WILD: Utah & Colorado Packing List

WILD Utah & Colorado White Water Packing List

Navigate deep canyons through churning rapids and explore the big landscape of the wild west, all while earning your Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and International Guide certifications.

PROVIDED:

• PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (life jacket)
• LARGE WATERPROOF CAMP BAG: 16 inch diameter × 2 feet high (approx. 75 liters)
• SMALL WATERPROOF DAY BAG: 8 inch diameter × 20 inches high (approx. 12 liters)
• EATING UTENSILS, PLATES, & CAMP CHAIR
• FULL COURSE MEALS: dinner the first day through breakfast the last day of your trip
• DRINKS: ice water, lemonade, juices, 1 soda/person/day (popular mixes of regular & diet)
• 3-4 person tents

Please remember to keep your gear light and compact. The less you bring, the happier you will be. Please limit gear to no more than 15–20 pounds.

GEAR YOU MUST BRING

• CUP (for morning hot drinks and/or evening cocktails—plastic mugs work well)
• PONCHO/RAIN JACKET
• SLEEPING BAG (compact and warm)
• SLEEPING PAD (compact: must fit in the bag described above)
• WATER BOTTLE

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING & GEAR

• SWIMMING SUITS 
• SHIRT(S): short-sleeved, cotton (i.e., T-shirts)
• SHIRT(S): long-sleeved, quick-dry for sun protection
• SHORTS: quick drying
• LONG PANTS: quick-dry for sun protection, warm/comfy for night time
• SHOES: one pair to keep dry for camp/hiking (i.e., durable sneakers or light-weight hiking boots)
• SHOES: one pair to get wet while rafting (i.e., closed-toes water shoes, or sandals/sneakers that will stay on your feet if you are swimming)
• HAT: for sun protection, with chin strap
• SUNGLASSES: with retaining strap
• SOCKS: several pairs, 1 cotton, 2 synthetic or wool
• UNDERWEAR
• SUNSCREEN: SPF 15 or higher
• WARM JACKET: fleece- or pile-lined with wind/rain resistant shell
• CHAPSTICK with sunscreen
• HAND LOTION non-fragrant 
• BIODEGRADABLE SOAP: available at outdoor specialty stores, or ivory soap
• TOOTHBRUSH/PASTE 
• INSECT REPELLENT: DEET concentrate in small bottles works best. (Pro tip: bring lightweight, long-sleeved pants and shirts and spray the repellent on the clothing instead of your skin. Sarongs are also great for keeping bugs off your head and shoulders.)
• COMB or HAIRBRUSH  
• TAMPONS/ZIPLOCK BAGS: 1 bag per day
• WASHCLOTH 
• TRAVEL TOWEL: quick drying
• MEDICATIONS: Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol and/or personal prescriptions
• FLASHLIGHT or HEADLAMP WITH RED LIGHT SETTING: small with extra batteries. (Pro tip: Our eyes are remarkably adapted to see in the dark, but white LED lights wreck that night vision and make it harder for you and everyone else to see the stars. Red lights preserve night vision and attract fewer bugs.)
• TISSUES: small travel pack
• STUFF SACK: to keep wet/dry clothes separated (i.e., pillow case or plastic bags)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• SARONG (Pro tip: sarongs are good for EVERYTHING! Get them wet and they’ll keep you cool. They make great personal shade devices for hikes and sitting on rafts, and are good for extra bug protection. Wrap them around your waist for a discreet personal changing room. Use them as a towel. Lie on them on the sand. The list goes on!)
• WARM LAYERS: long underwear tops and bottoms (wool or synthetic), especially for early- or late-season trips
• FISHING GEAR: compact and well protected (i.e., rods packed in a case)
• PHONE/CAMERA (at your own risk, be careful!): extra memory cards, batteries, and waterproof case
• HYDRATION PACK, DAY PACK, or FANNY PACK: for hiking
• EXTRA SNACKS: for small children and people with dietary concerns or health issues such as diabetes
• BINOCULARS (at your own risk)
• GROUND CLOTH: for sleeping under the stars.

Things not to bring on your trip: glass-bottled beverages, and large amounts of cash beyond what you’ll want for your rafting guides gratuity. Do not bring expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.). If you do choose to bring a cell phone for taking pictures, we strongly suggest getting a waterproof/floating case. 

EARLY OR LATE SEASON SUPPLEMENTS (May, June, and September on all trips)

• WARM STOCKING CAP: wool or synthetic
• WETSUIT BOOTIES (optional, replaces water shoes) or NEOPRENE SOCKS
• WARM GLOVES: lightweight, wool, or synthetic, or PADDLING GLOVES
• PILE OUTERWEAR: in addition to a quality jacket, synthetic pile pants
• LONG UNDERWEAR: tops and bottoms, medium weight, wool or synthetic (fleece)

Although there is a greater chance of inclement weather on early and late season trips, a well-prepared river traveler will be able to appreciate the many advantages of these trips. Having the right clothing is essential. Wool, fleece, pile, Capilene, and Smartwool are natural and synthetic fabrics that retain their ability to insulate when wet (please note: cotton will not keep you warm when it is wet!). Adding to these inner layers with good rain- and wind-resistant jackets and pants will keep you warm, dry, and most importantly, happy. Your comfort on the trip starts with finding the right type of synthetic under- and outer-wear and quality rain gear. We recommend Gear.com for your additional river trip needs. They offer a wide variety of gear to help you dress for success while on your river trip. A prepared traveler is a happy traveler.