The Zion Narrows is unlike any hike in Utah or even the world. Unlike most hikes that are on a trail, in the Narrows you are wading almost entirely in a river. Add a deep canyon with little escape options, and an overnight backpacking trip for the top-down option, and you’ll discover that the Narrows is a specialized and arduous undertaking. As such, there is specific gear that you will need if you make any attempt to hike the Zion Narrows.
Trekking Poles
Because you’ll be wading in a river for most of the hike, trekking poles are essential for keeping your balance. River rocks are smooth and slippery, and often you can’t even see them under the surface of the water. Poles will help you make out the terrain beneath your feet before you step blindly. Also, the river can get deep in places, and trekking poles will allow you to gauge the depth of the water in front of you.
There are hundreds of trekking pole options out there, but we like Black Diamond’s line of sticks. Check out their Trail Pro poles. They are ultra stable, light weight, and collapse small with the FlickLock Pro extension system so they are easy to stash in your pack if you need to scramble.
Appropriate Shoes
So what shoes are appropriate for hiking the Narrows? The worst thing you can wear is open-toed sandals. The river rocks will bash your toes and trash the straps. You must wear actual hiking shoes, even though they will get wet. However, only hiking shoes that can drain are best. If you wear waterproof boots, they will fill with water and won’t drain, which means you’ll be hauling heavy, saturated, leather boots for 16 miles.
One of the best shoes you can buy is the Salomon Techamphibian 3. Synthetic leather and mesh uppers let water out without allowing sand or rocks in. It also has Lycra, nylon, and neoprene linings for underfoot support, and Contragrip rubber outsoles have great traction on wet rocks. But if you hike the Narrows in the colder months, a shoe like the Adidas Hydro Pro would be better because the built-in neoprene bootie will keep your feet warm. But that leads us to the next bit o’ gear…
Neoprene Socks
River water is cold, but neoprene socks will keep your feet warm. Pair the Simms Neoprene Wading Sock with the Salomon Techamphibian for a bomber setup that works together to keep you comfortable the entire time you’re in the river.
Dry Bags
The North Fork of the Virgin River is generally shallow in the summer, but there are times where you will be wading up to your waist or chest. And there is always at least one swimming section. Keep the contents in your pack dry with dry bags. My favorite is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil eVent Compressible Dry Sack. This bag is waterproof, durable, and easy to compress. Bring at least two.
Along with what is described above, bring your usual backpacking gear such as a sleeping bag, tent, cook stove, water filter, etc. With the proper gear, you can be sure that your trip through the Zion Narrows is successful as well as comfortable.
For more info about backpacking in the Zion Narrows, read our trip report.