How To Pack

Wondering what to bring?

Thank you for choosing CFI for your adventure! The Colorado Plateau has a variable climate with the potential for both extreme heat in the day, and cold nights.  Despite being in the desert, rain is always a possibility.  Since we may be traveling in remote areas, proper gear and clothing is essential for everyone’s safety and comfort.  We may be hiking, spending time at camp, and whitewater rafting. You never know what can happen, so as a general rule, please do not bring anything new or fancy that you aren’t willing to get dirty or lose!

On river trips, you will be given a large dry bag at the beginning of the trip.  This will serve as a “checked bag” that is rigged down and inaccessible during the day.  Each boat will also have dry “carry-on bags” where you can store things you need during the day such as sunscreen and layers. 

General Items and Gear

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad

These items can be rented from CFI during registration or by calling or emailing our office

  • Water bottles (2)
  • Walking/hiking shoes
  • Boat shoes
    • Sandals must have a heel strap, no flip flops on the boats
  • Comfortable camp shoes
    • Flip flops are ok at camp
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Bug spray
    • Chapstick
    • Sunscreen
    • Personal health items
  • Sunglasses (with retaining strap!)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Pillow
  • Personal Medication

Clothing Items

Quick drying synthetic clothing is the best option for all seasons

  • Raincoat
  • Rain pants
  • Warm overcoat
  • Warm top layer
    • Fleece, sweatshirt, other warm top
  • Shirts
    • Hiking/boating
    • Camp time
    • Bed time
  • Pants
    • Hiking/boating
    • Camp time
    • Bed time
  • Shorts
    • Hiking/boating
    • Camp time
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Hats
    • Warm hat
    • Sun hat
  • Gloves

Optional Items

  • Binoculars
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Acoustic musical instruments
  • Camera
  • Alcohol or other personal soft drinks
    • Let us know ahead of time if you plan on bringing, so we can make some space in the coolers if possible!

On river trips, you will be given a large dry bag at the beginning of the trip.  This will serve as a “checked bag” that is rigged down and inaccessible during the day.  Each boat will also have dry “carry-on bags” where you can store things you need during the day such as sunscreen and layers. 

General Items and Gear

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad

These items can be rented from CFI at additional cost.  Contact your group leader to arrange rentals.

  • Water bottles (2)
  • Walking/hiking shoes
  • Boat shoes
    • Sandals must have a heel strap, no flip flops on the boats
  • Comfortable camp shoes
    • Flip flops are ok at camp
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Bug spray
    • Chapstick
    • Sunscreen
    • Personal health items
  • Sunglasses (with retaining strap!)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Personal Medication
  • Pillow

Clothing Items

Quick drying synthetic clothing is the best option for all seasons

  • Raincoat
  • Rain pants
  • Warm overcoat
  • Warm top layer
    • Fleece, sweatshirt, other warm top
  • Shirts
    • Hiking/boating
    • Camp time
    • Bed time
  • Pants
    • Hiking/boating
    • Camp time
    • Bed time
  • Shorts
    • Hiking/boating
    • Camp time
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Hats
    • Warm hat
    • Sun hat
  • Gloves

Optional Items

  • Binoculars
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Acoustic musical instruments
  • Camera

Things to Leave Home

  • Mess kits, or other kitchen items (we bring that stuff!)
  • Personal PFDs and Life Jackets
    • Utah State boating regulations require participants to be wearing a CFI life jacket.
  • All electronic devices
    • Including cell phones, CFI provides cameras for student use
  • Illegal drugs, fireworks, and firearms
  • Personal snacks, drinks, or food
    • CFI provides three meals a day, an AM and a PM snack, and an appetizer before dinner.
    • Exceptions can be made for health/dietary reasons. Make arrangements with CFI and your group leader in advance of the trip. 

Personal Gear and Clothing List for Professor Valley Field Camp

PVFC is located in Professor Valley, about 45 minutes away from Moab, Utah.  Our climate is variable with the potential for both extreme heat in the day and cold nights.  Despite being in the desert, rain is always a possibility.  Since PVFC is in a remote area, proper gear and clothing is essential for safety and comfort.  PVFC students will be hiking, spending time at camp, and whitewater rafting.  Students are encouraged to explore and get dirty, so as a general rule, please do not bring anything new or fancy.

Gear Items

  • Daypack
    • Sunscreen
    • Water bottles (2)
    • Sunglasses
    • Room for a packed lunch
  • Hiking/Walking Shoes
  • River shoes
    • Sandals must have a heel strap (no flip flops on the river)
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Bug spray
    • Chapstick
    • Personal health items
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sleeping Bag (CFI rental available)
  • Sleeping Pad (CFI rental available)
  • Pillow
  • Personal medications
  • Sunglasses (with retaining strap!)

Contact your group leader to arrange rentals

Clothing Items

Quick drying synthetic clothing is the best option for all seasons. 

  • Raincoat
  • Rain pants
  • Warm overcoat
  • Warm layer
    • Fleece, sweatshirt, other warm top
  • Shirts
    • Hiking
    • Camp time
    • Bed time
  • Pants
    • Hiking
    • Camp time
    • Bed time
  • Shorts
    • Hiking
    • Camp time
  • Underwear
    • Enough for 5 days
  • Socks
    • Enough for 5 days
  • Hats
    • Warm hat
    • Sun hat
  • Gloves

Optional Items

  • Binoculars
  • Journal
  • Books
  • Acoustic musical instruments
  • Stuffed animals
  • Camp shoes (flip flops are ok around camp, but not allowed on the river trip)
  • Personal snacks (each day, CFI provides 3 meals, AM and PM snack, and an appetizer before dinner)

Things to Leave home

  • All electronic devices
    • Including cell phones - CFI provides cameras for student use
  • Pocket knives
  • Mess kit / silverware
  • Matches / lighters

Our adult seminars vary widely between motel based, camping, and backpacking. Please reach out to us at info@cfimoab.org if you would like to see packing lists for any of our adult seminars. 

Our summer camps vary widely between day camps, overnight camping, and river trips. Please reach out to us at info@cfimoab.org to see a camp specific packing list. 

CFI provides rental options for all trips. 

  • Two person tent: $30 / trip
  • Sleeping bag: $20 / trip
  • Kid sleeping pad: $7 / trip
  • Adult sleeping pad (paco pad): $15 / trip
  • Package deal: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and one tent per two people: $40 / trip

Rentals for your trip can be reserved during the registration process, or by emailing info@cfimoab.org. 

For any CFI summer camp, gear rentals are free!