How Much Beer?
So, how much beer should you
really bring on your next river trip?
Allow us to tell you the story of every guide’s nightmare. A flipped boat? No. Forgetting the toilet paper? No. Forgetting the coffee? No. But that’s close. This is a far more haunting story. A story that goes back generations, and has been told over and over by guides and guests alike. This is the tale of the Accidentally Sober River Guest. It’s a sobering story, pun intended, about that person who didn’t bring enough beer on his river trip. Yet, despite its chilling message, the tale comes back to haunt our hallowed river corridors every year.
Key Takeaways
- Always bring your own beverages and don’t rely on others—beer or not, being self-sufficient ensures you’ll fully enjoy your river trip without running dry.
- Overestimate slightly when packing drinks; a good rule of thumb from seasoned river guides is about one beer per river mile per person—better to have extra than too little.
- Avoid glass bottles for beer to keep everyone safe and follow Leave No Trace practices; cans and boxed options are ideal for river environments.
- Keep drinks cold by coordinating with your guides about cooler space—most outfitters like
Winding Waters River Expeditions have dedicated ice coolers for guest beverages.
- Even if you’re skipping alcohol, pack plenty of your preferred non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha, coconut water, or hop water—hydration and enjoyment go hand in hand on the river.
The tale usually starts one of two ways: a recent health kick, or a tragic miscommunication.
In the first scenario, a guest decides to go on a detox before their trip. Dedicated to their noble cause, the guest brings little-to-no booze with them, thinking to themselves,“I can go 5 days without beer”. However, the hot temperatures, high spirits, and relaxation of a river trip will break just about any detox. Trust us on this one.
In the second scenario, a guest texts their friend the night before the trip: “Hey, can you grab some beer for me at the store tonight?” Then, their friend shows up to the put-in with one 6 pack for the entire trip. What follows is an ugly game of blaming and beer rationing.
No matter the cause, the tale always ends up ending the same way: asking the guides for their spare beers. Guides tend to be generous and understanding, especially when it comes to giving an empty-handed pal some beers. But trust us when we say, you don’t want to be empty handed too early on a trip.
If you have been in this situation before, don’t be ashamed, for you are not alone. In fact, you are in the company of many river guests before you who made the same mistake, going back over a hundred years. Whether it’s a Grande Ronde River rafting adventure or a trip through Hells Canyon, the same rule applies — bring plenty of your favorite beverages.
The earliest known incident of the Accidentally Sober River Guest was in the early 1880s, when talk of ore and rich grasslands attracted brave homesteaders to the rugged wilderness of Hells Canyon. Among those were Alex and Bob Warnock , who set off to the banks of the Snake River in 1882 in order to develop mining claims and raise cattle. At the time, the only way to access Hells Canyon was by steep, and sometimes treacherous trails. Pack horses were required to bring in supplies, including booze. Not wanting to go a winter without libations, Alex and Bob packed a horse full of whiskey. When they reached a particularly hazardous section of the trail, the horse slipped and rolled, breaking all of the whiskey bottles along the way. To their misfortune, they spent the winter in sobriety. The creek where they camped became known as “Temperance Creek Ranch”, and the homestead can still be seen on the banks of the Snake River today. (Photo credit: Temperance Creek Facebook Page)
How do I make sure that I don’t end up like the Accidentally Sober River Guest?
Good question. Here are some general rules that will help you avoid being sober unintentionally. that guy.
- Don’t rely on your friends to bring beverages for you, buy your own.
- Don’t go on a detox before a river trip.
- Do overestimate your drinking ability(slightly), you’re on vacation after all.
- Don't bring beer in glass bottles. Wine and hard alcohol in glass are ok, but not for beer.
So, how do I know that I brought enough?
A seasoned river guide once told me that you should bring one beer, per river mile, per person. For a 5 day trip in Hells Canyon, that would be 80 beers/person. For the Lower Salmon, it would be 62 beers/person. Let's be clear, that is DEFINITELY too much, however you may have a couple more each evening than you do at home. So factor that into your formula and if math isn’t your thing, go with your intuition. A good way to know that you have brought enough beer is when you start to question “am I bringing too much beer?”. . . buy one more 6 pack.
Not a beer drinker? No worries many of our guests and guides are sober these days. However the same rules still apply to any of your favorite non-alcoholic beverages. If you want it, bring a lot of it. Some of our guide favorites are coconut water, hop water, non-alcoholic beers, and kombucha. Please remember, NO GLASS-we have a story of the exploding kombucha bottle, but will save that for another time...
Keepin’ it cold
If you’re sitting there thinking,
how am I going to keep all of this beer cold, in the backcountry, in a hot canyon, for 4-5 days?
Don’t fret. We have got you covered. We bring plenty of coolers on each trip to keep all of your favorite drinks cold. We also bring a massive cooler specifically dedicated to ice. This means that you can still crack open a cold beer by the end of the trip. If you can please try to let us know how much and what you're planning to bring so we have appropriate cooler and dry box space ready ahead of time. For groups wanting a custom experience, our
private river charters include personalized menus, coolers, and gear for your crew.
Congrats! Now you are an expert in beverage-preparedness! Come enjoy a beer (or three) on the river with us. Book a trip with us today. If you’re new to rafting, check out our guided white water rafting trips to find the right adventure for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about bringing beer and beverages on a river trip — and how to make sure you’re fully prepared.
How much beer should I bring on a river trip?
A good rule of thumb is one beer per river mile per person. For example, on an 80-mile, 5-day trip through Hells Canyon, that would be about 80 beers per person. While that’s likely more than you’ll drink, it’s better to have a few extras than to run out mid-trip.
What happens if I don’t bring enough beer?
Running out of beer on a river trip is a classic rookie mistake. You’ll end up rationing, borrowing from others, or going without altogether — none of which are fun options. Overestimate slightly so you can relax and enjoy the trip without worry.
Should I rely on my friends to bring beer for me?
No. Always bring your own beverages. Relying on someone else often leads to miscommunication and not enough supplies. It’s best to plan, shop, and pack your own drinks to ensure you have exactly what you need.
Can I bring beer in glass bottles?
Avoid bringing beer in glass bottles. They’re prone to breaking and can be dangerous on the river. Opt for cans instead. Wine and spirits in glass bottles are acceptable but should be packed carefully to prevent breakage.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
No problem! The same “bring more than you think” rule applies. Stock up on your favorite non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water, coconut water, hop water, or kombucha (in cans, not glass). Staying hydrated and satisfied is the goal.
How do I keep beer cold on a multi-day river trip?
Your guides will provide coolers filled with ice to keep your beverages cold throughout the trip. Just make sure to let them know in advance how much you plan to bring so they can allocate cooler and dry box space accordingly.
What’s the worst mistake people make when packing drinks?
Underestimating how much they’ll want to drink once they’re relaxing in the sun. Between the heat, fun, and long days on the water, people often drink more than expected. It’s always better to pack a little extra.
Can I bring kombucha or other fizzy drinks?
Yes, but avoid glass bottles — pressure changes can make them explode. Stick to cans or plastic bottles if available. Your guides will help store them safely and keep them cool during the trip.
How can I tell if I’ve packed enough beer?
If you find yourself wondering, “Am I bringing too much beer?” — buy one more six-pack. It’s better to have extra than to risk running out. Remember, you’re on vacation — plan for comfort and fun, not scarcity.
What’s the story behind the “Accidentally Sober River Guest”?
It’s a tongue-in-cheek river guide legend about someone who didn’t bring enough beer and had to beg others for drinks. The tale serves as a lighthearted reminder to plan ahead — because no one wants to be the “Accidentally Sober” guest on a river trip.
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