1. A good Telephoto with an extender (70-200 w/ 1.4x or a 2x, or a 100-400) , a good portrait/ still life (85 or 135) lens, a wide angle (17-35 or similar)...and I personally like having a fisheye on rivertrips (cool to capture the inevitable beer barge with). Or maybe something like a 28-135.
2. Pelican all the way, and if you can afford it, a full waterproof housing for the camera itself. (Or get the G9 or similar with a waterproof housing). Don't want to miss those on river action shots. I would also bring an extra Pelican gasket or 2 just in case. If you're really worried about it, get some of those really big ziplocks and zip up everything inside the Peli for added protection.
3. I think a laptop is pretty cumbersome and easy to damage on the river. I would take a hyperdrive with plenty of storage room.
4. Yes.
http://brunton.com/catalog.php?subcat=7or
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4694...olar_Panel.htmlor similar. My boss has the SolarRoll 14 and said that it would take around twice as long as a wall charge.
5. Grad NDs and Polarizers
6. Yes, you're on a raft trip, so weight isn't really a huge deal, but size can be. Just make sure you've got enough room on the boat.
7. A decent film body is nice if you run out of battery and don't have time to recharge...also a PS, like the G9
8. The key to happiness.... trust me...
http://www.cascadeoutfitters.com/index.cfm.../1492/index.cfmIf you need any other river sports gear, you can give me a call at 4Corners Riversports (
www.riversports.com - new website, so we don't have full inventory online yet) and ask for Matt.
I can order in any Pelican, Brunton charger and have the Aire Landing Pads in stock.
1-800-4Corners