Get out fast with a curated backpacking rental from Near Zero: a 60L pack loaded with shelter, sleep, and cook systems for 3–14 day trips. Ideal for explorers who want to skip the gear shopping and head straight to desert routes or nearby mountain trails.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You shoulder a 60L pack that already smells faintly of campfire and metal; the Dean 60L sits balanced on your hips, its sternum strap clipped and straps tucked. The half-underground Near Zero headquarters in the east side of Phoenix feels like a practical staging area—staff hand over a compact kit and a quick checklist, and suddenly the desert or pine country is easier to reach.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–14 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in regular aerobic condition who can carry a day-to-day pack and hike 5–12 miles per day; some off-trail scrambling may require stronger legs and balance.
Wildlife
History
The Sonoran region hosts long Indigenous histories (Hohokam and Yavapai peoples) and a mining-era imprint in nearby mountain ranges, reflected in old trails and ruins.
Conservation
Water scarcity and fragile cryptobiotic soils mean campsites and routes should minimize surface disturbance; pack out waste and follow local fire restrictions.
Reserve your spot on the Near Zero Backpacking Rental Bundle today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydration plan
Carry at least 3 liters and a backup filtration method; plan refill points before you leave trailheads in desert or high country.
Sun and heat strategy
Wear a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and schedule hardest miles for morning to avoid peak heat in low-elevation desert.
Pack-fit and practice pitch
Load the Dean 60L with the full kit and walk a loop before departing; practice pitching the tent and operating the stove at home.
Stove and fire safety
Use the mini stove on stable ground and follow local fire restrictions—do not assume campfires are allowed in desert zones.
Water filter or purification tablets
Reliable water treatment is essential for desert stretches and backcountry resupplies.
summer
Lightweight rain jacket
Protects from summer monsoon storms and cool nights at elevation.
spring
Sunscreen and SPF hat
Desert sun is intense—protect skin and eyes during long exposed days.
summer
Trekking poles
Improve balance on loose desert scree and reduce knee stress on steep descents.
fall