What to pack for Arizona in April

Lows around 36°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.

Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.

The layer you'll wear more than any other.

Lows hit 36°F. Pick a beanie rated at least 5° below that.

Wind gusts to 23 km/h and freezing nights mean bare hands go numb fast.

Snow on the ground and lows at 36°F demand boots rated below freezing.

UV index hits 10.9. Unprotected skin burns in under 15 minutes.

Desert sun reflects off snow and rock. Polarized lenses cut the glare.

April brings insects to the desert. DEET or picaridin works on most of them.

Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.

High altitude, dry air, and sun exposure cause cuts and scrapes to sting.

Thirteen daylight hours drain batteries fast on camera and phone.

Fits overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

Day hikes at 2105 meters need a pack for water, layers, and sun gear.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

Gloves rated for wet snow protect hands better than regular ones.

For the mornings and the nights.

Coastal wind cuts through a t-shirt fast.

At 36°F with wind, exposed skin on the neck cools within minutes.

Snow falls here in April. Wet socks and 36°F lows end a day quickly.

UV hits 10.9 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

Thirteen hours of daylight at UV 10.9 means your face needs a wide brim.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Hiking at 2105 meters in dry heat demands more water than you think.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Desert terrain spreads hikers far apart. Trackers help locate lost gear.

Snow, altitude, and four rain days mean gear gets wet and bulky.

Organize gear by layer and activity. Desert trips need quick access to sun protection.

Checked luggage holds boots, insulated coats, and snow gear.

Sweat dries fast in 39% humidity, but salt stains build up over weeks.

Lows around 36°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.

Daytime highs are only 61°F. Layer something insulated under your jacket.

Gaiters keep snow out of boot tops when you're hiking at 2105 meters.

Lips crack in dry desert air and burn under UV 10.9 in minutes.

Tap water is safe, but your hands touch shared surfaces constantly.

Insect bites itch worse on sunburned skin. Bring relief that won't worsen burns.

Charging ports are scarce at backcountry trailheads. Carry spares.

Domestic travel requires luggage locks to prevent theft.

Bulky winter gear compresses down for a carry-on flight.

Sunscreen, lip balm, and first aid supplies need one organized pouch.