Below is a listing of both recommended and required gear for your backcountry fishing trip into the Wind River Range. Required gear is required-there will be pack checks and if you are missing any of the required items you will need to purchase them prior to departure. If you are backpacking, weight is a consideration-the weight of your loaded pack should not exceed 30% of your personal body weight, and ideally it should be less than that. If you are using a horse-assisted camp, weight limits are strict and not negotiable. If you are over your weight limits, non-essential items may be removed from your pack. If your required gear is deemed too heavy, a lighter-weight replacement may need to be purchased or rented prior to your departure. Our backcountry fishing trips are all-inclusive, so if you need gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, backpack, rod, reel), we’ve got you covered. If you have your own you prefer to use, make sure it aligns with the requirements below. Clothing and other incidentals are not provided.

REQUIRED GEAR

  • Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants. Weather can change drastically and without notice in the Winds. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, and are often accompanied by sudden temperature drops. A poncho is not sufficient. Each party member must have their own waterproof rain jacket and pants.
  • Hiking Boots or Shoes. The trails in the Wind River Range are often narrow, uneven, and rocky. A good, sturdy pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes is your best bet to protect your feet and ankles. They do not need to be waterproof, but they do need to be broken in prior to your trip to save your feet from blistering.
  • Water Shoes. There are numerous stream crossings throughout the Winds that are unavoidable, and you also may wish to wade fish some of the streams and lakes we encounter. Water shoes should be something similar to a Chaco or a Teva sandal that will not come off in moving water. Flips are not sufficient.
  • Lightweight Socks and Underwear. Absolutely no cotton allowed. Wool or synthetic for all clothing is optimal.
  • Baselayer Top and Bottom. Mornings and evenings are cold in the mountains. Pack some warm layers for sleeping. Again, no cotton should be included in your base layers.
  • Warm Beanie. Wool or synthetic is ideal. Mornings and evenings are chilly. You’ll be glad you brought it.
  • Lightweight Gloves.
  • 1-2 Pair of Pants. No jeans or cotton pants. Lightweight hiking pants are ideal.
  • 1 Pair of Shorts. Something that you can get wet that will dry quickly is recommended. No denim or cotton.
  • 1-3 Shirts. Long-sleeved is recommended for sun and bugs. Synthetic or wool is best. Skip cotton.
  • Lightweight Puffy Jacket. A summer-weight down or synthetic jacket adds a lot of warmth in a small package. These are great for mornings, evenings, or even to sleep in for added warmth overnight.
  • Headlamp or Flashlight with fresh batteries.
  • Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Chapstick, Bug Spray. At altitude, sunburns come on quickly. Protect your face and skin with a good sunscreen (SPF 30 at least). The bugs have the potential to be bad or not. Better safe than sorry when it comes to that. At least 25% Deet is recommended, but not required.
  • Washcloth and Biodegradable Soap. A small, lightweight washcloth such as a hand-sized Personal Packtowl is ideal. Campsuds or Dr. Bronner’s soaps are great.
  • Trowel and Biodegradable Toilet Paper. Everybody poops, and nobody wants to see yours, so digging a cat hole is required. These items are best stored in their own Ziploc bag, separate from everything else.
  • Backpack. Size is dependent upon your final pack list. Remember, a loaded pack should weigh no more than 30% of your personal body weight, and less than that is ideal. This can be provided, if needed.
  • Water. Each person should have the capability to carry at least 2 liters of water, whether in a bladder or with water bottles.
  • Lightweight Sleeping Bag. Must be rated to at least 15* or colder. Down is best because it is lightweight and highly compressible. This can be provided, if needed.
  • Lightweight Backpacking Tent. Don’t bring your giant 27-person circus pavilion. Tents must weigh less than 6 pounds. Tents are required to have a waterproof rain fly and a waterproof bottom or tarp if floorless. This can be provided, if needed.
  • Lightweight Sleeping Pad. We don’t use cots, so you will want a comfortable insulative pad to sleep on to protect and insulate you from the cold ground. This can be provided, if needed.
  • Rod and Reel. For the backcountry we recommend a 5- or 6-weight rod and reel setup. The guide will provide flies, but you should make sure you have a line in good condition, and a fresh leader. This can be provided, if needed.
  • Wyoming state fishing license. These can be picked up in the shop prior to your trip.

RECOMMENDED GEAR

  • Camera.
  • Pocket Knife.
  • Watch.
  • Map and Compass.
  • Book or Notebook.
  • Music. If you bring music, understand that headphones are required.
  • Trekking Poles.
  • Camp Pillow (should pack down small).
  • Bathing Suit.
  • Sunhat.
  • Gaiters.
  • Mosquito Headnet.
  • Bear Deterrent Spray.
  • Safety Whistle.
  • Ultralight Camp Chair (Helinox Chair Zero or Chair One is ideal).

Your guide will provide food for the trip, but you are free to bring your own snacks. If you wish to provide your own food, please contact us-all food must be approved by your guide beforehand and sent out a week prior to your trip. Absolutely no glass containers are allowed. If you have dietary considerations or restrictions, we are happy to accommodate.