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What to Pack for Salt Lake City

What to Pack for Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Season-Specific Attire

For summer, pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. For evenings, a Light jacket, sweater, or long-sleeved shirt is useful. A Wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses offer sun protection.

Fall & Spring Layering

  • Begin with Long-sleeved shirts, add fleeces or sweaters.
  • A waterproof and windproof outer layer is highly recommended for unpredictable weather.
  • Jeans or Convertible pants (zip-off shorts) work well.

Winter & Activity-Specific

For winter, warm, insulated layers are advised. This includes Thermal base layers (merino wool/synthetics), fleece mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof Winter coat. Hats, gloves, and scarves are necessary. Wool socks offer warmth and moisture management.

Skiing & Hiking

  • Skiing: Waterproof Ski jacket and pants, Goggles, gloves, helmet. Renting many items is possible at resorts.
  • Hiking: Moisture-wicking base layers, Hiking pants, comfortable Hiking socks.
  • Cultural Sites: Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) shows respect when visiting sacred places like Temple Square.

Footwear Recommendations

City Exploration

Bring Comfortable walking shoes. Much city exploration happens on foot.

Daily Comfort

Hiking Terrain

Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support are necessary for mountain trails. Break them in before your trip.

Trail Grip

Winter Conditions

Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are necessary for snow and ice. Consider Water shoes for the Great Salt Lake shore.

Cold & Wet Protection

Required Documents

Travel Papers

Keep both printed and digital copies of important papers.

  • Valid Passport and Visa Documentation (or ESTA approval).
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information (policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation (doctor's letter for conditions/prescriptions).
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, tours).
  • Emergency Contact Information (family, bank, credit card companies, embassy/consulate).
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (may offer savings).
  • Secure storage for physical and digital copies (e.g., cloud storage, separate luggage).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The U.S. uses Type A/B outlets (120 V, 60 Hz). If traveling from outside North America, a Universal travel adapter is necessary. Check if your devices are dual voltage (100-240V).

Mobile & VPN

  • Most modern smartphones are compatible with U.S. networks. Purchase local SIM cards or use ESIM options.
  • For internet security, consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
  • Portable chargers help keep devices charged during long exploration days.

Photography & Apps

Salt Lake City and its surroundings present stunning photo opportunities. A Mirrorless camera or DSLR with versatile lenses or gear from B&H Photo capture these scenes well. A Lightweight travel tripod is useful for low-light shots.

Recommended Apps

  • Google Maps or Apple Maps (download offline maps).
  • UTA OnDemand or Transit app for public transport.
  • Uber or Lyft for ride-sharing. Yelp or OpenTable for dining.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) offer automatic backup for photos and documents.

External Hard Drive

A Small external hard drive offers physical backup for larger files, such as high-resolution photos or videos.

Travel Security

Consider an RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder and small Luggage locks for security. Pacsafe provides secure travel bags.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit for minor issues. Carry prescription medications in original containers with a doctor's copy. This helps at customs and for refills.

First Aid Basics

Sun & Insect Protection

Given Salt Lake City's elevation, discuss altitude sickness prevention with your doctor. Over-the-counter options like Dramamine can help with motion sickness on scenic drives.

Climate-Specific Items

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Salt Lake City's elevation is over 4,200 feet.
  • Mild altitude sickness symptoms (headache, fatigue) can occur.
  • Hydrate well and ease into activities upon arrival.

Motion Sickness

  • Winding mountain roads can induce motion sickness.
  • Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine can help.
  • Consult your doctor for prevention strategies before travel.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

A Lightweight hiking daypack (20-30 liters) to carry water, snacks, layers, and a First aid kit.

  • Trekking poles for stability on steep or uneven trails.
  • Sturdy hiking boots (broken in).
  • Plenty of water.
  • Snacks and layers.

Skiing/Snowboarding Gear

Skis, snowboards, and boots are widely available for rent. Consider bringing your own helmet, ski goggles, and Waterproof gloves or mittens for comfort and fit.

  • Waterproof insulated jacket and pants.
  • Thermal base layers.
  • Wool socks.
  • Helmet and goggles.

Cycling & Photography

For extensive cycling, padded shorts are helpful. A Cycling helmet is necessary for safety, though rentals often include them.

  • Camera and versatile lenses.
  • Lens cleaning kit.
  • Spare batteries and memory cards.
  • Water bottle for cycling.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Good to Rent Locally

  • Ski and snowboard equipment, boots, and bicycles.
  • Transporting large items can be cumbersome and costly.
  • Resorts and city shops have a wide range of rental quality.
  • Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) for guided backcountry tours.

Better to Bring from Home

  • Personal items like broken-in hiking boots.
  • A well-fitting helmet (if skiing/cycling).
  • High-quality base layers (often more comfortable and perform better).
  • Any specialized dietary foods or niche products you rely on.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget smaller items that elevate your comfort, security, and overall travel experience.

Travel Comfort & Protection

  • Travel pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for restful journeys.
  • Money belt or neck pouch for discreetly carrying important documents and cash.
  • Carrying a small amount of cash is advised for minor purchases or tips.
  • Personal hygiene essentials that might be difficult to find locally (specific brands).

Sustainable Travel Items

Embrace sustainable travel practices with these reusable items.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Region-Specific Essentials

Portable Charger

Useful for outdoor exploration.

Small Daypack

Carry snacks, water, layers.

Hiking Boots

Important for mountain terrain.

Layers

Prepare for temperature changes.

Items to Purchase Locally

Grocery Store Staples

  • If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, buying groceries can cut food costs significantly.
  • Harmons, Smith's, and Whole Foods are popular local grocery stores.
  • Purchase bottled water if you prefer, though tap water is safe.

Niche Products

  • Salt Lake City has large stores, but if you rely on a niche product, bring enough for your trip.
  • For example, if you have specific dietary restrictions, bringing preferred snacks may be wise.
  • Specific dental care, sensitive skin, or hair care products might be harder to find.

Packing Pro Tips

Consider packing cubes to organize your luggage and maximize space. This helps locate items quickly and keeps clothes neat.

Roll clothes instead of folding to minimize wrinkles and save space. This method works well for various fabrics.