Youre hands are sweaty with excitement and a dash of fear. The trip has been on the calendar for two months and its all the office can talk about. But what do you bring on a whitewater rafting trip? Do you need dry clothes? Sunglasses? Sunscreen? To simplify things Ive written down a few must haves and some optional items as well. Remember that every outfitter is a bit different and some may provide a few of the items below so a quick call to the outfitters office may be in order.

Clothes:

Most trips taken during the summer are met with hot dry weather. Of course there are exceptions but most of the time swim trunks and bathing suits are in order. Women may want to wear shorts to prevent chafing while cotton shirts are to be avoided. Since the wet cotton is cool against the skin rafters may be warmer without shirts on. On cold days outfitters may offer paddle jackets for rent and wetsuits. Some include them into the price of the trip so it is best to check. Also dont worry about dry clothes until you get back to your car. Most of the time it is so hot by the time you have put the rafts back on the vans or busses youre warm and dry.

Sandals:

Its best to bring tennis shoes or sandals with straps. Flip flops are likely to fall off your foot and become lost. The Middle Fork of the American in California has a mandatory portage around a water fall and guests who have Teva or Chaco sandals seem to do the best. Since footwear is important in case of an emergency dont cheat on this item.

Sunglasses:

Its a horrible rule but one that seems to always happen. If you own nice glasses and dont put on a pair of straps youre going to lose them. Cheap glasses are great because the loss factor is not as bad but if you have prescription glasses or want polarized lenses make sure you take straps and secure them to your head. Its not a guarantee that they will stay there but Ive gone through four seasons with prescription glasses and been ok.

Water and snacks:

Most companies will provide some water at meals or on the boats but you can never have enough. Water bottles are fine just lying around on the bottom of the boat and the more water the better. Snacks also can be stuffed into plastic bags for calm sections of the rivers but make sure you bring enough for everyone in the boat. Companies usually have some sort of snack after the trip and before lunch.

Cameras:

Waterproof disposable cameras are best but if you have a waterproof case for your digital camera that should work fine as well.

Remember that most likely if you are doing a day trip then all you really need is yourself. The outfitter I worked for covered just about everything else and many times guides carried emergency items with them. I always had a few fleeces in case it got cold and a splash jacket or two. First aid kids, emergency radios and other gear are carried by the guides. Remember if you have any questions to call the outfitter before you go rafting. Its much easier to understand what is going on before you get there and are suddenly floating along a river towards what sounds like a fright train.