Packing for a river trip can be overwhelming, but it can be less stressful with a few helpful tips.  When we confirm your reservation, we will send you a trip planning booklet complete with a packing list. It is important to review your trip planning information and follow your packing list.  You want to have enough gear to make your trip comfortable, but you do not want to over pack.  Each night spent along the river, you will be responsible for carrying your personal gear from the raft to your campsite.  If you overpack, your bag will be heavier to move. It is also time-consuming digging through, unpacking and repacking extra gear. Here are a few tips for packing your river bag.

• Put small items like socks and underwear in a mesh bag, ziplock bag, or packing cubes. This will make it easier to find them in your river bag.
• Roll shorts and shirts together in outfits. If you are packing two shirts to each short, roll them both together and then put the second shirt at the top of your bag for the next day.
• Put extra items at the bottom of your bag. This could include extra layers or jackets, shoes and things you won’t need until the end of your trip.
• Have your rain gear at the top of your bag or in your day bag. You might not think you will need rain gear in the middle of the summer, but running rapids first thing in the morning or in the evening shade of the canyon can be cold.  You may want to slip on your rain gear for these occasions. Rainstorms can also come on quickly, so knowing where your rain gear is can help you find it quickly to stay dry.
• Having a garbage bag to separate your dirty and sometimes wet laundry from the clean dry clothes in your bag is a good idea. It is also nice to have a few extra ziplock bags. They come in handy!
• Bring a couple small, locking carabiners. They are really useful for attaching your day bag, water bottle and other items to the boat.
• One outfit to wear in camp. This could even be a cotton t-shirt and shorts. It might feel good to have something comfortable to wear around camp.
• Wet wipes are nice to have for a quick wipe down before bed or after blowing sand. It feels great to clean the sand off your face and out of your ears!