The River Trip Packing List
From river-wear to camping gear, we’ve spent years experimenting and perfecting our packing list. These are our recommendations for items to bring, items to leave behind and how to prepare so all your gear is adventure ready. Jump to the Packing Checklist.
Middle Fork Adventures Provides:
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Wetsuits & Splash Gear
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Personal Floatation Device (aka life jacket)
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Helmet
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Camp Bag: Big Dry Bag
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Day Bag: Smaller Bag
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Tent
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Sleeping Bag & Pillow
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Sleeping Pad & Cot
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Camp Chair
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Camp Cup
Camp Bag
This is the big bag that will hold all of your camping essentials.
The camp bag is a large roll top bag that we provide for you. During the trip this bag will likely travel on a separate boat than you, and will not be accessible during the day. Think of it as your "checked luggage." It will be waiting for you at camp each afternoon. Before your trip, a guide will meet you and your group and discuss effective packing and organizing strategies.
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The items that go in the Camp Bag are:
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Sleeping bag, pad, and pillow (MFA Provides)
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Extra river clothes and gear
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Camp clothes
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Camp shoes
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Toiletries
Day Bag
This is the small bag that will go with you on the boat every day.
The day bag is a smaller waterproof bag that will travel with you on the raft. Think of this as your "carry on luggge." This is where you will pack daily essential items and layers.
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The items that generally go in this bag are:
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Sunscreen
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Chapsick
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Camera
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Raincoat/Splash Gear
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Warm Jacket
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Other Items such as; medications, binoculars, river map, warm hat, neoprene booties and gloves
To prepare for your trip, we recommend packing in a soft duffel bag with packing cubes/organizational bags. Rolling travel bags may not come on the river and can be difficult to store during your trip.
Please do not pack more than 30 pounds of personal clothing and gear. All of your clothing should fit in a mid-size duffle bag such as this Cotopaxi duffle​.
Example of packing cubes.
Packing into cubes is a great way to stay organized on the river.
Example of a 32L soft sided duffle bag.
This bag is the right size to fit into your large camp bag.
The Check List
Keep Calm, and Pack on!
Two adventures who understood the assignment! Quick dry, sun protective clothing, sun glasses with retainers, reusable water bottles, secure foot wear and socks, and big smiles!
*Beverages can be brought with you or purchased in Stanley or Salmon, Idaho. Please buy sodas, soda water and beer in alluminum cans. Bringing wine and liquor in glass is OK. We encourage you to bring a little more than you might typically consume. You're on vacation!
Three kiddos with excellent camp style. Camp shoes for playing and exploring, cotton tees, comfy pants and shorts, and most importantly SNACKS!
What to Leave at Home:
Jewelry and Fancy Watches
While we understand hesitation about taking off your precious jewelry like your wedding ring, we would hate to have your adventure tarnished by the loss of such a valuable. Unless your watch is waterproof, we recommend leaving it at home.
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Anything you wouldn’t want to lose, get sandy or wet.
Pro Tips:
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Our trip dates span from spring through fall, so temperatures and water levels can change dramatically trip to trip. If you have any questions about specific trip conditions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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MFA provides top of the line equipment for our guests. However, if you’d prefer to use your own gear, please let us know ahead of time.
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If it is a liquid, pack it in a zip-lock and avoid potential in-luggage tragedies.
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Think about how you typically like to dress and what you are comfortable in.
If you have any questions! We are here to help!
