Packing List for your Raft Trip

If you are heading out on the river for an extended period of time, it is essential to be extremely prepared. Life is always easier when you are ready for the unexpected! If you are going out on an unguided rafting trip, you should already know the necessities when packing up your gear. Sometimes it is easy to forget the extracurricular items, so here is a list of some things that we have found useful having while we are out on the water!

  1. DryBagA Dry or Plastic Bag: It is very key to have some sort of Dry Bag to keep some of your items that are not necessarily waterproof safe. That includes your warm, dry clothes that you are hoping to change into after a long day on the water! Something important to remember is to take your wet stuff out to dry once you have set up camp.
  2. Proper Water Shoes: Crocs, flip flops or any type of slip on shoe is just not going to be a good idea… They do not provide any protection to those lovely feet of yours. You definitely do not want to scrape or cut up your feet while you are trying to enjoy yourself! We would suggest any sort of strap on sandal or closed toed tennis shoe that is secured to your foot. Teva, keen and even chacos are great water shoes. Make sure to pack a “camp” shoe for when you get done for the day!
  3. Personal Mug/Cup: This can be utilized for multiple different purposes! There is nothing better than waking up in the morning to a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. It heats your hands and body up, starting the day off right! Don’t forget how handy it will be once you get off the water and enjoy yourself one tasty cocktail or beverage of choice!
  4. Tape: That’s right, I said tape! You wouldn’t imagine how many times tape has been a lifesaver when rafting and camping. Little things such as tears, scrapes, pokes and holes happen all of the time and tape is a handy dandy quick fixer. If you have a nalgene water bottle, just take the tape and wrap it a few times around it and there you go!
  5. People in inflatable kayaks in riverSunblock: This is SUPER important! No matter where you are or how sunny it is, you can easily get sunburnt and it can ruin your entire trip. You definitely don’t want that to happen do you. That is why it is smart just to bring a tube of sunscreen wherever you go!
  6. Synthetic Layering: Even though it can be hot and sunny throughout the day, the temperature drops significantly at night. You want to make sure you have enough layers that dry fast to keep you nice and warm. Another great aspect to having these layers is that it is a great protection from the sun during the daytime!
  7. Croakies: These guys are one of the greatest inventions ever made. It is so easy to lose your sunglasses while you are out on the water. It is really important to take care of your eyes on the water, so croakies are the answer! They help you and your sunglasses stay together and not fall right into the water and sink to the bottom. Make sure to pick up a pair of these today!
  8. Extra Paddles: If you are taking out multiple rafts make sure to pack a few extra paddles. You may not think it will happen, but it is very easy for someone to just drop their paddle while not paying attention. It is not fun watching your paddle float down river. It is a great safety precaution to pack extra!
  9. Headlamp: A very common item that people tend to forget, a headlamp is very helpful once the sun goes down and you are at camp. It makes life a lot easier when you are able to see where you are going. Make sure not to forget this piece of equipment!
  10. thirst-1474240_1920Water: Lastly, the most important of all! Being out on the water all day long while the sun is beating down on you can definitely dehydrate you. Make sure to pack lots of extra clean water or some sort of purifier.

Now that you are up to date with what to pack for your next rafting trip, it is now time to just plan your trip and rent your gear! If you are looking for somewhere to rent the rafting gear, Colorado River Rentals is your one-stop shop! We only use the best rated and most updated gear around. Check it out today!