Long-sleeved shirt and pant (sun protection)
Short-sleeved shirt
Shorts
Two pair of shoes (one for camp, one for hiking on land trips or that can get wet on river trips. Sandals with backs for camp or river trips is appropriate. Or that generation of shoe you would mow lawn wearing is perfect!)
Light jacket or sweater
Hat or cap (which will not blow away)
Day pack (land expeditions - large enough for water, your share of lunch, camera and stuff. River much smaller.)
Water bottle(s): 4 liter capacity for land expeditions; 1-2 liter for river
Towel (small hand towel) and biodegradable hand soap (ivory)
Flashlight - remember batteries!
Sunglasses with retainer strap
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and lip protection
Bathing suit
*Rain jacket or suit (rubberized, no ponchos)
Camera and film, camera battery?
Personal toiletries and medicines                         Guides recommend sarongs. Wet, sarongs cool you.
*Lightweight tent
*Sleeping bag and pad - plastic ground cloth to sleep under the sky

You may bring soft drinks, beer, wine or other special drinks in cans. NO GLASS containers.

*These items can be rented for a small fee from Tag-A-Long Expeditions with advance notice. Hats, sunglasses, river shoes, eyeglass retainers, sunscreen, lip balm, souvenir t-shirts, trip maps, and insect repellent are available for purchase at the Tag-A-Long Expeditions office. Moab has many stores where forgotten items can be purchased.

At some times of the year, wet suits may be required on river trips. You will receive notice of the trips that will require these. You may bring your own or Tag-A-Long Expeditions rents them for a small fee.


How do I pack my things?
We provide each guest with a rubber "duffle" bag for his or her clothing. These bags hold about as much as a king pillowcase. All gear (except for tent and a few personal items) must fit in the rubber bag. This bag is not accessible on the raft during the day. Your tent will be tarped in the dunnage stack. We also provide each person with a metal container for personal items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, etc. This container is available at all times during the trip.

Where can we leave items we are not taking on the expedition?
You can leave your luggage and valuables with your motel in Moab. We also maintain a secure area at our office for luggage. We can hold your valuables in our safe. Automobiles and campers can be left in our parking area. We do our best to look after them, but we cannot be responsible for loses.

What do we eat and drink?
All meals are prepared fresh during the expedition. We carry plenty of cold drinking water. Each morning and evening we serve coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate. Powdered drink mix is available at lunch. We do not provide soft drinks, beer, or other beverages. You may bring reasonable quantities of your own soft drinks, beer, wine or other beverages. It should be packed in plastic, non-breakable containers or cans and marked with your name or initials. We strongly prefer not to carry glass containers on the expeditions. We provide coolers for these drinks with lots of ice.

In Utah, 3.2% beer may be purchased any day of the week at grocery stores. Wine and other alcohol must be purchased at a Utah State Liquor Store. Because of its limited operating hours, you should purchase all beer and alcohol the day before the trip departs. The liquor store is closed on Sundays.

I have dietary restrictions. Can I still go?
Absolutely! If you have any dietary restriction, please discuss it well before departure so we can plan meals a week before the trip. We have vegetarian meals when reserved in advance.

I’ve never been camping before. Is this going to be fun?
We’ve designed our expeditions to appeal to the person who has not camped before as well as the experienced camper. If you need help setting up tents or any other aspect of camp life, our guides will help. Our guides do most of the work; however, guests will be asked to help load and unload gear for the raft, set up your own tents, wash your own dishes, and take care of your own equipment.

What about toilet facilities?
There are no modern toilet facilities in the wilderness. Though this may concern a few individuals at first, everyone adapts to our private, state-of-the-art portable toilets. We set up the toilets as soon as we get to camp and it is one of the last items we take down in the morning. The toilet is enclosed in a secure "toilet privacy tent." We have many private parties rent our toilet facilities for their trips because of the system we have developed. We also set up the toilet facilities at lunch. During the day, frequent swims and rest stops allow for urinating. Emergencies are accommodated discreetly by your guide.

Delicate questions for women?
Guides carry emergency supplies for women, but guests expecting their monthly period should bring along a sufficient supply of tampons or sanitary napkins in plastic, zip-lock bags. The bag will be stored in your metal containers or in your dry bag for use later in the expedition. Extra zip-lock bags should also be carried to dispose of used, wrapped tampons during the day. Our guides, many of whom are women, are experienced in hosting guests on wilderness expeditions, so don’t hesitate to ask delicate questions that concern you. Wet wipes/baby wipes are useful for women to bring along.

Do I have to be a good swimmer?
No. We carry life preservers for each guest. Federal regulations require they be worn while swimming or playing in the water as well as while rafting certain stretches of the river. No diving ever!

Must I be in top physical condition?
No, general good health is sufficient. You should know, however, that we are often several hours or more from medical care. If you take regular medication, bring a good supply along with you since you cannot buy more during the expedition. (There are several pharmacies in Moab where you can purchase medicines prior to or after your expedition.) If you have special medical needs or allergies, please inform us when you book your trip. Our guides are trained in first aid and we carry emergency medical supplies on each expedition.

Can we fish, swim and play in the water while on a river trip?
Part of the fun is a dip in the river when water temperatures allows. You do not have to be a swimmer to join in the fun. Life preservers are available for each guest. Federal regulations require their use on some sections of the river and while swimming. Diving is prohibited.
Catfish are abundant in the Colorado River. Fishing is fine from the shore during evening hours, but rafts are not designed for fishing. All fishing equipment must fit in the river bag along with your clothing and other gear. A Utah Fishing License is required to fish.

What is the best time of year to come?
Each season has its advantages. Spring is beautiful with wildflowers blooming and moderate temperatures. Guests wanting to experience the biggest, wildest rapids are encouraged to come from mid-May until the end of June during the annual snowmelt run-off. The weather is usually pleasant with moderate days and cool nights.

July and August are quite warm. The water temperature is wonderful for swimming and bathing. Evenings are cool and comfortable. September and October bring fewer people to canyon country, so crowds are less. Days are still warm and nights are cool.

Can I bring a camera on river trips?
Definitely! We encourage you to bring lots of film. We provide each guest with a metal container to keep his or her camera in during the expedition. This container offers a degree of protection from the elements, but is not waterproof. We also provide a plastic bag for additional water protection an d more importantly, sand protection, inside the container. Tag-A-Long Expeditions sells inexpensive waterproof cameras in our office. You are responsible for the care of your equipment while on an expedition. The rule is, if you can't afford to lose it, don't take it.

Should we tip the guides?
If you feel your guide has provided you with excellent service, tipping is appropriate and appreciated. The general guideline is $10.00 to $15.00 per person per day. Gratuities are usually given directly to the guides, but if you prefer, you may leave your gratuity in an envelope in the office at the end of the trip. We make sure your guide receives it.