GRAND CANYON RAFT TRIP - WHAT TO TAKE
This is a very personal list. It is based on the list published by the
ASU Geology department augmented by experience and personal preference.
CAMPING
Tent (small, light and easy to set up preferable) Many people like
to sleep out but some cover is needed if it rains.
Ground sheet, rain fly, stakes, sleeping pad (Thermarest, etc.),
sleeping bag (down for compressibility). Pillow.
Camp light and/or flashlight, spare batteries. Shower bag, collapsible
bucket or wash basin.
Clothes line, pegs. Gloves (take a couple pair of cheap cotton
household gloves. Boating, camping and rock climbing play havoc with the
hands).
Light folding chair (or Thermarest converter). Combo pliers/tool
kit. Pocket knife.
1 or 2 Duffel bags for camp gear. (Bags should be light enough
for a little old guy to handle in the duffel line. Pack sleeping gear in
plastic bags to keep dry during boating).
FIRST AID
Finger bandages, Band-Aids, elastic bandage, Neosporin, anti-histamine
cream, pain killers, antacids?, personal medications?, skin lotion (Vaseline
Intensive Care, etc.). Lots of sun block (SPF 35 or better. Consumer
Reports recently rated Walgreens sun block lotion the best)
HIKING
1 liter water bottle (drinking water and lemonade are available at
all times except when hiking).
Fanny pack or light backpack.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Camera (your choice, but a waterproof point & shoot with a 35-105
zoom would be ideal).
More film than you think you'll ever need. (I took
200 exposures)
Spare camera batteries. Waterproof bag.
CLOTHING
(This is really a personal choice, but this is what worked for me)
2 pair nylon convertible pants. 2 swimming trunks/costumes. 1 old
t-shirt per day, long sleeve warm shirt, warm jacket (optional, depending
on season). Jeans. 3 pairs hiking socks (wash 'em daily and
rotate). 2 pair Teva Wetclimbers (These are light hiking shoes that
are truly amphibious and, unlike sandals, protect your feet from rocks
and debris). Underwear.
1 pair sandals. 3 bandanas*. 2 sun hats with strings*.
* It is vital to protect your neck, head and face from the sun.
Others prefer large straw hats or "kepis" like the French Foreign Legion
wear.
2 pair Sunglasses (Main and reserve with lanyards)
Wet bag or Duffel to pack clothes. (If you use a duffel, pack
clothes in plastic bags to keep them dry. Some bags always get wet in the
rapids)
BOATING
Wet bag for day gear. Waterproof jacket and pants (I prefer the
$30 nylon shells as opposed to the $200 Gortex jobs. I've tried both and
got equally wet both times. The shell is not only cheaper but packs much
smaller. The jacket should have a hood with drawstrings, waist strings,
wrist closures and zip pockets.). Gloves (see note in camping above).
Caribiners or clips (to attach day gear to lashings on boat while
traveling).
MISCELLANEOUS
Beer/wine/sodas (you can take as much as you need. Your main supply
is stored in a locker which is inaccessible during the day. The day's supply
is carried in drag bags which trail over the side of the boat in the river
all day and are thus kept at a COOL 47 degrees). Wash bag with soap,
shampoo, wash cloth, mirror, brush/comb, toothbrush & paste at
minimum. Towel (Large).
R. Carter 6-16-98