4 Minute Packing Guide from Hatch River Expeditions HD

Need help deciding what to bring on your Hatch River Expedition? This packing guide will help you decide!
TRANSCRIPT
When you’re thinking about how to pack for your Grand Canyon rafting trip, you’ll really need to think about two things: what you’ll need over the entire trip AND what you’ll need on day one. All of your day one items will be either packed in your small backpack which goes into your day dry bag or worn, and everything else will be packed into your medium duffel bag which goes into your night dry bag.
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From your very first day, you’ll be on the river, so you’ll want to dress for sun and splashes. We suggest dressing in layers. For a base layer, most people wear a swimsuit-ladies, we recommend a two piece for you as it’s easier to remove when you take care of business. Over that, you’ll wear shorts and a t-shirt-we generally recommend moisture wicking so they dry quickly. Your next layer will be a long-sleeved shirt to keep the sun off your arms and shoulders.
Don’t forget your other sun protection items: a sun hat with a retention string, and a pair of sunglasses. And of course a pair of sandals that straps to your feet so you won’t lose them.
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Next you’ll need to organize your day bag. This bag is going to contain everything you want to have access to BEFORE you camp. Bring a small hiking backpack that you can store your items in and carry with you on side canyon hikes. It should fit inside a day dry bag which is 8 inches in diameter, and 20 inches tall.
You’ll also want rain gear - This should be two pieces (a jacket and pants) that tighten around the wrists and ankles with either Velcro or elastic. Your jacket should have a hood that cinches tight. Put this on if it starts to rain, or if you just get tired of being splashed.
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Finally, you’ll pack an entirely separate bag with EVERYTHING ELSE you’ll need on your trip. This bag will go directly into your night dry bag. We recommend using a medium, soft-sided duffel about 12x12x24.
In this bag, you’ll have the rest of your river clothing, plus comfortable camp wear or pajamas, a lightweight fleece jacket, and a pair of lightweight long pants, your camp towel and all of your toiletries, including: toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, biodegradable soap & shampoo, deodorant, lotion and hand salve. We also recommend baby wipes as a refreshing way to clean yourself before bed.
Finally, you’ll have everything else you need-a headlamp, your night medication, your identification, insurance information, and money. You’ll want both a credit card for travel expenses AND cash or personal checks to tip your guides.
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On the morning of your launch, Hatch vans will meet you in front of Cliff Dwellers Lodge where orientation will take place. You’ll be given day and night dry bags. Having your night and day gear prepacked, means you will be ready to put your day backpack and your night duffel directly into dry bags and go.
You will also be given a hatch mug. Write the number of your day and night bag on your mug to help identify your designated bags. Last, load your beverages, dry bags, and yourselves into vans for a 15 minute drive to Lee’s Ferry.
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Make sure to carefully review your “Gear Checklist” for more details about what you should bring, as well as lists of optional items, seasonal gear, and gear you’ll need if you’re hiking into or out of the canyon.
Most importantly, don’t forget your adventure attitude. Happy packing!

[@jdridge1]

Thanks for great video! Can’t wait for our trip!