Moab sits at 4,000 feet in the high desert, which creates a particular combination of conditions that surprises most visitors: intense UV at altitude, temperature swings of 30+ degrees between morning and afternoon, dry air that dehydrates you faster than you expect, and terrain that ranges from river water to slickrock to canyon shade within the same day.
The right gear makes all of this comfortable. The wrong gear — or missing gear — makes it a problem. This is the list our team brings, refined across years of Moab activities.
Sun Protection — Non-Negotiable
SPF 50 minimum, applied before you leave and reapplied every two hours without exception. The desert sun at altitude is more intense than most people account for, and the sandstone reflects UV back up at you. A wide-brim hat (not a baseball cap — a brim that covers your ears and neck) and UV-protective sunglasses are not optional. Buff or neck gaiter for exposed skin on longer activities.
Water — More Than You Think
The standard recommendation is two litres per person per half-day activity in moderate conditions. On a hot day, or on anything physically demanding, that number goes up. Most guided activities include water, but bringing your own hydration pack or large bottle as backup is always the right call. Electrolyte tablets or mix are worth carrying — dehydration in the desert often feels like fatigue before it feels like thirst.
Footwear — Activity Specific
For rafting and jet boat tours: secure water shoes or sandals with heel straps. Flip-flops are not appropriate for river activities. For hiking, canyoneering, and climbing: trail runners or light hiking boots with good grip. For off-road and UTV tours: closed-toe shoes, full stop — sandals are not permitted. For aerial tours: whatever you're comfortable in.
Layers — Even in Summer
Morning temperatures in Moab can be 20 degrees cooler than afternoon highs. Canyon shade drops temperatures significantly. Sunset and evening activities — sunset jeep tours, Canyonlands by Night jet boat, stargazing — require an extra layer. A lightweight fleece or packable down jacket takes up almost no space and earns its weight on any evening activity.
Camera Considerations
Every activity we offer produces photography opportunities. The question is how to carry your camera. For rafting and jet boat tours, a waterproof case for your phone is essential — phones are more likely to survive a splash than you expect, and more likely to get splashed than you plan. For aerial tours, a chest-mount camera (GoPro or similar) keeps your hands free. For everything else, a small mirrorless camera in a hip pack is practical and produces better results than a phone in most conditions.
The Essentials Kit
Regardless of activity: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water (extra bottle), lip balm with SPF, a light layer, closed-toe shoes, and a small first aid kit if you're going off-road or into the backcountry. Everything activity-specific — harnesses, helmets, life jackets, wetsuits, UTVs — is provided by your guide or operator.
Most of what makes a Moab day excellent or uncomfortable comes down to preparation rather than luck. The desert rewards people who show up ready.
