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.