Personal Equipment List
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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 bag w/liner (OC) • 15L dry bag (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 bags 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) ____ Sleeping bag with stuff sack (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.