River Trip Checklist & Planning

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!

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Boats

Rafts:

__ Boat __ Frame __ Oar locks and spare __ Oars / Spare(s) __ Straps __ Cooler __ Drybox __ Cargo Floors/Gear nets __ Drop Bags __ Pump __ Repair Kit __ Bail bucket / bilge pump (for standard floor boats) __ 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 __ Bilge pump __ 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 (atleast 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, 1 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, bandaids, anti-diuretics, etc) __ Camp Games