8 Essentials for a Desert Camping Trip

• New Balance Summit Unknowns, $110

It’s morning’s first light: The birds are chirping in the mesquite, and you’re starting to think about coffee. But first, how about a jog up that tempting cactus-lined trail? If that’s the plan, the New Balance Summit Unknowns are the ideal kicks. They’re agile and lightweight, with breathable mesh and a grippy lugged rubber outsole that can handle unpaved surfaces and any rocks you decide to scramble up. Perfect, in other words, for an active weekend beyond the city limits.

• Nipomo Horizonte Arena, $84

Made to order in Mexico, this chunky yet soft blanket is clutch for stargazing.

• Cotopaxi Capitán Fleece, $140

When the temps drop, this near-weightless layer made from Polartec’s next-gen High Loft fabric takes the chill off.

• BioLite SunLight, $25

Sun to spare? The backside solar panel charges up this compact light for nighttime reading.

• HydraPak Seeker 4L, $30

Four liters is a lot of H20, but it goes fast in dry summer heat. Best to pack a spacious reservoir that collapses into a bag.

• District Vision Yukari Windshield, $199

Designed for runners, light as air. Get the Black Rose lenses for shifting light conditions, such as in steep canyons.

• goTenna Mesh, $179/pair

Out of cell range? These let you and a friend create a private network to connect your phones. Split up, then text and share GPS coordinates.

• Best Made Co. Hand-Dyed Tenuguis, $28

From a 200-year-old studio, this Japanese equivalent of a bandana conjures the light show coming at day’s end.