The countdown has officially begun and my excitement is sky-high!
In just a few short days, I’ll be saddling up for the Red Rock Ride, a week-long horseback adventure through some of the most jaw-dropping country you can imagine. Think Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon — all stitched together with winding trails, sweeping views, and the click-clack of happy
Cue me standing in the middle of my bedroom surrounded by way too many piles of “must-haves.”
So today, I’m letting you in on what I’m packing — and when I get back, I’ll give you the honest lowdown on what I actually used, what was dead weight, and what I really should have tossed in my duffel bag. (Spoiler alert: I already know I’m forgetting something.)
First Things First: The Red Rock Ride Suggested Essentials
Here’s what Red Rock Ride Suggested:
🐴 Red Rock Ride Suggested Packing List
A little bit official, a whole lot of “this is what I’m actually bringing.”
🌧️ Rain Gear
- Two-piece rain suit or slicker
→ I’m rolling with my North Face rain jacket + Frogg Toggs rain pants. Just in case the desert decides to throw a tantrum.
😎 Eye Protection
- Sunglasses + strap
→ Goodr, always. Stylish, feather-light, and easy on the wallet. No squinting, no slipping.
🧥 Layers for Any Weather
- Puffy jacket (for those chilly canyon mornings)
- Rain jacket (because desert storms are dramatic)
- Windbreaker (lightweight hero)
- Sweater — extra warmth never hurts
👖 Comfy Clothing
- Sweat suit
- Bandanna/scarf/dust mask — trail dust is real
- Long slacks — I’m team jeans, thanks. No swampy sweats here.
- Long-sleeve shirts or blouses (sun protection = happy skin)
- Sleepwear
- Long johns (just in case things get frosty)
- Socks — Darn Tough, because they actually are. Lifetime guarantee and trail-proven.
- Underwear — Merino wool, always. No stink, no chafe, no regrets.
👢 Footwear
- Boots or tennis shoes Ariat Women’s Terrain VentTEK 360 Boot
- Flip-flops for the shower shuffle
🧴 Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste – The perfect travel toothbrush — it holds your toothpaste inside so you’re always ready to brush and go.
- Shampoo & soap
- Deodorant (for the love of your trail buddies)
- Shaving cream & razor
- Feminine hygiene products
- Towel & washcloth
- Hand/body lotion
- Lip balm (obviously for kissing… or windburn)
- Sunscreen — a generous supply
- Personal meds — painkillers included 😉
🎒 Gear & Essentials
- Flashlight or headlamp — I’m bringing the Nitecore NU25 UL 400 Lumen Headlamp because I cannot be trusted to walk and hold a flashlight at the same time.
- Earplugs — a gift to my cabin mates
- Journal, pencils, paper
- Saddle bags
- Riding helmet
- Cotton sheet — I sleep on it with my down quilt in hot weather. Cozy, breezy, perfect.
- Cowboy hat or baseball cap — ball cap girl forever
- Stampede or choke string — don’t lose that hat!
- Make-up — trail glam, just a touch
- Camera, film, memory cards
- Musical instrument — I’ll spare everyone, don’t worry
🦟 Insect Repellent
Ready to ride?
I’ve gathered all my Red Rock Ride gear in one easy-to-shop spot. Trail-tested, pack-friendly, and perfect for long days in the saddle.
Creature Comforts (A.K.A. Things I Can’t Live Without)
Let’s not pretend I’m a minimalist here:
- Small Power Bank – For the few times I have cell service and want to brag.
- Shower Wipes – Showers? Questionable. Baby wipes? Essential.
- Clothing Line – Sea to Summit Lite Line Camping and Travel Clothesline
Maybe-Yes-Maybe-No Items
The jury’s still out:
- Lightweight Fleece Blanket – Will I freeze at night or regret lugging it around?
- Mini First Aid Kit – Paranoid? Maybe. Prepared? Definitely.
- Extra Socks – Darn Tough socks only!! Because soggy socks are the enemy.
What I Know I’ll Forget (Because I Always Do)
- Something super obvious like my favorite belt or my toothbrush.
- That one perfect t-shirt I swore I’d pack but somehow won’t.
- A second hat, because you can’t have too many hats in the desert, and I’ll realize this way too late.
Next Time… The Honest Report!
When I get back, I’ll spill all the tea:
- What was worth its weight in gold?
- What ended up buried at the bottom of my duffel never to see daylight?
- And what would have saved the day if I had just thought to bring it?
Stay tuned. Adventure (and probably a few blisters) awaits!
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