WHAT TO PACK:

You will need to pack appropriately for spending an extended time out in the wilderness. Although it will generally be quite warm on most SierraRios trips, it can get cool at nights and during thunderstorms. Come prepared. Look at the climate chart for the river you're doing and figure out what you'll need. Sometimes river water is fairly cold. Other times it's quite pleasant.

The cost of SierraRios trips does not include personal camp gear. However, many such items are available for the trips if you wish to rent them (see RENTALs). In general, you can rent drybags, PFDs, helmets, jackets, drytops, tents, Therm-a-Rests (with chair kit), PacoPads, and camp chairs. If interested, let the trip organizer know early so you can plan accordingly and we can reserve this equipment for you.

In general, on raft support trips most or all of your camp gear will be transported down the river in one large drybag. You should bring an additional small drybag for day-accessed items; this will go on a raft or in a kayak. We can rent the drybags to you, but it is better to get your own and see how all your gear packs into it beforehand. The best size for your one large drybag is about 3800-4600 cu.in (such as Bill's 2.2 DryBag or the NRS Duffel). Do not pack excessively. These sizes are large enough to fit a 2-person tent, Therm-a-rest chair/pad, sleeping bag, 2 changes clothes + sweater, dry shoes, toiletries, headlamp, reading material, and more. There are larger drybags out there (e.g., 3.8 cu.ft/6000+cu.in/100+L) but if you bring one this size, you should expect it not to be full – rather, it should be very easy to close and your additional small drybag should fit inside. It is in your best interest not to overpack your drybag because it often causes lack of proper sealing and consequent leaking if dunked. On some trips we will have a separate tent bag for folks.

River items to bring:
-Shorts, shirt
-Paddle jacket (several are available to rent if you don’t have)
-Water shoes (preferably amphibious type to wear on the river and hiking)
-PFD and helmet (several are available to rent if you don’t have)
-Kayak gear (skirt)
-Personal safety gear (if you are in charge of a raft or kayak, consider a throwbag/biner/pully, tow line, or flip line)
-Hat and sunglasses (with retainer)
-Small drybag for your kayak or on raft (for passengers)
-Large drybag for camp gear (if it is a very large bag (>3 ft3), your small drybag must fit within)
-Water bottle (preferably with a carabiner to clip onto a raft)
-Sunscreen, lip balm

Camp items to bring:
-Tent (a 2-person tent can be used by an individual)
-Sleeping bag (consider using your fleece or other packed clothes as a pillow)
-Therm-a-rest (chair and bed)
-Basic clothing (t-shirt, shorts, light pants, light long-sleeve shirt, fleece/sweater, underwear)
-Camp shoes (these can be the same as your river shoes or a different dry shoe)
-Headlamp (plus extra set of batteries)
-Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, lotions, etc)
-Special medicines (anti-fungal cream, anti-cold, antibiotics, anti-malarials)
-Lighter/matches (remember to check it if flying)
-Pocket-knife (remember to check it if flying)
-Mug (for your hot beverages; though we'll have metal and plastic cups for water/wine/etc that can substitute)
-Reading material/journal
-Bug repellent (very important for comfortable hanging-out in camp on some trips)