4 Affordable Gifts for River Rats

4 Affordable Gifts for Someone Who Loves Colorado River Rafting

We’re midway through November and we’re beginning to think about what to get for our loved ones for the holidays this year. A Colorado River rafting trip is, of course, the ultimate gift, but might be a little out of some of your budgets this year. If that’s the case, here are some ideas from Hatch to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones.

River Gear

Maybe your friend or loved one has a rain coat that’s looking a little shabby or they’ve been talking about replacing those old hiking sandals for months. Now is the perfect time to help them update their worn out gear or make sure they have all the staples. Headlamps, water bottles, chums, caribeaners – all great gift options!

Check out your Trip Packet on our website for a list of gear you’ll need on your trip. (Motorized / Oar Powered). AND don’t forget to watch our 4 minute video packing guide for more rafting trip packing tips. 

Hatch Swag

Hatch’s online store carries both gear you’ll want on the river (like water bottles, sun hoodies, and bucket hats) and gear you’ll want to wear year round. Everyone on your list can stay warm all winter long in a cozy Hatch hoodie or long sleeve.

A Great Read

There are dozens of great books out there about the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Help someone on your holiday gift list get in adventure mode with one of them, or give them something great to read at camp in the evenings. Start from the beginning of Grand Canyon rafting with The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons by John Wesley Powell or read about the beginning of Hatch River Expeditions in Riverman: The Story Bus Hatch by Roy Webb. Two of our other favorites include The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko and There’s This River: Grand Canyon Boatman Stories edited by Christa Sadler.

Check out our Pre-trip Education page for a list of great canyon and rafting reads and listens!

A Charitable Gift

More and more, people are foregoing material gifts in favor of donations to their favorite charitable organizations. If you have someone philanthropically minded on your list, why not give on their behalf to one of many groups dedicated to stewardship of the Grand Canyon and its communities?

Need somewhere to start? Hatch contributes annually to these Grand Canyon organizations.

You can also give the gift of memories you’ll share for years to come. Happy Gifting!