What should I take on a river trip?

From BluWiki

The answer to this questions depends very much on what you are doing, where you are going and what you role is on the trip.

This post is aimed at a beginner coming on a shortish trip on a not to serious river with the focus being on personal kit:

The main issue with any overnight paddling trip is space and weight, if you what it to come you or someone on the trip needs to paddle it down the river. So you don't what to bring too much stuff, with that said not bringing enough can also be a bad idea.

[edit] River Kit:

This is stuff you will be wearing or using on the river, hence it gets wet. The two most important pieces of kit are a lifejacket and helmet, if you are using club ones make sure that they are in decent condition and are coming along

For river clothes, natural fabrics tend to not be idea, cotton for example stays wet and can make you cold, it is also difficult to swim in. However often people will only have a T-shirt to paddle in, and that will be ok as long as it is not a cold river.

Better fabrics are non-natural, such as Polypropylene. Lycra can be useful if heat is an issue.

River shoes should be worn, slops are generally a poor choice. I find old tackies or booties to be the best.

Don't forget sun cream, sunburn tends to be rather brutal on the river. Don't forget to sun cream places that may not usually be burnt, such as the upper thigh (sit in a croc, you'll understand).

If you want to bring a camera, medicine, cigarettes, etc. Think about how you are going to keep it dry, space could be made in the first aid box for medicine (if it is important).

Don't bring more than one set of river kit (unless for different conditions), just wear the previous days.

[edit] Natural Fabrics:

If you're into old school - Wool works. A bit bulky though...

[edit] Off river kit:

The aim here is to keep warm, without being too bulky.... a paradox. If it is not likely to be really cold you will not need your ski jacket you got in Switzerland. A warmish long top should do the trip, I find thermal tops give the best warmish to weight ratio.

If you are really cold either: get in your sleeping bag, cuddle, or drink more. If you are really cold tell someone on the trip!

[edit] Miscellaneous:

Torch: once again not too big. Insect repellant Any medicine Toothbrush (your luxury item)

[edit] Waterproofing:

There are many expensive water proof bags and boxes you can buy, If you are on a trip for the first or second time you probably do not have these, not you should go out and buy them.

Ziplock bags and garbage bags work well to water proof your kit, it is better to water proof on the side of the river. Remember to double our even triple bag.

[edit] Rain:

Bring some form of rain jacket, drymacs work double as warm kit but are not all that water proof. Ponchos are good, if you have a survial bag it is not a bad idea to bring it. Sleeping in the rain can be unpleasant if unprepared, keep in mind that if you are paddling a river it generally means that there is a good chance of it raining. Look at the chances of it raining when choosing what to bring