What to pack for the Grand Canyon and Zion over Easter Break?
 

We are a family of four with children ages 11 and 15. We will be visiting the GC for 3 days and Zion for 2 days on a trip out west over spring break. In researching the temps., it appears it will be in the 50's with chances of rain and snow. What kind of gear/layers should we pack? We will be doing some hiking and plan to be outdoors as much as possible at both parks. We are also doing the float trip out of Page, AZ. Thank you for any help.

What are the dates of your spring trip? Next week or mid April? That could make a difference in the advice you receive.

Not to be too much of a smart alec, but you have researched the temp and precip and STILL need advice on what type of gear to bring?

Heed your own knowledge.

We camped there at the end of March one year and woke up to a couple of inches of snow. Layers are good. It'll probably warm up during the day.

Years ago we had three days of steady snow at the GC during Easter Break. You just never know.

Layers are the answer to everything.
A wicking layer next to your skin (especially if you are hiking), polar tec fleece for warmth and something on top for a windscreen. Hats, gloves, etc...and be ready to take the layers off if you don't need them. Dress like you are going to do spring skiing.

Same trip - it was so warm on the slopes in Colorado that folks were skiing in shorts and the girls that worked there were sunbathing during breaks in shorts and swim suit tops.

Ya just never know!

Thank you for the replies. We will be on this trip over Easter break, end of March to April 1. Thank you starrsville for the detailed information. That is what I was looking for. We are from the Midwest and it seems to be either winter (ski jackets) or summer (shorts) here. We have not had much call for layering or high tech fabrics as we do not ski, so it was sort of a mystery to us. Would you recommed just your average windbreaker for the outer layer or something with a lining or high tech fabric? Thank you for your patience!

If you are going to need these clothes again, then get something fancy. If not, then you could just get something fleece and a nylon windbreaker type jacket at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart's cheap fleece gloves keep your hands toasty. That is IF they have any winter stuff left!

Call (or go online) Land's End and LL Bean. They have great, durable stuff that lasts forever - and I mean forever.

My favorite fleece item is a lightweight V neck red tunic that I bought years ago and I wear 3 seasons of the year. I never go on any trip without it. The code # on the tag is 62030 and if you call Land's End that can find something similar even if that style # is no longer available.

Both companies have clearance on overstock items. Check online for their clearance or sale sections. I just pulled out about 7 catalogs and can't find what I was looking for to tell you about, but one of them had fleece hooded pullovers for sale at significant savings. I had planned to order them for Christmas presents...not if I can't find the catalog.

If I were to splurge on anything it would be on the layer to wear next to your skin. DO NOT WEAR COTTON IF YOU ARE GOING TO SWEAT AND THE AIR TEMPS ARE COOL OR COLD. You will be far more comfortable if you wear a layer with wicking action. I bought one in black cut nicely with a V neck and shirring at the sports store after Christmas. I've been wearing it all the time. It's great under cotton sweaters or work clothes when you need just a little more warmth without adding any weight. I was rushing out to meet a friend for dinner and threw it back on with black pants and a big open shirt and went out to a nicer restaurant and it looked great. You might hestitate to spend $20 - $30 (less if you can find it on sale) for the four of you, but I promise that all of you will be 95% more comfortable if you have a wicking layer next to your skin.

I bought a new winter jacket (Columbia - 3 part system) and I've worn it maybe 5 times this year. The rest of the time I'm wearing the combo of wicking layer shirt and fleece shirt or sweatshirt and that's it. But, you do need something to cut the wind if it gets really cold - and your body heat will remain trapped in the layers.

Sorry for going on and on - but you did say you liked details.

To Starrsville - thank you for the great information. I went to lands end web site tonight and ordered several fleece jackets and gloves to try out - all overstocks. Your help is much appreciated!