Must Have for a Float Trip?

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Daniel Page

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Jun 19, 2023, 3:33:41 PM6/19/23
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Hi all, 

I'm heading out west with some family this week for a float/fishing trip down a river near the Rockies. 60 miles, 4 days camping/floating/fishing. 

I've never been out west to fish or on a float trip of that sort, for that matter. 

I've got the essentials, waders, flies for the seasonal hatch, etc. But does anyone have recommendations for little things that aren't as obvious? Something you would recommend to be sure to have?

I've read plenty of articles but thought I'd see what the TPFR group would recommend that might be less obvious. 

Thanks!

peter odell

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Jun 20, 2023, 7:39:46 AM6/20/23
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lip balm with sunscreen, something I forget all the time and have paid the price afterwards.

Doug Graebner

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Jun 20, 2023, 7:59:08 AM6/20/23
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ibuprofen, just generally useful to have.

Phil Watt

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Jun 20, 2023, 8:01:02 AM6/20/23
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Unsure how old the family members are, but a little packet of Dramamine (kids version if needed) in the pocket can be a life saver.  Even though you’re not out in the Atlantic, 4 days floating on water can make some people squeamish. 


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Sean Steele

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Jun 20, 2023, 8:05:39 AM6/20/23
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It takes a little coordination with your dermatologist, but the next time you’re in for a skin check, ask for samples of Impoyz cream (clobetasol propionate) — it’s a topical steroid that’s phenomenal to treat bug bites, rashes, flare ups, whatever. Total lifesaver.

-Sean

From: tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Phil Watt <phili...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 8:01 AM
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Subject: Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Must Have for a Float Trip?
 

Brian

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Jun 20, 2023, 10:31:05 AM6/20/23
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and headgear.  a nice hat for sure, even a buff.

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 7:39:46 AM UTC-4 peter odell wrote:

Casey Peltier

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Jun 20, 2023, 12:20:14 PM6/20/23
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Insect repellent. Over the 18 years we have fished out west, the bugs have gotten larger and fiercer. Deet works. Include some moist towelettes (Wet Ones) to get it off your fingers before you pick up your rod.

Casey Peltier

On Jun 20, 2023, at 10:31 AM, Brian <brianr...@hotmail.com> wrote:

and headgear.  a nice hat for sure, even a buff.
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Tom Somers

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Jun 20, 2023, 1:56:04 PM6/20/23
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Playing cards, super glue, dr. Bonners soap.  Might want an app for stars (night sky) or birds (Merlin) or other life forms (seek/iNaturalist). 
From: tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Casey Peltier <caseyp...@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 12:20:10 PM

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Subject: Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Must Have for a Float Trip?

Art Friedlander

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Jun 20, 2023, 3:11:17 PM6/20/23
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What's the app for night sky and other life forms?

brad dreisbach

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Jun 20, 2023, 3:12:45 PM6/20/23
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i've used starwalk 2 for astronomy stuff and it seems to work reasonably well.

peter odell

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Jun 20, 2023, 3:48:00 PM6/20/23
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this is becoming very useful, thanks to all contributing
I'd add a solar charged battery pack - so many devices these days, and usually includes an extra flashlight, compass, etc.    I have one somewhat bigger than a deck of cards, and it has good staying power.

Bracken Allen

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Jun 20, 2023, 4:16:15 PM6/20/23
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On Casey's point, depending on where you are at you might find a bug net for your face most comfortable. Those have been lifesavers for me on backpacking trips in Yellowstone, for example.

A good filtering water bottle can be a real treat, as well. I imagine you have some plan for purifying water (filter pump, tablets, boiling, etc.), but when you are right on the river and don't need to worry about having large volumes of water to carry with you for miles, I have always loved being able to just dip my bottle into the river and immediately drink nice, cold water.

You probably are already thinking about this, but several of my hiking and camping buddies have not until I shared it with them, but I highly recommend getting an external battery to recharge your phone. I've used this one on dozens of trips, and it is a game changer for me: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI/

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Yambag Nelson

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Jun 20, 2023, 5:02:47 PM6/20/23
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not sure if you are fishing with a guide or not, but many do not like cleats in their boats.  So a pair of wading boots that are cleatless.

Carl Z.

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Jun 20, 2023, 7:52:33 PM6/20/23
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Ski hat for sleeping.  Depending on altitude.  I just got pretty cold last weekend  at 7800 ft.   



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Tom Somers

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Jun 21, 2023, 9:01:01 AM6/21/23
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“Night Sky” is a good app for constellations, tracking the ISS, whatever.  “Seek” is a free app for plants, fungi, bugs, amphibians, reptiles. It’s tied to iNaturalist.  Merlin Bird ID (free) app does bird song identifications well.

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 3:11:17 PM UTC-4 Art Friedlander wrote:

namfos

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Jun 21, 2023, 9:37:29 AM6/21/23
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 Carry permethrin spray and tweezers, wear long pants if you will be walking through bankside vegetation and check yourself and others DAILY for ticks. If you have serious allergies, don't forget your epi-pen. Costco in Wheaton last weekend had Lifestraws at 4 for $29. Be careful about applying high concentration DEET compounds directly to skin.

Mark

Art Friedlander

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Jun 21, 2023, 1:14:05 PM6/21/23
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Great info 
Lots of experience here

Daniel Page

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Jun 28, 2023, 7:52:07 PM6/28/23
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Thank you all for the recommendations! Had no idea I'd have so many replies!

Trip turned out great. Ibuprofen and water filter was a life saver for long days and catching up the morning after the whiskey for dinner. Battery charger was killer on day 3 when a little music and photos on the phone were critical for morale and keeping the wife happy upon return. Dr. Bronner made for an important few morning baths after lots of afternoon rowing. 

Flows we're around 1000cfs all week and turbidity was pretty high so we had only a few takes as a group, but caught my first few trout this week. What a killer time and a fun fish to target! 

Thanks all again 

Dan
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