Looking for an adventure full of moments? The white water rafting trip is an experience for a lifetime. The moments of excitement in the great setting are beyond praise. It is best to arrive at the trip with full preparation so that you enjoy every ounce of it, no matter what!    

Many outfitters provide premium camping and rafting equipment. These include dry bags, life jackets, sleeping pads, tents, etc. However, your personal items and needs can be best taken care of by you.     

Confused about what you need to pack for a white water rafting trip? Well, the majority of things depend on the time of year, duration and type of trip. Nonetheless, there are certain essential things that you must carry, no matter what kind of trip you plan. 

Here’s the detailed list of things. Read on further to get an overview of the essentials that are needed during a white water rafting trip. From clothes and shoes to every small item, we have curated a perfect list for you.

Clothes That You Need To Pack 

The primary thing that should be packing is the clothes that you will wear during a rafting trip.  The best thing is to avoid cotton clothes. You will for sure get wet and cotton clothes are a big no-no! They get cold when wet. 

Your packing will depend on the weather. Here are a few things that you can consider while packing in any season. 

• River Shoes

Carry sandals that have straps and are designed for water sports. Your daily flip flop will flop the trip. Do not carry them.

• Camp Slippers

Dry shoes are needed to keep your feet warm and safe around camp. The mornings are cold even in summer. You need good quality shoes that do not hurt your toes. 

• Plastic Bags for Wet Clothes

You definitely do not want to make your bag soggy, right? Different sizes of zip-lock bags would be best suitable to keep wet clothes. These will keep it separate from the dry clothes. They also work perfectly to store other items like snacks, shoes, etc.

• Extra Clothes

After rafting, you will need to change your clothes and wear dry clothes. You will need something nice to change into. Pack extra pair of clothes for this purpose. 

What to Carry For Warm and Sunny Weather? 

During sunny and warm weather, make sure that you pack things wisely. 

• A bathing suit or quick dry shorts
• Non-cotton shirt that dries quickly
• Long-sleeved shirt
• A brimmed hat that blocks rays of the sun and protects your face
• Do not forget to pack sunglasses. 

What Should You Carry For Rainy Or Cold Weather?

When planning a trip during rainy or cold weather, pack the following; 

• A waterproof jacket is a must
• Waterproof or windproof pants
• Sweatshirt, a jacket or a sweater. The material can be wool or fleece
• A warm hat (snug, tin)
• Wool socks
• Long sleeve synthetic shirt
• Synthetic leggings or long underwear

Having talked about the basic necessities, let’s dive into some personal essentials that you cannot afford to miss out on. 

• Water Bottle 

Nothing can be your best friend on a white water rafting trip than your water bottle. You just do not have to carry it but keep your body healthy and hydrated throughout the trip. Hydro Flask water bottles are best for this purpose. These will keep your water cold for a longer duration. 

Bring your best water bottle but make sure that it has a carabiner. A carabiner will help you to clip it easily to the raft for easy access.

• Sunscreen

A good outdoor vacation can be ruined when you do not apply adequate sunscreen. Sunburn is not what the trip is for, isn’t it? Why take the risk when you can protect your skin with a good SPF sun-block. 

Bring a waterproof, wide-spectrum sun-block and a sun-blocking hat. Apply it every 2 hours and you are ready for a white water rafting trip.

• Snacks

While enjoying a white water rafting trip, you will treat yourself to locally grown foods. These meals are delicious but you need to be prepared beforehand. You might get hungry in between the meals and would like to munch something. 

Snacks are light and easy to carry. They do not require any cooking. Whenever you feel hungry, grab your snacks and you are good to go! 

• Lotion, Sanitizer, Toiletries and Soap

After the fun session, you will feel the urge to wash off all the filth and dirt and get squeaky clean hands. Bring some toiletries and soap to clean yourself. 

Carry a travel-size moisturizer and bring moisture back to your skin after a thrilling day. 

• Medicines

Might sound a bit awkward but medicines are a must. You never know what the situation is, right? Keep basic medicines for nausea, headache, fever, etc. 

• Insect Repellent

The insects and bugs can be aggressive sometimes. Make sure to be prepared beforehand by carrying insect repellent.

• Extra Items

After packing the essentials for a white water rafting trip, pack a few chunky recreation items to add fun to your camping. You can bring binoculars, a Camping hammock, snorkel gear, Swimming goggles, Stargazing guides, headlamps, flashlights, and Playing cards. 

For having a picnic or relaxing, packing a ground cloth can be a good idea. Avoid carrying items that are big and bulky. Carry small items that do not take much space.

Things You Should Avoid Carrying

Avoiding certain things to bring in a white water rafting tour is as important as bringing necessary items. Avoid cotton at all costs. Once it gets wet, there’s no way to drying it during the trip! And of course, we do not want you to get skin rashes as well. 

Do not bring personal belongings like jewelry, laptop, iPod, iPad, etc. Expensive jewelry and eyewear should be avoided. Do not carry heavy cash as most of the time you’ll stay outdoors. Bring a waterproof case to keep your electronic items (phone) dry and safe. Start packing and get going!

Final Words

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt Packing the right stuff matters! What to pack while planning a white water rafting trip is very important. The top thing on your list should be humor, fun, thrill and adventure. Pair it with cheerfulness, will and happiness as a lot of adventure is on your way! Meet adventure with a broad smile