A little preparation. A better day out.

Plan the day.
Pack with confidence.

Water? Snacks? The extra layer you almost forgot? Start with the outing, then work through a practical family checklist.

Make my packing list ↓

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A family walking along a pine-forest trail near Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona — Room for the little adventures. Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona · Health & Travels photo.

01 / Choose your outing

What are we packing for?

Choose a starting list. Add or adapt supplies for your people, destination and conditions.

01Family day hikeA short trail, a snack stop, a good way home.Open hiking checklist → 02First camping weekendA developed campground, simple meals, a cozy night.Open camping checklist → 03Arizona road tripDrive-day essentials and a little room to explore.Open road-trip checklist →

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02 / Your checklist

Family day hike

Choose a route for the least-experienced person. A shorter outing with an easy turnaround is a perfectly good adventure.

Before you leave Confirm the route, distance, terrain and a turnaround time. Check the trail-area forecast, official alerts, access and fire restrictions. Leave your route and expected return time with a trusted person.

In your pack Carry water for everyone, extra for delays and a plan for any refills. Pack familiar snacks and extra food that needs no cooking. Bring hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Pack warm and rain layers for the conditions you could encounter. Bring an offline route, a paper-map backup and navigation tools you know how to use. Charge your phone and pack backup power. Carry first aid, personal medicines, a headlamp, whistle and emergency shelter. Consider repair tools and emergency fire supplies appropriate to your trip; follow local fire rules.

For your family Bring kid-sized layers, hygiene supplies and a bag for rubbish. Choose a simpler backup outing and check bathroom availability.

A packed bag does not make every day a hiking day. Change the plan when heat, storms, closures or your group’s energy make the outing unsuitable. Do not depend on unconfirmed trail water.

Read the full family day-hike guide →Review Arizona trail safety →

02 / Your checklist

First camping weekend

Start with a developed campground and a short stay. This is a car-camping starter list, not a backcountry packing plan.

Book it and check it Save your reservation, directions, arrival instructions and an offline map. Check the overnight forecast, water, toilets, access and current fire rules. Share your campground and return plan with someone at home.

A comfortable night Test the tent; pack its poles, stakes, rainfly and repair supplies. Pack sleeping bags and insulating pads suited to forecast overnight temperatures. Bring dry sleep clothes, warm layers, rain protection and spare socks. Pack headlamps, spare batteries, first aid and personal medicines.

Food, water and family extras Bring drinking and cooking water; confirm any campground supply. Plan simple meals, utensils, handwashing and a no-cook backup. If cooking, test your stove and follow its instructions and current restrictions. Never use fuel-burning equipment inside a tent. Bring food storage that meets campground wildlife rules, plus rubbish bags. Add toilet supplies, sun protection and one familiar quiet-time activity for the kids.

Borrow before you buy. Try a borrowed tent at home and check that all its parts are present. Follow campground rules for food storage; a cooler alone may not meet them.

Explore a Rim Country weekend →Check official passes and permits →

02 / Your checklist

Arizona road trip

Keep the driving realistic, plan rest stops and leave room for a change of plans. For a trail stop, take the hiking essentials too.

Before the drive Save offline directions, fuel stops, rest stops and your overnight details. Check road conditions, weather and destination closures. Check your vehicle, tires and required child restraints before departure. Share your route and check-in plan with someone at home.

Keep these within reach Bring water, extra food and familiar snacks for delays. Carry identification, vehicle documents and roadside-assistance details. Pack charging cables, a car charger and backup power. Keep personal medicines, first aid and hygiene supplies accessible. Add sun protection, temperature-appropriate layers and spare clothes. Bring a flashlight and a vehicle emergency kit appropriate to your route. Pack quiet activities, comfort items and a bag for rubbish. Pick an easier stop or lodging alternative if the day runs long.

A trail stop is still a hike. Leave the car with your hiking supplies, even when the walk looks short. Review the day-hike list before you set off.

Read the Arizona family road-trip guide →Check Arizona 511 road conditions →

Start with what you own

Useful gear. Less guesswork.

Check the fit, condition and instructions before adding something new.

Daypack & water bottles: Comfortable carry, easy access and capacity for your actual outing.
Headlamp: Try the controls and check batteries before leaving.
Tent & sleeping setup: Check usable space, weather protection and overnight conditions.
Cooler & food storage: Plan your meals and follow the destination’s food-storage rules.

You do not need to buy anything to use these lists.

Give your list a destination

Make it your kind of day.

Use Sage to put your destination, family’s pace and stops into a trip plan.

Plan with Sage →Still choosing? Find an adventure.

A thoughtful starting point

Prepare for the place you’re going.

These starter lists draw on National Park Service trip-planning guidance. They do not replace current land-manager instructions or your family’s individual needs. Check official conditions before leaving.

National Park Service: Ten Essentials
National Park Service: Trip Planning Guide
National Park Service: Cooking in Camp
National Park Service: Campfires
CPSC: Camping equipment and carbon monoxide

Published October 31, 2026 · Health & Travels · Editorial standards

Plan the day.Pack with confidence.

What are we packing for?

Family day hike

First camping weekend

Arizona road trip

Prepare for the place you’re going.

Plan the day.
Pack with confidence.