What to pack forArizona
in May

Lows around 43°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.

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

Lows dip to 43°F. A beanie keeps your head warm on cold desert mornings.

UV index hits 12.5 in May. Sunscreen SPF 50 is non-negotiable at this altitude.

Fourteen hours of daylight and intense sun glare off sand. Polarized lenses cut the reflection.

Six rain days create standing water where insects breed. DEET or picaridin repellent keeps bites minimal.

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

Remote terrain and altitude mean injuries are harder to treat alone. Carry a first aid kit.

National park visits mean carrying water and layers. A 35-45L pack holds a day's supplies.

Fourteen-hour days mean you'll hike from sunrise to sunset. A daypack carries essentials without weighing you down.

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

Coastal wind cuts through a t-shirt fast.

Dust blows constant at 22 km/h. Wrap your neck and face against it.

Dry air at 34% humidity pulls moisture from skin. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat from pooling.

UV hits 12.5 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

Desert sun at 2105 meters altitude burns exposed skin fast. A wide brim protects your face and neck.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Desert air dries you out fast. A reusable bottle keeps you hydrated on long hikes.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

National park crowds mean busy trailheads and crowded vehicles. A tracker on your bag adds security.

Sand gets into everything. Packing cubes keep clothes separated and sealed.

Dust and sweat build up fast in dry heat. Travel detergent lets you wash clothes at the guesthouse.

Lows around 43°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.

High UV and dry wind crack lips raw. SPF lip balm prevents painful splits.

Low humidity and dust mean hands get dirty constantly. Hand sanitizer replaces water when none is near.

If insects bite your already-sunburned skin, regular relief cream stings. Use a sunburn-safe formula.

Charging cables wear fast in sand and dust. Carry short replacements.

Domestic travel to Arizona still requires luggage security. TSA locks protect your bags.

Hanging toiletry bags dry quickly in low humidity. A hanging design saves counter space.