It’s a big decision. You’re about to pay an outfitter hundreds of dollars to take you into one of the wildest places on the continent, where you’ll encounter dangerous white-water rapids. Before you hand over one red cent, you deserve some answers, but it can be hard to come up with the right questions when you need them. These will get you started:

How long has your company been in business?

Experience counts more than flashy slogans or nice ads.

What state and federal agencies are you licensed with?

Outfitters on public lands, such as those managed by the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service, must be licensed and meet certain operating criteria. Check with the managing agency about the outfitter’s record in meeting those requirements.

Does your company belong to any state, regional, or national outfitting associations?

These associations often have membership criteria and may have a grievance committee for complaints.

How good is your safety record?

Ask outfitters to outline their safety procedures and guidelines. Be sure they provide life jackets and, if necessary, helmets and wet or dry suits. Don’t take their word for it, however. Check with managing agencies, guide organizations, and references to be sure.

What training and certification do you require of your on-river employees?

River managing agencies often set minimum training requirements for guides. A good outfitter will go beyond those requirements, ensuring that their guides have first-aid certification (preferably wilderness first aid) and swift-water rescue training. Knowledge of the history, plants, animals, and geology of the area is a plus.

What’s your standard guide-to-passenger ratio?

For overnight trips, there shouldn’t be more than six passengers per guide. A higher number may mean crowded boats, slowdowns when it comes to camp chores, and, most important, not enough help in case of an emergency. The smaller the group, the higher the cost per person, so your budget may be a determining factor.

How large will the group on my particular trip be?

Most trips have a set limit on the number of passengers. Still, that number can be 25 or more. That many people can put a strain on guides, equipment, the environment, and your wilderness experience.

What’s the average age of the people who usually take this trip?

Knowing the profile of the people who’ve taken the trip you’re considering can give you insight into what to expect. Do they tend to be younger or older? Singles or couples? Working or retired?

What’s included? What’s not included?

Get a list from the outfitter about what’s covered in the quoted price—and what’s not. Are camping gear, meals, drinks, and shuttle service included? You may need to rent a tent, sleeping bag, and foam pad or air mattress. Outfitters generally provide all meals, but you may be on your own before and after you’re on the river. Most outfitters serve unlimited water, juice, lemonade, and punch, though there’s sometimes a charge for soda, beer, and wine. You may have to pay a fee for transporting your car and luggage from the put-in point to the take-out. Things like maps, books, and souvenirs may be available along the way for an extra charge.

What will the weather be like?

While outfitters can’t predict the future, experienced hands will be able to give you a general idea of what to expect at various times of the year. They might also offer hints on the best wildlife-viewing seasons, when to beat the bugs, and other factors that can make or break your trip.

How much white water is there on this trip? What class of rapids?

Most trips are a mixture of quiet drifting on calm water and splashing through wild rapids. Be sure the trip you pick has enough of both to suit you.

What type of boats do you use?

Oar boats, paddle rafts, duckies, and dories provide different experiences, even on the same river. Be sure you understand the pros and cons of each and what to expect.

What kind of food do you serve? What about special diets?

Some outfitters stick to camp grub, while others specialize in gourmet fare. Alert the outfitter in advance if you’re a vegetarian or have special dietary needs. Be sure to ask about snacks between meals. If none are provided, plan on bringing your own.

Will I be expected to pitch in with camp chores?

On most trips, passengers will be required to do such basic things as putting up their own tent and packing their personal gear, but the guides will take care of all the cooking, camp setup, and boat work. Of course, they probably won’t turn down offers for help, but you won’t be made to feel guilty about snoozing in the sun or going for a hike. After all, it’s your vacation.

What’s your refund and cancellation policy?

Be sure to get it in writing. And don’t expect exceptions.

How far ahead do I need to make a reservation?

Although you may be able to find a last-minute cancellation, you usually need to book two to six months in advance. For rivers like the Selway in Idaho and the Colorado through the Grand Canyon, you may need to call at least a year ahead. Check our River Finders for more details.

Will you provide a list of references?

If the outfitter says “no,” look for someone else. Every reputable outfitter will be happy to provide such a list. Ask for it, and make the calls.

Is this the only trip you offer, or do you have a variety of trips?

This can be important if you find you really like an outfitter. Many people return again and again to the same outfitter to do different trips because they enjoy the service. Once you’ve found a company you like and trust, you may never want to try another.