It would be hard to get a 45 quart yeti in a kayak huh?

One of the greatest things I have read in a while

I had some friends go last year, 1st time, no guide, said it's easy breezy, as long as you're not an idiot and do alittle research before you go. They also got the permits. Kind of made it sound like there's alot of built up hype where folks think they need a guide down there.

There was a report in some section on this forum here a few years ago where some guys took one on that trip and it survived an overturned canoe in some rapids, bouncing off the rocks on it's way down river, saved their food, and still had stuff cold at the end of their trip 5 days later. As best as I remember, that's how it was reported anyway. Nothing was said about it having more ice in it than when they started though and I do think the guy said they were pretty particular about how often it got opened. I bet an RTIC would do the same thing. Not sure a run of the mill igloo could have handled the rocks during the bare butt river ride and kept the lid shut and water out. I hope you guys have good flow of water, a pile of smallmouth, mild winds in your face and a flat out blast.

What Elcoyote says worked for him, may not be the best idea.

I highly advise against sleeping outside of a tent down there. You may get lucky. Or you may end up with some unfriendly critters in your shorts.

I also disagree with using canoes. SOT kayaks are the way to go.

As far as the guide is concerned, not everyone needs one. If it's a trip that you don't plan to do often, it is not a terrible idea to hire Shane, because he supplies everything you need. It really just depends on what you're looking for.

Take a water filter to save weight. Wear good shoes. I like old Salomon trail shoes that I've almost worn out. They make great river shoes.

Wear long sleeves and keep your skin covered and/or wear sun block. I had some guys beg me to take them off the river around Blue Sage one year. They were burnt to hell and didn't think they could make it to Amistad.

A little battery operated fan blowing on your face in the summer time down there is nice.

Anything expensive needs to have a float on it.

I can see where a canoe would be better for carrying larger items/more gear, but they are going to sit lower in the water and you will have to portage around almost all rapids. I have a feeling that a bag cooler (Yeti or Rtic) would be the way to go on a kayak. A long sleeve shirt would be a must year round, along with a wide brimmed hat or cowboy hat, in my eyes.

I never take a cooler. It's not needed.

I know some guys take them, but I don't see a need.