What to Pack for Flagstaff. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Summer Attire June-August

Summers offer warm days and comfortably cool nights, a welcome relief from scorching desert heat. Monsoon season (late June-mid Sept) brings afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings are clear and pleasant.

Summer Essentials

Base Layer: Light, breathable, moisture-wicking Short-sleeved shirts or tank tops. Quick-dry fabrics perform better for hiking.
Mid-Layer: A lightweight fleece or long-sleeved shirt for cool evenings or air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Outer Layer: A Lightweight rain jacket for afternoon monsoon season.

Winter Attire December-February

Winters are cold with substantial snowfall. Flagstaff is one of the snowiest cities in the United States. Nighttime lows drop well below zero. Snowfall transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, suitable for snow sports.

Winter Essentials

Base Layer: Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) made from wool or synthetic materials for warmth.
Mid-Layer: A heavy fleece or an insulated jacket gives significant warmth.
Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof insulated Winter coat for cold, snow, and wind.

Footwear for Every Terrain

Town Exploration

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers for downtown and urban areas.

Urban Comfort

Hiking Trails

Sturdy Hiking boots with good ankle support for most trails. Waterproof boots keep feet dry after rain or snow.

Trail Readiness

Winter Conditions

Waterproof, insulated Winter boots with good traction for snow and ice.

Snow & Ice Grip

Your Travel Documents

Critical Paperwork

Bring an adequate supply of all prescription medications for your entire trip. Carry medications in their original, clearly labeled containers to avoid issues with security or customs (for international travel). Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity for any controlled substances.

Passport and visa documentation: Valid Passport for all international visitors. Ensure it maintains validity for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Valid U.S. Visa or ESTA Approval Confirmation: Carry a printed or digital copy of your ESTA approval, or your U.S. Visa within your passport. For U.S. Citizens: A valid government-issued ID, like a driver's license, is enough for air travel and identification.
Travel insurance policy information: A printout or digital copy of your travel insurance policy. It includes your policy number and the emergency contact information for your insurance provider. This information is important for medical emergencies or unexpected trip changes.
International driving permit (if applicable): If you plan to rent a car and your domestic driver's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended. It translates your license and must appear with your valid foreign driver's license. It is not valid on its own.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Carry records of your routine vaccinations. Also, bring any documentation related to specific medical conditions or severe allergies, including a list of current medications. This information helps in a medical emergency.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep copies of all important reservations, including accommodation bookings, flight tickets, car rental confirmations, and tour bookings. Store copies on your phone, in your email, and in a physical folder kept separate from original documents. This confirms access to them even if one format is unavailable.
Emergency contact information: Prepare a list of family or friends to contact in an emergency, with their phone numbers and emails. Also, include your doctor's contact information. Carry this list separately from your phone in case your phone is lost or damaged.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Carry valid identification like an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), AARP card (for seniors), or press credentials if you qualify for discounts at museums, attractions, or on transportation.

Powering Your Journey

Electronics Checklist

Consider your gadgets for convenience and connectivity.

Connectivity Essentials

Power adapter and voltage: The U.S. uses Type A/B outlets, 120V, 60Hz. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is a must if your home standards differ. A Voltage converter may be needed for some appliances.
Mobile phone compatibility and SIM card options: Most smartphones match U.S. networks. Consider a local SIM from major carriers or prepaid options like Airalo for eSIMs.
Camera equipment: Camera with wide-angle capabilities for landscapes. A Telephoto lens for wildlife. A Tripod for night photography.

Portable Power

Keep your devices charged on the go.

On-the-Go Charging

Portable chargers and power banks: For charging phones, cameras, and other devices on long hikes or day trips. A High-capacity power bank is a valuable item when charging points are unavailable.
Recommended apps: Google Maps or AllTrails for navigation. NOAA Weather. Uber/Lyft. Booking.com/Airbnb. Yelp/Google Reviews. Google Translate for offline languages.
Backup solutions: Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos/documents. An External hard drive or USB drive as a physical backup.

Digital Security Measures

VPN Use

A Virtual Private Network (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) shields your online activity on public Wi-Fi networks.

Device Security

Set strong passwords or biometric locks on all devices. Enable two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts. Update software regularly.

Cloud Backups

Regularly back up photos and documents to a cloud service. This way, your data is safe even if a device is lost or stolen.

Staying Healthy & Safe

Personal Health Kit

Given Flagstaff's altitude and outdoor focus, some specific items become important.

Health Essentials

Destination-specific first aid kit: Basic items like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes. Pain relievers Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen. Antihistamines. Anti-diarrhea medication. Blister treatment like Moleskin. Scissors, tweezers. (Adventure Medical Kits)
Prescription medications: Adequate supply in original containers. Copy of prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances.
Over-the-counter medications: Cold/flu remedies, indigestion relief. Motion sickness medication if prone to it.

Altitude & Motion Comfort

Mitigate discomfort from elevation and winding roads.

Remedy Options

Altitude or motion sickness remedies: Over-the-counter oxygen. For severe altitude sickness, consult doctor about Diamox. Dramamine for car sickness.
Insect repellent: Repellent with DEET or picaridin for mosquitoes. Permethrin-treated clothing for ticks.
Water purification: For backcountry, a Portable water filter or Purification tablets. Tap water in the city is safe.

Emergency Kit Guidance

First Aid Kit Recommendations

Always travel with a well-stocked First aid kit for minor injuries.
Customize your kit with any personal medications or specialized items you might need.
Consider a compact, lightweight kit if backpacking or hiking extensive trails.

Personal Security

Anti-Theft Gear: Look into Pacsafe anti-theft bags and security products.
Flight Compensation: For flight delays or cancellations, AirHelp assists in claiming compensation.
Roadside Safety: Keep a basic Emergency kit in your rental vehicle, especially for winter travel.

Gear for Your Adventures

Hiking & Trail Gear

Proper gear for Flagstaff's extensive trail network.

Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
Moisture-wicking shirts, Hiking socks.
Sturdy Hiking boots. A Daypack (18-30 liters).
Trekking poles. A Hydration reservoir.

Winter Sports Essentials

Equip yourself for snowy fun at Arizona Snowbowl.

Waterproof insulated Ski jacket and Pants.
Thermal layers, ski-specific gloves or mittens.
Helmet and goggles.
Ski/snowboard equipment (often rented locally).

Camping Comfort

Prepare for nights under Flagstaff's dark skies.

A tent suited for varying weather.
A Sleeping bag rated for cold nights.
A sleeping pad for insulation and comfort.
Basic cooking gear. A Headlamp or flashlight.

Rent vs. Bring

Rent Locally

Ski/snowboard equipment, snowshoes, and mountain bikes are often best rented locally. These items are bulky to transport.
This also gives you the option to try different models.
It often saves on airline baggage fees.
Good for short trips or trying a new activity.

Consider Bringing Your Own

Your own hiking boots are recommended for a comfortable and proper fit.
Personal water bottles or hydration reservoirs are good to bring.
If you own specialty hiking gear or a daypack you favor, bringing your own is practical.
Ensures familiarity and perfect fit for important items.

Additional Travel Essentials

General Travel Comfort

Beyond clothing and documents, a few items significantly support your comfort, security, and overall experience.

Travel Comforts

Comfort items: A Neck pillow for travel. Eye mask and earplugs for sleep. A good book.
Security items: TSA-approved travel locks for luggage. A Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for valuables.
Reusable items: A reusable water bottle. A Reusable shopping bag. Consider a reusable utensil set.
Region-specific essentials: Headlamp for dark sky viewing. Binoculars for wildlife. Trail Maps (offline versions) where cell service might be unreliable.

Sustainable Travel Items

These items promote an eco-friendly travel experience.

Eco-Conscious Choices

Reusable Water Bottle: Reduces plastic waste and supports hydration.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Helps avoid plastic bag fees at stores.
Portable Utensil Set: For eco-conscious dining on the go.
Rechargeable Batteries: Less waste from single-use batteries.

Activity-Specific Must-Haves

Trail Maps Offline

Essential for navigation in areas with limited cell service.

Compass/GPS Device

For backcountry navigation and safety.

Layered Clothing

Adapts to rapid temperature shifts at altitude.

Binoculars

Enhances views of the night sky and distant wildlife.

Stargazing & Wildlife Viewing

For Night Sky Exploration

Red-Light Headlamp: Preserves night vision for stargazing.
Warm Blanket/Chair: For comfortable stargazing on cool nights.
Camera tripod: For stable long-exposure night sky photography.

For Wildlife Spotting

Binoculars: Essential for viewing distant wildlife.
Field Guide: To identify local flora and fauna.
Telephoto Lens: For wildlife photography (B&H Photo).

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothing to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and compress items. Consider Nordace travel bags for efficient packing.

What to Pack for Flagstaff