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The Ultimate Desert Travel Packing List

The desert rewards those who prepare + pack well.

PACKING FOR THE DESERT

When you hear 'desert', what comes to mind?

Sahara? Maybe Egypt, Jordan, or possibly New Mexico. Deserts are scattered throughout the world, ready for those who dare to explore them. 

While incredibly unique, this type of destination requires preparation and careful thought. The last thing you want is to get caught in the desert ill equipped.

Here’s how to pack smart, stay cool, and make the most of this unique destination.

CHOOSE YOUR TRAVEL BAG + ACCESSORIES WISELY

  • GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack: 35 liters ready for city to desert to mountain. 
  • Seg45 Travel Pack: A perfect road-trip bag that serves as a duffle or backpack. With built in compartments, the packing organization is unrivaled. 
  • ReFraction Packable Backpack: Ideal for day trips, this backpack is sleek enough for wandering downtown and durable enough to take on short day hikes.
  • Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack: Turn up the notch on outdoor adventures with this waterproof bag. You can head out to hikes, hot springs, and more. This bag was made to handle any activity you can handle.
  • Packable Laundry Bag: Fill up while you’re traveling and empty straight into the washing machine when you’re done.
  • Mesh Organizer Bag Set: Stay organized and quickly identify the contents you need.
  • Toiletry Bottles: Fill with sunscreen, shower liquids, etc. 
  • Refillable Toothpaste Tubes: Why settle for generic travel sized toothpaste brands when you can bring your favorite from home. Two sizes to choose from depending on the length of your trip. 
  • Toothbrush Caps: Keep your toothbrush covered and clean. 
  • Flatpak Waterproof Toiletry Case: This is great for anything like razors, loofah sponges, and general toiletries. Water can’t get in, but the dry-through material helps the moisture inside dry out.
  • Flatpak Zipper Toiletry Case: Whether it’s your nail clippers, q tips, toothbrush and toothpaste, or a makeup bag, it’s versatile for any type of toiletry.
  • ReFraction Packable Sling: Ditch the big bags and lose items jangling in your pockets. Keep your essentials in the packable sling, including wallet, keys, tickets, chapstick, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.  
  • Ultralight Travel Towel: Keep a towel handy to dry off from adventures. You can even use it as a cover to hide from the sun if you want to get creative.

WHY YOUR TRAVEL BAG MATTERS

Have you tried pulling a roller bag through sand? Let us save you the massive headache. Now that we've ruled out rolling luggage for its impracticality, consider a carry-on friendly travel bag.

When it comes to carry-on backpacks for traveling to the desert, three things come to mind: lightweight, comfortable carry, and weatherproof. Matador travel backpacks are tough enough to keep up with harsh desert conditions, providing the support and durability demanded in this type of climate.

Now let’s dive into what’s inside your bag. We’ll cover what you need for hot days, cool nights, and everything in between.

THE ONLY DESERT PACKING LIST YOU'LL NEED

CLOTHING + ESSENTIALS

  • Breathable long-sleeve shirt (protects from sun + sand)
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers
  • Convertible or loose-fitting pants (airflow + coverage)
  • If camels are involved, pants or leggings are essential
  • Sun hat with brim or neck cape
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • High-SPF sunscreen + SPF lip balm (Toiletry Bottles are great for filling with sunscreen)
  • Buff or scarf (for dust, sand, and sun)
  • Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Electrolyte tablets or powder
  • Headlamp or flashlight (desert nights tend to be pitch black)

Enjoy the stars without light pollution, but for the times when you wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, a flashlight or headlamp comes in handy.

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FOOTWEAR

  • Breathable hiking shoes or lightweight boots
  • Travel sandals or camp shoes
  • Moisture-wicking socks (bring extras—your feet will thank you)

Swipe for a desert packing checklist.

ELECTRONICS + GEAR

  • Power bank
  • Charging cable
  • Mesh organizer bag set for cords
  • E-reader or tablet
  • Camera + batteries/memory cards
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Packable daypack (like the ReFraction Packable Backpack or Beast28)
  • Ultralight Travel Towel - Large (sweat, sand, impromptu swims)
  • Dry bag (keep electronics/sand separate)
  • Power bank (shade is rare, outlets rarer)
  • Offline reservations + maps or GPS app (like Gaia or Maps.me)
  • Global Travel Adapter

HEALTH + SAFETY

  • Mini first-aid kit (bandages, antihistamines, medications, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizer + wipes
  • Rehydration salts

CLOTHING ADD-ONS (FOR SPECIFIC REGIONS)

  • Insulation layer for desert nights (fleece or synthetic puffy)
  • Rain shell or windbreaker (for surprise monsoons or desert winds)
  • Swimsuit (oases, hammams, or hot springs)
  • Some cultures prefer coverage such as t-shirts and shorts over bathing suits. Do some research and bring what feels most comfortable to you for the environment you’re traveling in. This ties in nicely to the next item on the list.
  • Cultural cover-ups (headscarf, long skirt, or robe, especially in North Africa & the Middle East)
  • What to pack for Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt: Global Travel Adapter, passport, long skirts/dresses, pants, sandals, a headscarf, etc.

OPTIONAL BUT SMART

  • Lightweight tripod or phone clamp (for those epic sunsets and starry nights)
  • Gaiters (sand will get EVERYWHERE)
  • Notebook or journal (field notes to reflect on your time in the desert. You likely won’t have phone service. So try out some good, old fashion paper and save your phone battery.)

FINAL NOTE: PACK SMART, STAY SHARP

There you have it. Desert travel rewards those who prep well and pack light. Whether you're navigating ancient Medinas, slot canyons, or sand dunes, the right gear makes all the difference.

This packing list is a general guide. Always research weather conditions, local customs and travel advisories for your specific destination before you go. Desert environments can be extreme and unpredictable; so stay hydrated, respect the land and culture, and stay safe.