If you’re coming with me on a canyoning trip, here’s what I expect you to bring (thanks to Fat Canyoners for inspiring this idea). If you don’t have it, make sure you arrange to borrow it from someone BEFORE the trip!
Bear in mind that canyons are harsh environments, and there is often a lot of scrub on the walk in/out, so don’t bring anything you don’t want scratched.
- Backpack / day pack
- Water bottle
- Wetsuit
- Dry bag containing:
- thermal top
- thermal bottom
- beanie
- food (lunch and snacks)
- head torch
- What to wear (NB not cotton clothes as they will stay wet and cold):
- board shorts (for the walk in, and to protect the arse of your wetsuit)
- shirt
- swimmers? but most just go commando under their wetsuit
- shoes and socks (Dunlop Volleys and wool socks are popular)
- hat
- lightweight wind/spray jacket (for wind chill)
- Abseiling gear:
- helmet (bicycle helmets are acceptable, the fewer holes the better)
- harness
- descender (e.g. ATC, figure 8 – must be double rope compatible, don’t bring a single-tube rock climbing belay device)
- safety sling (1m)
- 2 carabiners (one to attach your descender to your harness, another to attach your safety sling to the anchor)
- gloves (bicycle gloves are fine) to protect your hands from the rope
You may also want to bring a towel and dry clothes/shoes for the car.
Two Breakfasts 