Grand Canyon Equipment List Items that may be borrowed: • Type III PFD w/whistle (OC) • 2 & 4 Person 3-season Tents (OC) • Helmet (OC) • 20 degree synthetic sleeping w/liner (OC) • 15L (OC) • Neoprene socks (John) • 110L dry bag (Orion) • Grand Canyon River Guide (John)

The following document includes all the information that you will need to pack for your trip! Everything on this list is required unless otherwise specified. Fabrics When you are hiking you want gear that is warm, breathable, and quick drying. In wet environments you also want clothing that will keep you warm even when it is wet. Wool and synthetic fabrics such as fleece, polar-fleece, Capilene, and Primaloft will all keep you warm even when wet.

Goose down is a common insulator for jackets and sleeping and while it is one of the lightest and warmest options, if you do not have experience in keeping these items dry, down is discouraged. While wool and synthetic materials retain their thermal properties even when wet, down does not.

Lastly, cotton is a very poor insulator and is not recommended for any layers on the water. When cotton gets wet it loses its ability to trap heat. It traps moisture close to your body, and takes a very long time to dry. Cotton or cotton blends are unacceptable for any insulating gear (on water river clothing, socks, and sleeping bags).

Layering In the Grand Canyon in December, temperatures and weather conditions can fluctuate between warm and sunny to cold and snowing. Chance of rain and snow are likely throughout the trip. On average in the bottom of the canyon temperatures can range from 25 to 60 degrees staying warmer than near the rim averaging 18-45 degrees. Layering is a very effective way to stay comfortable in these variable weather conditions.

Dressing in layers makes it easy to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and weather conditions. Each layer in the system has its own function. Base layers manage moisture, mid-layers act as insulators, and the outer (or shell) layer isolates you from the external environment. Further explanations of each layer are listed below.

Base Layers (Wicking Layer): This is your next to skin layer. It keeps your skin comfortable and dry by wicking moisture away from the body. This is essential for temperature control during and in between strenuous activities. The base layer can be anything from briefs and sports bras to long underwear sets (tops and bottoms). These will generally be “light” or “silk” weight layers.

Active Layers: This layer will vary depending on the conditions you are in. In warmer temperatures this may be a t-shirt and shorts. In cooler temperatures this may be a long sleeve shirt and pants.

Mid-Layers (Insulation Layers): This layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. There is a wide variety of insulating layers available today. Because we are in a river environment it is recommended that you choose an insulating layer that works even when wet. Fabrics that provide this are synthetic fleece (i.e. Polartec, Thinsulate, Thermo Pro) or wool.

Goose Down or Synthetic puffy jackets are also great insulators. These jackets have great weight to warmth ratio and they are very compressible. Goose Down is very warm but must be kept dry to be an effective insulator. Synthetic jackets will continue to insulate even when wet.

Outer Layer (Isolation Layer): This layer’s job is to protect you from rain, snow, and wind. This layer should be a waterproof/windproof breathable shell with no insulation. Most shells are treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellant) so that water beads up and rolls off the face fabric. (Gore-Tex, E-Vent, Conduit)

For further information about how to choose layers check out these links How to choose a base layer - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.html How to choose an insulating Layer - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insulated-outerwear.html How to choose Rainwear - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear.html

*Check off each item as you assemble your equipment to make sure that you have everything* (OC)-Available upon request from Outdoor Center (Orion)-Available upon request, submit request to Stephen (JM)-Available upon request from John (KA)-Available through the Kayak Academy, make reservations ASAP if needed. Camping Equipment (Required) ____ with (OC): We recommend synthetic fill bags (Polargaurd, Cloudloft, or primaloft). The temperature rating should be between 0 and 30 degrees. Down sleeping bags require extra care to keep dry. A “compression” stuff sack is highly recommended to help reduce the volume of the sleeping bag even more. ____ Sleeping pad (OC): This can be a closed cell foam pad (3/8” thick foam) or an inflatable Therm-A-Rest type backpacking pad. Make sure to get full-length pad. If you own a “paco” style pad, you are welcome to bring that as well. ____ Tent (OC): Light weight and storm proof. 3 or 4 season free-standing tents recommended. A quality tarp should serve you well if you know how to rig it.

Gear Storage System (Required) ____ 1 Large Drybag (OC/Orion): This will be used to pack all of your personal gear. It should be no smaller than 65L. If borrowing from Orion, you will be provided with a 110L drybag. ____ 1 Small Drybag (OC): This should be in the 10-15L range. This will be used daily for anything that you may need quick access to including clothing layers, snacks, journals, books, and any other small items needed throughout day. ____ 1 Small Daypack: This should be in the 10-20L range. This will be used for hikes and daytrips from camp.

Clothing System (Required) ON WATER ____ 1 Drysuit (KA): This is essential for a winter trip. If you do not own, rentals are available from https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/rental-dry-suits ____ 1-2 T-shirts: Synthetic (poly-pro) or cotton blend (must be 50% synthetic). ____ 1-2 Long sleeve top: This should be “light” or “silk” weight wool or synthetic. (No cotton) ____ 1-2 Mid-weight insulating layer: This can be either a mid-weight fleece sweater/jacket or a synthetic fill jacket (No cotton). ____ 2-3 Sets of undergarments: Synthetic (poly-pro) or cotton blend (must be 50% synthetic). For women: athletic/jog bras are most comfortable to wear. ____ 1-2 Pair long underwear bottoms: Should be “light” or “silk” weight wool or synthetic (No Cotton). ____ 1-2 Pair mid-weight socks: Wool or synthetic socks will keep your feet warm when wet.. Do Not Bring Cotton Socks for on water clothing! ____ 1 Pair neoprene socks (JM): These protect drysuit booties and keep your feet warm. John has purchased for group and will need your size. ____ 1 Pair river shoes: Athletic shoes work fine. Closed toe, no sandals. ____ 1 Type III or Type V Rescue/Commercial PFD w/attached whistle (OC): no tears, holes, patches, broken zippers (will be inspected closely by ranger) ____ 1 River Helmet (OC): This should be a river specific helmet. ____ 1 River hat: Should fit under helmet. ____ 1 River gloves: Should keep hands warm when wet. If interested in specific river gloves check out this article: https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/hand-and-footwear

ON LAND Upper Body ____ 1-2 T-shirts: Synthetic (poly-pro) or cotton blend. You may throw in a cotton tee for wearing around camp when weather permits. ____ 1-2 Long sleeve tops: This should be “light” or “silk” weight wool or synthetic. You may throw in a cotton long sleeve tee for wearing around camp when weather permits. ____ 1-2 Light insulating layer: This can be a lightweight fleece or wind shirt. (No cotton) ____ 1 Mid-weight insulating layer: This can be either a mid-weight fleece sweater/jacket/ or a synthetic fill jacket (No cotton). ____ 1 Heavy-weight insulating layer: This can be either a heavy-weight synthetic or down jacket. (No cotton). ____ 1 Rain jacket: This should be a waterproof/breathable non-insulated hard shell jacket. It should fit over all other layers. Look for two layer laminated shells (No cotton).

Lower Body

____ 2-3 Set undergarments: Synthetic (poly-pro) or cotton blend (must be 50% synthetic). Recommend against all cotton. For women: athletic/jog bras are most comfortable to wear. ____ 1 Pair hiking pants: These pants can be either a “softshell” material or a lightweight synthetic material that is quick to dry (No Cotton). Some people prefer a pant that zips off into shorts. ____ 1-2 Pair long underwear bottoms: Should be “light” or “silk” weight wool or synthetic (No Cotton). ____ 1 Pair light insulated pants: Should be wool or fleece and can be light or mid-weight based on how cold you get (No Cotton). ____ 1 Pair shorts: Lightweight synthetic shorts (running shorts are great) for hiking and swimming. (No Cotton) ____ 1 Pair rain pants: This should be a waterproof/breathable non-insulated hard shell pant. One nice feature to have is full or ¾ length side zips (optional feature). Look for 2-layer laminated shells (No cotton).

Head and Hands ____Face mask: These are required any time we are stopping along the way as well as at Lee’s Ferry. ____ Wool or fleece hat: A beanie hat, toque, or similar hat will work. A hat that covers your ears is recommended. ____ Sun hat: A baseball cap or sun visor work well for this. ____ 2 Bandanas/Buffs- for sun protection, bandage, towel, bathing suit, potholder, patches, or substitute Teddy Bear. Much too valuable to blow your nose on. (from Crandall Bay, WS) ____ 1 Pair insulating gloves or mittens: Fleece or wool gloves

Footwear ____ 1-2 Pair mid-weight hiking socks: Wool socks will keep your feet warm even when wet. Higher wool content is better. Do Not Bring Cotton Socks! ____ 1 Pair “Sacred Socks”: This pair of socks live in your sleeping bag. They provide a warm, dry pair of socks to sleep in every night. ____ 1 Pair Rubber boots: Waterproof and no leaks. You will wear these for in-camp loading and accessing the rafts daily. . ____ 1 Pair hiking shoes: Bring shoes that you will be comfortable walking/hiking in, whether tennis shoes or hiking boots. Make sure they fit properly!

Personal (As needed) ____ Personal toiletries: You should bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a personal bottle of hand sanitizer. ____ Lotion, udder cream, bag balm: There will be some in the group supplies however, highly suggested that you bring your own. Ideally non-water and non-alcohol based. Greasier the better. ____ Personal medication(s): Any allergy or prescription medications that you will need during the trip. Enough for 4-weeks. ____ Glasses/Contacts: If you wear contacts make sure to bring an extra pair and a pair of glasses, as well as contact solution and contact case. ____ Glasses strap: For sunglasses or prescription glasses. Don’t need to go fancy, can be made out of p-cord ____ Sunscreen and lip balm: SPF of 30 at least, higher if you burn easily. Look for small travel size bottles. Lip balm should be infused with sun protection, 15-30 SPF. ____ Female specific: Bring feminine hygiene products you might need on the trip. A detailed backcountry “moon cycle” kit is outlined in the feminine hygiene section below.

Other Gear (Required) ____ Locking Carabiner (OC): Used to secure water bottle/small drybag to raft. ____ Headlamp: LED headlamps are best. Bring 1-2 extra sets of batteries. A spare headlamp/flashlight is also recommended. ____ 2 Nalgene type water bottles: These should be at least 1 liter in capacity each (two liters total). Add webbing/cord to secure to raft. Water Bladders (Camel-Bak, Platypus, etc.) are optional. If you choose to bring a bladder you must also have one wide mouth Nalgene water bottle. ____ Sunglasses: These don’t have to be expensive polarized sunglasses. Any pair that will give your eyes sun protection from the sun will work. In fact, would not recommend bringing your best pair as there’s a chance they won’t make it home! ____ Journal & writing implements: Bring a journal and anything that you may need for recording notes, journaling about the trip, and any drawing or sketching you may wish to do.

“THE TEN ESSENTIALS” − bring these on all short or long hikes.

____ Knife (small folding models preferred) ____ Compass (also consider map, listed with optional gear) ____ Water/bottles (2) − add rope or webbing for secure attachment ____ Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries

____ Matches (in waterproof ) ____ First aid kit − small; there will be larger course kits. ____ Sun protection − sunglasses, sunscreen, lip screen ____ Extra clothing − including hat; not cotton. ____ Whistle ____ (10th essential is Trail food; do not pack food in your dry bag, or leave in tent or dry suit!)

Recommended (Not Required) ____ Gaiters: Useful for hiking in shorts to avoid sharp desert shrubs. ____ : Adds warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean. ____ Ground cloth or footprint: Sturdy plastic or nylon for tent/tarp. ____ Camp Chair: A collapsible camp chair for hanging out at camp. ____ River Knife: Often stowed on personal PFD, can come in handy for emergency situations. ____ Rope/p-cord: Often useful if you need a replacement guyline or makeshift clothesline. Many uses. ____ Light Camp Shoes: Crocs, Teva’s, light shoe for wearing exclusively at camp. Preferred closed toe. ____ Dry/stuff sacks: For packing clothing and sleeping bag inside of drybag. Don’t put full faith in just your large dry bag, they can leak! ____ Personal Thermos/Insulated Water Bottle: Nice for taking along throughout the day to hold warm drink from morning or soup to keep yourself warm and full. ____ Light cotton gloves: These are used for sleeping in to protect your hands during the evening after applying your daily ration of moisturizer. Start early to protect your hands from cracking!

Additional Optional Items ____ Camera ____ Binoculars ____ Grand Canyon topographic map ____ Various field guides ____ Star chart ____ Small tent lantern ____ Hand lens ____ Sewing/repair kit ____ Heavy cotton pants and/or jacket- strictly for use around campfire when weather permits. ____ Camp towel ____ Cup/mug- Personal insulated mugs included with gear rental ____ Work gloves: For hiking/scrambling in thorny terrain and on sharp Muav Limestone ____ Solar Shower ____ Musical Instruments ____ Camp Games/Activities

Don’t Bring Alcohol or Drugs: There will be zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol per course and WWU policies. It is likely that the NPS/Feds will bar you from the river/send you home if caught with drugs, including marijuana. If you are found to have either drugs or alcohol on the trip it will be confiscated, and further action will be taken as necessary.

Feminine Hygiene Dealing with your period on the river may sound like a bummer, but it doesn't have to be. Even if you are not expecting to get your period during the trip, bring adequate supplies anyway. The change in diet, the strenuous exercise, and spending a lot of time with other women can all affect your cycle. This is even true if you are on the pill. Your leaders will not have extra supplies, nor will you have access to a store, so come equipped! Please be mindful that all materials used are to be treated as trash and disposed of. Never put any personal hygiene products other than toilet paper in the toilets!

Here are a few suggestions for making yourself as comfortable and prepared as possible: BACKCOUNTRY “MOON CYCLE” KIT You will need: • 1 small, dark colored, opaque bag or stuff sack • 3 small Ziplock bags • 1 travel pack of baby wipes (for cleaning purposes) • A generous supply of tampons (tampons are much easier to deal with than pads, but if you have to use pads, go ahead). Tampons without an applicator (like OB) are ideal because they produce the least waste & take up the least space in your pack. • Tea Bag or a few aspirin Directions: 1. Take the tampons (or pads) out of the box and put them all into one Ziplock bag to protect them from the rain. 2. Put the travel pack of baby wipes inside a second Ziplock bag to ensure they stay moist. 3. Keep the third Ziplock bag empty to use as a mini-garbage for used supplies. All dirty baby wipes, used tampons, and tampon wrappers should go into the garbage Ziplock. If you are concerned about odor, you can put a used tea bag or a few crushed aspirin in the garbage Ziplock. 4. Put all of these items inside the opaque bag. Voila: you have a self-contained period kit! On the trail/river, you should keep this in an accessible part of your pack.

Menstrual cups are okay too, but if you haven't used one before, don't try it for the first time on the trip. Remember to dispose of cup contents into the river's current, not on land or in side streams/standing water, and rinse well with clean/filtered water (not river water) at least 2x/day. Some gentle soap for washing regularly is also recommended. Some more info here: https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/girl-talk-part-2-handling-your-period-in-the-backcountry

An additional piece of gear to consider are female urination devices (FUDs). Here are some great resources on using them: https://www.grandcanyonwhitewater.com/using-a-female-urination-device/ https://www.oars.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-female-urination-devices/