Fashion truly follows function an a white water rafting trip. We all want to look fabulous in those vacation photos, but here are some head-to-toe tips for packing light and staying comfortable on your
riverrafting adventure.
riverrafting adventure.There will be sunshine, lots of sunshine! You will want to pack a hat, especially if you are follicly challenged, or of the fair skinned type. But even for those with a full head of hair, a brim helps keep the sun out of your eyes. It should have a strap as it may get blown off if its windy, or the rapids gets wild!
Pack quick-drying nylon shorts and bathing suits (two piece for women), but being out in the sun means you'll need protection for your skin. Nylon pants and a light nylon, cotton or quick-drying long sleeved shirt are great for layering in case you start to burn. Nylon, or any quick drying fabric is best to wear, you will get wet and the faster you dry the happier you will be!
ALWAYS pack sunscreen! SPF 30 is just fine, one with SPF of 50 only provides 1% to 2% more protection than an SPF 30. (You may even want to pack one that is waterproof or water resistant). Reapply every 2 hours or so, and don't forget your feet, ears, hands and knees!
For early season whitewater trips or rainy weather, a lightweight fleece or fleece lined water repellent jacket will help you keep cozy. Rain gear is a MUST! Look for quality pieces that are waterproof, not just water resistant. You want to keep dry, being wet and cold makes for an unhappy rafter! Pants and jackets with elastic at the ankle and sleeve work best. A jacket with a hood will keep you much dryer than a poncho, and the life vests fit better over a jacket.
Bring two pairs of shoes - one pair to wear on the raft, as they WILL get wet. Sports sandals with a heel strap and closed toes are recommended for in the water and side canyon hikes. Red Rock Outfitters has some great options; think Teva, Chaco, Merrill, or even "knock-offs"- you don't have to pay $100 for footwear - make sure they are duraable, sturdy and comfortable! Flip flops are nice for camp, and socks for sore spots, blisters or just keeping your feet warm at night if it's chilly out. Make sure you pack footwear that is already broken in, you will be more comfortable for the duration of your Grand Canyon raft trip.
Bring a water bottle for longer whitewater trips. Arizona River Runners provides a travel mug, but water bottles will hold more water for those off water hikes.
Pack quick-drying nylon shorts and bathing suits (two piece for women), but being out in the sun means you'll need protection for your skin. Nylon pants and a light nylon, cotton or quick-drying long sleeved shirt are great for layering in case you start to burn. Nylon, or any quick drying fabric is best to wear, you will get wet and the faster you dry the happier you will be!
ALWAYS pack sunscreen! SPF 30 is just fine, one with SPF of 50 only provides 1% to 2% more protection than an SPF 30. (You may even want to pack one that is waterproof or water resistant). Reapply every 2 hours or so, and don't forget your feet, ears, hands and knees!
For early season whitewater trips or rainy weather, a lightweight fleece or fleece lined water repellent jacket will help you keep cozy. Rain gear is a MUST! Look for quality pieces that are waterproof, not just water resistant. You want to keep dry, being wet and cold makes for an unhappy rafter! Pants and jackets with elastic at the ankle and sleeve work best. A jacket with a hood will keep you much dryer than a poncho, and the life vests fit better over a jacket.
Bring two pairs of shoes - one pair to wear on the raft, as they WILL get wet. Sports sandals with a heel strap and closed toes are recommended for in the water and side canyon hikes. Red Rock Outfitters has some great options; think Teva, Chaco, Merrill, or even "knock-offs"- you don't have to pay $100 for footwear - make sure they are duraable, sturdy and comfortable! Flip flops are nice for camp, and socks for sore spots, blisters or just keeping your feet warm at night if it's chilly out. Make sure you pack footwear that is already broken in, you will be more comfortable for the duration of your Grand Canyon raft trip.
Bring a water bottle for longer whitewater trips. Arizona River Runners provides a travel mug, but water bottles will hold more water for those off water hikes.
Pack light - don't pack an outfit a day, there's no need to wear a different outfit in every photo. Everyone will be wearing the same thing over and over, getting sandy and wet, and hanging things out to dry. It's just the way you roll rafting in the Grand Canyon!
Don't forget the basics: socks and undergarments, toothpaste and brush, deodorant. For 6 day or longer trips you will want to pack biodegradable soap and shampoo, small flashlight (helps with finding the toilet at night), hygiene products, baby wipes or wet wipes (to freshen up)...
Pack your gear in a soft gym-type bag, preferably 24"x24"x12". Then it gets packed it into a waterproof bag before you head out on the River.
Don't forget the basics: socks and undergarments, toothpaste and brush, deodorant. For 6 day or longer trips you will want to pack biodegradable soap and shampoo, small flashlight (helps with finding the toilet at night), hygiene products, baby wipes or wet wipes (to freshen up)...
Pack your gear in a soft gym-type bag, preferably 24"x24"x12". Then it gets packed it into a waterproof bag before you head out on the River.
Book your Grand Canyon raft trip now at 1-800-477-7238. Once you're booked Arizona River Runners will send you a complete packing list.
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