River packing list  

You’ll receive a waterproof ‘big dry’ bag that will be accessible only in camp.  However, your ‘ammo can’ and community ‘day dry’ bag contain personal articles that are only accessible at any time during the day.  When you receive your personal gear bag the night before the trips, please pack accordingly.

Quick tips:

  • Nylon, fleece, or other quick drying clothing is your friend and better than cotton.

  • Only bring what you need. Seriously, y’all.

  • No suitcases on the river. Please bring all items in a soft sided, gym style bag.

    This bag will go inside your waterproof bag (33″ high x 16″ round) provided by IRJ (your freshly laundered sleeping bag will be inside the dry bag.)

Once you arrive, the company will provide two different bags for your stuff:

  1. Big Overnight Bag = Provided
    Waterproof bag that will be accessible only in camp.

  2. Day Small Dry Bag = Provided
    Smaller dry bag to put things intuit you have access to throughout the day.

  3. NO PROVIDED, but I recommend getting: Tackle Box

    I use a small tackle box for things I for sure don’t want to get wet and I want easy access to. This can be things like medication, contact lenses, or special jewelry. I usually fit my toothbrush and other little toiletries in there.

Clothes

Prioritize moveable clothing. Doesn't have to be 'yoga' specific, but moveable clothing (warm/cold options) for morning and evening movement/meditation.

  • Long shorts

  • 1-2 pairs of leggings – moveable clothing

  • PJ's

  • 2-3 tanks/shirts

  • 2 sports bra

  • 2 swim suits

    Swimsuit-2 piece i.e sports bra and nylon shorts work best for women.

  • 3-4 undies

    Poly pro or other quick drying synthetic underwear (top and bottom) oh ya, no cotton

  • 3-4 pairs of socks

    1 waterproof pair

  • Warm sweatshirt or warm something

  • Board shorts

  • 1 long sleeve

  • Changing skirt or dress
    I use these on the river so much. You can change out of your suit easily and they're just comfy around camp. I find this applicable for all genders.

  • 1 pair of long pants

  • Rain jacket

  • Beanie

  • Hat

    With tie string and or bandanna

  • Gloves if hands are tender or subject to sunburn

  • Handkerchief

  • Sun shirt

  • Neoprene shorts/pants  
    Don't have to be neoprene, they're just usually better for all weather and water

  • Neoprene shirt/fleece jacket
    I usually use my neoprene top and capri bottoms for the early mornings on the river and then ditch the within an hour or two.

  • Fleece bottoms 

  • Flip flops/sandals (wear)

  • Extra bag for dirty clothes – this is a MUST for me. Makes a huge difference.

    Heavy duty plastic garbage bags for wet and or dirty clothes. There is no smell like week old “river marinade”( Heavy garbage bags also work as an emergency rain cover( paired with the suggested fanny pack you’ll look very fashionable.

Toiletries

  • Biodegradable soap and shampoo (to be honest, I NEVER wash my hair on the river, but… that may be a ‘me’ problem).

I like to put my liquids and other random small toiletry things into old prescription pill bottles. They pack light and are super water proof.

  • Contact solution if needed

  • Menstrual products if needed

  • Toothbrush/paste

  • Deodorant

  • Lotion

  • Sun block

  • Whatever pills/medications needed

  • Hair ties

  • Lip balm

  • Contact case w/ solution

  • Mirror

  • Face wipes

  • Hand wipes

Extras

  • Water bottle-Nalgene, Contigo, Hydro Flask, YETI

  • Insect repellent (Irritating insects, especially mosquitoes are rare on the Main Salmon but a small can or repellent is always a good idea.) There are bees and yellow jackets.

  • Travel pillow

  • Cash: For gratuities, souvenirs and snacks at some stops during and after trip.

  • EPI-PEN IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO BEE OR YELLOW JACKET STINGS

  • Art Supplies (optional)

    Could include:

    Whittling knife

    Watercolors

    Colored Pencils/Crayons, etc.

  • Journal and Pen

  • Yoga Mat

    Old, could-be-ditched-if-necessary

  • Head lamp

  • Towel

  • Book

  • Snacks - there is PLENTY of food and snacks, but if you have specific snack needs, feel free to bring them.

  • Fishing gear, if you’re into that sort of thing

  • Wallet

  • Phone - optional

  • 2 pairs of sun glasses + chums

  • Waterproof camera

  • Tissue

cold weather

IMPORTANT: We always hope for good weather, but be prepared for cold weather. This applies to ALL trips throughout the season.  We are in the mountains, so a rainstorm or cold front can come through even in July or August.  

  • Rain jacket

  • Down booties

  • Gloves

  • Ear warmer/beanie

  • Thermal pants

  • Thermos

  • Hand warmers (Weather)

Post-River

  • Outfit

  • Pillow

  • Water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Paper towels

  • Hand wipes

  • Ziplock bags

  • Small purse

Please call Idaho River Journeys - 208-756-8116 if you have any questions.