River Rafting Gear: Which Pieces are the Most Important?

There are lots of different items that you could pack along when it comes to river rafting gear. Whether you decide to get it all new or just settle with used rafting gear, the most important thing is that you know which pieces are the most essential and which you are going to want to work on getting first if you are just a beginner here.

Day Gear

There are a few very important pieces of river rafting gear for the day that you are going to want to bring along on your trip. A wetsuit, splash jacket, swimming suit, booties, and sunglasses with securing strap are all very important. Depending on how sunny the day is that you are going rafting on, you may not need to wear sunglasses if you don’t want to, but on sunny days they will help keep the glare out of your eyes so you can see where you are going.

A waterproof sunscreen is helpful, because of course you do not want to get burnt. You may also want to bring a beverage along such as water or juice in case you get thirsty. Keep in mind that if you are going on a whitewater rafting trip with a company, you will probably get a guide who will come with you, help make sure that you get where you need to go, and provide you with meals and beverages.

Camp Gear

If you are planning to stay somewhere overnight so you can go rafting again in the morning, you are going to need the proper river rafting gear to get you through the night. A warm sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of gear here, and these are usually available to rent through a rafting company if you don’t want to purchase one yourself.

You will need toiletries, a headlamp or flashlight so you can see where you are going in the dark, a change of clothes and small towel, dry shoes for camp, rain jacket or poncho, plastic bag to hold your wet clothes, and your favorite book if you like, for something to do if you can’t fall asleep at night.

Make sure that you find out what the company provides that you are going through for the trip, because there may be certain things that you will already have provided for you.

All of this river rafting gear will be very important for you to bring along, and will ensure your safety and also that you enjoy yourself on the trip.