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Packing List

Pack Sunday night

Everything should be bagged and by the door before bed. Monday morning is load-and-go.

Clothing (Per Person)

Item Why
4 days of basics (shirts, shorts/pants, underwear, socks) Mon-Thu in the camper -- laundry at the ABQ hotel Friday
1 nicer outfit Dinner in Albuquerque or Amarillo
Hiking shoes / sturdy sneakers Horseshoe Bend, canyon rim trails, lava flows
Flip-flops or slides Campground showers, quick runs outside
Warm jacket or fleece Canyon rims drop into the 40s at night, even in spring
Sun hat + sunglasses Non-negotiable in the desert
Swimsuit Some RV parks and both hotels have pools

Pack in soft bags, not suitcases. They squeeze into camper cabinets.

Desert Survival

  • [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours)
  • [ ] Lip balm with SPF
  • [ ] Refillable water bottles (1 per person -- fill constantly)
  • [ ] Electrolyte packets (Liquid IV or similar)
  • [ ] First aid kit (bandaids, ibuprofen, Benadryl, anti-itch cream)
  • [ ] Aloe vera gel (just in case)

Camp + Outdoor Gear

  • [ ] Headlamp (1 per person -- critical for campgrounds after dark)
  • [ ] Lantern (hang in the camper or set outside)
  • [ ] Folding chairs (2-3)
  • [ ] Cooler with ice (day hikes + driving snacks)
  • [ ] Shoe mat for the camper door (sand gets everywhere)
  • [ ] Small broom or dustpan (you'll thank me by day 3)

Comfort

  • [ ] Your own pillows (camper pillows are garbage)
  • [ ] Light blanket or sleeping bag liner (backup warmth)
  • [ ] Sleep masks + earplugs (campgrounds are not silent)

Electronics

  • [ ] Phone chargers + car charger
  • [ ] Portable battery pack (at least 1)
  • [ ] Camera if you have one (phone is fine too)
  • [ ] Binoculars (canyon views, stargazing at Homolovi)
  • [ ] Downloaded music/podcasts/audiobooks (dead zones on I-40)

Download before you leave

Cell service is spotty through rural NM and AZ. Download offline Google Maps for Arizona and New Mexico, plus any entertainment for the drives.

Camper Supplies

These go straight into the camper Monday morning.

  • [ ] Paper towels (2 rolls)
  • [ ] Trash bags (small kitchen size, 1 box)
  • [ ] Dish soap + sponge
  • [ ] Aluminum foil
  • [ ] Ziploc bags (quart + gallon)
  • [ ] Lighter
  • [ ] Small cutting board + kitchen knife
  • [ ] 1 pot, 1 pan (check if the rental includes these)
  • [ ] Plates, cups, utensils (check rental -- bring disposable as backup)
  • [ ] 2 dish towels

Don't Forget

  • [ ] Can of spray paint (for Cadillac Ranch -- seriously, it's tradition)
  • [ ] Cash ($10 for Horseshoe Bend parking, tips for tour guides)
  • [ ] National Parks pass or $35 for Grand Canyon entry
  • [ ] Confirmation printouts (Antelope Canyon X tour, campground reservations)