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PACKING FOR A GORGE SCRAMBLE: For a gorge
scramble we pack light. Take a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses with the holding strap,
sunscreen, and mosquito and bug repellant (for hike in and out of the canyon - the
canyon bottom never has bugs). We recommend a long-sleeved shirt and pants for
protection from the brush, sun and poison oak. At the canyon bottom portion many
scramblers often change into shorts, tee shirts or swimsuits. The best choice for
footwear is a pair of high-topped athletic shoes for both the trail and canyon
bottom. A regular pair of tennis shoes or an old pair of hiking shoes will also
work. Open shoes or sandals are strongly discouraged. Most of these outings
have a lengthy climb out of the canyon, arriving at the exit trailhead; a complete
change of clothes can really be a welcome sight.
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PACKING FOR A DAY TRIP: In your day pack put one
quart of water or sports drink, a water filter device or iodine tablets, a small first
aid kit, a snake bite kit, matches, flashlight, lunch and if called for in the write-up,
an air mattress. Anything you wish to keep dry use a dry bag or multiple trash compactor
bags (one inside the other) and put drain holes in all compartments of your daypack.
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PACKING FOR OVERNITE TRIPS: All of the above comments
apply and add a lightweight sleeping bag. If the trip requires an air mattress it becomes
the sleeping pad. Bring a patch kit for air mattress. If no air mattress is required, bring a
foam pad.
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Pack two lunches, one breakfast and one
dinner. Breakfast and dinner are cooked on an open fire. If eating out of a can or just
need hot water an empty coffee can works well for this. Cooking a previously prepared menu
in aluminum toil and placed in the hot coals is also popular, however, time consuming. Your
overnight pack will be larger than your daypack. We recommend a single compartment ski-touring
type pack that rides fully below your shoulders and drain holes in all compartments. When you
are in the river, things just get wet! We strongly discourage frame packs. Again waterproof
with a large dry bag or use multiple trash compactor bags one inside the other.
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Optional items include a breakdown fly-fishing
rod and reel, camera, and a complete change of clothes for camp. All your gear can weigh no
more than 25 pounds! The weight of the pack is very important. You will find yourself
scrambling across wet rocks and the heavy pack will become very unwieldy, slow you down
and tire you out.
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Sunglasses are indispensable
as we tend to venture outdoors more often in the spring and summer. Choose
sunglasses which protect your eyes from excessive light and ultraviolet
radiation. Polycarbonate lenses, in Rx or over-the-counter sunglasses,
provide not only UV block, but also impact strength, light weight, and
scratch resistance. Have your eyes checked at reasonable intervals, generally
every 1-2 years. If there is a major problem, such as glaucoma, it is
best to detect and treat it early. Carry spare eyeglasses or sunglasses
when hiking or traveling. Hats can also be helpful to shade your eyes
from direct sun light. |
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