Short answer: Wear quick-dry synthetic clothing, never cotton, with secure water shoes and sun protection. Early-season trips call for a wetsuit or splash jacket since the water runs colder, while midsummer trips are comfortable in a swimsuit and light layers. We provide splash gear and dry bags either way.
Key Takeaways
- Skip cotton entirely. It stays wet and cold. Quick-dry synthetic fabrics are the standard for river trips.
- Early-season trips (late May through June) run colder, a wetsuit or splash jacket helps a lot.
- Midsummer trips are comfortable in a swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and a rash guard.
- Secure footwear is essential. Flip-flops and bare feet don’t work on the river.
- We provide splash gear and dry bags, so you’re not on your own for river-specific equipment.
The One Rule: No Cotton
Cotton soaks up water and stays wet and cold for hours. On a river trip, that’s uncomfortable at best and genuinely risky in cold water at worst. Stick to quick-dry synthetic fabrics, the same kind used in athletic wear or dedicated river clothing.
Early Season vs. Midsummer
If you’re rafting in late May or June, water temperatures run cold from spring runoff and snowmelt. A wetsuit or a splash jacket over a base layer makes a real difference in comfort. By midsummer, water and air temperatures are warmer, and most guests are comfortable in a swimsuit, quick-dry shorts, and a rash guard or light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection.
| Season | Recommended Clothing |
|---|---|
| Early season (late May – June) | Wetsuit or splash jacket, quick-dry base layer, secure water shoes |
| Midsummer (July – August) | Swimsuit or quick-dry shorts, rash guard or light long-sleeve, sun hat |
| Late season (September) | Quick-dry layers, light jacket for cooler mornings |
Sun Protection
You’re on open water for hours, and the sun reflects off the river surface, so sunburn happens faster than people expect. A wide-brim hat that straps on, UPF-rated clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen reapplied throughout the day go a long way. Polarized sunglasses with a retention strap help too.
What We Provide vs. What You Pack
- We provide: PFDs, helmets, waterproof dry bags for your gear, and splash jackets are available on request for cooler trips.
- You bring: Quick-dry clothing appropriate to the season, secure water shoes, sun protection, and any personal items you want in your dry bag.
A Simple Packing Checklist
- Quick-dry shorts or swimsuit
- Rash guard or quick-dry shirt
- Secure water shoes (see our full footwear guide)
- Wide-brim hat with a chin strap
- Polarized sunglasses with a retention strap
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Wetsuit or splash layer for early-season trips
- A change of dry clothes for camp, packed in your dry bag
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Ready to Book Your Trip? |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you wear a wetsuit white water rafting?
It depends on timing. Early-season trips in late May and June run cold enough that a wetsuit or splash jacket helps. By midsummer, most guests are comfortable without one.
Should I wear a bathing suit for white water rafting?
Yes, a swimsuit under quick-dry clothing works well for most of the season. Add a rash guard for sun protection and a wetsuit only for early-season cold water.
Can I wear cotton clothing rafting?
It’s best to avoid it. Cotton absorbs water and stays cold and wet, which gets uncomfortable fast on a multi-day trip.
What footwear should I wear?
Secure water shoes or river sandals with a back strap. See our dedicated footwear guide for specifics.
Questions? Call 1.800.345.7238 or read more about critical supplies to bring rafting.
