WHAT TO PACK

A Word On Valuables:

We accept no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, any valuables or equipment while on the trip. As with all adventure travel, it is best to leave unnecessary valuables at home or in a safe at your hotel.

Cameras: We ask that you bring only one camera. Any camera may be bashed about on a rafting/canoeing/ kayaking trip and it is easy to get them damp. Although all care is taken, we cannot be responsible for damage to cameras. If bringing an SLR, please keep extra lenses to a minimum. Disposable, waterproof cameras now available produce good results at a cheap cost. A worthwhile consideration - they are convenient and easy.

Glasses: People wearing glasses or sunglasses should tie them on with some elastic. This is something you can prepare before you go. Take a spare pair of glasses if you depend on them for survival or comfort. Contacts can be used if you close your eyes at the right times! Otherwise anticipate losing them.

Jewelry: Please do not wear necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc during the trip.

Equipment and Clothing Checklist:

On The River: All of the gear you wear on the river will get saturated. Where possible, it should all be quick-drying. We provide the wetsuit and paddling jacket described below.

Farmer-John Wetsuit (Provided)- long legs and sleeveless . This particular type of wetsuit is the best for rafting and one of your most important pieces of equipment. The long legs are needed for protection and the sleeveless suit allows for the freedom of movement of shoulders and arms. This is an essential piece of equipment and its importance cannot be over emphasized. Wetsuits are included and will be issued in Hobart, please advise your size (if known) when confirming your booking.
Waterproof Paddling Jacket/Cag (Provided) - Included in trip cost and will be issued at the pre departure briefing in Hobart, please advise your size (if known) when confirming your booking.
Two thermal tops - We recommend Polypropylene (or comparable synthetics), as this would be ideal under your wetsuit. Polypropylene does not absorb moisture and is extremely easy to dry. Modern fine wool thermals are excellent although they are a little more expensive. We recommend that at least one of these tops be “expedition weight.”
Thermal long johns - These may be used under your wetsuit during the day and will dry quickly for use around camp in the evening.
Fleece Jacket or Wool Shirt (lightweight) - Something not too bulky to paddle in on cooler days.
Footwear* - Dunlop Volley sandshoes (river shoes) with woollen, thermal or wetsuit socks are best. Wetsuit boots, while warm, are not good for walking on rocks. Other sandshoes are good alternatives to Dunlop Volleys.
Swimwear* - Under wetsuit gear. For women, a two-piece swimsuit is more convenient.
Lightweight nylon shorts - Wear on the seat of the wetsuit can be considerable.
Camera (optional) - We have one waterproof camera container on each boat, which we try to keep accessible at all times on the river. It is, however, not a big container, so a minimum amount of camera gear please! Remember that you bring a camera at your own risk.
Billed Cap - to wear under helmet for sun protection.
Sports Gloves or Sailing Gloves - to prevent blisters.

Off The River: One set of clothes and sleeping bag which, when compressed, must fit into the dry-bag (waterproof storage bag) which we provide you. The dry-bag will be a 50 liter bag, so you'll need to keep your gear as compact as possible. Excess gear can not be carried on the rafts. Gear may be left behind for pick up at the end of the Expedition.

Ground Sheet - a cheap polyester groundsheet, approximately 2m x 1m (7' x 3')
Sleeping bag* - Because space is limited, down bags are preferable but synthetic bags e.g. Dacron HoloFill are also suitable if you have a compression stuff sack or straps to reduce the size of the bag. Your sleeping bag must be tolerant to 0C/32F. COTTON SLEEPING BAGS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS TRIP! Sleeping Bags are available if needed; please contact our office if you are interested.
A good waterproof/windproof nylon, or Gore-Tex jacket* (Gore-Tex is better). This piece of equipment is for off-river use. It should be thigh-length with a hood, and unlined. Light nylon spray jackets are not suitable.
Liner sheet - for lining inside of your sleeping bag (optional)
Fleece jacket (ideal) or wool jumper - This should be separate and additional to the one you are bringing to wear on the river.
Thermal long-johns - These may be used in combination with sweatsuit bottoms. Long johns with over trousers are the best lightweight combination.
Underwear - 2 or 3 pairs maximum.
T-shirt x 1
Shirt/top, long sleeve wool or thermal
1 pair of compact, dry shoes - in addition to your on-river shoes to wear in camp
2 pairs of thick woollen socks
Sports Sandals or spare light shoes - can be worn on the river on hot days or around camp with socks when cold. Thongs or sandals (optional).
Woollen hat or balaclava
Waterproof over-pants (optional).
Three garbage bags. Large 80 liter garbage bags for wet gear and as a liner to your dry bag.

Note: One entire set of warm woollen and/or synthetic gear is mandatory for off river use. Cotton is not recommended as it dries slowly and draws heat out of the wearer when wet.

Other Equipment

Sun screen SP15 (a water resistant variety for rafting or kayaking trips).
Lip protectant or zinc cream.
Band-aid strips.
Moleskin (or similar) blister protection.
Insect repellent (insects aren't normally a problem)
Aspirin or equivalent headache remedy.
A mild anti-nausea drug if you are concerned about motion sickness.
Ti Tree soap or a mild antiseptic or biodegradable soap.
1 chamois towel is perfect (and worth bringing).
Garbage or plastic bags to put wet gear in.
Sunglasses with retention strap to prevent loss.
Spectacles or contacts if needed.
45spf Sunblock (optional)
A pocket knife
Lightweight flashlight or headlamp (small), and spare batteries (A Must!)
Personal toiletries* - please keep to an absolute minimum.
Therm-a-rest sleeping mat (optional but highly recommended)
Candles or candle lantern (optional).