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What To Bring

The Grand Canyon is a world of extremes.  No matter what time of year your trip launches, prepare to encounter the full spectrum of temperatures and conditions from hot and dry to cold and wet.  In the list below, we do not give exact quantities, as everybody had different needs, but we do recommend you bring at least one of each item.  Consult the Temperatures and Precipitation chart for conditions you may expect to encounter during your time on the river.  Consider the length of your trip, the limited amount of space available, and your own unique needs and tolerances when selecting your gear

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A note on fabrics for the novice: at some point on your trip, most likely repeatedly, you will be splashed by the chilly Colorado or drenched in an afternoon thunderstorm.  When cotton gets wet, it will keep you cool, Wool, polypropylene and pile are warmer when wet.  Choose fast drying shorts of nylon or synthetic materials.  Bring quality rain gear including a top and, preferably, overall style bottoms.  Your shells should be large enough for you to comfortably layer clothing beneath and have sealed seams.  Whatever clothes you bring will get dirty and may be stained reddish-brown by the river.

 

Packing Your Personal Gear       

PRO offers two sizes of dry bags for rent – medium and large.  If you pack carefully, your personal items will fit into a 50- caliber ammo can (11” L x 5.5” W x 7”H) one medium sized drybag (20” x 15” diameter when properly closed) and your daypack.  In the winter you may require two personal sized bags because you need more fleecy clothing and a bigger sleeping bag.  The large bags are mostly used by couples or for a group tent bags.

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We will provide your group with tape and magic markers to label black bags and ammo cans.  PLEASE do not put duct tape on the dry bags or any PRO gear!!! Thanks!

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The majority of your gear will be stored in dry bags.  Pack your tarp last so it’s on top.  A tarp is a good clean surface to dump out the contents of your bag when you need to find something.  Place the items you expect to need least on the bottom, items you’ll need the most often on the top.  Use Ziploc’s to containerize lotions, to store like items with like or protected prescription drugs.  Make sure you close your dry bag properly each day – better safe than soggy!  Paco pads (for rent) get rigged on the rafts separately.

 

During the day, your ammo can keep small stuff handy: sunscreen, camera, film, sunglasses, map, paperback, ChapStick, hard candy…. The ammo can is watertight as long as you remember to latch it and keep stray straps, bandannas, etc. tucked into the can to maintain the integrity of the seal!  Keep a small daypack out for spontaneous side hikes and carry your rain gear, hiking shoes, and a light cover up for the sun.  On the boat, secure your pack and water bottle with a carabiner.

Packing Strategy:  Gather and pile your gear well before the trip.  If you have dry bags, test pack, and unpack to see if it fits.  Leave extra room for last minute add-ons.  Keep each category of gear in a distinct bag or box, so that you can find things.  Contain small loose items in Ziplock bags.  Less is desirable, as long as you have the essentials.  For winter trips, see Tips for Cold

Weather Expeditions.

 

Riverwear

  • Life Jacket

  • Shorts and/or Swimsuit (synthetic for fast drying)

  • Sun Protection Pants & Shirt, Big Hat with tether

  • Rain Gear

  • Warm Top, Bottom & Hat (fleece for warmth when wet)

Campwear

  • Cotton T-Shirts

  • Shorts

  • Warm Top & Pants

  • Warm hat & Gloves (winter)

  • Socks

  • Sneakers or Light Hiking Boots

Sleep Kit

  • Tarp or Ground Cloth

  • Tent

  • Sleeping Pad

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Cotton Sheet

  • Pillowcase (can be stuffed with fleece clothing)

Toiletries

  • Soap

  • Shampoo & Conditioner

  • Wash Cloth

  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste, & Dental Floss

  • Lotion & Sunscreen (LOTS)

  • Prescription Meds – bring twice the essential supply & split between two rafts

  • First Aid

  • Feminine Items

  • Q-tips

  • Baby Wipes

Luxuries

  • Party Attire

  • Body Paint

  • Inflatable Toys

  • Water Gun

  • Art Supplies

  • Medical Instruments

  • Football

  • Nail Polish

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