Whether you're hitting the rapids for the first time or heading out as an experienced guide, it's always important to pack everything you'll need for a comfortable and safe rafting trip. From rafting gear to clothing to personal and safety items, the right equipment can make the difference between an exciting trip and a miserable experience.
Rafting Gear
The amount of rafting gear you'll need to bring along largely depends on whether you're heading out on your own or going with an equipped guide. No rafting trip is complete without lifejackets, the most important piece of equipment, safety-wise, you can take rafting. Make sure it's the first thing on your checklist. Depending on how rigorous the rapids are where you'll be rafting, you might want to consider packing all your rafting and personal gear into a water-proof duffle bag.
Clothing
One of the most important parts of a rafting trip is making sure you stay as dry as possible at all times. That means packing plenty of spare clothes in accordance with the number of days you'll be rafting. Pack enough clothing that you can easily dress in layers and remove or put on items depending on changes in the weather. For your feet, a pair of sturdy water sandals is probably your best bet, as they can get wet but still be functional. If you're camping along the way, bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots with several pairs of socks for getting around camp. Gloves are also an essential item for longer trips, since you'll be putting a lot of wear and tear on your hands as you grab and pull ropes and paddles. For protection against the sun, pack several hats or visors.
Personal Items
As with other things, your list of personal items will grow based on the number of hours---or days---you plan on rafting. Even if you're only going on a rafting trip for a few hours, you'll want to pack plenty of sunscreen. Light reflects off water and can give you a nasty burn if you're not properly protected. If you're going rafting for several days, pack all of the essential camping items to be stored in your dry bag, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and other basic toiletries.
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