Notes from Grand Canyon

How to Pack for a River trip

Copy this to your computer for a boilerplate packing list for a river trip.   


      Equipment List

 

 

Be sure to consult the weather information for adjustments to this list.

 

Remember to pack lightly and keep in mind that you don't need to change clothes every day.  Be prepared for the extremes you may encounter on any trip.  These include hot and dry or cold and wet.  Check for seasonal considerations and keep your own individual needs in mind.  If you are unsure of any particular items, contact Jeffe.

 

Stuff we’ll try to supply if you don’t have any:

 

Two waterproof black bags.  Each bag is somewhat larger than a large shopping bag.  You’ll get one bag for personal gear and one for sleeping gear.  These bags will be inaccessible while floating during the day.  Any items you may need during the day should be placed into your day pack (with a plastic trash bag liner).  These items must include:  rain gear, sunglasses, lotion, sun block, , medications, eating utensils, plate, bowl, cup, etc. A book, and a camera are optional.

 

Recommended items to bring:

 

Extremes in temperature are common in the Grand Canyon or other desert rivers.  Sun block is good but long cotton pants (scrubs) and a long sleeved cotton shirt are the best for sun and heat protection.  Wool or synthetics like pile, polypropylene, synchilla, etc. are the best for wet and cold, which is common in Spring and Fall.  An extra dry pair of pants to slip on at camp is pure ecstasy.  Good rain gear is absolutely essential.  (Not cheap plastic or ponchos.  Hooded, nylon or rubber coated top and pants are required!)  Please let us know if you'll need extra waterproof bags for special medical needs or adaptive equipment.

 

Notes:

 

If you need any of the essentials, please let us know.  We  may be able to supply them to you.  Keep in mind that your clothes will get dirty and possibly stained.  Clothing made of cotton will keep you cool when it gets wet but offers no protection if you are cold.  Always wear articles made of polarguard, wool or pile combined with your rain gear when concerned with warmth on the river.  Avoid jeans!

 

If you think you'd like to fish, purchase a fishing license before the trip. Bring a telescoping rod.

 

Leave your valuables at home.  For the essentials (wallet, credit cards, etc.), we recommend they be double ziploc bagged and stored in the bottom of your personal black bag.  Safe deposit boxes are not available.

 

Plenty of water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and drink mix with electrolytes will be available.  If you want beer or pop, do not get them in glass containers.  Limit is one case total per person. Bring this stuff with you to put-in.

 


Use This As a Checklist

 

                        Day pack for personal day use items and side hiking.

                        Locking carabiner for securing your day pack to the boat.

                        Waterproof sunscreen, lipbalm with sunscreen.

                        Moisturizing lotion (large bottle for Grand Trips).

                        Visor or large brimmed hat (good quality).  A string for attachment is essential.                                                              Straw hats usually disintegrate by day two.

                        Sunglasses rated for 100% U.V. protection with strap.

                        Bandanna for cooling, sun protection, etc.

                        Two one quart plastic water bottles or canteens.

                        Camera equipment.  Include a waterproof camera bag if it's expensive equipment.                                                             Check with other camera bugs for proper film, filters etc.

                        Shoes - boat pair and a hiking pair.  River booties or Tevas are good on the boat                                                             (they'll be wet constantly), tennies are good for camp and hikes.  They should be                                                             lightweight and quick drying for wet hikes and climbing.  Avoid leather!

                        Rain gear - tops and bottoms of high quality.  Avoid plastic ponchos.

                        Sweater or jacket - wool, pile, polarguard or similar material.

                        Long underwear - wool, pile, polarguard or similar material.  Bring extra for spring                                                 and fall trips.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_____                        Pee jar

                        Polypro gloves and a wool or polypro hat for paddlers, individuals who                                                                         chill easily, and spring and fall trips.

                        * Tent - self supporting is essential for Grand Canyon or other desert beaches.  You may want                                     them for rain, wind, or sand.  Tents will be carried in community bags.

                        * Sleeping bag

                        * Ground cloth

                        * Sleeping pad (We will have a community bag if this is too large to fit in your bags. Don’t bring                                     thick foam jobbers....ethafoam, thermarest, or Paco Pads work great.)

                        Sheet - Optional.....mainly for warm summer nights.

                        Shorts - nylon or other fast drying material.

                        Short sleeved shirt, t-Shirt, tank top (loose, soft, and cotton to keep you cool.)

                        Long sleeved cotton shirt

                        Cotton pants or scrubs

                        Bathing suit

                        Sweat shirt/pants - cotton or pile for camp

                        Socks - some cotton for hikes, polypro or wool for spring and fall.

                        Towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, nail clippers

                        Feminine hygiene products, and other personal items

                        Band-Aids (We will have several first aid kits as well.)

                        Flashlight and extra batteries

                        Foot powder (Tinactin)

                        Lens cleaner for contact wearers, and extra pair of lenses or glasses.  Glasses must                                                             have a cord attached.

                        Trash and Ziploc bags to protect your day-use gear.

                        Medications:  (a double prescription for long trips like the Grand, one to be given to the trip                                     leader for safekeeping.) There is a first aid kit on the trip and each boat will have a smaller kit                                     available for  minor problems.  Diabetics should bring a glucose monitoring kit.  Individuals                                     allergic to insect bites should bring an Epipen kit (consult your pharmacist).

                        Pee jars

 

* Note:  These items may be available for your use on a loaned basis, depending on supply. This list was made up for Grand trips, so use your noggin for other trips.

Publisher and agent queries welcome at jeffe.aronson@yahoo.com