What to Pack for a Multi-Day River Trip: 11 Essentials for Maximum Comfort

What to Pack for a Multi-Day River Trip: 11 Essentials for Maximum Comfort

So your river trip is right around the corner. You’ve probably already received a packing list and maybe feel a little unsure. That’s normal!

Whilst looking at the packing you list you likely wondered one of two things:

• Do I really need all of this? (Yes—you do.)
• Is this everything? What would make this more comfortable?

This post is for the second question.

Over the years, I’ve figured out what really makes a difference when you’re living outside for days at a time. Not just what’s required, but what makes you feel comfortable, clean, and fully able to enjoy the experience!

First: Trust Your Packing List

Before anything else, bring everything your outfitter recommends.

These rivers are remote, multi-day wilderness trips on the iconic Idaho rivers: the Middle Fork and Main Salmon. Your packing list is designed to keep you safe and prepared.

Think of this guide as the “comfort upgrade” to what you’ve already been given! It’s worth it to add these items to your packing list… if they aren’t already on it.

11 Comfort Items That Make a Big Difference out on the River

1. A Backup Pair of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential on the river and easy to lose or break. Bringing a second pair ensures you’re not stuck squinting for days!

2. Comfortable Camp Shoes

At the end of the day, changing out of wet river shoes is a small luxury that feels huge. It is also really nice to have a different pair of shoes because if you get blisters, a switch-up is necessary!

• Warm trips: sandals or flip flops. We love the chaco flip flops.
• Cooler trips: something warm and easy to slip on. The teva slippers are 10/10. So are the Heydudes.

3. Cozy Clothes for Camp

Even though technical clothing is best during the day, comfort matters at camp. Yes, cotton-kills still rings true. But when you are at camp, a little cotton never hurt nobody!

A simple setup:

• Soft t-shirt
• Comfortable pants. I love my sweats out there or these awesome Rectrek pants from Outdoor Voices.
• Warm layer, I love to bring a hoody.

4. Body Wipes

Body wipes help you feel clean and reset at the end of the day. I use them everynight to clean myself off and really rub the sunscreen and dirt off of my face! Tip: choose unscented wipes so they’re gentle on skin and don’t attract bugs.

5. Lotion- Hands + Face

A small bottle of lotion goes a long way. I bring about a 3-6 oz bottle so I can lather up at the end of each day! It gets dry out there especially when you combine water, sun, wind and all of those outside elements. 

6. Lip Balm

Easy to forget, but you’ll notice quickly if you don’t have it. Sun and dry air can be tough on your lips.

7. A Good Hat

A hat that shades your face helps reduce sun exposure and keeps you more comfortable throughout long days on the water.

8. Carabiner

This might seem random, but it’s incredibly useful. It helps keep your gear organized and easy to access. I like to use the ones that can lock. You can find them here.

You can clip:

• Your water bottle
• Sandals
• Small bags

9. UPF Sun Shirt

A lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt is one of the best items you can bring.

It protects your skin while keeping you cool- and reduces the need for constant sunscreen reapplication. I live in my Free Fly’s all day every day out there.

10. A Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes

Simple but helpful. Use it to separate wet or sandy clothes from your dry items.

11. Sarong

A sarong is one of the most versatile things you can pack.

It can be used as:

• A towel
• A blanket
• A changing cover
• Sun protection
• A place to sit

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, pack what your list recommends, bring a few things that make you feel like yourself, and don’t overthink the rest.

River trips have a way of simplifying everything in the best way. Once you’re out there, floating through canyon walls and settling into camp each night, you’ll realize it’s not about having the perfect gear- it’s about being comfortable enough to fully enjoy where you are.

And the river tends to take care of the rest!

admin

Post Author