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What You, Our Lovely Guests, Should Pack & Bring on Your Next River Trip

a path with trees on the side of a mountain

We Are Grateful to You Our Guests

Dvorak Expeditions is so grateful for our guests, as they have been with us throughout our 44 years of sharing River Magic with thousands of adventurers. You have come to enjoy the beauty of the river, the thrill of the rapids, and the serenity of the experience. You have shared the stories, laughter, and tears with us and have become part of the DVK family. You have also shared your knowledge and experience, teaching us things we never knew and helping us grow and improve.

It is our guests who have kept us going and kept us motivated through the years, and for that, we are so very thankful. You have become the reason that makes Dvorak Expeditions great. Without you, we would not have the lasting memories you have continued to share over these years. We are proud to have shared these years with you and look forward to many more shared experiences and memories. Let us carry the river magic forward to the new generations and beyond.

Things to Pack & Bring On Your Next River Trip

Whether you are a family rafting on the Colorado River – Little Gore Canyon or feeling the rush of whitewater on the famous Arkansas River’s Browns Canyon National Monument or enjoying one of our multi-sport adventures, you’ll need to be aware of certain things in advance, so that your experience is even better. Hence, here are some of the things you must pack for your multi-day river rafting trip!  Visit our trip planning page for more details.

Personal Items

These are a few of the personal items suggested for your trip, such as clothing items that are layered for varied temperatures, compact fast-dry towels, rain gear, solar charger (such as a Goal Zeros 24 flip), eco-friendly toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medications you may need.

River Gear

DVK will provide all the necessary boating and safety gear. No need to be concerned, we have you covered on boats, paddles, life jackets, helmets, first-aid kits, and any other river gear to make your trip worry-free.

Food and Drink

Warning: you might gain weight on your trip (sorry, not sorry). Meals are prepared by your guide/chefs and are hearty, fresh, and very tasty. Special diets are no problem, just let us know before your arrival. We may request you to provide some items for extreme diets. You will be amazed at the amount of food and drinks we’ll take for your trip, including snacks, meals, and drinks. Don’t be surprised if you see 20 or more dozen eggs for a 5-day trip!

Emergency Supplies

You might like to bring a map of the river available for purchase at these stores; REI, Northwest River Supply, a whistle, a flashlight or head torch, a small pocket knife, and a small basic first-aid kit for little ‘owies’.

Toiletries and More

True essentials you need to pack for your rafting trip are sunscreen and a good water bottle to stay hydrated. And, yes to be your best self-review the prepare-to-go page for all the details of personal items best suited for the 2-5 days on the river. Ziplock bags are key to storing your products, medicines, and other small personal items.

River Goddess Supplies

A few things to make you feel pampered just a little. Your fast-dry clothing fabrics can include a sarong or skirt, a summer dress for a campsite at cocktail hour, some sunscreen lotions, and facial wipes for a clean refresh before bed. We have you covered for personal hygiene questions and privacy at the ‘Groover’ when Ms.-Flo occurs during your trip. See our packing lists for your trip planning.

Entertainment

You can bring items such as books, a journal or sketch pad, waterproof cards, and a cribbage board, and DVK will have river games at camp or join in a morning yoga stretch. River time is what each day will bring, exciting whitewater, side canyon hikes, reflection by the river, singing at the campfire with the river tribe, and a nap under a cottonwood tree. There will be plenty of opportunities if you are so inclined to join.

Some Things Not to Bring on the River Trip

When packing for your river trip, it’s important to remember that packing the right items is essential for a safe and fun experience. Here are a few items that you should avoid bringing on your river trip.

Cheap Sandals, Plastic Poncho, etc.

Don’t bring soap and sunblock that is not eco-friendly, CHUM-free eyewear because they are not river-proof, blue tooth speakers (we rely on our singing voices to bring you musical delights), phones, and/or cameras NOT in a waterproof container.

Valuables

It is best to leave valuable items, such as jewelry, cash, and electronics, at home or safekeeping at your pre/post lodging. These items may be lost or damaged and can be difficult to replace after your river trip.

Glass Containers

Fragile glass containers can easily break during the journey and can be dangerous if they break in the water or your dry bag.  Decant any spirits to a non-breakable container.  All beverages need to be in cans or plastic containers.

Pets

While some rivers may permit pets, others do not. It is best to leave your most loved companion with Aunt Jenny or give them a doggy spa break during your river trip.

 

Many Good Reasons to Take a River Trip Once in Your Life

Spending time on the river can be an incredibly freeing experience. The gentle rhythm of the current and the beauty of nature surrounding you can make it easy to forget the worries of everyday life and a chance to connect with a starry night, see the moon’s phases change, and travel at the speed of 3 miles per hour. You will enter river-time and be humbled by the ‘Rivermagic’. You will foster friendships and strengthen family ties. After a few days, you’ll become a tribe of river people. Unplugged from gadgets and habits and instead you will arrive at camp for another fantastic meal prepared by DVK and be entertained by their most wonderful crew. With Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions, you can experience this firsthand. From rafting to fishing, we can help you escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the serenity of the river. Contact Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions at 1-719-539-6851 worldwide and 1-800-824-3795 toll-free to start your river adventure.

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