Important considerations when selecting
an Outfitter
for a Guided Trip on the Upper Missouri River
Selecting an outfitter for a guided
canoe trip can be somewhat daunting. First, it helps to
break down the various types of guided trips.
One common type is what I call the
Sierra Club Model. These trips typically feature
backpacking tents with pads to sleep on. Sometimes you are
required to bring all or a portion of your own camping
gear. Food tends to be of the “one pot” variety with
lots of starch and stir-fry, you may have to help with the
kitchen chores. A hot breakfast consisting of oatmeal and
dried fruit is common. Lunch is often “on your own” or
some community type sandwich making fest before you
launch. Large non-profit groups such as Sierra Club and
Outward Bound follow this format in their extensive
catalogs of trips worldwide. Some of their former
employees have spun off with their own “outdoor
adventure” companies using the same model. Not a bad
choice if you are supporting your favorite cause, not such
a good idea if you are supporting a marginal enterprise.
Another type of company we see
occasionally is non-resident whitewater outfitters using
their previous client list to expand their reach. These
companies will often list numerous domestic and
international destinations. The rafting industry as a
whole is a mature industry and these folks provide a good
“package” that travels reasonably well. You could do
worse…or much better.
Our company is based on a model with
roots in the exploration and hunting tradition of
outfitting. Traditional expedition or safari style trips
emphasize living and traveling in the outdoors in comfort
and safety so you and your family and friends can maximize
the enjoyment of the activity you came to experience.
The equipment we provide is the finest available;
the food is created and packed in our commercial kitchen.
Our local guides have been with us for years. This is the
only river we operate on and we are the oldest
establishment in operation on the Upper Missouri River. No
one does better trips…not even close.
Below are important questions you
should ask your outfitter.
1)
Is all camping gear provided and what exactly are
the accommodations?
Missouri River Outfitters provides 2- person wall tents
with cots, sleeping bags with liner and pillow, and
waterproof gear bags.
2)
Will I be required to set and break camp or
participate in meal prep or clean up?
You are not required to do
anything beyond carrying your bags to your tent and back
to
the canoe in the morning,
however we enjoy having our guests pitch in.
3) What is the guide to guest ratio?
We maintain at least a 1 to 4
ratio. It is imperative to have the trip fully staffed for
the comfort and
safety of our guests.
4)
Is alcohol served and can I bring my own?
Some outfitters will not allow it, some will let
you bring your own. I like a cold beer after
a day on the river and a
glass of wine can really set off Meredith’s Portabella
Mushroom
Chicken. Not only do
we allow it, we provide it. We are careful not to drink on
the water
but we see nothing wrong
with a couple of cold beers after a hot day. Our
complimentary
cooler will also have a
variety of soft drinks.
5)
What if I need help paddling my canoe?
This goes
back to the guide to guest ratio and why it is so
important. If the need arises we can switch off and put a
guide in your canoe.
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