Before You Go
How to Pack PDF Print E-mail

By its very nature, a raft trip means getting wet. Most of the time it feels great to get splashed, however, on cool mornings or during a change in weather, carrying the right gear will help you stay warm and dry. If it should cool down or rain, you need to have an adequate rain suit and something warm to warm under it. Technology has provided us with incredible fabrics that, if used properly, will keep a person dry and warm under any conditions. Polypropylene and similar fabrics are very light and will keep you warm even when Wild Sheep or Granite rapids are especially rambunctious. Understanding what weather to expect in Hells Canyon will help you pack. For example summer temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees at night, making a heavy sleeping bag unnecessary. On our summer float trips most lightweight bags are more than adequate.

Always prepare for warm to hot weather in the canyon by bringing three items: Sun screen, a large sun hat and, if your skin is sun sensitive, some light colored, loose fitting clothing.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

  • Personal toiletries
  • Towel 
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with a strap
  • Hat with a brim
  • Two Shirts (one with long sleeves)
  • Shorts / Swimsuit
  • Long pants
  • Jacket or sweater
  • River sandals or tennis shoes
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight
  • A personal water bottle or canteen

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

  • Camera 
  • Binoculars
  • Spare glasses or contacts
  • Fishing license
  • Hiking boots
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Mixers

TEMPERATURES: Summer; expect warm nights and hot days. A light sleeping bag is adequate. Sun protection is essential, i.e. sunscreen, sun block, hat and long sleeve shirt.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Large 6 man tents are provided for each 2 guests. Sleeping pads and cots are also provided.
PACKING: All your gear will be packed into two river dry bags. The larger bag will go ahead of you to camp with items not needed during the day. Lightweight duffels work well for packing gear in these bags. Suitcases and backpacks don't work because they are very difficult to pack. A smaller bag is available to carry those items that you'll need during the day. Ziplock and garbage bags are great for separating and providing extra dryness protection.
RAINGEAR: Bring a two piece rain suit with a hood or separate rain hat. The suit should be large enough to allow easy movement and be decent quality. Rain ponchos do not provide adequate protection.
BEVERAGES: We supply soft drinks such as Coke, Seven-Up, etc, but no mixers such as Tonic or Club Soda. Ice and ice chests are supplied to carry any other beverages you want to bring. Please do not bring beer in glass bottles. Wine in glass bottles is O.K.
 
FAQs PDF Print E-mail

Q: How many miles do we float on a 4 day river trip?
A: Pittsburg Landing is 32 miles; Dug Bar is 50 miles.
Q: Are there bugs and snakes?
A: We see the occasional bull snake or rattlesnake. Neither of which are aggressive if left alone. There are no mosquitoes in Hells Canyon.
Q: Do you cater to special diets?
A: Yes, with advance notice, we can arrange meals for any type of diet.
Q: What are the toilets facilities like?
A: We carry our own sanitized toilets that are set up in a discreet location close to camp each night.
Q: How many hours per day are we in the boats?
A: We are usually on the water by 10 o'clock each morning and arrive in camp at around 4.30 in the afternoon. During the day we stop to visit abandoned homesteads & pictograph sites. There is always time during the day for hiking, swimming and fishing.
Q: What types of fish will we catch?
A: The fishing is great for catfish, trout, smallmouth bass and steelhead in season. We also fish for sturgeon and regularly catch fish up to 9 feet in length.
Q: Can we eat the fish we catch?
A: Absolutely! Each day we keep enough of the fish caught that morning to BBQ at our lunch stop. Sturgeon is catch and release only.
Q: What type of boats do you use?
A: Custom built 20 foot Aluminum drift boats. 18 foot inflatable rafts and self-bailing kayaks.
Q: Do you supply tents?
A: Yes, our tents are roomy, 9x11 A-frame style and tall enough to stand upright. Your tent is outfitted with cots and sleeping pads for two and are set up and waitng for your arrival in camp each afternoon.
Q: How would you handle a medical emergency?
A: Our crew are trained in first aid and CPR and wilderness rescue. We carry a satellite phone on all trips. We can speak directly with an emergency room physician to evaluate a situation and, if deemed necessary, would call in a life flight helicopter.
Q: Can I bring a musical instrument?
A: Yes please! We have a variety of sizes of dry bags, so unless we’re talking about a grand piano, we can probably accommodate your instrument of choice. Call us.
Q: Should we tip the guides?
A: Tipping the crew is at your discretion. Naturally they appreciate anything they receive and all tips are pooled and divided equally amongst the crew.                                                                                                                                                                 

Q: What about tipping the massage therapists on the Massage and Martini trips?
A: Again tipping is at your discretion. We would suggest that you treat the situation as you would any other massage session.
 


Design by JosephDigital.com