Float Trip Checklist
Everything for a day on the river or a multi-day float with sandbar camps.
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Essentials (Every Trip)
First aid kit
Include bandages, antiseptic, pain reliever, tweezers, and any personal medications.
Headlamp or flashlight + extra batteries
Hands-free lighting is a game-changer after dark.
Multi-tool or pocket knife
Cutting rope, opening packages, minor repairs.
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
UV exposure adds up fast outdoors.
Insect repellent
DEET, picaridin, or natural alternatives depending on preference.
Water bottles or hydration reservoir
Plan at least 2 liters per person per day.
Weather-appropriate clothing layers
Never trust a single forecast — pack for swings.
Rain jacket or poncho
Staying dry prevents hypothermia even in mild temps.
Toiletries & toilet paper
Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Trash bags
Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace.
Maps / offline navigation
Cell service is unreliable in many campgrounds.
Camp chairs (optional but loved)
Folding chairs around the fire = comfort.
Float Trip Gear & Food
Closed-toe water shoes
Rocky river bottoms destroy flip-flops and sneakers.
Dry bags (multiple sizes)
Assume the boat flips. Pack like it will.
Soft-sided cooler + ice (drinks)
Easier to transport than hard coolers on boats.
Hard cooler + block ice (multi-day food)
For overnight river camps.
Day-trip sandwiches / no-cook lunch
PB&H, salami, or wraps — pre-made at home.
Trail snacks in ziplocks
One bag per person, easy to hand out on water.
Water bottles (2L+ per person)
River sun is brutal. Bring more than enough.
Sunscreen + hat
Water reflects UV — you burn faster on rivers.
Jetboil + fuel (multi-day trips)
Fast boils for coffee, oats, and dehydrated dinners.
Small camp stove + pot (optional, group trips)
For a hot meal on sandbar night 2+.
Trash bags (heavy duty)
Pack out everything. Double-bag wet trash.
Rope / tie-downs for gear
Secure coolers and dry bags to the boat.
Whistle + first aid kit in dry bag
Safety gear stays accessible, stays dry.
Waterproof phone case or map case
Navigation and emergency contact.