Geared to Go

Pack light and smart for river trips. On overnight trips, most outfitters provide each passenger with a river bag for clothing, personal items, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. That’s about the same amount of gear that would fit in two bushel baskets (a total of 20 to 30 pounds). Tents are usually stowed separately. Most sporting goods stores with camping and hiking departments carry a variety of items recommended for river running. Your outfitter will send you a gear list, but here are some guidelines:

On the River

  • T-shirts for warm-weather trips

  • shorts for warm-weather trips (nylon dries quickly; many shorts have stitched-in underwear and can be quickly rinsed and reworn)

  • bathing suit for warm-weather trips (women might prefer a two-piece suit)

  • lightweight long pants, such as wind pants or shell pants (in case you get too much sun; also useful in hot, buggy areas)

  • loose-fitting, long-sleeved cotton shirt (for sun protection)

  • wool shirt for cool-weather trips

  • underwear

  • old tennis shoes, but river sandals or river shoes without socks are better (wet socks will keep your feet damp and clammy all day)

  • wet-suit booties with hard soles (can be comfortable for walking on rocks if it’s cold)

  • wet suit or dry suit if the water is very cold, especially early in the season (usually available for rent from your outfitter)

  • good-quality rain gear (don’t skimp on this; keep it handy on the raft even if it looks sunny and clear in the morning)

  • baseball cap (wear it under your rain hood to keep it from drooping in front of your eyes)

  • snug-fitting, broad-brimmed hat (to keep the sun off your face and neck)

  • a string hung off your hat and clipped to your collar (to keep your hat from blowing into the river)

  • good-quality sunglasses (with a cord or shoelace to keep them from flying into the water)

  • spare pair of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or sunglasses

  • light gloves (to protect your hands from too much sun and to warm them on a cool day)

  • fleece pullover or nylon windbreaker (keep it handy on the raft in case the temperature drops or the wind kicks up)

  • ammo can or small personal bag (most outfitters will give you one to store sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, binoculars, and other things you’ll need on the river, but if you bring your own, make sure it’s waterproof and large enough for your needs)

  • waterproof sunscreen (at least SPF 30—and plenty of it)

  • lip balm with sunscreen

  • water bottle (fill it up in the morning before leaving camp and fasten it onto your ammo can or the raft; you’ll need to drink a lot of water, especially in hot climates)

  • camera (if you’re worried about your camera, bring your own waterproof container to be sure it’s safe)

  • film (bring more than you think you’ll need)

  • small, lightweight binoculars

In Camp

  • small, self-standing, waterproof backpacking-type tent (usually available for rent from your outfitter; if you bring your own, be sure you have all the poles, and bring extra tent stakes)

  • sleeping bag (waterproof stuff-bag type, not the large roll-up type; usually available for rent from your outfitter)

  • foam pad or air mattress (usually available for rent from your outfitter)

  • warm long pants of wool, pile, or a synthetic material such as polypropylene (jeans may look nice, but once they’re wet, they take hours to dry)

  • long underwear (doesn’t take up much space and can feel snug when the evening chill sets in)

  • comfortable walking shoes that can double as hiking boots (huge, thick-soled “waffle stompers” can do real damage to a trail)

  • comfortable socks (your feet, wet all day from the river, will appreciate them)

  • flashlight with fresh batteries and some spares (set it out or carry it with you so you can find your way back to your tent after sunset; headlamp-type flashlights allow you to have light but still keep your hands free for chores)

  • body lotion

  • small towel and washcloth

  • solar shower (if you set it out on a sunny day, the water will be the right temperature for an evening shower; some outfitters provide one)

  • a minimum of toilet articles (in containers that won’t leak or break)

  • special medications you may need

  • nonaerosol insect repellent

  • fishing gear (some outfitters provide or rent it)

  • waterproof notebook (to record your experiences)

  • resealable plastic bags (for wet items and your notebook)

  • book for bedtime reading (or read one of the books about the area that outfitters often bring along in a waterproof box)

  • small portable tape player with headphones (if you like your wild rivers with Bach or the Beatles, in addition to the music of the wilderness)

  • leave your watch home, and follow the rhythms of the river

 
 
Plan a Trip

 
 
 
© 1996 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.

www.nationalgeographic.com