Functional Footwear Facts for Your Grand Canyon Whitewater Trip

Take a minute to consider your footwear for your upcoming Grand Canyon Raft trip. There are a few different aspects that you need to consider when making your choices. One of the more important things to realize is that most every hike or walk that you go on, will probably encounter water. You will almost always walk through or swim through some water while you have your shoes on, so, you probably don't want to bring your good hiking boots. The footwear that you do bring should:

1) Be comfortable wet or dry.

2) Have good traction on land and on the boat.

3) Have enough support to hold them to your feet while scrambling on rocks or around the boat.

I've done 40 or 50 Grand Canyon river trips and I don't ever take sneakers. I take 2 pairs of sandals. Something like Tevas or Chacos. (One of my pairs I bought at Target and they have lasted 10 trips and are still going strong.) They have straps over the toes and around my ankle from behind my heel. I can tighten them so that I can climb rocks and hike in them. They are rubber so that I can get them wet, they still have good traction and are comfy.

You may want to bring sneakers. We have a "Shoe Bag" on the boat for you to keep them in if you want them during the day. Just remember the whole water everywhere thing. Some people like the support of dry sneakers for in camp at night. You'll pack those in your personal bag. Campsites are often on very fine sand. Footwear that traps the sand can get uncomfortable. Flip-flops are very workable for camp too.

Critically important --- break in your footwear before you get to the river. Even if you have had them for a long time, wear them and soften them up again before your trip. If you don't want to do this then bring socks to wear to protect all those blisters you will undoubtedly develop. Socks may look really geeky with sandals but at least you will be able to walk. Sometimes the sand causes even well broken-in shoes to rub your feet and cause problems. We have lots of band aids to take care of you!

So that's a little more insight on footwear appropriate for your upcoming Grand Canyon adventure. There's lots to do and see and you'd like to be comfortable doing it all. Check our online store for footwear and other helpful river gear.

River Fashionista Tips from Arizona River Runners – Function Follows Fashion!

So you are heading out on a rafting trip and are wondering what to wear. We all want to look great in those vacation photos (check these out and post your own on Flickr), so here are some head-to-toe tips for packing light and staying comfortable throughout your ARR experience.

You will be out in the sun. That means you may want to wear a hat, especially if you are follically challenged. But even for those with a full head of hair, a brim helps keep the sun out of your eyes. Your hat should have a strap, because you don't want to lose it if the water gets wild or the wind kicks up.

Quick-drying nylon shorts and bathing suits are great, but being out in the sun means you'll need protection for your skin. Nylon pants and a light nylon, cotton or quick-drying long sleeved shirt are great for layering in case you start to burn.

For cooler times and rainy weather, a lightweight fleece or fleece lined will help you keep cozy. Rain gear is a MUST! Look for quality pieces that are waterproof, not just water resistant. The point is to stay dry! Pants and jackets with elastic cuffs at the ankle and sleeve work best. A jacket with a hood will keep you much dryer than a poncho, and really a jacket is so much more fashionable. Ponchos are so last year.

Bring two pairs of shoes - it's nice to have dry feet in camp, and you'll need to wear shoes on the raft, which will get wet. Tennis/athletic shoes are recommended, and you can bring sturdy sports sandals with heel straps (no flip flops). Red Rock Outfitters has some great options. Think Teva, Chaco, Merrill - you know outdoorsy. This is the Grand Canyon we're talking about! Socks are nice for camp, and also if you develop sore spots from any of your shoes. In any case, try to bring shoes that are already broken in and comfy.

Don't be tempted to wear a different outfit in every photo. Really! Everyone will be wearing the same thing more than once, getting sand on their stuff, and hanging things out to dry. It's just the way we roll. Pack light in a soft gym-type bag and we'll pack it into our waterproof bags before we head out.

Once you're signed up for a trip, we'll send you a complete packing list. If you want to get a sneak peek of the best in river fashion, check out Red Rock Outfitters.

Arizona River Runners Early Season Trip Information!

Because you trip is earlier in the season of our Grand Canyon rafting trips, we would like to suggest a few additional clothing items. The weather at this time is usually very pleasant, but we always have the slightest possibility of a late storm moving through the area. If this occurs, these additional items will come in very handy. We strongly suggest you bring them, and then be happy when you don't have to use them!

• Polypropylene or Capilene long underwear (tops and bottoms) - you can get these pretty much anywhere, major retailers, camping or sporting goods stores
• Wool hat - just an old ski cap will do.
• Wool or Polypropylene socks
• Gloves - wool gloves are good. You might also consider another pair of gloves to wear on the raft. There are neoprene gloves that are water resistant, again major retailers, sporting and camping stores should carry a pair of these for under $25.
• A pair of fleece pants are also helpful.

The layered clothing approach works well if it gets cold. The long underwear followed by fleece pants, fleece sweater or warm jacket and the good quality rain gear as the last main layer will work well. With the addition of the hat and gloves, you should be set for any weather conditions!

Flushing Out the Facts About the Toilet on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

A Room With a View

You may be wondering how our trip participants go to the bathroom – it is a very common question that we get asked. You have nothing to worry about when you come on one of our awesome trips because we provide you with a safe and clean place to go to the bathroom. The toilet is always the first thing that is set up in camp and the last thing loaded back on the boat when we leave – we even have a special key system to ensure your privacy. Our guides will give you a full explanation of everything to guarantee a pleasant experience.

Personal hygiene and sanitation are a big concern. To address this issue, there are two mandatory hand-wash systems set up in camp.

Don’t worry too much, Arizona River Runners takes care of all your personal needs. Call us for more intimate details: 1-800-477-7238

Recent Equipment Upgrades | Grand Canyon River Trip

Arizona River Runners has always strived to make sure our guests are as comfortable as possible on their Grand Canyon Rafting adventures. Recent equipment purchases and substantial redesign of our motorized rafts were done with our passengers comfort in mind. Come see why we call it "high-tec camping."

This year we're going to take "roughin' it" to a less literal place with some very welcomed adjustments to our gear.

For more info about our 2009 trips visit our website.

* New above ground cots for all motorized trips
* New larger tents with two doors
* Improved seating arrangements on rafts with thicker pads for your comfort