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)
- Boat
- Paddle / Spare / Handpaddles (1 spare for every ~3 kayaks)
- Spray Skirt
- Floatbags
- Small drybag(s)
- Throwbag
- Small first aid kit
- Pin kit
- 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.
- Camp Cookbook
- Hand sanitizer / bleach wipes / paper towels
- Trash bags / containers
- Can smasher
- 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 / 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)
- River Knife
- Helmet
- Gloves / Pogies
- Day drybag (for extra / dry layers, snacks, etc)
- Pelican case for camera, etc
- River Guide Books
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses with Chums straps
- Sunscreen
- Tent / Bivy
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Large Drybags (enough to fit all your stuff)
- Camp Chairs
- 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
- Speaker
- Books
