Clothing
Take appropriate clothing with you for the full range of possible weather conditions that you may encounter on your trip. Boots will help protect your feet. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen will help protect you from the sun’s heat and damaging radiation.
In the desert, temperatures can vary up to 500 between day and night. When you go out in pleasant conditions, cold fronts and precipitation can cause sudden drops in temperature. An extra shirt, sweater, or light jacket and a water repellent layer can keep you comfortable in miserably cold weather.
Wool clothes are excellent in rain or snow because wool retains its insulating quality, even when wet.
In the summer, wear loose fitting, light colored cotton clothing. Light colors reflect light and heat. Cotton allows air to pass through so that
evaporation will keep your skin temperature down. Splashing a little water on your clothes will provide evaporative cooling that can help keep you comfortable.
It is a good idea to keep rain gear in your vehicle or pack at all times, since staying dry is the most important part of staying warm. A slicker or poncho take up very little space, but is invaluable if a drenching summer thunderstorm occurs.