What to Bring and Wear White Water Rafting: River Trip Packing List

Packing for any vacation can be daunting, but throwing in ~ an adrenaline-pumping adventure~ like white water rafting? That requires a whole other level of preparedness. 

To make sure you don’t forget anything essential, check out this proven packing list on what to bring and wear white water rafting. From dry gear to small accessories, we’ve got everything covered to make your life easier, so you don’t get caught in the middle of nowhere without adequate supplies. 

From my experience rafting 10 days down the Karnali, the largest river in the jungles of Nepal and recognized as the third-best whitewater river in the world, I know a thing or two about what you need (and don’t need). 

Most of the items listed are necessary to bring or wear on any rafting trip, but I’ve also included everything needed for multi-day overnight rafting trips too. And I promise – everything will be worth it when you see those rapids ahead of you! Get started packing for your white water rafting trip!

White Water River Rafting Packing List: Have the Right Gear

Before heading down the wild rapids of a white water river, you’ll need to ensure you have the right gear. The nearest shopping mall may be an expedition or 30 hour bus ride from Kathmandu away.

Packing for a rafting trip requires careful consideration so that you can take everything you need and nothing more. Remember that space is limited, and everything will get wet, so pack light and smart!

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How Do You Prepare for White water Rafting: Things To Consider

Pack For Where You’re Going:

Think about the type of river you’ll be rafting. Will you be going through big rapids or smaller ones? What is the air and water temperature of the season you’re going on your trip? How long is your trip?

Pack For All Types Of Weather:

Remember that the weather can change quickly when you’re in the wilderness. Bring clothing for rain, wind, sun, and cold temperatures. 

Along with your river gear, pack a synthetic base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, a waterproof outer layer, and something warm for the nighttime bonfire hangouts.

Important Clothing Characteristics

• Quick-Dry Fabrics: You will get wet constantly with every rapid, and the water can be cold.
• Lightweight & Breathable: The sun’s heat can be hot, and you will continuously be paddling.
• Simple: Nothing fancy is going to survive.
• Water Proofing: Make your trip more comfortable by keeping yourself and your stuff dry.

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Best White Water Rafting Luggage: Dry Bags

Invest in a quality dry bag. Dry bags should be the only luggage you bring; they are essential to keep your items safe from the water.

A helpful guideline is to pick waterproof bags that are the perfect size for your belongings while still being able to properly roll them up three times. If you’re unsure, it’s better to go one size bigger.

You will want to have a few different sizes of dry bags so that you can separate out smaller items and make it easier to find them.

At a minimum, you should have two dry bags for multi-day trips: one for non-critical items that won’t be opened during the day and a smaller day bag to hold your camera, sunscreen, and other accessories.

BEST ADVENTURE DRY BAGS: SEA TO SUMMIT

Over the years, I’ve always used the very reputable brand Sea to Summit for all my dry bags. You don’t want to skimp on this necessity, otherwise, your things will end up wet, and you’ll be sad. Sea to Summit is a waterproof guarantee made of robust and lightweight material.

Sea to Summit offers an array of sizes from 3L to 65L of varying durability and many colors so you can get exactly.

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What to Wear White Water Rafting

Insulated Neoprene Clothing (Splash Guard | Rashguard | Shorts | Socks)

If you’re going to get into any water sports, you should get familiar with neoprene! This material is made of synthetic rubber resistant to water, oil, and heat. It makes for excellent insulation against the cold, perfect for spending all day out in chilly waters.

What if the weather isn’t that cold? 

Fun fact: Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. This means if you are exposed to water for long periods, you will still be losing body heat. Staying dry will lower your risk of getting hypothermia. 

SPLASH GUARD:

During the thrill of the rapids, splash guards (or splash jackets) are a great way of keeping your upper body dry while you are raging down the river. A good splash guard is made of loose waterproof material that cinches the waist, wrist, and neck with neoprene to prevent water from entering.

LONG SLEEVE RASH GUARD:

A rashguard should be a key piece of clothing in your rafting wardrobe, and you will probably end up wearing it the entire time you are on the trip. 

If you are on a multi-day expedition or in sunny weather, get long sleeves to shield yourself from the sun. Even if you get hot, you can always jump into the river to cool off.

WETSUIT SHORTS:

Neoprene shorts are an excellent way to stay warm sitting constantly in cold water while still tight enough to grip the raft bench well and prevent any uncomfortable chafing.

Can I wear leggings white water rafting?

For short day trips in warm waters, leggings will hold up nicely and give you enough grip along the raft. For anything longer, they will not provide you with the warmth needed for an all-day adventure. Consider synthetic, fast-drying fabrics over leggings.

NEOPRENE SOCKS/BOOTIES (OR AT LEAST WOOL SOCKS):

Neoprene socks prevent rubbing and provide insulation. They are designed to fit snugly around your feet, keeping them comfortable and warm throughout the day. For something even warmer, look into getting neoprene booties.

As neoprene socks and booties may be a special use case item, you want to have at least wool socks. Your feet will be wet and chafing against the plastic raft all day, causing some serious blisters. Mid-shin wool socks will be the best protector against the cold and the rub.

Do You Need a Wet Suit for White Water Rafting?

You only need a wet suit white water rafting if it is cold enough for it. Remember that you will be paddling and don’t want to overheat. Dress appropriately for the temperature of the water and air.

FULL WETSUIT:

Consider investing in a full wetsuit in colder weather conditions. This is especially important if you plan on doing more than just rafting, like kayaking or, generally, being in the water for extended periods. This can be used for other sports too, like scuba diving or surfing.

DRYSUIT:

For the ultimate cold weather protection, a dry suit is the way to go. It’s like a wetsuit, but it’s made of waterproof material and seals you up completely. 

You only need this in the most extreme conditions, and since they’re quite pricey, they are usually optional to buy. If they are, companies will usually provide them in the tour price or offer rentals.

I have only ever needed to use this drysuit twice in my life, rafting in Hokkaiddo, Japan, in May and hiking The Narrows in Zion in winter. In both instances, I can attest that the trip without a dry suit would be impossible.

What Shoes Do You Wear For Rafting?

RIVER SHOES: (Chacos | Tevas)

River shoes are the only pair of shoes you need on a white water rafting trip. Leave everything else at home or at your accommodation. River shoes provide extra traction on wet surfaces and are securely tightened to you with a heel strap. Most people in rafts either wear river shoes or opt to go barefoot.

After trying both Chacos and Tevas, I’m hard-pressed to say which ones I love more. Chacos seem to be more durable but have a break-in period and are more expensive. However, they will cuddle your feet in comfort once they’ve been broken in.

Only some Tevas are made for adventure, like the Terra. Comfortable the moment it’s on, Teva’s come at a cheaper price tag but also seem less solid overall.

are crocs good for white water rafting?

Unless the Crocs you have fit very snugly against your feet and heel, I would not recommend them for whitewater rafting as they may fall off. For low-grade rivers, they should be fine to wear.

Other Clothing to Wear White Water Rafting

BATHING SUIT:

You will have no privacy on a rafting trip at all. Aside from lounging in the sun after a long day’s paddle, you’ll probably need a bathing suit to bathe in the river.

Do you wear a swimsuit for rafting?

Bathing suits are also a great piece of clothing to have under your neoprene wetsuit clothing, so you can easily dry off and soak in the sun’s warmth during breaks.

A bathing suit by itself is not ideal unless you are rafting low-grade rivers in warm temperatures. The life jacket can cause chafing, especially in the underarm area from rigorous paddling, and doesn’t insulate at all.

WARMER NIGHTTIME CLOTHES:

The nights can get chilly depending on your location, especially if you spend all day rafting on a cold river. Always pack a warmer layer in your main drybag for cooler days and evening use, or else you’ll be stuck shivering as the temperature drops, especially if there is no viable driftwood to make a fire with.

TRAVEL TOWEL:

Pack a travel towel with you for day trips or multi-day runs. This allows you to dry off quickly and wipe away any moisture from your GoPro camera. Swap your full-sized towel for an odor-reducing, quick-drying microfiber one to save space.

HAT:

A hat is essential to have on the river for sun protection. Don’t bring your favorite baseball cap unless you don’t mind losing it. Choose something with a brim and a chin strap to make sure it won’t fly off in the wind or the rapids.

SUNGLASSES WITH STRAPS

Protect your eyes from the sun and flying water splashes with a pair of sunglasses. It’s best to invest in some polarized lenses as they will provide better visibility in the water. Be sure to get a pair that includes straps, so you don’t lose them when you inevitably fall in the river (like I did).

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What to Bring White Water Rafting

Carabiners

Bring along a couple of carabiners that are rated for your specific adventure. They’re great for attaching gear to the raft, helping secure gear while on the move, and can be used to add an extra layer of safety.

Safety Equipment

Most guided tour companies will provide all the necessary safety gear for their guests, so you likely won’t need to purchase any of your own. This includes a life jacket, helmet, and PFD (personal floatation device). 

However, it is always a good idea to double-check with your rafting company for what is included in the price of your trip and what you will need to bring with you.

Waterproof Phone Holder

If your phone is not waterproof, or even if it is waterproof and you just don’t want to lose it on the river while taking a picture, a phone holder pouch is the perfect solution.

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Electronics to Pack on a White Water Rafting Trip

⇨ GoPro – White water rafting is a sport that GoPro’s were built for, and it always makes for great footage.

⇨ High mAH Power Bank – You will most likely have no way to charge anything unless you bring your own power. If you have an action cam and a phone, I recommend getting one like 20,000 mAH Anker Portable Charger. If you’re going on a multi-day trip, you may want a power bank with solar charging capabilities.

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What to Bring on Multi-Day White Water Rafting Trips

Water Filtration Bottle

Bring along a water filtration bottle to stay hydrated. This allows you to collect and filter river, lake, or stream water for safe consumption. An added bonus is that you won’t have to worry about carrying around a heavy load of water bottles or jugs.

Your tour company will have its own way of getting clean water…but with the tablets…it still looks murky. I prefer to have my personal favorite french-press GRAYL Bottle, or another popular option is Life Straw.

Strong Flashlight or Headlamp

Navigating to your campground bathroom is a lot easier with a light.

Sleeping Equipment

Your guided tour will typically provide tent sleeping equipment if you are doing overnight whitewater trips. If you’re doing a trip on your own or want to bring your own equipment, here are a few of my favorites I carry on all my trips. I am slowly rotating everything to be lightweight and “the best”.

• Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – UltralightBackpacking Tent
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad
• Ergonomic Inflating Pillows
• Enlightened Equipment Custom Sleeping Bag

Toiletries to Bring White Water Rafting

⇨ [Biodegradable] Bar Soap – Easy to bring, bar soap is perfect for bathing on the river. To ensure the fish feel the same way, consider getting biodegradable options.

⇨ Chapstick – Whenever you spend so much time wet, your lips will be dry

⇨ Reef Safe, Waterproof Sunscreen – Trust me, you will want to remember sunscreen after a few days in the sun. Long days on the water can lead to a nasty sunburn, no matter how tough you think you are. Again for the fishies, try purchasing reef-safe sunscreen.

⇨ Mosquito Spray – It’s vital not to forget insect repellent, as rivers are the perfect insect breeding grounds. I prefer natural lemon grass or eucalyptus oils as they don’t have such a potent smell (like the DEET ones), but you can also find options like Picaridin.

⇨ Prescription/Preventative Medications – Bring everything you think you need like Dramamine, Tums, Advil, Loperamide. The tour trip will include first aid essentials, at the bare minimum. However, I experienced horrible stomach pain on the last day of my rafting trip and was incredibly grateful that another couple had the foresight to pack a pharmacy in their bag.

⇨ Scrubba Portable Washbag – Not exactly a necessity, its a great way to wash your clothes in a self-contained bag instead of on the sandy river banks.

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Entertainment and Games, Downloaded Music, and Movies

⇨ Playing Cards or Boardgames – A great way to wind down after a full day on the water is with some classic card and board games.

⇨ Downloaded Music and Movies – There’s not much to do aside from hanging with each other. If you can’t handle 100% socialization, download some entertainment before you go.

⇨ Books – Whether you’re hoping to read a few chapters or have run out of battery on all your devices, having a good book on hand while floating down the river is always a treat.

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Other Important Things To Add To Your Rafting Packing List

• Passport (or at least a picture and photocopy of it)
• Visa Stamp, if international (or at least a print and photocopy of it)
• Plastic Bags or Ziplock Bags
• Aftersun or Aloe Vera Cream
• Small snacks that will survive the rigors of the rapids

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What Not to Bring or Wear White Water Rafting

✘ Emergency Equipment – Your rafting company will typically provide you with all safety equipment before setting for the river. You can always bring your own if you have them. Never get into the river without checking your equipment, such as life jackets and helmets, are tight and in working order.

✘ Too many clothes – I didn’t know how many clothes to pack. The answer? Not too much. No one will judge you for wearing the same thing every day until it got “too dirty,” then hand-wash it in the river to dry in the sun. You only need one on the rafting outfit. 

✘ DSLR/Mirrorless Camera – I never leave home without my Sony A6400 Mirrorless lightweight traveling camera. But if you aren’t usually a big photographer, don’t expect to use it on a rafting trip much except in the mornings and evenings. If you aren’t ok with it getting damaged, I would leave it safe, as in on land.

✘ Laptop – Rafting is probably the easiest way to break a laptop, plus, where are you going to get internet?

✘ Anything Nice You Don’t Want to Lose – In terms of jewelry or anything nice, it is incredibly easy to lose things on the river. Whenever you can’t find something, you have to wonder, “Did the river eat it?”

✘ Sleeping Equipment (unless you want to use your own) – You will most likely take a rafting tour that provides everything you need for sleeping arrangements. However, if you have your own equipment and would like to bring it along, I can promise you that the quality is better than what they have.

✘ Any Shoes Other Than Water Shoes – It depends on where you’ll go, but my water shoes can handle any on-land excursions and waterfall hikes. Also, other shoes are likely to get wet and never dry and flip-flops are unnecessary.

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The Wrap-Up: What To Bring and Wear White Water Rafting

What to bring on a white water rafting trip depends a lot on warm or cold weather and how long you plan on going for.

White water rafting can be an experience of a lifetime, but you will be much more comfortable if you bring the right gear and clothes for the trip. The last thing you want is to find yourself without a key item – like how my feet were freezing during the first few days until I borrowed some socks. 

I hope you can use this packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a great whitewater rafting trip.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

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