GLACIER OUTDOOR CENTER
Rentals & Retail

Suggested Packing List

It is important to remember that Montana weather can be very unpredictable. When you pack, assume the air temperature can vary from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to be prepared for these extremes is to have lots of layers, not just one big coat. Keep in mind that having the right gear can make the difference in having the wonderful experience you anticipate or a very chilling one. As a minimum you should invest in a good set of rain gear, jacket and pants. Other required clothing is a set of midweight long underwear, top and bottom. Avoid cotton; you need one of the synthetics like poly-pro, capilene, polar fleece or pile. These materials are designed to keep you warm even when wet. Cotton is a wonderful, natural fiber, but even on a warm day you will be freezing if you get splashed or wet.

All items on this list, with the exception of old sneakers and cowboy boots, are available for purchase at Glacier Outdoor Center.

CLOTHING

_____ Waterproof rain jacket and pants (ponchos or vinyl raingear NOT acceptable)
_____Wetsuit or drysuit (if you have your own you may want to bring it; wetsuits are not usually necessary if you have the recommended clothing. Wetsuits may be required on the 4-day Wilderness Trips & are provided at no charge.) *
_____ Lightweight jacket (fleece or pile)
______1-2 T shirts
_____ 1 light-long sleeve shirt (sun protection)
_____ 1 set synthetic thermal underwear top and bottom (midweight) *
_____ 1 pair pants (jeans required for horseback trips)(used while in camp)
_____ 1 pair fleece or pile pants (used while on river)
_____ 2 pair shorts (1 for river/ 1 for camp)
_____ Swim suit
_____ Wool or poly pro socks
_____ 1 pair camp shoes (used for around camp & short hikes)
_____ 1 pair river shoes (water sport sandals with straps, ex. Chaco, Keen, Teva, wetsuit booties, old tennis shoes)
_____ Cowboy boots or a shoe with a good sole and heel (only necessary if you're on a horseback trip)
_____ Cowboy hat (optional for horseback trips)
_____ 2 hats (1 for sun protection/ 1 for warmth)
_____ 1 pair gloves (fleece, wool, or neoprene) *

MISCELLANEOUS GEAR

_____ Sleeping bag and pad (bring your own if possible; we have a limited number available at no extra charge)
_____ Wash cloth & towel
_____ Tooth brush & toothpaste
_____ Soap & shampoo (biodegradable or Ivory Soap)
_____ Medications
_____ Sunscreen, chapstick, body lotion, insect repellent
_____ Sunglasses & eye glass retention strap
_____ Plastic sack for soiled/wet clothing
_____ Flashlight or headlamp (bring extra batteries)
_____ Water bottle or canteen
_____ Small day backpack or fanny pack
_____ Camera, film, binoculars (We have water resistant containers to store these items in, but you will still want to have a protective/padded case to use inside of this container. Waterproof disposable cameras, film, and batteries are available for purchase at Glacier Outdoor Center.)
______Any special beverages or snacks (cans or plastic bottles)

FISHING GEAR

_____ Fly Rod or Spinning rod (9' 4-5wt 4pc fly rod or light action 2 pc.spinning outfit, make sure they are in an unbreakable case for transportation) (Rental available)
_____ Flies or spinners (Western trout patterns like Wulffs, Caddis, Stoneflies, Humpies & Hoppers or spinners like Mepps, Cyclones, & Panther martins. Glacier Outdoor Center has an excellent selection of local fly and lure patterns available for purchase.) The Flathead rivers are Catch & Release; your hooks should be single and barbless (NO BAIT ALLOWED).
_____ Extra leaders, tippet or line (9' 4x or 5x, 4-6lb test)
_____ Fly floatant, hemostats, line nippers
_____ Fishing vest or chest pack
_____ Stockingfoot waders and felt wading boots (only necessary in early spring or fall) felt soled sandals during summer. (Rental available) *
_____ Montana fishing license (available at Glacier Outdoor Center; children under 14 don't need a license if fishing with an adult who has a license.) Bring your ID
_____ Polarized sunglasses
_____ Wide brimmed breathable hat

* Items may not be necessary during warmer summer months

All items on this list, with the exception of old sneakers and cowboy boots, are available for purchase at Glacier Outdoor Center.

Glacier Raft Provides:

Transportation from our office to wherever your specific trip beings
Meals – from lunch the first day through lunch the last day
Waterproof bags for your personal gear (one large dry bag per person, not accessible during day) There will be a small dry bag on each boat that is accessible during the day for small personal items (raingear, sunscreen, camera, hat, etc.)
Tents
River equipment including rafts and accessories
Coast Guard approved Type V life jackets
Water resistant camera boxes (ammo cans)

We offer for rent:

Spin rods
Fly rods
Waders
Wading boots