Moab Canyoneering Gear List

This canyoneering gear list covers what to wear and bring for guided canyoneering trips in Moab, Utah — including technical canyons in Arches National Park, the San Rafael Swell, and other slot canyons across the Colorado Plateau. Canyoneering combines desert hiking, wading and swimming through pools, and technical rappelling — so layering and footwear choices matter more than for typical hikes. Our AMGA-certified guides supply all technical hardware, so this list focuses on the personal clothing, footwear, and accessories you're responsible for bringing.

Canyoneering season in Moab runs roughly late March through October, with May/June and September offering the most comfortable conditions. Mid-summer (July/August) brings monsoon thunderstorms — flash flood risk is real, and your guides will adjust objectives based on weather windows.

What to Expect on a Moab Canyoneering Day

A typical guided canyoneering day starts with a desert approach hike to the canyon entrance — often through hot, exposed terrain. Once inside the canyon, conditions shift constantly: you'll move between dry slot sections, technical rappels (often 50 to 200+ feet), and wet sections involving wading, swimming, or short downclimbs. Exit hikes back to the trailhead can add another mile or two of desert travel.

What this means for gear: you need clothing that handles hot and dry, wet and cold, and abrasive sandstone scrambling in the same day. Cotton is a hard no — it stays wet, chafes, and chills you fast. Synthetic and quick-dry materials are essential top to bottom.

What's Included vs. What You Bring

The Mountain Guides provides all technical equipment, including:

Harness

Helmet

Ropes and rappel devices

Locking carabiners

Waterproof canyoneering bags

You're responsible for bringing personal clothing, footwear, hydration, and food (detailed below). For canyons involving extended swims, you'll need to provide your own PFD and wetsuit — please coordinate with the Moab office in advance to confirm what your specific objective requires.

Footwear Considerations

Footwear is the most important decision for canyoneering. You have two options:

One pair, all day: A solid approach shoe with sticky rubber that you're willing to get wet. This works well for canyons with limited water and short swims. Most guests choose this approach.

Two pairs: An approach shoe for the hike in/out and dry sections, plus a sturdy river sandal with neoprene socks for the wet sections. This adds weight to your pack but keeps your hiking shoes dry.

Water levels in Moab canyons vary significantly with season and recent precipitation — check with the Moab office on current conditions before deciding which approach to take.

Clothing for Hiking & Dry Sections

Sun Shirt – long-sleeve, synthetic, hooded recommended Guide Pick: Black Diamond Men's Alpenglow Hoody, Women's Alpenglow Hoody

Quick-Dry Pants – lightweight synthetic, full-length to protect from sandstone abrasion and brush Guide Pick: Black Diamond Pursuit Pants (Men's / Women's)

Approach Shoe – sticky rubber sole, sized for getting wet Guide Pick: Scarpa Crux, Scarpa Crux Women's

Synthetic Socks – wool or synthetic blend; bring an extra pair to change into post-trip

Sun Hat – wide-brim or 5-panel cap that fits under a helmet Guide Pick: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap

Clothing for Wading & Swimming

Long-Sleeve Synthetic Top – quick-drying base layer for wet sections Guide Pick: Black Diamond Men's Distance SS Tech Tee or Alpenglow Hoody, Women's equivalents

Synthetic Fleece – mid-layer for cold canyon sections; wet canyons can run 20°F+ cooler than the desert above Guide Pick: Black Diamond Men's Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody, Women's Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody

Neoprene Socks – recommended if pairing with river sandals

River Sandal – sturdy, with secure heel strap; only if you're using the two-pair footwear approach

PFD & Wetsuit – required for canyons with extended swims; confirm with the Moab office before your trip

Accessories & Essentials

Hydration Pack – minimum 2 liters of water capacity

Lunch & Snacks – aim for high-calorie, high-protein items: bars, jerky, nuts, dried fruit, PB&J

Headlamp – with fresh batteries; canyon exits can run later than expected Guide Pick: Black Diamond Spot 400 or Cosmo 350-R

Sunscreen – 35+ SPF, applied before departure (helps keep canyon pools clean)

Lip Balm – with SPF

Sunglasses – with retention strap

Camera – waterproof or in a dry bag

Lighter – emergency essential

Toilet Paper & Zip-Lock Bags – pack out everything; canyon ecosystems are fragile

Extra Beverages & Food – for the post-trip drive back

Cold Weather & Shoulder-Season Considerations

Spring (late March through April) and fall (October) trips can run cold, especially in shaded canyons with standing water. Consider adding:

A lightweight insulated jacket (synthetic preferred — stays warm when damp)

A warm hat (Active Beanie or similar)

Lightweight gloves for rappelling in cold conditions

An extra synthetic mid-layer

Mid-summer trips (July/August) require attention to monsoon weather — your guides will monitor flash flood risk constantly and may relocate to lower-risk objectives if storm cells develop.

Related Trips & Resources

Moab guided canyoneering programs — explore our bookable canyoneering trips

Moab Climbing Gear List — for clients booking climbing alongside canyoneering

Utah programs hub — full Utah trip directory

Questions About Gear?

We're here to help. Contact us at 435.260.0990 or info@themountainguides.com