River Trip Checklist & Planning

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This checklist is meant to be a reference only and is not a definitive gear list. Some items required by river regulations may not be listed here. Some items listed may not be required. Please refer to your river’s written regulations.

Regardless of regulations, every river is different and may require more and/or specialized equipment. Do your research before your trip and plan accordingly.

Remember to always pack out all trash and leave campsites better than when found. Enjoy the river!

Boats

Rafts:

__ Boat

 __ Frame

__ Oar locks and spare

__ Oars / Spare(s)

__ Straps

__ Cooler

__ Drybox

__ Cargo Floors/Gear nets

__ Drop Bags

__ Pump

__ Repair Kit 

 __ Spare PFD

__ Throwbag / Bowline / Fliplines

__ Umbrella / Bimini

__ Water guns / toys

__ First Aid kit (1 minor kit on every boat/ 1 major kit per group)

__ Pin kit

__ Helicopter Emergency Landing Signal (Grand Canyon requirement)

__ Emergency signal mirror

__ Sand Stake / Hammer

__ Medium sized climbing camalot / nut (for anchoring to rock walls)

Kayaks:

__ Boat

__ Paddle / Spare / Handpaddles (1 spare for every ~3 kayaks)

__ Spray Skirt

 __ Floatbags

 __ Small drybag(s)

__ Throwbag

 __ Small first aid kit

__ Pin kit

IK:

__ Boat

__ Paddle / Spare

__ Pump

__ Repair Kit

__ Throwbag

__ Small drybag(s)

__ Small first aid kit

__ Pin kit

Canoe:

__ Boat / outfitting

__ Paddles / Spares

 __ Float bags

__ Throwbag

__ Dry barrels 

__ Small first aid kit

__ Repair kit

__ Pin kit

Camp/Kitchen

Cooking / Kitchen:

__ Table(s)

 __ Kitchen shelter

__ Stove(s)

__ Propane / Fuel

__ Pots / Pans / Griddles

__ Dutch Oven(s) / Charcoal

__ Coffee press / percolator 

__ Lantern(s)

__ Cooking utensils / can opener

__ Plate / Cup / Bowl / Silverware (1 set per person)

__ Spice kit / oil / sugar / salt, etc.

__ Hand sanitizer / bleach wipes / paper towels

__ Trash bags / containers

__ Can smasher

Fire / Water / Dishes:

__ Firepan

__ Ground cloth

__ Small shovel

__ Waterproof matches/lighters 

__ Water Jugs (at least 1 gallon per person per day) 

__ Water purifier

__ Dish buckets

__ Dish drying bag

__ Soap & Bleach

__ Dish scrubs

__ Strainer

Toilet:

__ Toilet/groover 

__ Wag bags (toilet alternative. Not accepted on all permitted rivers)

 __ Chemicals

__ Toilet paper

__ Hand sanitizer

__ Hand wash station

Personal Gear: (very subjective, varies by trip length and temperature)

On the river:

__ Dry / Splash gear

__ Thermal layers (2 sets, NO COTTON)

__ Base layers/swim wear (2 sets, NO COTTON)

__ River shoes/booties 

__ PFD (Type III or V, one spare per group, coast guard tag must be readable)

__ Helmet

__ Gloves / Pogies

__ Day drybag (for extra/dry layers, snacks, etc)

__ Pelican case(s)

__ Water bottle

__ Sunglasses with Chums straps

__ Sunscreen

At camp:

__ Tent / Bivy

 __ Sleeping Bag

__ Sleeping Pad

__ Large Drybags

__ Camp Chair

__ Headlamp/flashlight 

__ Camp clothes (2+ full sets, cotton discouraged)

__ Thermal wear / Jackets / Fleece

__ Rain gear __ Hiking shoes & sandals

__ Hat(s) (Fleece, sun)

__ Toiletries kit (tooth brush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, tweezers, nail clippers, etc.) 

__ Personal first aid (ibuprofen, Band-Aids, anti-diuretics, etc) 

__ Camp Games

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