What to Pack for Your Jackson Hole Stay

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Jackson Hole has many fun activities to offer travelers, including camping, whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, and hiking. However, preparing for your time in the great outdoors can be a daunting process. The gear and clothing you bring along on your trip are key to making sure your experience is an enjoyable one. Here are some tips on the best things to pack before starting your Jackson Hole adventure.

Clothing

  • Shirts: Do not bring cotton clothing during your trip as it takes in moisture, leaving you cold and wet. Take water-resistant clothing made of nylon or neoprene.
  • Pants and Shorts: Water resistance matters just as much with your pants and shorts. Having a light pair of shorts for the day and warm, comfortable pants at night will keep you prepared for any kind of weather. Bring along a swimsuit for swimming and rafting!
  • Jackets: You may encounter rainstorms during your stay, so bring a wind-proof and waterproof jacket with a hood. Temperatures can drop quickly so take a fleece jacket to make sure you stay warm.
  • Socks: High-quality socks will keep your feet dry and snug when hiking and prevent injury.
  • Shoes: There are two kinds of shoes you need to take on your journey. Water shoes will prevent slipping during rafting and watersports. And a good pair of hiking boots will make any trail comfortable to traverse.
  • Sunwear: Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can keep you safe from the heat and sunburns.

Gear

  • Bag: A light backpack will help you store all of your gear while being portable and easy on your shoulders. 
  • Lights: Flashlights and headlamps are essential when hiking or exploring landmarks, while lanterns will keep your campsite bright.
  • Water Bottle: It is important to stay hydrated when in warm weather or while you are exercising outdoors. A quality water bottle will keep your drinks cold for long periods.
  • Binoculars: With many mountain peaks, scenic views, and wildlife, a good pair of binoculars will make sure you don’t miss a special moment.
  • First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is great for handling any scrapes you receive while hiking or out in the water.
  • Insect Repellent: Keep bugs away with DEET or oil-based repellents.

Personal Items

  • Snacks: Portable, non-perishable treats like trail mix or protein bars will help keep your energy up in between meals.
  • Bear mace: Jackson Hole is in bear country, so it is prudent to bring mace along for safety. If you cannot bring any mace with you, purchase a canister from a trusted retailer in Jackson Hole when you arrive.
  • Sunscreen: Sunburn can be a real issue in a dry, sunny climate. High SPF, waterproof sunblock will protect you and your loved ones no matter what activity you are doing. Be sure to reapply a new layer according to the instructions on the bottle.

Make Your Time in Jackson Hole Special

With several white water rafting and scenic float trip packages available, Barker Ewing will help make your stay a memorable one. We have the experience, safety measures, and enthusiasm that establish us as the premier rafting company in Jackson Hole. Contact us at 307-733-1000 to schedule your next Wyoming adventure!

Whitewater Rafting During Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

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If you’re looking for outdoor activities that can be done safely even in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, whitewater rafting fits the bill. At Barker-Ewing, we’re taking all of the necessary precautions to keep our guests safe, so you can feel confident when making your reservations. Here are some things to keep in mind when booking your whitewater rafting trip in the time of COVID.

Outdoor COVID-19 Transmission Is Rare

First, you should know that any open-air activity presents a very low risk for COVID-19 transmission. While the early days of the pandemic saw people being shamed on social media for going to the beach and picnicking in parks, we now know that these are low-to-moderate risk activities, with the highest risk outdoors being large crowds of people. 

Because COVID-19 is primarily spread by respiratory droplets, the constant flow of fresh air disperses the droplets and reduces the likelihood of infection. Unless you’re having a one-on-one conversation at close range with someone who is infected with COVID-19, your chances of getting infected outdoors are slim.

Wearing a Mask Further Reduces Your Risk

Being outdoors lowers your risk of getting the coronavirus by itself, but your risk can be lowered even more by wearing a mask. Although the intention of cloth face masks was initially to protect others from being infected by the wearer’s respiratory droplets, new research shows that face masks also offer protection to the wearer. When everyone wears a face mask and you’re in an outdoor location, the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19 is extremely small.

Whitewater Rafting Is Perfect for Small Groups

We understand that even being outdoors and wearing masks, some of our guests may be uncomfortable sharing a boat with people they don’t know. In these circumstances, consider our small paddle boat raft option. These rafts accommodate 8 people, so they’re ideal for small groups and families. Or consider a private raft option. Bring your COVID pod out for an exciting river adventure!

We Take Social Distancing Seriously

Our entire team has been briefed on state and federal guidelines and we have COVID-19 protocols in place to protect our staff and our guests. Equipment is disinfected after each trip with a cleaning agent that is EPA-rated for killing the coronavirus; whenever we are not on the boat, we ask guests to leave six feet of distance between themselves and others. 

As research on the coronavirus advances, so too do recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and local health officials. We stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines in order to continue to provide a safe, fun activity for Jackson Hole visitors and residents.

Learn More About Whitewater Rafting During Coronavirus

If you have concerns about the safety of whitewater rafting during the coronavirus pandemic, we encourage you to talk to your physician, especially if you have underlying health conditions that put you at high risk. While our team cannot provide you with medical advice, we are happy to answer any questions you have about the precautions we’re taking to keep all of our guests safe during our whitewater rafting excursions. Contact us at 307-733-1000 or book a trip on our website.