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What to Pack for a Rafting Trip

What you need to bring depends on the length of your trip. Your outfitter provides the big stuff — raft, paddles, helmets, life jackets — but everything else is on you. Here are packing checklists for half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, based on what 506 outfitters across the US recommend.

What the Outfitter Provides

Almost every commercial outfitter includes the following in your trip price:

  • Raft, paddles, and safety equipment — life jackets (PFDs), helmets (Class III+)
  • Wetsuits and splash jackets — in cold water or early/late season (varies by outfitter)
  • Dry bags — most outfitters carry a communal dry bag on the raft for essentials
  • Transportation — shuttle from the outpost to the put-in and back from the take-out
  • Trained raft guide — your guide handles the back of the raft and calls the paddle commands

What is included varies by outfitter. Always confirm before your trip — especially wetsuits, lunch, and photos.

Half-Day Trip Checklist (2-4 Hours)

Half-day trips are the most popular format. You need the basics and nothing more.

Essentials

  • Swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and shirt (no cotton)
  • Closed-toe shoes that can get wet — water shoes, old sneakers, or sport sandals with heel straps
  • Sunscreen (waterproof SPF 30+, applied before you gear up)
  • Sunglasses with a retainer strap (Croakies or similar)
  • Water bottle (Nalgene or similar — no glass)
  • Towel and dry clothes for after
  • Cash for tipping your raft guide (10-20% of trip cost)

Optional

  • Waterproof phone case (if you want photos on the river)
  • Hat with chin strap or visor
  • Insect repellent
  • Snack bar for the drive back

Full-Day Trip Checklist (5-8 Hours)

Full-day trips add a riverside lunch break. Pack everything from the half-day list, plus:

Add to Half-Day List

  • Lunch and snacks (if not provided by outfitter — ask when booking)
  • Extra water — at least 1 liter beyond what you bring for a half day
  • Long-sleeve UPF shirt or rash guard (full-day sun exposure adds up)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Extra sunscreen for reapplication at lunch
  • Lightweight dry bag for personal items (some outfitters provide, some don't)
  • Personal medications (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)

Multi-Day Trip Checklist (2+ Days)

Multi-day expeditions require more gear. Your outfitter will send a detailed packing list — follow it closely. This covers the general essentials:

Clothing

  • Quick-dry clothing for each day on the water
  • Warm layers for camp (fleece, down jacket — temps drop at night in river canyons)
  • Rain jacket (lightweight, packable)
  • Camp shoes or sandals (for evenings off the water)
  • Wool or synthetic socks (no cotton)
  • Warm hat and gloves for early/late season trips

Gear

  • Sleeping bag (outfitter may provide — ask)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Personal toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
  • Book or cards for camp downtime
  • Camera with waterproof case
  • Dry bags (2-3, different sizes — keeps gear organized)
  • Small first-aid kit (blister care, ibuprofen, any personal meds)

Don't Bring

  • Cotton clothing (stays wet and cold for hours)
  • Expensive jewelry or electronics you can't afford to lose
  • Hard-sided coolers or glass containers
  • Anything you'd be devastated to drop in the river

Pro Tips

Wear your river clothes to the outpost. Most outfitters have you gear up on arrival — there may not be a changing room.

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before arrival. Once you're in a wetsuit and PFD, it's too late to reach your back and shoulders.

Leave your car key with the outfitter. They usually have a lockbox or will hold it at the front desk. Don't bring it on the river.

Strap everything to your body. Glasses need a retainer. Hats need a chin strap. If it's not attached, the river will take it.

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Data based on 506 verified outfitters on Whitewatr. Last updated April 2026.