Desert Day-Hike Kit

More than you think — at least 1 L per hour in heat, and double for a hard hike. Turn around at the half-water mark. Dehydration and heat illness come on fast and are dangerous in remote desert.

Yes — the desert is glorious at dawn and murderous at midday. Be off the exposed trail by late morning; the hottest hours are for shade, food, and rest, not hiking.

Yes — you sweat out salt as fast as water in the heat; plain water alone does not replace it. Electrolyte tabs or salty snacks prevent the cramps and fatigue of hyponatremia.

Yes — desert canyons kill GPS signal and a dead phone is a paperweight. A paper topo and the skill to read it is the reliable navigation; the phone is the convenience.