Packing for a Rafting Trip – What to Bring
Planning your first Rogue River adventure? Whether it’s one night or twenty, having the right gear makes all the difference.
If you’re booked on one of our multi-day rafting trips, or even just joining a whitewater day trip, these suggestions will help you show up confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the Rogue. This guide covers essential items, insider tips, and a few extras that seasoned rafters swear by when packing for a rafting trip.
Essential Gear & Clothing
1. Good River Shoes
The cheap slip-on things and flip-flops just don’t cut it when it comes to walking on slippery river rocks. They do just fine in the raft but provide little to no protection or support when walking on the side of the river. My advice: sturdy sandals or shoes with good tread. Chaco, Teva, and Keen get the job done for sandals, and Solomon makes a great pair of light shoes that dry fast and have great tread. If you don’t want to drop the extra dollars just for a few days, old tennis shoes work great. Note: Make sure you’re ready to toss them in the dumpster when you’re done, river water and sand do more than just break them in.
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Best picks: Chaco, Teva, Keen for sandals; Salomon for quick-dry shoes.
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Budget option: Old tennis shoes (just expect to toss them afterward).
2. Lotion
Sun, sand, and constant wet-to-dry-to-wet really do a number on your skin. Having some GOOD lotion handy in your overnight bag fixes the dry situation, soothes sunburned skin, and conveniently freshens up that river musk at the end of the day.
3. Extra Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes
I use a standard trash bag, but a large Ziploc will do too. Wet clothes and dry clothes in one rafting bag strangely ALL become ‘moist’ clothes by the end of the day. If you put all your wet clothes in a plastic bag and seal it, it can prevent the ‘not so dry’ situation in your bag on night two. Note: Don’t forget to take the wet stuff out to dry when you’re at camp the next night. Talk about funky…
4. Emergen-C (or whatever you use to boost your immune system)
You’re going to sleep somewhere new, spend all day in the sun, sit in the sand, smell the flowers, high-five a friend, and laugh a lot. Your immune system is about to be challenged. Consider this and bring what you need to help it along.
5. Tape
Yep. Tape. Of course, not your standard ‘I work on paper in dry places’ scotch tape. I’m talking about something that will hold your shoe (or shorts) together when they take a turn for the worse. Tape that will stay on your body if you find the sharp part of that rock. Tape that can cover your husband’s or kids’ mouths if four days are just too much. Just Kidding! Duct tape, medical tape (cloth kind), and gorilla tape work great when packing for a rafting trip.
Tip: you don’t have to bring the whole roll! Wrap a portion of the roll around a round object you might already be bringing- a pen, hairbrush end, toothpaste tube, etc.
6. Camp ‘Slippers’
Your rafting shoes are wet, your hiking shoes are bulky and take forever to put on, and the sand is cold in the morning. You want something to keep your little tootsies warm (and safe) at camp. I love the down-filled booties available at REI, some people like to bring their rubber rain boots and a good pair of socks (note: REALLY bulky in your bag). What you need is something warm and dry-preferably with a sole, for the sometimes chilly mornings on the river.
7. Small Ground Blanket
Half a yoga mat, an unstrapped crazy creek (double purpose!), a small old blanket, or a tarp. What we’re looking for here is something not too bulky that you can put on the ground for oh so many purposes. In front of a tent for a barrier between sandy shoes and the inside, a ground cover when you’re taking off your wet clothes and don’t want to put them in the dirt, a blanket to sit on if you want to wander to your own special spot, and a mat to stretch on (if you’re into that sort of thing). I would reserve this as an ‘I have a little extra room’ item. It’s not necessary, but often nice to have.
8. Sarong
Why bring a big bulky towel that collects sand like the Sahara? Sarongs are less than a quarter of the size and work as a towel, a portable changing room, a blanket to sit on, a skirt, for men or women (we don’t judge), and a cool piece of headgear. I can’t even remember all the times one of these has come in handy.
9. Personal Mug/Cup and Mix-ins for Your Favorite Cocktail or Beverage
Don’t worry, we will have plenty of cups available for you throughout the trip, but there is something nice about having your favorite mug warming your hands with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa in the morning. Likewise, we’ve found that having a nice cup with a cocktail or beverage of choice when you arrive at camp is fantastic as you sit and take in your beautiful surroundings. Guides will have ice, and ice is available at the office if you would like your own personal stash. Note: We will have a drink cooler available for everyone on the trip to store your beverages in, but please avoid glass, it is heavy and breakable. There is not a great liquor store near our office, we recommend purchasing your beverages BEFORE the day of the trip.
Nice-to-Have Extras
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Technu – useful for poison oak
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Raincoat – doubles as splash guard on cool days
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Ibuprofen, wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm
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Headlamp (not flashlight!) – hands-free is key; Petzl TIKKA recommended
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Book, journal, or cards for downtime
A Few Tips for the Packing Process
When it comes time to actually pack, it’s sometimes hard to decide exactly what to bring. I like to lay everything out first on a large area like a bed. Once I have everything laid out, I make myself get rid of 3 clothing items- although I won’t be carrying my bag down the river, I do have to carry it to my tent and back. A great tip I learned along the way is to roll my clothes and pack like items into large ziplock bags- to save space and ensure dryness. Last but not least, it is extremely helpful to pack everything in a small soft duffel bag. If you’ve made it small enough, when you show up, you can just drop it into the rafting ‘dry’ bag and call it good.
Clothing List Recommended for All Trips
- Swimsuit: May be worn as a first layer
- Shorts: quick-drying shorts can double as a swimsuit for men.
- Hiking boots, water sport sandals (i.e. Chaco)*
- Socks: Polypropylene or wool*
- Shirts: long-sleeved is best for sun protection*
- Long underwear: Polypropylene, Smart wool, or Capilene
- Sweater or jacket: Fleece or Wool
- Baseball cap or visor (with strap) for sun protection*
Gear List
- Small camp pillow
- Water bottle with strap*
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sunglasses with Strap*
- Bandana
- Insect repellent*
- Small towels and toiletries
- Baseball cap or visor (with strap) for sun protection*
- Medications. If you are in need of bringing a CPAP, please visit www.cpap.com to purchase a battery pack.
- Large Ziploc bags for wet gear
- Sunscreen*/ lip balm*
- Moisturizer/Skin lotion*
- Wet Wipes
Sometimes Required for Early Season Trips
- Long underwear: Polypropylene, Smart Qool, or Capilene
- Sweater or jacket: Fleece or Wool
- Wetsuit (Available from MRWA)
Optional Gear
- Bike gloves to protect hands while paddling
- Fishing equipment and license
- Small zip-lock bags for organizing gear
- Disposable/Waterproof camera*
- Dramamine (if prone to car sickness)
- Small day pack or fanny pack
- Book, Journal, or Notebook
Things to Know Before You Go
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Even in summer, mornings can be chilly—pack warm layers.
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Glass containers aren’t allowed; cans and plastic are best.
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Wetsuits are sometimes required on early-season trips (available from MRWA).
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Poison oak is common along trails—long sleeves and Technu help.
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Guides provide meals, but feel free to bring personal snacks or beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for a Rafting Trip
What shoes should I wear on a rafting trip?
The best shoes for rafting are sturdy sandals or lightweight shoes with good tread that dry quickly. Brands like Chaco, Teva, Keen, and Salomon are popular because they grip slippery river rocks and protect your feet on shore. Flip-flops or slip-ons aren’t recommended—they can easily fall off and don’t offer support. Old tennis shoes work fine as a budget option, but expect to throw them away after the trip since river water and sand will wear them out.
Do I need a wetsuit for rafting?
Wetsuits are only required on some early-season trips when water and air temperatures are cooler. For late spring through fall, most guests are comfortable in swimsuits, synthetic layers, and splash gear. If your trip requires one, Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures provides wetsuits. Always check with your outfitter before your trip so you know what’s needed.
Can I bring alcohol or other beverages?
Yes, you can bring alcohol or personal beverages, but glass is not allowed because it’s heavy and breakable. Stick with cans, boxed beverages, or plastic bottles. A personal cup or mug is handy for coffee in the morning and cocktails at night. Morrisons provides coolers for drinks, and ice is available before your trip. Just keep in mind there are no liquor stores near the lodge, so stock up beforehand.
How should I pack my clothes and gear?
The best way to pack for a rafting trip is to roll your clothes tightly and use large Ziploc bags to keep items dry and organized. Pack into a small, soft duffel that can fit easily into the outfitter-provided dry bag. It helps to lay out everything in advance, then cut back on a few items—you’ll likely need less than you think. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, and a warm hoodie for chilly mornings.
What items are provided by the guides?
Morrisons provides all meals, camping gear, and dry bags. You’ll also have access to rafts, life jackets, helmets (if required), and river safety equipment. You should bring your personal clothing, toiletries, medications, and any comfort extras (like a sarong, camp slippers, or headlamp). If you’re fishing, bring your license and gear unless you’ve arranged to rent through us.
Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
No—basic camping gear is included on Morrisons trips. You’ll receive a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. If you’d like more comfort, you can bring extras like your own pillow or upgrade to a deluxe camp setup with a cot and thicker pad. A small ground blanket or sarong can also make camp life more comfortable, though they aren’t required.
How cold does it get on the river?
Even in the middle of summer, mornings and evenings along the Rogue River can be chilly. Plan to bring layers such as fleece, wool, or synthetic jackets, plus long underwear if you’re rafting in early or late season. A warm hoodie or jacket is always a good idea, even when daytime highs reach into the 80s or 90s.
Can I bring electronics on a rafting trip?
It’s best to leave valuable electronics behind. If you want to bring a phone or camera, pack it in a waterproof case or dry bag. Disposable waterproof cameras are a good option for candid shots. Many outfitters also offer professional trip photos, so you can enjoy the adventure without worrying about your gear.
Final Tip: Packing smart helps you travel light and stay comfortable on the river. With the essentials, a few comforts, and a sense of adventure, you’ll be set for an unforgettable Rogue River rafting trip.