Basic One-Day What-to-Bring List

What you wear and bring on the river can make or break a trip. Depending on the weather and difficulty of whitewater you will need various gear. Wetsuits and splash jackets are generally provided when the weather is cold or the whitwater is advanced.

Since getting wet is part of any river trip, bring clothing that you don't mind being saturated with river water. Synthetic materials dry quickly and keep you warm even when they're damp, but on really hot days, a cotton t-shirt helps keep you cool. There is generally not room on one-day trips to bring a change of clothes on the river.

Clothes:
___ Swimsuit: two pieces are preferable for women, but sometimes synthetic underware are better for bottoms so you don't get "boater's butt"
___ Shorts: quick drying like board shorts or running shorts. They can double as a swimsuit for men. Thighs tend to get sunburned quickly and longer shorts are the best sunscreen possible.
___ Tennis shoes or water sport sandals like Keen, Teva, or Chaco, or wetsuit booties with soles--NO flip-flops unless you want your guide to duct-tape them to your feet!!!
___ Shirts: long sleeved shirts work best for sun protection, cotton makes you colder
___ Baseball cap or visor (with strap) for sun protection

Sometimes REQUIRED (and always nice) for cold or early season trips:
___ Wetsuit* (for either cold weather or more diffcult whitewater)
___ Paddle jacket/ splash jacket*
___ Hat and/or gloves (wool or fleece for both)
___ Long underwear: fleece, Capilene, Smartwool or Polypropylene work best
___ Sweater: fleece or wool
___ Socks to keep your feet warm: synthetic (Polypropylene) or wool --NO COTTON!!!

Gear List (Optional)
___ Water bottle with strap
___ Sunglasses with strap (chums or croakies work well, as does duct tape!)
___ Insect repellant
___ Sunscreen/lip block
___ Medications
___ Disposable/waterproof camera

*May be rented from or provided by your outfitter

**Your outfitter will likely include a what-to-bring list with specific details for your trip

Disclaimer: River descriptions and classifications may change due to natural events that may create new hazards or flows. C-W-R advises that any paddler that uses this site be additionally informed by seeking out local news and updates for changes on this river.