Climate: HOT, DRY summers! Mild winters
Elders: Overwhelmingly people recommend Serve shirts with the ventilated sides and light-weight golf pants.
ECCO shoes don't do well in the heat of Phoenix. The soles melt. Dr. Martens or Clarks or shoes with thick soles do better.
Sisters: for the summer, light, loose fitting dresses or pants is best. Nothing tight or layered.
Dr. Marten Mary Jane’s are most commonly recommended.
This mission has biking and cars, with the majority in cars. But if biking in the heat, a camelback is SOOOOO nice to have.
You also could just bring an insulated water bottle that is good quality. Drinking warm water is not fun.
Electrolyte packets like Liquid IV are nice to have after sweating in the hot sun.
It does get down to the low 40s in the winter, so gloves for the chillier time might be nice, but maybe wait until the missionary is there and knows what circumstances he/she will be in.
You will want a light coat or jacket and some sweaters to wear.
Bring headphones or ear buds for talking to your family, a foldable Bluetooth keyboard, and a speaker for listening to approved music and church talks.
Have a suggestion or correction for the Arizona Phoenix East Mission? Submit it here.
People serving in hot missions highly recommend a hydration backpack. CamelBak is the brand mentioned most, but there are plenty of lower-cost options as well.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.