Ceiba’s Recommendations for Basic Necessities

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The list below highlights our recommended gear for your journey down river. It is impossible to perfect a list of things to bring–each day in the desert environment is different and brings its own set of challenges. Please consider what will be important to you and pack accordingly!

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Raingear: Rain jacket or a well fitted paddling jacket and pants are a necessity, not only for rain, but also for shedding water in the rapids. Don’t skimp on the cost of nice rain gear. A lightweight jacket is nice to take hiking as well.

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Long Pants: Lightweight, nylon, airy pants, especially for sun protection. Quick-drying khakis or surgical scrubs are ideal. A pair of heavy long pants are nice for warmth in cool weather.

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Shorts: Casual everyday nylon fast drying shorts are a must on the river.

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Shirts: Nylon is recommended, along with several long sleeved shirts for sun protection. Bring one warm long-sleeved shirt as well. In summer, cotton is great for keeping you cool when it’s wet. Check out your local thrift store for these great shirts!

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Jacket: This should be of a synthetic fabric that dries quickly, with pockets for your hands.

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Socks: Wool or synthetic blends are recommended.

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Footwear: One pair of river shoes, one pair of lightweight hiking boots & one pair of flip flops or sandals (Teva and Chaco are favorites). Wetsuit socks are nice to use on the inside of your tennis shoes for the river.

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Headwear: A wide brimmed, lightweight sunhat is highly recommended. A wool beanie is good in any season, just in case.

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Gloves: Warm Gloves, lightweight sun gloves, or even hiking gloves.

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Base Layer: At least two pair of capilene underwear (tops and bottoms) are recommended on the river. There are different weights to choose from: light, medium or expedition depending on the time of year. These are a great base layer in camp or on the river.

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Bathing suits: For swimming in side streams and bathing in the river.

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Sleep Kit: This should include sleeping bag, sheet, sleeping pad, tarp and pillow. A sheet is key during the hot months. These items are available to rent from Ceiba!

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Tent: A 3-season tent is highly recommended to bring along or rent from Ceiba. Most nights you’ll likely want to sleep out under the stars!

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Toilet kit: Should include a small towel and washcloth, toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, mirror, tweezers, etc. Lotion/salve is essential for dry & chapped skin.

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Water bottles: Two one-liter bottles are nice. Bring extras if you plan on doing long hikes.

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Sunglasses/Prescription Lenses: Bring a sunglasses case, a retaining strap, and if relevant, spare prescription glasses or contact lenses.

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Sunscreen: Please bring plenty of sunscreen.

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Headlamp & Spare Batteries: A headlamp is invaluable, a must! We recommend bringing two.

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Carabiners: Nice to have a couple for clipping water bottles and miscellaneous items on to your load (boatmen especially).

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Tupperware style container: This option is great for left overs and packed lunches.

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Recommended Gear for Fall through Spring Trips (October – April) 
In addition to the items above, the following things should be included:

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• One pair of wet suit booties

• One fleece or wool hat

• One pair of fleece or wool gloves

• One pair of fleece pants

• Drysuits – highly recommended for passengers on winter trips! Rentals are available through Olympic Outdoor Center, Pacific River Supply, Kayak Academy or Immersion Research

• Rubber boots are a must for winter! Your dry, warm toes will thank you at camp!

• Paddle jacket/paddle pants

• Comfortable & dry cotton clothes to wear in camp

• One extra set of synthetic underwear (mid-weight)

• One extra fleece top

• Two to three extra pairs of socks

• Extra headlamp batteries

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Optional Items:

• Waterproof guidebook of the river – available at Ceiba!

• Your personal life jacket: must be a USCG Type III or V (we rent Type V life jackets and they are included at no charge in the Whole Shabang!)

• Small binoculars

• Musical instrument

• Pocket knife

• Small roll of duct tape (although please no duct tape on rental gear)

• Ziploc bags (included with a Ceiba food pack)

• Liquor (plastic bottles)

• Thermos (cooler months)

• Camera (lots of memory/batteries)

• Music playing device, bluetooth speaker, chargers/batteries

• Waterproof case for electronics or other valuables

• Highly recommended - External battery pack/charger for all your small electronics