Gear Checklist

Consider packing the items below.

In Oregon, paddlers are required by law to have:

• A Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or “lifejacket”. Children 12 years old and younger are required by law to wear PFDs when in boats that are underway.
• A signaling device such as a whistle
• A light (a headlamp or cell phone light is considered adequate)
• If your paddle craft is 10ft or longer, you must have a Waterway Access Permit. For more information visit the Oregon State Marine Board.

Other suggested items include:

• Willamette River Water Trail guide (waterproof maps)
• Extra clothing (for warmth, or in the event of an unexpected swim!)
• Consider wearing wicking/quick drying clothes such as fleece and polypropylene as opposed to cotton
• Extra paddle
• Pump or bailer
• River knife (especially if you carry rope of any kind: painters, tow belt, or throw bag)
• First aid kit
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Dry bags of various sizes
• Snacks
• Drinking water
• Cell phone (most areas on the trail have service) or VHF radio
• Rain or sun hat with brim
• Shade shelter
• Sunglasses
• Paddling gloves or “poggies”
• A wetsuit or drysuit depending on the season
• Additional flotation such as “float bags” (some very simple recreational style kayaks do not have flotation. Consider what happens if you capsize- if your boat fills with water, will it float?)
• A dry toilet system such as a Clean Waste WAG Bag or a groover (especially if your campsite has no amenities)
• Trash bags (please be prepared to pack out all of your trash including toilet paper and wipes!)
• Camp chair
• water cannon (choose your battles wisely ;)