Items Supplied

• Waterproof Bag - This bag is tubular shaped and opened and packed from the top. Any gear that you do not carry in your waterproof day bag will need to fit into this bag. To see a packing demonstration and measurements on this bag, click here.
  NOTE: Once you pack this waterproof bag in the morning, it is inaccessible until camp that evening.
  
• Waterproof Day Bag - This bag is for all items you need access to during the day. Although it is much smaller than the other dry bag, it has sufficient room to hold those items you may need access to during the day. The items you keep in your day bag may vary from day to day, depending on the weather conditions. It is not a backpack. To see a packing demonstration and measurements on this bag, click here.

  Items To Keep In Your Day Dry Bag

  • Water Bottles
    
  • Rain Gear
    
  • Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt and Pants (for sun protection)
    
  • River Guidebook
    
  • Hip Pack or Small Daypack for side hikes
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses
  • Polypropylene Long Underwear
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Hiking Shoes (if different from those you wear on the raft)
    
  
  
• Sleeping Unit- contained in a separate waterproof bag will be a sleeping bag (80"x35"), sheet liner and ground cloth
  
• Foam Sleeping Pad - 60"x22"x1 1/2" this is stored on the boats and does not need to fit into your waterproof bag.
  
• Mug - great for coffee, tea or juice. Yours to keep after the trip.
  
• A guidebook - A waterproof mile by mile guidebook of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. For you to keep! -
  
• Eating utensils - knife, fork, spoon, plate
  
• Life Jacket - All trip participants are required by the National Park Service to wear an AzRA provided life jacket.
  
• Tent - You will be provided one 2-man free standing dome tent per 2 people on the reservation. Example: Reservation for 1 person receives 1 tent, reservation for 2 people receives 1 tent, reservation for 3 receives 2 tents, etc. Expect the guides to encourage you to sleep outside and enjoy the brilliant night sky.
  

Clothing List

The most effective way to plan for the temperature and weather changes in the Canyon is to be prepared for hot/dry and cold/wet, April through October. This clothing list is recommend for ALL seasons. Don't be frustrated if you bring something that you don't use. We want you to be prepared for every kind of weather, even in July. Although the air temperatures can often exceed 100 degrees during the summer months, the Colorado River's temperature is a constant 48-52 degrees. Combine a cloudy, windy, or rainy summer afternoon with cold rapid water and you will understand why you need to be prepared for all extremes. With this in mind, pack according to your own tolerance for heat and cold. Here is an additional tip: light colors are recommended and layering your clothing allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature through out the day.

How much is enough or too much? Pack for the season and your personal needs. You should be prepared for temperature extremes in the Canyon. It is difficult for us to advise you of exact quantities (i.e. 2 shorts, 3 shirts, etc.), as everyone has different needs. Base quantities on trip length, month, and your own tolerance for heat and cold. Our guests are frequently amazed at how much they can do without. On the other hand, if yours is the one trip a year with rain everyday, you'll be glad you were prepared. Due to space limitations, please do not bring any more than can fit into your waterproof bag. Remember, you will have to haul everything you bring back and forth to camp everyday. Be sure to consult the Red River Sports Retail for gear you might need.

• Rain Jacket and Rain Pant - Rain gear is used for protection from wind and spray from the rapids, as well as from rain showers. Look for waterproof rain gear with sealed seams and fitted wrist and leg cuffs. A rain jacket is essential all year (April-October); rain pants are important for spring and fall trips(April-May & September-October). Bring rain pants in the summer months if you are cold natured. Do not bring ponchos and plastic rainsuits.
  
• Polypropylene Long Underwear Top and Bottom - Polypropylene is a quick-dry performance material that wicks moisture away from your skin which keeps you warmer. There are many names for similar types of material such as capilene, coolmax, etc. This is another “must have” item. Although there are certainly times throughout the year that you may never use this item, weather in the Grand Canyon can be unpredictable and you should always have this item with you. Bring bottoms during the summer months if you are cold natured. A second top and bottom might be useful during early spring and late fall trips.
  
• Non-Cotton Base Layers - Women wear swim suits or quick dry underwear and sport bras as a base layer during the day. Over the base layer, wear a pair of quick dry shorts and the shirt of your choice (polypropylene if you are cold, cotton if you are hot). Two piece swim suits are convenient when changing or going to the bathroom.
• Quick Drying Shorts - The best thing for men is to wear swim trunks as shorts. Women might want to consider a pair of quick dry shorts with a built-in underwear liner. Swim trunks and loose, nylon material dries fast, allows freedom of movement and does not chafe. Do not wear cotton shorts on the river.
  
• Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt and Pants - Bring at least one long sleeve cotton t-shirt or button down shirt to help keep you cooler on hot days. Button down shirts provide more sun protection on the neck and are easier to put on and take off. Long sleeve nylon shirts with SPF are a popular second shirt. Bring lighter colors during the summer to help reflect the sun light. Pajama bottoms, hospital scrubs or light nylon pants provide additional protection on your legs.
  
• Light Weight Cotton Pant, Nylon Pant or Sarong - These might be considered an optional item. They will help keep sun exposure to a minimum. Pajama bottoms and hospital scrubs are great cotton options. May be used as camp wear too.
  
• Shirts - Cotton t-shirts, sport bras, and tank tops work well because cotton evaporatively cools you when it gets wet; an advantage during hot summer months. Polypropylene and capilene work well in cooler weather.
  
• Hat - A large brim offers sun protection and a good quality stampeed strap or cap strap keeps you from losing your hat in the wind or rapids. It is not a bad idea to bring an extra hat or visor just in case you need it.
  
• Socks - Bring a cotton/synthetic blend for hiking and to protect your feet from the sun. Bring wool, polypropylene or neoprene socks to wear on the boats with booties or recreational sandals to keep feet warm. Keep one clean pair for the hike on the Bright Angel Trail if you are hiking out of the Canyon.
  
• Camp Wear - Bring something comfortable to wear around camp. Cotton dresses, skirts and sarongs are all popular options. Sarongs can also serve as sun protection during the day. You may also like cotton underwear along with cotton shorts and short sleeve shirts, tank top, or capris. Previous passengers have also suggested flip flops for camp.
  
• Sleepwear - You might choose to sleep in your camp wear. Otherwise, you might like to bring something comfortable to sleep in.
  
• Shoes - You will need shoes for hiking and boat wear. We recommend bringing two pairs. See footwear and care suggestions.
• Gloves and Hat - Fleece or other synthetics are recommended for warmth. In addition, customers have recommended gloves for climbing on hot rocks, paddling and to reduce exposure to the sun. Light cotton garden gloves work well for sun protection. A wool or fleece hat might come in handy during chilly weather during April-early May or late September-October.
• Microfleece Top and Bottom - Microfleece is a performance fleece that is less bulky than regular fleece. This is useful if you are cold natured or if you are going in April-early May or late September-October.
• Paddle Jacket, Paddle Pant - In place of or in addition to your raingear, these offer added protection from the cold river water. More appropriate for April-early May or late September-October.
  

Additional Items

• Medium Size Internal Frame Backpack - ONLY NEEDED IF YOU ARE HIKING IN OR OUT OF THE CANYON (6-7 day hybrid/paddle or 8-10 day hybrid/paddle trip) This pack is used to hike your personal gear into or out of the canyon. Packs will be stored in a large community waterproof bag while you are on the river.
  
• One Locking Carabiner - Pronounced cara "beener." Used to secure your day dry bag to the boat. 4" size with screw gate locking mechanism. Some customers have recommended a second carabiner to attach your water bottle to the outside of your day dry bag.
  
• Water bottles/hydration pack - 3 qts recommended if hiking in or out of the canyon. Must have a strap on bottle or carry it in a pack to allow hands-free hiking. If you bring a hydration pack, bring a spare water bottle for mixing powdered drinks. Two quarts appropriate for motor trips.
  
• Sunglasses - 100% UV protection is recommended. You must have a retainer to keep from losing in the rapids. Having a second pair is a good idea.
• Small Day Pack or Lumbar/Hip Pack - For use on side hikes to carry water or camera. This pack is necessary to allow hands-free hiking. The waterproof day dry bag provided is not a backpack.
• Moisturizing lotion- We recommend two bottles. Avoid lotions containing alcohol because it dries out your skin. Bring plenty!
  
• Headlamp or flashlight- Headlamps are great for hands-free movement around camp. Don't forget extra batteries!
  
• Foot powder or ointment - Mole skin is recommended if you are hiking in or out of the canyon.
  
• Eye glasses or contact lenses- Lens cleaner for contacts and an extra pair of prescription glasses are recommended. Some find contacts to be a bother in the wind and sand.Contact Care Suggestions.
  
• Waterproof Sunscreen and Lip Balm - We recommend two bottles of 30 SPF.
  
• Medications- A double prescription is recommended; one to be given to the trip leader for safe keeping. Diabetics should bring a glucose monitoring kit. You will have access to a fully-stocked first aid kit however if you routinely take an over-the-counter medication, you may want to bring your own supply.
  
• Epi-Pen or Ana-kit- Individuals with allergic reactions or potential for an allergic reaction to insect bites or food must bring two.
  

Optional Personal Items

• Towel- A small towel might come in handy for "freshening up" or bathing.
• Bandana - Dip your bandana in the river and tie around your neck or wear under your hat to keep cool.
  
• Small pillow - A cotton pillow case stuffed with clothes also works.
  
• Hygiene Products -toothpaste, toothbrush, nail clippers, tissues, tampons, extra eye glasses or contacts, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
  
• Camera Equipment - Waterproof cameras work well. Kodak film is great with red and brown tones in the canyon. It is advisable to purchase a waterproof camera bag or hard shell case for expensive photography equipment. The container you bring must fit into your waterproof day bag that is provided to you (lunch box size or smaller).
• Binoculars - Small and compact sizes only.
  
• Book, watercolors, journal, and pen - for your personal enjoyment and creative expressions!
• Fishing Gear - You may bring a telescopic fishing pole stored in a hard-shell case. You also need an Arizona fishing license. You can purchase in advance from the Arizona Game & Fish at 800-705-4165. Licences are also available at Wal-Mart in Flagstaff. Frequently Asked Questions has more information about fishing on your river trip.
  
• Valuables - Leave them at home! We recommend that you put essential items (wallet, credit cards, traveller's checks) in Ziplock bags- double bagged- and store them in the bottom of your waterproof bag with your clothing. Handle exposed film and medications in a similar fashion. You may want some cash on you for emergencies or gratuities.
• Beverages -You are allowed to bring additional beverages in aluminum containers only. If your trip begins in Flagstaff, you will be given a burlap sack at your orientation meeting to pack your drinks in. Full trip participants (13-16 day hybrid/paddle or 8-10 day motor) may bring up to 30 cans. 6-7 day upper hybrid/paddle participants are allowed 18 cans. If you are on an 8-10 day lower canyon trip you are allotted 24 cans and you must complete the Beverage Order Form located in your trip packet at least 6 weeks prior to your trip. Your drinks will be packed on the trip so you don’t have to hike them down the Bright Angel Trail. Boxed wine is also allowed. One box = six cans. Plenty of drinking water and electrolyte replacement powdered drink mix (Gatorade) will be available. Coffee, tea and juice are available in the morning.