10 Rafting Essentials for your Overnight Trip

Are you planning an overnight rafting trip with AVA and wondering what camping items to take along? While AVA will provide most of your gear including tents, sleeping pads, and food, here are ten rafting essentials to consider packing:

Sleeping Bag:  AVA Rafting offers sleeping bags for rent. However, feel free to bring your own.  Keep in mind that despite the warm Colorado summer days, evenings can drop down quite a bit. You will want to make sure your sleeping bag is in good condition to keep you toasty all night long.

Tooth Brush: A clean mouth will help you better enjoy the next day of your trip (your fellow paddlers will also appreciate your good hygiene).

Dry Set of Clothes: Keep in mind that you will get wet on your trip. Nobody wants to go to bed in a cold, damp set of clothing. Bring a set of something comfortable and warm to change into.

Sweatshirt: Colorado temperature is ever changing. Bring along a sweatshirt or a jacket to cover up with when the sun starts to go down.

Extra Pair of Shoes: A dry pair of shoes will keep you much more comfortable after your day on the river. Don’t want the extra hassle? Wear a pair of waterproof, strap on sandals like Chacos.

Water Bottle: You are sure to work up a sweat paddling and participating in various AVA activities. Make sure to stay hydrated by bringing your own reusable bottle of water.

Sunscreen: Nobody wants to come home from an exhilarating rafting trip with a blistering sunburn. The High Rockies’ sun tends to be more intense than at sea level so keep your sunscreen slathered on.

Towel:  Don’t attempt to put dry clothes on wet skin. Bring a towel and avoid the sticky hassle.

Flashlight/Headlamp:  A flashlight, or headlamp will provide comfort and safety should you need to get up in the middle of the night. Flashlights also come in handy when sharing stories and tales around the nighttime campfire.

Additional Snacks:  AVA will provide all your meals, in addition to granola bars, certainly enough to keep your stomach happy throughout the trip. However, if you have any special preferences or know you’ll be craving a midnight treat, be sure to pack along your favorite snack.

If you are considering bringing any other items, but aren’t sure if they are necessary, just ask your Raft Guide or call AVA at 877-RAFTING. Most importantly, be sure to bring a smile as you are about to experience a great adventure full of excitement and laughs!