Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (North Kaibab + Bright Angel): what to bring
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona · 37.7 km one way · 1,317 m climb · Usually 3 days · Best May–Oct
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Permit or reservation needed · Hot and exposed · Little water on the trail
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Your size:
Navigation: map, compass or GPS app with offline maps
EssentialThe first of the 10 essentials: phones lose signal and batteries.
SilvaRanger S CompassValhalla Pure Outfitters$59.95
BruntonTruArc15 CompassValhalla Pure Outfitters$96.00
Coghlan'sPin-On CompassSAIL$3.49
GarminETrex 22x Handheld GPSSAIL$279.99
GramicciCompass KeyringMonod Sports$34.99
SkiKrumb TrackersGPS TrackerValhalla Pure Outfitters$197.00
SpotGen 4 Satellite GPS MessengerSAIL$199.99
Survive Outdoors LongerSighting Compass with MirrorValhalla Pure Outfitters$26.95
Trak MapsQuebec 12 Quad Trail for GPSSAIL$99.99
SilvaField CompassValhalla Pure Outfitters$34.95
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Headlamp + spare batteries
EssentialHikes run late more often than planned.
Black DiamondStorm+ HeadlampBushtukah$69.95
L.L. BeanL.L.Bean Trailblazer SNAP 450 Headlamp KitThe Last Hunt$31.73$68.99−54%
SAILAstrolite HeadlampSAIL$7.49$14.99−50%
LedlenserH19R Core HeadlampThe Last Hunt$324.80$580.00−44%
PetzlActik Core HeadlampAltitude Sports$109.95
SilvaSmini HeadlampAltitude Sports$64.95
BioLite800 Pro HeadlampSAIL$139.99
BrowningNight Gig Elite HeadlampSAIL$69.99
Buckland OufittersHeadlampSAIL$39.99
Black DiamondSpot 400 HeadlampTrailhead$44.99$59.99−25%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Sun protection: sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
EssentialUV is stronger with altitude and on snow.
VallierBushwick Bucket Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$26.94$54.99−51%
TilleyT3 Sahara Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$57.59$119.99−52%
Altitude SportsRecycled Polyester Sun Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$20.99$49.99−58%
PranaKootenai Bucket HatValhalla Pure Outfitters$27.50$55.00−50%
ColumbiaTrek II Bucket Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$26.99$44.99−40%
Outdoor ResearchSun Bucket HatValhalla Pure Outfitters$47.96$59.95−20%
PistilJoni Straw Sun Hat - WomensValhalla Pure Outfitters$39.60$66.00−40%
Arc'teryxSinsolo Bucket Hat (Prior Season)Valhalla Pure Outfitters$70.00$100.00−30%
The North FaceClass V Brimmer Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$47.59$69.99−32%
Herschel Supply CoNorman Rain Bucket Hat - UnisexThe Last Hunt$44.39$59.99−26%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
First-aid kit (with blister care)
EssentialBlisters and small cuts are the most common problems.
Adventure Medical KitsBlister Medic KitMonod Sports$14.99
OrtovoxFirst Aid Roll Doc MidMonod Sports$44.99
Adventure Medical KitsFirst Aid, Family First Aid KitMonod Sports$37.99
Adventure Medical KitsGlacierGel Blister and Burn DressingMonod Sports$15.99
Adventure Medical KitsMedical First Aid Kits Ultralight Watertight .5Trailhead$25.99
Adventure Medical KitsMedical First Aid Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Trailhead$35.99
OrtovoxFirst Aid Waterproof MiniMonod Sports$44.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Knife or multi-tool + repair tape
EssentialFor gear repairs and first aid.
Fire: lighter or waterproof matches
EssentialFor warmth in an emergency.
Emergency shelter: space blanket or bivvy
EssentialIf you're stuck out overnight.
RabArk Emergency BiviValhalla Pure Outfitters$30.00
SOLEmergency BlanketMonod Sports$7.99
RabArk Emergency Bivi 2 PersonValhalla Pure Outfitters$40.00
SOLEmergency Blanket XLMonod Sports$10.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Extra food (a day's worth more than you plan)
EssentialDelays happen.
Extra water + a way to treat it
EssentialStreams can carry giardia; dry trails have none.
HydraPakBottle Bright (12 Tablets)Bushtukah$5.47$10.95−50%
YetiRambler 12 oz / 355 mL Travel BottleTrailhead$28.49$37.99−25%
KatadynExplorer Pro Water FilterAltitude Sports$599.95
PlatypusDayCap In-Bottle FilterAltitude Sports$59.95
OspreyWater Bottle - 20 oz.SAIL$16.00
Aquatabs20 L Water Purification Tablets - 30/PKSAIL$25.00
CamelBakBottle Brush KitSAIL$19.99
Coghlan'sBottle CarrierSAIL$8.99
GraylGeopress Purifier Water Bottle - 710 mlSAIL$124.99
HydraPakStow Hydration Bottle - 500ml/17ozBushtukah$14.47$28.95−50%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Extra layers: warm layer + rain shell
EssentialMountain weather turns fast.
RabMicrolight Alpine Down Jacket - Women'sBushtukah$175.00$349.99−50%
HaglöfsL.I.M Alpha Hooded Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$193.99$554.28−65%
MammutStoney Hardshell Hooded Jacket - Men'sThe Last Hunt$376.99$724.99−48%
TernuaAdvance Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$181.49$549.99−67%
The North FaceGORE-TEX Mountain Jacket - Men'sThe Last Hunt$335.99$599.99−44%
PatagoniaM10 Storm Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$256.50$475.00−46%
avalancheEvasion Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$160.88$518.99−69%
RainsPocket Rain Jacket - UnisexThe Last Hunt$111.14$194.99−43%
Kari TraaSanne 3 Layer Anorak - Women'sThe Last Hunt$114.79$279.99−59%
Mustang SurvivalTaku Waterproof Jacket - Women'sThe Last Hunt$193.19$459.99−58%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Hiking boots
RecommendedRocky, steep ground and a heavier pack: ankle support and a stiffer sole.
AKUAdapta SD GTX Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$150.47$349.95−57%
KeenZionic NXT Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men'sThe Last Hunt$133.39$229.99−42%
MerrellMoab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$133.39$229.99−42%
La SportivaUltra Raptor 3 Mid GTX - Women'sBushtukah$139.97$279.95−50%
The North FaceVectiv Exploris 2 Mid FUTURELIGHT Leather Hiking Boots - Women'sSAIL$119.99$239.99−50%
VansMTE Crosspath Mid Shoes - UnisexThe Last Hunt$94.99$189.99−50%
HanwagBanks GTX Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$159.89$389.99−59%
Garmont9.81 Egage Mid GTX hiking shoes - Women'sThe Last Hunt$146.19$339.99−57%
LowaRenegade Evo GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Women'sThe Last Hunt$247.79$419.99−41%
ObozKatabatic Mid Hiking Shoes - Women'sThe Last Hunt$90.29$214.99−58%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Wool hiking socks (+ a dry pair)
RecommendedDry feet = no blisters.
BorealisMultisport Merino Hiking Socks - Men's - 2/PKSAIL$9.60$23.99−60%
LorpenMerino Light Hiker Socks - Women'sThe Last Hunt$15.04$34.99−57%
Mons RoyaleAtlas Merino Snow Sock - UnisexThe Last Hunt$20.85$35.96−42%
IcebreakerMerino Hike+ Light Fresh Fern Crew Socks - Women'sThe Last Hunt$19.03$27.99−32%
PatagoniaHeavyweight Merino Wool-Blend Knee SocksThe Last Hunt$35.28$49.00−28%
TilleyAnkle Merino Outdoor SockTilley$12.80$16.00−20%
HokaMerino Crew Socks - UnisexAltitude Sports$34.99
BridgedaleHike Lightweight Merino Performance 3/4 Crew Socks - WomensValhalla Pure Outfitters$31.95
BorealisWintersport Merino Hiking Socks - Men's - 2/PKSAIL$12.99$24.99−48%
IcebreakerMerino Hike+ Crew Socks - Heavy - MensValhalla Pure Outfitters$28.00$35.00−20%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Overnight pack (35 L+)
RecommendedRoom for the essentials and a night's gear.
Mountain HardwearJMT Backpack 35L - Women'sThe Last Hunt$124.19$229.99−46%
NEMO EquipmentResolve Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack 35L - Women'sThe Last Hunt$167.99$299.99−44%
JanSportVenture Pack 40LThe Last Hunt$107.99$199.99−46%
Peak DesignOutdoor Backpack 45L - UnisexThe Last Hunt$316.76$439.95−28%
Helly HansenCircuit Recco Backpack 60L - Women'sThe Last Hunt$214.59$369.99−42%
SandqvistMountain Hike Backpack 30/40LThe Last Hunt$300.15$468.99−36%
Backcountry AccessStash Pro 35L (Prior Season)Valhalla Pure Outfitters$244.97$349.95−30%
PatagoniaDisperser Roll-Top Pack 40LThe Last Hunt$189.72$279.00−32%
FjällrävenExpedition Pack Down Anorak - WomensValhalla Pure Outfitters$359.96$449.95−20%
OspreyEja Backpacking Pack 48L - Women'sBushtukah$299.95
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Trekking poles
RecommendedAbout 1,317 m of climbing: poles save your knees on the way down.
Life Sports GearEasy Trail Trekking Poles - UnisexThe Last Hunt$28.79$59.99−52%
Black DiamondExplorer 3 Trekking PolesAltitude Sports$109.95
KomperdellFXP Carbon Ultra PolesAltitude Sports$299.95
MammutAenergy Ultra Vario Carbon PolesValhalla Pure Outfitters$259.00
LEKINeotrail Pro FX.One Superlite Trekking Poles - 2/PK · BRIGHT/CARBONSAIL$280.00
SalomonS/Lab Ultra Carbon PolesValhalla Pure Outfitters$179.95
AtlasTrail Walking Poles - 2pcValhalla Pure Outfitters$89.99
CAMPBackcountry 3.0 Trekking PolesValhalla Pure Outfitters$119.95
Black DiamondAlpine Z-Pole BasketsValhalla Pure Outfitters$8.37$13.95−40%
Life Sports GearUltra Trail Poles - UnisexThe Last Hunt$71.99$149.99−52%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Light sun shirt + wide-brim hat
RecommendedHot and exposed: cover up, don't just sunscreen.
The North FaceTerra Peak Hoodie - Men'sThe Last Hunt$178.49$349.99−49%
IcebreakerSphere III 125 Cool-Lite Merino Blend Short Sleeve T-Shirt - Women'sThe Last Hunt$42.74$94.99−55%
VallierAliados Cropped Relaxed Fit Merino V-neck T-shirt - Women'sThe Last Hunt$41.39$89.99−54%
HaglöfsL.I.M Mid Fast Hoodie - Women'sThe Last Hunt$103.09$332.57−69%
Altitude SportsMoisture Wicking Training Short Sleeve T-Shirt - Women'sThe Last Hunt$24.49$49.99−51%
Kari TraaLinnea Short Sleeve T-Shirt - Women'sThe Last Hunt$28.79$59.99−52%
KarposEasyfrizz W Full-Zip Hoodie - Women'sThe Last Hunt$69.99$174.99−60%
IndyevaDiporto Tie Hem V-Neck T-Shirt - Women'sThe Last Hunt$23.79$84.99−72%
Black DiamondLightwire Short Sleeve Tech Tee - Men'sThe Last Hunt$40.77$79.95−49%
ReebokX Pyer Moss Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Men'sThe Last Hunt$62.99$149.99−58%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
3–4 L of water capacity
RecommendedLittle or no water on the trail; heat raises what you drink.
HydraPakBottle Bright (12 Tablets)Bushtukah$5.47$10.95−50%
YetiRambler 12 oz / 355 mL Travel BottleTrailhead$28.49$37.99−25%
KatadynExplorer Pro Water FilterAltitude Sports$599.95
PlatypusDayCap In-Bottle FilterAltitude Sports$59.95
OspreyWater Bottle - 20 oz.SAIL$16.00
CamelBakBottle Brush KitSAIL$19.99
Coghlan'sBottle CarrierSAIL$8.99
GraylGeopress Purifier Water Bottle - 710 mlSAIL$124.99
LifeStrawGo Series Purifier Water Bottle - 1 LSAIL$69.95
HydraPakStow Hydration Bottle - 500ml/17ozBushtukah$14.47$28.95−50%
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Satellite messenger (inReach or similar)
RecommendedNo cell signal for most of it.
GarminInReach Cradle MountSAIL$19.99
inReachMessengerValhalla Pure Outfitters$439.99
SWARTZZl1500 Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$269.99
ZoleoZL1000 Satellite CommunicatorValhalla Pure Outfitters$209.00
GarminInReach Messenger PlusBushtukah$729.99
GarminInReach Messenger Plus Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$559.99
GarminInReach Messenger Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$439.99
GarminInReach Mini 2 Satellite CommunicatorSAIL$489.99
GarminInReach Mini 3Bushtukah$649.99
GarminInReach Mini 3 PlusBushtukah$699.99
None in stock in your size today. We check every morning.
Tent or shelter
RecommendedOvernight on the trail.
Sleeping bag + pad rated for the season
RecommendedNights are cold in the mountains.
Stove, fuel, pot
RecommendedHot food and water.
Permit or reservation
RequiredThis park/trail requires one (dates, quotas or parking). Check its page.
Distance from Grand Canyon National Park's page (park page), checked October 25, 2026. Trails change: check the park's page and conditions before you go. The Gear Fox isn't affiliated with the park.
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Quick answers
What should I bring for Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (North Kaibab + Bright Angel)?
The 10 essentials (navigation, headlamp + spare batteries, sun protection, first-aid kit (with blister care), knife or multi-tool + repair tape, fire, emergency shelter, extra food (a day's worth more than you plan), extra water + a way to treat it, extra layers), plus for this trail: hiking boots, wool hiking socks (+ a dry pair), overnight pack (35 l+), trekking poles, light sun shirt + wide-brim hat, 3–4 l of water capacity, satellite messenger (inreach or similar), tent or shelter, sleeping bag + pad rated for the season, stove, fuel, pot, permit or reservation.
Do I need a permit for Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (North Kaibab + Bright Angel)?
Usually, yes: Grand Canyon National Park manages permits or reservations for this area (dates, quotas or parking). Check its page for your dates before you go.
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