Items to Bring on Grand Canyon Trip

(everything that you are not wearing on the river should fit into a 3.8 cu foot dry bag)

Sleeping Gear

• small tent (recommended but optional)
• under tent plastic (optional)
• sleeping bag (you can use clothing for a pillow)
• thermarest pad (optional; camping areas are sandy but it still helps)

River Clothes:

(don't be concerned about fashion, its functionality that counts - right Mike?)

• quick drying cloths
• polypropylene undershirt (two pair-maybe 1 long and 1 short)
• polypropylene long johns (two pair)
• quick drying shorts and/or a bathing suit (for warm days and for hikes)
• water shoes (such as neoprene booties) suitable for walking on rocks
• paddling jacket (optional for rafters)
• neoprene gloves (optional)
• for kayakers: the usual stuff...
• cold water gear (e.g., dry suit or top, or wet suit (water is 45-55°F; air is 60-75F°)

Off River Clothes

• quick dry warm clothing (nighttime air is 45-55°F) including:
• long and short hiking pants (one each, preferably quick drying)
• shirt (or reuse the polypropylene undershirts)
• polartec pullover
• hiking shoes (or sneakers)
• wool socks (for hiking)

Sun Protection Items

Due to the strong rays of the sun (this is a desert area) we recommend the following:

• waterproof sun block (SPF 15)
• hat with wide brim (and, for rafters, a string to keep it on your head)
• sunglasses with croakies, chums, or whatever
• chapstick (not chop sticks)

Other Items

• flashlight(s) and batteries
• 3.8 cu. ft dry bag with backpack straps
• backpacker's towel
• canteen or water bottle
• picture id (driver's license or passport)

other optional items:

• camera
• camcorder
• lots of film, and extra batteries, alternate energy
• a day pack (one for every 2-3 people)
• personal toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothbrush + paste, dental floss, whatever you need.
• headlamp
• journal & pen
• crazy creek chairs
• small games, cards, kite, musical instruments or other items to help keep each other amused
• liquor in Plastic bottles

Books

• The two river guide books below are highly recommended if you will be on a non-commercial trip.

The Colorado River in Grand Canyon. A Guide. by Larry Stevens
Grand Canyon River Guide by Buzz Belknap
The Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons by John Wesley Powell

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