If you sign up for a commercial raft trip, your outfitter will undoubtable send you a packing list. Read it! I'm amazed how many folks never pay attention to these suggestions.

Here are some of my thoughts on what to bring along:

• Most waterproof river clothing bags will hold slightly more than a large brown paper grocery bag. You'll probably get an ammo can too. The ammo can is about the size of a shoe box, and is intended for cameras and toiletries. If you're a serious photographer, consider bringing your own ammo can (or heavy duty waterproof camera box) with ample padding. A typical 35mm camera & film will take up all the room in one ammo can, so you may want the extra space.
• If you're traveling in the hot summer months, bring a bed sheet. You may find it's too hot to crawl inside a sleeping bag when you first go to bed, and a sheet provides just the right amount of cover.
• Bring good quality rain gear. Many people make the mistake of thinking rain gear is for rain. Wrong! Sometimes outfitters hesitate to emphasize how wet you'll get riding in the boat. A rain jacket and pants will keep you relatively dry and warm on when running rapids in cool mornings and shady afternoons. Don't neglect this point. It's critical!
• Make sure you have a backpacking tent, either your own or one provided by the company (Call the outfitter and find out if they carry tents which they'll distribute if the weather turns wet. If they do, this will save you the trouble of packing your own tent). If they weather turns rainy, a tent can make the difference between a miserable trip and a fun adventure. Keep in mind many Grand Canyon beaches are small, and you'll be shoulder to shoulder with your comrades. A tent can provide a little bit of privacy if this is important to you. However, when the weather is clear and hot, your tent can become a mini-sauna, and you'll probably prefer sleeping under the stars.
• Bring two hats, one to wear and a spare. Many hats are lost to the river in gusty winds. My preference is a broad brimmed style hat for maximum sun protection.
• Pack plenty of lotion and sunscreen. Your skin will look like lizard flesh in a couple days, so bring a big bottle of lotion. And remember, you're outside all the time, so bring lots of sunscreen and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and lightweight long pants to cover up when you really need a break from the sun.
• Plenty of film, and a waterproof camera (even disposable cameras take good shots, and its nice to have a cheap camera you can expose to the elements for shots on the raft or on wading hikes)
• Baby wipes are handy for quick clean-ups, especially if it's chilly and you don't want to bath in the River (water temperature is about 50 degrees!) or if the river is muddy.
• If you're a snacker who gets hungry easily, you might consider bringing a few granola or power bars (or similar non-meltable) snacks in case lunch or dinner is late. Don't pack chocolate on mid-summer trips. It will turn into a gooey mess if not kept in a cooler!
• If you carry a prescription medicine (i.e. insulin) bring two separate packages so you'll have a spare in case you lose your medication out of your daypack while hiking. In addition, then you can split your medication between two row boats (in case one goes over).
• Bring duplicates of key items like prescription glasses & sunglasses. If photos are important to you, a back-up camera is a good idea.
• Optional items: solar shower, compact folding "Crazy Creek" style camp chair, reading material, sketchpad, or journal.
• A tip from my physician friend Roger: Bring along a tube of antifungal cream (i.e.Lotrimin or Mycelex) to combat the "diaper rash" that may occur from wearing wet river shorts.
• Ask your doctor to recommend an all-around antibiotic to carry for emergency treatment of skin or wound infections.
• Pack a personal supply of laxative and Pepto-Bismal or Immodium just in case the river diet doesn't agree with your system.

  Here are some tips to make sure you have a great trip:

• Even if you've filled out a medical release form and mailed it to your outfitter, inform your trip leader of your medical concerns at the beginning of the trip. They'll be looking out for you, and knowing in advance that you've got a medical condition (i..e. diabetes) can be invaluable.
• Drink plenty of water if you're on a hot trip. "Plenty" means a gallon a day if you're hiking, slightly less if you're just sitting on the raft. Don't figure beer or soda pop as part of your gallon of liquid.
• Even if the heat robs your appetite, don't stop eating. You need food to keep your strength up and your electrolytes balanced.