I’ve traveled on a lot of river trips over the years, and each time added to and updated this list to help myself and my friends best pack for multi-day river trips.
Now I’m sharing that list with you, to help you have the best river trip whether it’s your first or fiftieth!
(Here's a printable version of this list you can use as a check-list ↓ )
Clothes:
Sarong (specifically the ones marketed to females) for sun protection. The thinner and bigger the better. You can use this to cover your legs on long, hot stretches of river. Or to dip in the water and cool off your legs with.
Sun shirts. 1 for every two days on the water, or one for every day if you want to be extra fresh. My favorite are the kind that cover your arms and have a hood for added sun protection. The overall aim is for light-weight, breathable, and sun protection.
Swim trunks/suit bottoms (you’ll most likely wear these during the day on the boat, then regular shorts or pants on the beach in the evening, but some people just keep on the swim trunks all day).
Actual, legit Rain Pants and Rain Jacket, with zippable pockets or ventilation zippers for extra comfort. ***A regular rain jacket is not sufficient. You need complete coverage for if a thunderstorm appears and you’re being hit with cold rain.
Arm sun sleeves for sun/cold
Fun costumes/outfits for final night/camp time (calf tans, dresses, wigs, hats, etc. The sillier the better)
Buff or face covering/neck gaiter
Socks to wear for bed only/that work well with lotion on your feet
Jacket and/or fleece for cool nights at camp
Shoes:
Water shoes (KEEN H2 sandals are my favorite)
Camp sandals (Crocs--or similar--are amazing)
Hiking shoes for side hikes. If you have KEEN or good water shoes, you don’t need separate. Otherwise, you’ll want close-toed, capable of 1+ mile hikes
Accessories:
Chums or equivalent! To hold your glasses or sunglasses on during rapids
Water bottle(s) (opaque, non-clear, is better to keep water cold from sun or tea warm)
Carabiners (one each for water bottle on boat)
Camp towel and biodegradable shampoo/body soap if wanting to river bathe
Sunglasses (I find polarized help contrast the water and canyons best)/Pescription glasses or contacts
Headlamp (charge ahead of time) *Something with red light is preferrable so you don't shine brightly and ruin the cones in others' eyes that allow them to see the night sky better!
Outside Safe Space pins/stickers/patches
Neoprene gloves, for cold weather trips only (usually May or sooner, or September or later, in North America)
Toiletries:
Aquaphor lotion to rub on feet every night (every night, no matter what. You’ll thank me)
Biodegradable soap/shampoo to wash in the river (Baby shampoo or Dr. Bronner’s)
Baby/butt wipes/disposable wipes for cleaning off sunscreen, especially for your face
Hand sanitizer if you don’t like washing hands in river water with soap
Sunscreen. I find spray is the easiest to apply when your legs are soaked from water splashes, but all kinds work.
Face sunscreen. I love the knockoff version of the Goop that Trader Joe’s sells.
Lip Balm for dry weather + extra sunscreen protection due to prolonged lip exposure to the sun
Hand and Body lotion to apply at night (even if you’re not normally a dry skinned person, the constant water splashing will make your skin very dry and you’ll be glad you have it)
Stool softener and diarrhea meds (usually the guiding company has some, but especially if your stomach is sensitive, you’ll be glad you have both)
Personal medications or hygiene products
Vaseline, hydrocortisone, or any sort of cream that will create a slick barrier on your bum. Applying some after a day on the river will make it much easier to go to the bathroom. You’re likely more dehydrated than normal, and the “groover” toilet is not the most pleasant experience. So a little cream will both help you go easier, and make clean up easier.
Tech:
Lots of charging cords and blocks (or one with many versatile holes)! To charge every electronic in the hotel the night before at the same time
Cell phone or camera (if you have a nice DSLR, they can store it for you to use in the evenings, but using it during the day is at your own risk)
GoPro with accessories to wear/use in water, like this kit.
USB power banks (I like ones with both USB-A and USB-C), or portable solar panels, and charging cords for on-the-river power.
Download movies, podcasts, books, or other on your phone ahead of time if you need help falling asleep. Or for audio-books on the long drives from the airport to the start/finish river towns.
Gear:
Your own sleeping bag (depending on if your tour company provides one or not). In May and before, or September or after, you'll want warmer ones. During June-August, it'll be hot and you'll want a non-warm sleeping bag.
Your own tent, depending on if your tour company provides one OR if you’re very
tall (I’m 6’ 1” and found I’ve often barely fit in the provided tents, so I like to bring my own, longer one)
Games to play at camp. This is my favorite group game that sets up very easily in the sand. And this is a great two-person game that won't blow away in the river wind.
Book
Tip guides 10-15% of trip price. Cash, check, or some do Zelle/Venmo now
Optional:
Eye Cover if you don’t want to wake with the sun
Old, thin bed sheet to dip in water pre-night if you can't sleep in hot weather
To buy post airplane flight:
Beer/alcohol – More than you think you’ll drink. Unless you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll be glad you have more than normal. There’s so much down/hang out time on the beach and it’s a common part of river culture. Plus, if you don’t drink them, you can give them away to river friends who will be very thankful if they didn’t pack enough.
Soda (Zero Sugar or Diet--other than regular soda which they tend to offer).
Other drinks, Nuun hydration tablets are great to add to your water, - NO GLASS! Bagged wine i.e.
Not sure if a rafting trip is for you? Watch my short film, Canyon Chorus, below is see why it's the most amazing type of trip ever!
Or read my blog 5 Reasons to River Raft: A Must-Read Before Your Next Vacation