Comments on: The Complete Guide to Hiking the Narrows in Zion (Gear, Permits, Tips, and more!) https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/ Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:02:57 +0000 hourly 1 By: Paxson https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-87791 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-87791 In reply to Brian.

Just finished a top-down Narrows backpacking trip. Temperatures were 70s and sunny but our group of three all hiked in our normal backpacking boots and wool socks. We are Alaskans and are used to “hiking wet” in cool temperatures, but I’d imagine there are plenty of folks out there who would feel the same way. Another person on our shuttle was also wearing normal socks and hiking shoes too and he also did just fine.

I hiked in a cotton shirt. Cotton is great at keeping you cool, which can be super helpful in hot temps. Of course, full synthetics are much better at keeping you warm when wet. I was glad to have a warm fleece coat, which I wore when the sun got low.

If anything, I would steer people away from bring down for mid-layer active insulation in the Narrows. Down in a drybag for camp is great, but down is basically worthless if it gets wet. Cotton to stay cool, synthetics/fleece to stay warm, down for camp if needed.

]]> By: Terry M https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-86130 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-86130 We are going next week, current water temp is 56 degrees. I am really a freeze baby – I wear a dive skin when dining in the Caribbean with 86 degree water temps. I’m considering wearing my skin for the Narrows, would that be overkill for someone like me? Thank you!

]]> By: Kathie McGlaughlin https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-85959 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-85959 No mention of the bacteria problem in the water. The Narrows hike was temporarily closed because of this so it would be good to check with the headquarters. We hiked in November 2019 and dry pants, neoprene socks, and canyoneering boots were essential! Awesome experience!

]]> By: Janet https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-85587 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-85587 This article really helped us. We were prepared to rent if need be, but our conversation with the Rangers confirmed our feeling that we could use our own gear, which we did. We are in our late 60s and always hike with poles, so having 2 poles, vs. the one that is rented, was really useful. The river was cold, but not as icy as others have written (we hiked on 7/2/21). We used our own boots, wool socks, and yes of course our feet were wet, but not terribly cold.

We were in the water by 6:45AM, along with some people but maybe only 50-75. We hiked in about 1.8 miles and on our way back, we think we saw 1000 people, many ill-prepared. So everything you’ve read about crowded national parks is true.

Fabulous hike though. Was quite cool in the canyon b/c we left before the sun was overhead. Unforgettable experience. Water levels were moderate. I’m 5’3″ and the water was up to my waist for @ 5 minutes, but mostly was shin/knee height.

Enjoy!!

]]> By: Fresh Out Do https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-80281 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-80281 In reply to Sue Barton.

No, we did not have waterproof boots. We just embraced the fact that they were going to get wet. Not a problem in the summer, but more of an issue later in the season.

]]> By: Fresh Out Do https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-80280 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-80280 In reply to Ben.

We got in as early as we could. I forget the actual time, but as early as possible. I think we were on the first round of shuttles that went into the park.

]]> By: pat https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-77047 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-77047 In reply to Stacy.

hello stacy
we are going first time to utah and i just wanted to have expirance( first water hiking) of
hike in the narrows. is there a way we can go half way and come back?
also you said from bottom to up is little easy for beginners or first timer?
what kind of yellow boots are good to buy?
thanks

]]> By: Jennifer https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-66513 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-66513 In reply to Stacy.

Hello, we are planning a trip to Zion Park on mid September, what can you tell me about the average temperature and water conditions.
And what would be the best hike rout for a forts time hikers couple.

Thank you!

]]> By: Chris Ring https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-24741 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-24741 In reply to Gloria.

Gloria,

What time of year did your husband hike the narrows?

]]> By: Paul Rivard https://www.freshoutdo.com/narrows-hike-gear/#comment-24505 http://freshofftheg.wpengine.com/?p=2899#comment-24505 My wife rented the boots and pole. She loved it. She didn’t complain about her feet. I went with Salomon hiking boots for $139 before we left for the trip. They worked great but got small stones inside. I had to take them off to empty out the stones. She did not have to with the rented boots that strap tight to your ankle. Doing it again, I would rent the boots and walking stick.

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