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