You’ve booked your trip and you’re ready to hit the whitewater, but what do you bring? Here is a quick checklist to help you out while packing:
What does the average person wear on a warm sunny day?
Many men wear swim trunks with either no shirt under their PFD or just a polyester t-shirt with water shoes or sneakers.
Many women wear one or two piece swimsuits with athletic shorts or leggings on the bottom and water shoes or sneakers.
Won’t it be cold?
If you are trying to be as warm as possible, many outfitters rent wetsuits and splash jackets that will help you immensely! The biggest thing to remember is to wear noncotton clothing. If you want to be warmer, cotton will be heavy and keep you colder. Try Under Armour or Dry Fit type clothing that will wick away the water! Adding a pair of wool socks will really make a difference too!
Can I bring a towel?
I would recommend leaving your towel in your car and grabbing it once you get back. Everything you bring in the boat could get wet and no one wants to try to dry off with a wet towel!
What about sunglasses?
You can definitely bring a pair of sunglasses but I would not recommend bringing your favorite, expensive pair! The river loves to steal glasses. If you are worried about losing them, I would secure them with an eyeglass retainer like Chums or Croakies.
Why should I wear noncotton clothing?
Cotton absorbs a lot of water and does not dry quickly. Therefore, when it gets wet on the trip it becomes heavy and cold. You would be better off not wearing the cotton article of clothing. Try picking something that is polyester or a polyester blend. Many companies make great moisture wicking clothing that will keep you warmer while on the river!
