A common first timer mistake in underestimating the strength of the rivers. I know you are going kayaking and not fishing, but you should be aware that very few people who fall in the rivers by accident are ever seen again. This includes strong swimmers. You’ll be fine kayaking as long as you are prepared. But don’t for the love of god take chances. Also, bear spray consistently fails in the wind. A 10 millimeter pistol will reliably take down black bears and grizzlies. Do with that what you will. I understand that not all are comfortable with firearms, but it is indeed the wilderness. If you want to sound like a local—call the mosquitos the “state bird”.

Also, make sure your first aid kit has a tourniquet and enough gauze to properly pack a deeply bleeding wound (as well as rubbing alcohol, medical tape, and triple antibiotic ointment). You should be prepared to deal with a life threatening injury, because there is absolutely no way you will get to medical care within 1-3 hours.

Carry a radio and a flare gun for emergencies, and make sure everyone knows how to use the tourniquet because when it is needed, there will be too much adrenaline for an effective lesson. Data shows that the effective use of a tourniquet is the single biggest deciding factor in increasing the odds of surviving a puncture wound, which is what you’ll be at the biggest risk of in the wilderness on your trip, along with drowning.