After a decade guiding Idaho’s biggest rivers, I have watched private boaters show up with enthusiasm, giant gear piles, and stress levels that could power a small city. Running operations for Adventure Idaho made one thing clear: people need AI tools before they ever hit the water.

From missing sleeping bags to dead stoves on river trips, this story reveals the inspiration behind TripForge’s Gear Closet and why organized gear matters.

If you’ve ever finished a multi-day river trip wondering where’s my vehicle? , you’re not alone. For decades, shuttle coordination has been one of the most stressful, time-consuming, and uncertain parts of outdoor adventure. From handwritten notes and voicemail confirmations to outdated spreadsheets, shuttle logistics have lagged behind the innovation seen elsewhere in the outdoor industry. Until now. The Complexity of Shuttle Logistics Every river guide, outfitter, and priva