Hi! My name is Casey. And I LOVE to go rafting! These are my favorite/best things to bring on a rafting trip to make things more comfortable.
Some of the items listed below are women’s specific, and other’s are simply no-brainer pieces of gear a human being (even a man) should bring on a rafting trip.
Why Do I Go Rafting and Why Should You Too
Going rafting is one of the most fun things I’ve ever experienced. From day trips running whitewater to multi-day, overnight expeditions, I’ve found a genuine love for this adventure sport.
Through trial and error (emphasis on the error), I’ve compiled a go-to list of all the items I bring when I’m on an oar-rig raft.
Oar-rig rafting is different from paddle rafting because, as a passenger, you can relax more and soak in the scenery. As a passenger on a paddle raft, you must actively paddle to help navigate the river. You can read more on oar-rig vs. paddle rafting here.
This river trip packing list is geared towards day trips or overnight adventures on the river. However, some of the items can come in handy on day trips, too.
So go boujee, bring costumes, wear jewelry, and have more fun!
Top Items Women Need For a Rafting Trip
Kula Cloth
Whether on a raft or just in life, you need at least one (or ten of them) if you pee outside regularly. Serious game changer. Pee Better.
PFD with boob cups
A PFD with space for your boobs seriously makes a huge difference in comfort.
This is my favorite one I’ve found. A properly fitted PFD will fit snug to your body while conforming to a woman’s natural curves. Any generic PFD will due for short day trips, but a comfortable one that fits your body is required for longer expeditions.
Crazy Creek Foldable Chair
If you are casually rafting, these make a huge difference in comfort while sitting on the front seat of the boat. I don’t recommend this if you are whitewater paddle rafting or oar-rig rafting through consequential whitewater. This is the one we have.
Paco Pad
Same as above, strap one of these down to the front seat. A paco pad is traditionally used for sleeping, but they double as a soft landing for your bum when on the raft for hours on end.
You will strap the paco pad to something sturdy on the frame. And the straps also make an excellent grip to hold onto while going through rapids. We like this paco pad because it is comfortable to sleep on and sit on.
River Purse
A waterproof dry bag to keep your extra layers, snacks, and whatever else you want to bring dry. ALWAYS bring extra layers (I recommend a rain/splash jacket, fleece layer, beanie, wool socks, and other additional non-cotton layers). ALWAYS.
You can read more about what to wear when rafting here.
I have this dry bag from Patagonia. I like the zipper, and that I could hike with it if I wanted due to its shoulder strap.
These dry bags from Watershed are also nice. Grab a locking carabiner for attaching your bag to the boat.
Croakies or Chums
You don’t want to lose your sunglasses in the water. Croakies. Chums.
River Shoes or Chacos
Shoes you are okay getting wet that strap onto your feet. If you fall in, you want your shoes to stay on; believe me, river rocks are slippery and don’t feel good to walk on. A good set of river shoes will feel comfortable and dry relatively quickly.
I have these river shoes from Astral that I love.
Also, Chacos are just the best. The only downside to Chacos is that your toes are exposed for stubbing them on rocks.
Sun shirt
On your first rafting trip, you’re going to ask “What should I wear when rafting?” The answer is simple: rafting clothes that dry quickly and keep the sun off without overheating you are important pieces of gear to own. A comfortable sun shirt is one of the pieces of clothing you must own.
I have this one, but I also love these sun shirts from Free Fly and Patagonia.
Quick Dry Pants/Shorts
Hiking Pants or shorts are the best bottoms for long rafting trips. I live in these two while rafting. Actually, I kind of live in these in general. Youer and Oiselle.
If you are rafting in cooler weather, I recommend wearing some wool leggings that will dry quickly if you get splashed while keeping you warm all day.
Quick Dry Sports Bra
Boobs get sweaty, and you also want your boobs to dry if you fall in or go for a dip. I love this one from Patagonia.
Water Bottle, Snacks, Chapstick, and Hand Lotion
Bring a water bottle, snacks, chapstick, and hand lotion. Just bring these things everywhere.
Rafting always takes longer than you think, and becoming irrationally hangry on the water is fun for no one (I’m not talking from experience or anything….). Not to mention your lips getting sunburned or your hands cracking from being wet non-stop.
BONUS POINTS: Put a carabiner on your water bottle to attach it to the boat. This is my emotional support water bottle with the sport top.
River Hat
I love this one. They are so cute, but I will admit they are fragile when not on your head.
I recommend these for casual boating and less for intense whitewater. Also, you should be wearing a helmet in serious whitewater. Helmets are cool; wear them if you’re nervous or floating through anything Class II and up.
For more information on the basics of what to wear when rafting, check out our article here.
Summary of Women’s Rafting Gear
With the right gear and preparation, rafting can be an exhilarating and inspiring experience. And getting your women’s specific rafting packing list dialed in is an important part of having the most fun while on the river.
Rafting in comfort (and style) is a process I’ve had fun with, and I hope you do too!
Thanks for reading,
Casey