I turned up somewhere properly desert once thinking I’d nailed the “summer packing” brief, all linen and sandals, and got absolutely blindsided by how cold it got the second the sun went down. Nobody warns you about that part. Deserts don’t play by the same rules as a normal hot destination, so here’s the desert packing guide I wish someone had given me before I stood shivering in shorts at 9pm wondering where the 40 degree heat had gone.
Desert packing means two climates in one day
The single biggest desert packing mistake is treating it as just “hot weather.” It’s hot weather with an aggressive cold snap built in every single night. Daytime can be brutal, then temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, sometimes more than you’d expect from any other climate you’ve travelled to.
- Loose, long-sleeved linen or cotton: covering up is actually cooler than baring skin in direct sun, and it protects you from burning
- A proper warm layer for evenings: a fleece or packable jacket, not just a thin cardigan you’re hoping will do the job
- Thermal-ish base layer for night: if you’re camping or doing an overnight desert stay, you’ll want this more than you think
Desert packing goes wrong at the footwear
Sand gets everywhere, into shoes, into bags, into places you didn’t know sand could reach. Closed, breathable trainers or hiking shoes beat sandals for anything involving dunes or uneven terrain, and you’ll want socks that actually cover your ankle so sand doesn’t work its way in with every step. Save the sandals for the hotel and evenings only.
The small stuff that makes the biggest difference
These are the things I forgot on my first proper desert trip and now never travel without:
- SPF that’s genuinely high factor, desert sun reflecting off sand is more punishing than it looks
- A scarf or shemagh-style wrap, doubles as sun protection for your face and neck and as extra warmth once it’s dark
- Sunglasses with real UV protection, the glare off sand is relentless
- A reusable water bottle, ideally insulated, since hydration matters more here than almost anywhere else on this list
- Lip balm with SPF, dry air and wind will crack your lips faster than you’d think
- A dust-proof bag or pouch for your phone and camera gear, sand and electronics do not get along
What to actually wear, not just pack
Desert light does something to photos that almost no other landscape does, so it’s worth leaning into it rather than fighting it. I keep a base of sand, white, and warm neutral tones that work with the landscape instead of against it, then bring one deep, richer colour for contrast in photos against all that beige. Loose and covered still photographs well out there, it just needs the right tones.
A realistic desert packing list
- 4-5 loose, long-sleeved linen or cotton tops
- 2 lightweight long trousers
- 1 warm layer for evenings (fleece or packable jacket)
- 1 thermal base layer if overnighting in the desert
- Closed breathable trainers or hiking shoes
- Ankle-covering socks
- Sandals for evenings/hotel only
- Scarf or wrap for sun and warmth
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High-factor SPF + SPF lip balm
- Insulated reusable water bottle
- Dust-proof pouch for electronics
The honest bit
No packing list survives contact with an actual trip. You will still underestimate how cold it gets at night at least once, I certainly did. The goal isn’t a perfect suitcase, it’s not standing outside after dark in shorts, arms crossed, pretending you’re not freezing for the sake of a photo. Cover up in the day, layer up at night, protect against the sand, and let the rest sort itself out.
Where this desert packing list actually gets used
Desert packing looks different depending on which desert you are standing in. The country guides for Morocco, Jordan, Namibia, Egypt, Oman and United Arab Emirates cover the months worth going and the ones that are genuinely dangerous. Check the FCDO travel advice before you book anything remote.