Packing Guidelines
There's no denying the cliché that the desert is an unforgiving place, and especially so the Sonoran Desert which comprises vast stretches of Arizona. Forget any image you may have of vast expanses of sand or hardened earth. Yes, think of vastness but fill that expanse with treacherous terrain, steep ravines, boulder-strewn riverbeds, rugged mountains and, of course, lots of cactus and other thorny plants to tear at your clothes and skin. Add the extremely harsh conditions of drought and heat, and the possibility of encountering snakes and other desert creatures. In short, the Sonoran Desert is an inhospitable place where thousands of migrants have died in the last decade trying to cross it.
With that description in mind, it should not be surprising that you must dress appropriately for a Samaritan desert hike and bring equipment essential to a successful excursion. If we are to fulfill the Samaritan mission of providing aid to migrants, we cannot be stymied in our work because a participant is ill-equipped or ill-attired for the trek.
What to wear
• hiking boots or similar appropriate footwear (if you show up wearing flip-flops, you will not be allowed to participate)
• long pants
• short- and long-sleeved tops (layering is recommended as it can be cool in the mornings and evenings and beastly hot during the day. That said, you often need a light long-sleeved shirt during the day to protect yourself from both the sun and thorns.)
• jacket, depending on season and time of day of hike (it can always be left in the vehicle)
• hat with brim
• sunglasses
What to bring
• backpack: large enough to carry water and food packs to replenish migrant food stations (small day packs are not adequate)
• water for yourself in an easily accessible water bottle/CamelBak
• sunblock
• food/snacks for yourself
• medications you may need for yourself
• tissues (in case you need to use the “bathroom” in the desert, e.g., behind a plant or boulder) and a plastic zip baggie in which to place used tissues until you can dispose of them later)
• spending money (we may stop at a coffee shop or restaurant in Arivaca)
• camera (optional)
It is mandatory that you bring photo ID if you are a U.S. citizen.
It is mandatory that you bring your passport if you are not a U.S. citizen.
With that description in mind, it should not be surprising that you must dress appropriately for a Samaritan desert hike and bring equipment essential to a successful excursion. If we are to fulfill the Samaritan mission of providing aid to migrants, we cannot be stymied in our work because a participant is ill-equipped or ill-attired for the trek.
What to wear
• hiking boots or similar appropriate footwear (if you show up wearing flip-flops, you will not be allowed to participate)
• long pants
• short- and long-sleeved tops (layering is recommended as it can be cool in the mornings and evenings and beastly hot during the day. That said, you often need a light long-sleeved shirt during the day to protect yourself from both the sun and thorns.)
• jacket, depending on season and time of day of hike (it can always be left in the vehicle)
• hat with brim
• sunglasses
What to bring
• backpack: large enough to carry water and food packs to replenish migrant food stations (small day packs are not adequate)
• water for yourself in an easily accessible water bottle/CamelBak
• sunblock
• food/snacks for yourself
• medications you may need for yourself
• tissues (in case you need to use the “bathroom” in the desert, e.g., behind a plant or boulder) and a plastic zip baggie in which to place used tissues until you can dispose of them later)
• spending money (we may stop at a coffee shop or restaurant in Arivaca)
• camera (optional)
It is mandatory that you bring photo ID if you are a U.S. citizen.
It is mandatory that you bring your passport if you are not a U.S. citizen.