Required Equipment
A Park Ranger may inspect your boat for required equipment while you are on the river. The following equipment is essential for a safe river trip:
- Boat—Canoes, kayaks, or heavy duty inflatable rafts.
- Life jackets—One U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person. Must be worn on class II or greater water (International Scale). Must be worn on inner tubes or air mattresses.
- Each group must also carry an extra (Type I, III, or V) PFD.
- Paddles/Oars—Each vessel (except inner tubes and air mattresses) must carry an extra paddle or oar, except for kayaks, which must carry one extra paddle per party.
- Patch kit/pump—All inflatable vessels, except inner tubes and air mattresses, must carry a patch kit and pump. Know how to use patch kit.
- Waste System— A personal chemical bagged waste containment system, or a RV dump station compatible waste system. You may be able to rent a system through local outfitters.
- Fire Pan—Each overnight boat group must carry a fire pan with a 2 inch minimum rim.
Recommended Items
The following gear is recommended to increase safety, reduce impacts to the environment, and make your trip more enjoyable:
- First aid kit—to handle major and minor emergencies.
- Communications Device: It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that overnight river trips have a communication device that will work outside of cell coverage. A Satellite phone, InReach, or other satellite based system will ensure communication in case of an emergency, or to notify others of itinerary changes.
- Plastic trash bags—carry out all trash.
- Safety line—rope length 50'-100' and 3/8" diameter. Carry tie-downs to secure gear in vessel(s).
- Bailing bucket—to remove water from inside vessel(s).
- Water-tight containers—to keep food, clothing, gear dry.
- Flashlight.
What do the rangers bring on river trips?
List of required, recommended and optional equipment
