What shoes and clothing do I need for canyoneering in Zion?
Salomon Techamphibian (courtesy, REI)
I am planning a hike through the Narrows in Zion National Park, which involves wading up the Virgin River. What do you recommend to keep warm? Dry is obviously not possible. How about footwear?
— Connie New Haven, Connecticut
Do you have a question of your own?
That sounds like great fun, Connie. Zion National Park is beautiful, and the trek up the Virgin River—deep in a slot canyon—is a classic, albeit a wet one. You'll be chest-high in water for long stretches. On the other hand, it's apt to be hot during your trip, and hot/wet beats cold/wet. So think lightweight, and think synthetic. Cotton, wool—both fabrics have their place, but neither dries very well.
And I mean all-synthetic, undergarments included. Patagonia's seamless Capilene Briefs ($18; www.patagonia.com) and Capilene Mesh Bra ($35) would be a good start. Over those, a warm-weather T-shirt such as REI's MTS Lightweight Crew ($24; www.rei.com) has polyester fabric that dries very fast. This will be comfortable across a wide temperature range so makes a good base layer if it's chilly, plus will work fine by itself when very warm. I'm not a huge fan of "convertible" pants, but Ex Officio's Buzz Off Convertible Pant ($79; www.exofficio.com) offers good sun protection, a bug-repelling fabric finish, and that option of shorts or long pants. And they're made of a light nylon that dries quickly.
Layer over that a light fleece jacket such as Marmot's Reactor Full Zip Jacket ($75; www.marmot.com). And a rain shell of some sort; REI's Taku ($189; www.rei.com) is one fantastic option in this department.
For footwear, you'll clearly want some sort of aqua-ready shoe, such as the Salomon Techamphibian ($80; www.salomonoutdoor.com), which has high-traction outsoles, fast-drying uppers, and drain holes to let water escape quickly. Better, I think, than a sandal-type shoe, as sand can get under the sandal straps and quickly chafe. I'd pack some inexpensive tennis shoes to wear around camp in the evening.
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That sounds like great fun, Connie. Zion National Park is beautiful, and the trek up the Virgin River—deep in a slot canyon—is a classic, albeit a wet one. You'll be chest-high in water for long stretches. On the other hand, it's apt to be hot during your trip, and hot/wet beats cold/wet. So think lightweight, and think synthetic. Cotton, wool—both fabrics have their place, but neither dries very well.
