This list assumes that you will be paddling in the spring, summer or fall.  Staying warm for winter paddling is an entirely different problem, and I won't go into it here.  First, most club paddling trips are car camping trips. You won't have to carry anything further than the trunk of a car. This means that you can bring your favorite pillow or even that Hibachi you can't live without. What you probably can't have is electricity, or a real mattress. You will be sleeping on the ground or in a tent.

Things to bring for camp:

1. Tents
2. A sleeping bag and pad.
3. Toiletries - A Towel, soap, toothpaste and so on.
4. Food for dinner and/or breakfast in camp.
5. A bowl or mug and eating utensils. Cooking depends on the available time. For most people, its instant coffee or hot chocolate or perhaps instant oatmeal.
6. A stove and a pot for heating water. These are often shared items, so its enough to make sure that someone else is taking one if you aren't
7. A Flashlight or headlamp.

Gear for on the river:

1. A Helmet
2. A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) also known as a 'Life Jacket' or 'Vest'
3. Swim wear. For women, a one piece suit is recommended.
4. A Wetsuit, if necessary. This depends on three factors:
   • The Temperature of the Water
   • The Temperature of the Air
   • Your personal like or dislike of cold.
   A traditional rule is that if the temperature of the water and the air together is less than 100 degrees fahrenheit, you are at risk of hypothermia and should take precautions such as a wetsuit or polypro. Wetsuits are available in the gear room. Cotton clothing such as t-shirts are a very effective was to lose body heat, so avoid wearing cotton on cooler days. Whitewater 101 or Rescue courses involve swimming, so a wetsuit is preferable.
5. Shoes to wear on the river. Footwear is required. Old sneakers are just fine. Tevas don't work as well as you might thing they would, and they can be a hazard. Consider wearing wool socks.
6. A light lunch to take with you on the river. Preferably something that can get a little wet if need be.
7. Water or juice to drink on the river
8. A drybag to store personal items in. You can get one in the gear room.
9. Sunscreen.

Clothing:

1. A Dry towel, and a complete set of dry clothes to wear after getting off the river.
2. Something warm to wear in the morning or evening.
3. Some sort of basic rain gear, if applicable.

Boating Equipment:

1. A boat. In the case of a duckie, make sure that you have any gear needed to inflate the boat. For Kayaks, remember your skirt, and make sure that all footpegs or bulkheads are installed.
2. A Paddle.
3. A Throw rope and a carabineer to attach it to your boat. For UCMC whitewater courses, one rope per person. For ordinary paddling trips, one per boat is usually enough.