Pack these items! If you don’t have, borrow; if you can’t borrow, buy. Before I leave the house, I pack the subheading items in the bags in the headings so everything is pre-packed for the canyon.

• [ ] Canyon pack

  A large backpack is needed to hold your gear in the canyon / in the hike in. If it’s your first canyon, try to find an experienced person who is willing to hold your gear in canyon and bring a hiking backpack. If you’re a bit more experienced, bring a dry bag or 40L pack with drainage holes.

  Example gear (nicest): https://www.adventure.plus/shop/Canyoneering/Canyoneering-Packs/p/Rodcle-Takamaka-55L-Pack-x12766274.htm

  Difficulty to borrow: EASY

  • [ ] Wetsuit

    I run medium-temperature and I’m happy in a 4.3mm full-length wetsuit in nearly every canyon I run. I modulate temperature with a rain jacket in cold air temps. If you run significantly hot or cold, consider a 1mm thicker or thinner full-body wetsuit. I recommend buying a cheap or used wetsuit as it’ll get really scraped up.

    Example gear: https://www.amazon.com/Lemorecn-Surfing-Wetsuit-Neoprene-MC0401-4XL/dp/B0CBN914JR/ref=sr_1_6?crid=5WZGGHXGV50N&keywords=4.3%2Bwetsuit&qid=1704931847&sprefix=4.3%2Bwe%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-6&th=1

    Difficulty to borrow: HARDER

  • [ ] Neoprene socks

    3mm neoprene booties / socks. Thicker if cold, wool socks can sub for warmer canyons.

    Example gear: https://www.amazon.com/sspa/click?ie=UTF8&spc=MTo4MDE0MDc5ODQxMzMzMDEwOjE3MDQ5MzE4OTQ6c3BfYXRmOjMwMDAxOTE3MDk2MjAwMjo6MDo6&url=%2FOMGear-Neoprene-Booties-Stitched-Anti-Slip%2Fdp%2FB08TMBJ3PP%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fcrid%3D622LCNAUCL3A%26keywords%3Dneoprene%2Bsocks%26qid%3D1704931894%26sprefix%3Dneopre%252Caps%252C190%26sr%3D8-1-spons%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY%26psc%3D1

    Difficulty to borrow: HARDER

  • [ ] Water bottle

    1.5-2L for full day canyon.

  • [ ] Helmet

    Example gear: https://www.rei.com/product/155058/black-diamond-half-dome-helmet

    Difficulty to borrow: MEDIUM

  • [ ] Whistle

    Example gear (nicest): https://www.adventure.plus/shop/c/p/Rodcle-Whistle-x51003330.htm

    Difficulty to borrow: EASY

  • [ ] Approach shoes

    Any shoes with sticky rubber (trax, stealth, etc.). It’s possible to do canyons without them but you will have a way, way better time if you do! Will be required for many swiftwater canyons.

    Example gear: https://www.evolvsports.com/en-us/zender-leather-womens-66-0000004715?c=1517946

    Difficulty to borrow: HARD

  • [ ] Loaded harness

    • [ ] Cow’s tail

      There are many types of personal anchor, but easiest iteration of this is a mid-length sling and locking carabiner.

      Sling: https://www.rei.com/product/755451/metolius-18mm-nylon-sling

      Difficulty to borrow: EASY

    • [ ] Rope knife - optional for beginners

      Example gear: https://www.adventure.plus/shop/Canyoneering/Knives/p/Gerber-Remix-SE-x16227106.htm

      Difficulty to borrow: MEDIUM

    • [ ] Critter

      Example gear: https://www.adventure.plus/shop/Canyoneering/Rappel-Devices/p/Imlay-CRITR3-Rappel-Device-x17404209.htm

      Difficulty to borrow: EASY

    • [ ] Glove

      Optional, but you will probably have a better time. Any kind of rappel / gardening / work gloves will work.

      Difficulty to borrow: EASY

    • [ ] Butt pad

      Not strictly required for canyons with no technical downclimbing or stemming, but will help protect your harness and pants from getting scrapped up.

      Example gear: https://www.adventure.plus/shop/Canyoneering/Harnesses/p/Imlay-ScuttleButt-x13922322.htm

      Difficulty to borrow: MEDIUM

    • [ ] Ascenders

      Prussik loope made from 5-6mm accessory cords are your best bet

      Difficulty to borrow: EASY

  • [ ] Rigging gear - not needed for beginners

    • [ ] Rope in rope bag
    • [ ] Webbing
    • [ ] Quick links
    • [ ] Fiddle stick
    • [ ] 8
    • [ ] Slings

  • [ ] Canyon keg

    If your canyon bag is waterproof or you’re having someone else carry your gear this isn’t required

    Example gear (nicest): https://www.adventure.plus/shop/Canyoneering/Drybags-and-Kegs/p/Imlay-Canyon-Keg-Large-x12765914.htm

    Difficulty to borrow: MEDIUM

    • [ ] Beta - not needed for beginners

    • [ ] Plastic bags

    • [ ] Phone

    • [ ] Extra shirt / rain jacket

      Example gear: https://www.amazon.com/FROGG-TOGGS-Ultra-lite2-Waterproof-Breathable/dp/B00CLVM5V8/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2LHB87R98VQO&keywords=frogg+toggs+rain+jacket+men&qid=1704932741&sprefix=frogg+to%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-5

      Difficulty to borrow: EASY

    • [ ] Headlamp

      Example gear: https://www.rei.com/product/202759/black-diamond-cosmo-350-r-headlamp

      Difficulty to borrow: EASY

    • [ ] Med bag

      I carry ibuprofen, athletic tape, a hairtie, chapstick, and prescription meds.

    • [ ] Lunch - below are suggestions

      • [ ] Cookies
      • [ ] Bars
      • [ ] Salty snacks
      • [ ] Cheese
      • [ ] Electrolyte

• [ ] Sleep duffel - overnight trips only

  • [ ] Tent
  • [ ] sleeping bag
  • [ ] sleeping pad
  • [ ] Pillow
  • [ ] Warm clothes
  • [ ] PJs
  • [ ] Canyon + hiking clothes
  • [ ] Underwear + bra
  • [ ] Socks
  • [ ] Approach shoes
  • [ ] Toiletries bag

• [ ] Camp box - overnight trips only

  • [ ] Camp chair
  • [ ] Stove
  • [ ] Backpacking food bag
  • [ ] Pots
  • [ ] Cutting board
  • [ ] Knife
  • [ ] Kitchen towel
  • [ ] Propane
  • [ ] Spatula
  • [ ] Day 2 Lunch
  • [ ] Tea mug

• [ ] Food bag - overnight trips only

  • [ ] Breakfast
  • [ ] Dinner

• [ ] Personal bag / wear

  • [ ] Phone
  • [ ] Wallet
  • [ ] Keys
  • [ ] Water
  • [ ] Dry clothes (if cold)
  • [ ] Small towel
  • [ ] Book
  • [ ] Camp clothes
  • [ ] Sandals
  • [ ] Headlamp