Preparing for a FLOW trip
Packing
to ensure that you are set up for an enjoyable experience, we have included a detailed packing list of what to bring on your FLOW river trip. If you have any questions or special accommodations, please contact the River Operations Coordinator.
Before departure, your guides will provide you with two dry bags that we refer to as your "Checked Bag" and "Carry-On".
Your "Checked Bag" is a large, 110L dry bag that will consist of your camping items and dry clothing. It will be packed deep into the rafts each day, only accessible at camp.
Your "Carry-On" is a small, 20L dry bag for essentials that you will have easy acess to throughout the day. We recommend putting medications, toiletries, and anything you want quick access to in this bag.
Clothing
Bring clothes for on the water that can get wet, and warm comfortable clothes for camp – it can get chilly at night, and sometimes it rains in the desert!
On-water
- Synthetic T-shirt and/or sun hoody
- Bathing suit and/or synthetic shorts
- Visor or wide brimmed hat or cap
- Sunglasses with strap
- River sandals, water shoes, or old running shoes (no flip flops on the river)
- Bandanna or Buff
Camp clothes
- T-shirt and or long sleeve shirt
- Shorts and/or pants
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
- Socks
- Knitted hat
- Rain jacket and pants
- Warm, insulating down jacket (for cold, fall or spring nights)
- 2-3 sets of underwear
Sleeping kits
If you are a member of Outdoor Pursuits, you can rent the following equipment for free! Please refer to the rental shop hours for the best time to pick up any equipment.
- Compact sleeping bag and liner
- Small tent with a rain fly
We will provide you with a sleeping pad made of 1-inch-thick foam called a Paco pad. However, if you require more padding, please bring a sleeping pad that can fit inside a drybag.
Personal items
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Sunscreen
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Waterproof case for cell phone or camera ($7 on Amazon!)
- 1-liter water bottle
- Hiking shoes (optional)
- Sarong or towel
- Headlamp with spare batteries
What to leave behind
- Firearms/Weapons
- Glass
- Expensive items that can get damaged or lost
- Illegal drugs including cannabis or THC products
- Alcohol
What we provide
While we are out on the river, FLOW will provide you with the following to make your trip as comfortable as possible!
- Personal flotation devices (lifejackets)
- Camp chairs
- Sleeping pads (Paco Pads)
- Eating utensils
- Transportation
- Beverages such as water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and Gatorade
- Nutritious meals and snacks starting with lunch on your first day, to lunch on the last day.
- Professional and licensed river guides with wilderness medicine certification
- Interpretation of the river and surrounding areas
Your responsibility
On FLOW river trips, it is your responsibility to come prepared and follow our backcountry operating policies. Overall, respect the land, guides, and your fellow river runners!
- PFDs (Lifejackets) must be always worn correctly on boats, and while swimming.
- Shoes/sandals with a heel strap must be always worn while on the boats, and at camp.
- FLOW river trips are an extension of Fort Lewis College, and therefore we adhere to the FLC Drug, Alcohol, and Tabacco policy.
- Thoroughly inspect and set up your gear before trusting it. Personal tents MUST be set-up and inspected before departure.
- Self-care and safety are your responsibility. It is important to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and inform the guide team of any medical situations.
- Listen to your Trip Leader and Guide Team. Our ultimate priority is to ensure the safety of the group, and we will advise you on how to be safe in the backcountry.
- Inform us of any dietary accommodations when you register. We craft a custom menu that is specific to the dietary needs of the group, so it is crucial that you let us know beforehand!
- Inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions that could impact your trip.