What to Bring on an Overnight or Multi-Day River Trip
This checklist is meant to be a reference only and is not a definitive gear list for overnight and multi-day river trips. 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 / Bail bucket
__ 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 permited 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)
__ River Knife
__ Helmet
__ Gloves / Pogies
__ Day drybag (for extra / dry layers, snacks, etc)
__ Pelican case for camera, etc.
__ Water bottle
__ Sunglasses with Chums straps
__ Sunscreen
At camp:
__ Tent / Bivy
__ Sleeping Bag
__ Sleeping Pad
__ Large Drybags (enough to fit all your stuff)
__ 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
