are an amazing choice.

They’re lightweight so you won’t notice them in your pack when hiking down to the campground. Built like a tennis shoe, they provide a little more support than a sandal and they help keep rocks out, unlike a water sandal.

And if you really wanted to shave some weight from your pack, you could probably do the entire hike down to Havasu Falls in these shoes, too (but for long distances over sand, I recommend some sort of sock to prevent rubbing).

Alternatively, if you prefer a camp sandal that you can explore with, I recommend a pair of Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandals.

Shop Astral TR1 Water Shoes at:


Additional Havasu Backpacking Gear

Power Bank

There is no electricity at Havasupai Campground, so if you need to charge your devices like cameras, phone, or headlamp, you’ll want to bring a power bank. I like the BioLite Charge 40 becuase it’s relatively lightweight for its size (0.6 lbs) and it can fully charge up to 2.5 smartphones.

Shop BioLite Charge 40 at:

Trekking Poles

I typically always hike with my trekking poles, especially if it’s a longer hike like the trail into the Havasupai Campground. I will say, though, that you will probably want to leave them at your campsite if you hike down to Mooney and Beaver Falls because you’ll need both hands to navigate the challenging trail.

If you do want to bring trekking poles, a great pair are the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles.

Shop Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles at:

First-Aid Kit

You should always have a first aid kit when you’re hiking. This ultralight, waterproof medical kit comes with the minimum supplies that you would need to address minor wounds, as well as travel sizes of some handy medications.

Don’t forget to add personal medication and additional blister bandaids. You’ll be hiking in sand and water, both of which are tough on the feet.

Shop Adventure Medical Kits .7 Kit at:

Sunscreen

When it’s hot out at Havasu Falls, the sun can be very intense. Pack waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF so you don’t end up with a sunburn. This Thinksport Sunscreen is water-resistant, is mineral-based, and provides SPF50.

Shop Adventure Medical Kits .7 Kit at:

Bug Spray

The bugs were nonexistent during my springtime Havasu Falls visit in March, but we were told by the ranger that once the trees start to bloom, they come out in full force and bug spray is necessary.

Shop Sawyer Picaridin Bug Spray at:

Small, Packable Daypack

You’ll want a small packable daypack for exploring the various falls – one that you can throw your suit, sunscreen, camera, and towel in. The Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia is an awesome day pack for side adventures. It’s super sturdy yet packable, and it’s made with 100% repurposed fabrics.

Shop Cotopaxi Luzon at:

Camera Gear

Havasupai is a great place to practice your photography skills. The landscape is diverse and with so many waterfalls, it really is a photographer’s dream. If you want to try and get some of those silky waterfall shots, you will want to bring a tripod.

If you’re shooting with a large camera, Mefoto makes a sturdy, compact tripod for backpacking that I recommend.

Shop MeFoto Tripod at:

If you’ll be shooting with your phone or action camera, Joby makes a great flexible tripod specifically for outdoor adventures.

Shop Joby Action Tripod at:

Camp Chair

Most of the campsites have picnic tables, but we liked having a camp chair for a little more comfort and to take to the falls. BFT team member Courtney took this Helinox Chair Zero on her Havasupai trip and it weighs exactly one pound and packs down to the size of two water bottles. It was the perfect chair for relaxing at camp and reading by the falls!

Shop Helinox Chair Zero at:

Courtney using the Helinox Chair Zero in Havasupai

Luci Lantern

Since the campground is in a canyon, it starts to feel dark well before actual sunset time. We enjoyed having an inflatable MPOWERD Luci Lantern to light up camp so we could play cards, cook dinner, and hang out at camp in the evening. It’s solar-powered, so we just left it in the sun to recharge during the day.

It was also really nice to have a lantern for packing up camp on the last day – due to the warm daytime temps, we were packing up in the dark before sunrise, and having a lantern made it much easier to see than just a headlamp.

Shop MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern at:

Entertainment

Havasupai can be as adventurous or relaxing as you want and having a base camp (vs. setting up camp every night) means you’ll likely have extra time on your hands. We packed a few luxury items like a Kindle, playing cards, and a journal and highly recommend bringing some form of entertainment. Most campsites have picnic tables which makes it easier to play games!


Havasupai Paperwork Checklist

In addition to all your camping gear, you need to be prepared with your permits, wristbands, and other paperwork for this trip. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

  • Printout of your campground reservation to show at check-in and keep on your car’s dashboard during your trip.
  • Write down your license plate info for the car you’ll be leaving at the trailhead because you’ll need this info when you check-in.
  • Trip leader ID: you will need to show this to pick up your permit/wristbands. We also carried IDs during the hike, although they were never checked against our permit.
  • Havasu permit & wristbands: the trip leader must pick up your official permit and wristbands for everyone in your group either the day before or the day of your reservation start date. Your permit & wristbands will be checked by a security guard about 5 miles from the trailhead parking lot, and you must have these with you throughout your trip into the canyon.
  • Copy of health insurance card: just in case!
  • Cash/credit card: the store and cafe in Supai village accept credit cards, but the fry bread and food stands near the campground are cash only. Food runs around $8-$16. If you plan to take the helicopter in or out ($100/person), you can pay by credit card but there is a $10 service charge so pack cash if you know you’ll be taking this option.
  • Face mask: as of April 2023, the tribe is requesting that all hikers wear a face mask while hiking through Supai village. Please be respectful and follow the posted signage and mask up.

I hope this Havasu Falls packing list helps you get organized with the right gear for your Havasupai backpacking trip! Have you already been to Havasu Falls? Leave your tips and questions in the comments below.

Get ready for your Havasupai trip with our complete Havasu Falls packing list featuring all the camping gear you need for a fun adventure.

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30 Comments

  1. Perfect timing on this post… I leave in a week for Havasu and it is always nice for any tips and additional packing items! – Heather @ ExploreWithHeather.com

  2. Great list! I am not leaving to Havasu, but I totally love many of your packing items and probably gonna need a few of them during my next adventure. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Your site was very helpful and the list of must have was great!. But I didn’t see anything about Hygiene, Any recommendations?
    Thank you
    K & L Adventures

  4. I got your email with the notice about Havasu Falls reservations opening up. The good news is my sister-in-law and I got a reservation! The bad news it’s only for one night. 🙁
    So my question is about backpacks – I’ve done other hikes Kilimanjaro, Inca Trail etc and thus have accumulated a small cache of gear. I only have a 35 and a 65liter pack and really don’t want to have to buy another. Would my 65liter be overkill for one night? I will have a lightweight tent (3lbs) and a lightweight compressible sleeping bag plus a lot of what you suggested.
    I love your blog and used many of your tips for planning a JMT hike a few years ago! Thank you so much for your thorough research and sharing the wealth!
    Namaste,
    Kimberly

    1. Hi Kimberly! Thanks for reaching out. You could always take your 65liter pack but not fill it to capacity. 35liters might be a little small so I’d aim for using the 65 liter pack but push yourself to not pack it to the brim!

  5. So helpful! Very easy to read/navigate with the links! Really appreciate the work you put into your articles! Thanks! 🙂

  6. Hello, for the gas canister are they allow you to check it in on the flight? or should the gas canister be purchased in NV?
    I’ll be coming from New York to Las Vegas or Flagstaff airport.
    Planning the trip in May for 2019.
    Hopefully I can get a group to come to this place.

    1. Hello Francisco! You can not fly with gas canisters, you would need to pick them up at an outdoor store or hardware store in NV. Have an awesome time!

        1. Hi there Andrea, you can fly with the JetBoil you just can’t fly with any fuel. You’ll need to pick up fuel locally after you land. Generally hardware stores or outdoor retailers carry fuel for campstoves.

  7. Hi Kristen,
    What about water filtration systems? Is this necessary for Havasu? I am going in October and I’m so excited!!

    1. Hi Meagan, Kristen talks about water filtering in her 2018 Havasu Falls Camping Guide, here is what she said, “There is a fresh spring in the campground that is tested for contaminants on a monthly basis. On my trip, this is where we filled up, and we didn’t worry about filtering our water. However, there are times when the Camping Office will recommend you filter the water, and for that reason, it’s always good to have a backup plan. Good options include simple purification tablets or the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filtration System (read my full review) which is super lightweight and effortless to use.”

  8. Coming over this coming week
    Is it possible to take the helicopter in and out same day? Will that be enough time to enjoy the view and do some swimming?
    I have never camp before and I’m Kind of late to learn all tha awesome ideas you mentioned
    Please help
    Thanks
    You’re awesome

    1. Hi Wally, we really recommend taking the time to hike in & camping 1-2 nights at least before hiking back out.

  9. Thanks for all the info, very helpful in planning my first trip. With regard to the gear I found it all a bit to expensive for my budget so it took me a little find cheaper alternatives…

  10. Hey Kristen! Do you think I need a ratsack if I’m planning on using Loksak Opsak Odor Proof bags and hanging it up? Don’t want to purchase an Ursak but would love to get your opinion. Thanks!

    1. Hi there Jessica, those bags have really great reviews so you might be okay but if an animal bites through them then you are in trouble. I don’t have specific experience with those bags so we can’t speak for them. I’d ask the company their recommendation or talk with a specialist at REI.

  11. Love this post! We are getting ready to go this summer! I’m curious about your tarp setup over the picnic table – what do you use?

    1. Hi Allison–you can use a number of things–you could use a large tent tarp or you can get a rain tarp at any camping store.

  12. Hi Kristen,
    On their website, it is noted as “NO WEAPON” with picture if knife and firearms.
    Do you know if pocket-knife like victorinox is allow?
    Thank you,
    Novie

    1. Hi Noviana,
      I’m not sure if a pocket knife would be allowed. I suggest you contact the Havasupai tribe to double-check, but I imagine if it’s a small pocket knife tool it would be okay. But, again, I’m not totally sure. Happy trails!

  13. Hi Kristen,
    Any idea how reservations will be done in 2021? I thought reservations started on Feb 1, but it looks like they are already open.

    1. As of right now, all Havasupai tourism is suspended and there is no information on when or if permits will be available for 2021. Keep checking the Havasupai Reservations page for updated information.