What you’ll need to be river-ready

Young girl looking out of a plane window

Packing Checklist

Download the GOALS Packing Checklist list to identify what you need to be safe and comfortable on your GOALS river expedition, and what you don’t need at all. Please contact us with any questions.

Download the checklist

Packing Considerations

Weather: Our suggestions may change slightly if the forecast calls for seven straight days of 100-degree heat versus a few days of cool, wet weather. Please check the local forecast for the region you’re traveling before you pack.

Weight Limits: If your expedition includes a flight (especially a small plane flight), please be aware of weight restrictions.

International Additions: GOALS international expeditions may need additional items including copies of passports and other important travel documents.

What NOT to Bring

Phones: Phones should stay behind. They can be left in the vehicle when we launch on the river, but will not accompany us and should not be relied on as a camera.

Alcohol or Illegal Substances: Anyone underage caught illegally possessing or using these substances will be removed from a youth program immediately, and will have a difficult conversation with their parents about who will pay for their helicopter ride out of the canyon. It’s not something we take lightly.

Anything valuable that can’t get wet or sandy.

What to Pack In

GOALS provides each participant with a soft duffle bag to pack their belongings. Before launch, every child also receives a large personal dry bag for use during the expedition. The soft duffle easily fits inside the dry bag, which is then securely stowed on the gear raft each day.

A smaller personal dry bag a bit larger than a shoe box will also be provided. This bag is intended to carry the small items you’ll need to access during the day such as sunscreen, lip balm, medications, a camera, rain gear, etc.

In addition to dry bags, GOALS will also provide each participant with a sleeping pad and tent to use during their expedition. Sleeping bags are generally not provided.

GOALS Youth River Expeditions is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 26-4664955) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.