Do we really need to rent equipment to hike the Narrows??
First of all, it is absolutely possible to hike the Narrows in your own shoes! Not every hiker rents equipment for the hike, especially during the Summer. People wear all sorts of things into the river, from sandals to flimsy watershoes to even barefeet (we’ve seen it all!). But the farther up the canyon you go, the more sturdy footwear you’ll see. Why is this? The terrain in the Narrows is rough! The river bottom is rocky; most sections are filled with large, slippery rocks that can shift as you step on them. Tackling this kind of terrain in a pair of sneakers will limit how far you go and how comfortable your experience is. Having the right equipment allows you to soak in the views and forget about your feet!
Wearing proper footwear is not only the most comfortable way to hike the Narrows, but the safest as well. Zion Search and Rescue responds to an incredible number of calls from injured hikers in the Narrows each year. Sprained ankles and other leg injuries are common due to the rough, slippery terrain. Assisting injured hikers in the river is extremely difficult and time consuming. Wearing proper footwear is the first step you can take to decrease your chance of injury during your hike!
Here’s a little more info about each part of our Narrows Rental Packages:
- Dry Bibs and Kids Drysuits: From about October through mid May, dry gear is essential for making a hike in the Narrows safe and comfortable! The Dry Bib is a wader that provides a waterproof barrier between you and the water, allowing you to wear your own dry layers for insulation. The ankle of the Dry Bib has a snug, rubber gasket that prevents water from entering the leg. Since kids sit deeper in the water, we rent full drysuits for the smallest adventurers in your group! These suits have additional rubber gaskets at the wrists that prevent water from entering the suit.
- Canyoneering Boots: We rent the Adidas Hydrolace Canyoneering Boots and they are built for the terrain you’ll encounter on your hike! The Virgin River is lined with large, slippery rocks that can shift as you walk over them; think greased bowling balls! The Canyoneering Boots protect your ankles and provide excellent grip even when wet. The exterior of the boot opens wide then velcros together to accommodate a wide range of widths. The boots are not made to be waterproof; your feet will be wet!
- Neoprene Socks: The Canyoneering Boots are made to be worn with Neoprene Socks. Used Socks?? We know it sounds weird but it’s much different than a regular pair of socks. Neoprene is the thick, rubber material that wetsuits are made from. A thin layer of water is allowed to enter the sock where your body can warm it up and insulate against the cold water temperature. Our Neoprene Socks are thoroughly washed and sanitized between each use!
- Wooden Hiking Stick: It’s simple but having a stick while hiking in the Narrows makes a huge difference! During your hike you’ll be constantly crossing the river. The current can be strong in spots so having a sturdy stick to hold onto is extremely helpful! Trekking poles tend to get ruined on this hike so we recommend leaving yours behind and taking a wooden stick! Lightweight poles can easily be bent and the sand can make the mechanisms gritty. One wooden stick is ideal since you’ll often be using your free hand on the canyon wall or boulders.
We hope you find this information useful! In our experience, customers come back raving about the equipment and feeling grateful they decided to rent! We feel confident recommending the equipment based on our positive feedback and because it’s our personal footwear of choice on our days off! Once you’ve hiked the Narrows with the proper equipment, you won’t do it any other way! We hope to have the opportunity of outfitting you for your next Narrows adventure!
