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.
Clothing
Can be worn as a first layer on the water. Men’s quick-drying shorts can double as a swimsuit.
Long sleeves are best for sun protection on the river. Bring a couple for multi-day trips.
Mornings on the river can be chilly even in summer. Fleece or wool insulates even when damp.
Polypropylene or wool — avoid cotton, which stays wet and causes blisters.
A strap keeps your hat from flying off in rapids. Essential for sun protection on open water.
A multi-tool clothing item: use it as a towel, changing room, blanket, skirt, or headwrap. Far more packable than a regular towel.
Polypropylene, SmartWool, or Capilene. Sometimes required on early-season trips — check with MRWA.
Doubles as a splash guard on cool days in the raft.
Footwear
Cheap flip-flops don’t hold up on slippery river rocks. Best picks: Chaco, Teva, Keen for sandals; Salomon for quick-dry shoes. Budget option: old tennis shoes (expect to toss them after).
If your trip includes trail time away from the river, bring a dedicated pair.
Your river shoes will be wet, and hiking boots take forever to lace up. Down-filled booties from REI are a favorite. Rubber rain boots with thick socks also work — just bulky in your bag.
First aid & health
You’re on open water all day with reflected UV from the river surface. Reapply often.
Wind, sun, and water dry your lips fast. Pack a few.
Sun, sand, and constant wet-to-dry cycles are rough on skin. A good lotion soothes sunburn and helps you freshen up at camp.
Bring any prescriptions you need. If you use a CPAP, visit cpap.com for a battery pack compatible with camping.
Duct tape, medical cloth tape, or gorilla tape — for blisters, gear repairs, and everything in between.
Poison oak is common along Rogue River trails. Technu removes the oils if you’ve been exposed. Long sleeves help prevent contact in the first place.
If you’re prone to motion sickness on winding roads or in moving water.
New environment, lots of sun, physical activity, and social contact can challenge your system. Bring whatever you normally rely on.
Gear & accessories
A strap lets you clip it to the raft so it doesn’t float away in a rapid.
Same logic as the hat — a strap keeps them on your face when the water gets rough.
Hands-free is essential at camp. The Petzl TIKKA is a reliable pick. A handheld flashlight leaves you fumbling in the dark with gear in both hands.
Evenings near the river can bring bugs. Don’t skip this one.
Great for freshening up between swims. Wet wipes do a lot of heavy lifting on multi-day trips when showers aren’t available.
Useful for dust, sun, sweat, and a dozen other things. Always earns its weight.
Half a yoga mat, a small tarp, or an old blanket. Use as a tent entrance mat, changing area, picnic spot, or stretch mat. Great if you have room to spare.
Your phone won’t survive a swim. A waterproof camera or disposable is a great way to capture memories without the risk.
Protects your palms and reduces fatigue while paddling on longer stretches.
The Rogue is exceptional for fishing. Bring a valid Oregon license and light tackle if you’re interested.
Camp comfort
Compressible travel pillows pack small and make a real difference after a full day on the river.
Guides will have cups available, but there’s something special about your own mug with morning coffee or a camp cocktail. Bring beverages from home — there’s no good liquor store nearby. No glass containers; cans and plastic only. Guides will have a communal cooler with ice.
Downtime at camp is real — especially on longer trips. Something to enjoy in the evening is always appreciated.
Packing tips
Spread everything on a bed first. Then force yourself to remove 3 pieces of clothing. You’ll still have plenty and your bag will be far easier to manage at camp.
Rolling saves space and keeps like items together. Large Ziploc bags keep things organized and add moisture protection inside your dry bag.
A soft bag fits into the raft’s dry bag far more easily than a rigid suitcase or backpack. If you’ve packed right, you’ll be able to just drop it in and go.
One large trash bag or Ziploc keeps wet clothes from turning everything else in your bag “moist.” Just don’t forget to hang wet gear to dry at your next camp — river funk is no joke.
There’s no good liquor store near the put-in. Stock up on beverages before the day of your trip. No glass containers — cans and plastic only. A communal cooler with ice will be available on the raft.
Things to know before you go
Frequently asked questions
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 fall off and offer no support. Old tennis shoes work fine as a budget option, but expect to toss them after the trip since river water and sand will wear them out fast.
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.
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. Keep in mind there are no liquor stores near the lodge, so stock up beforehand.
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 layer for chilly mornings.
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.
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.
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.
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 great option for candid shots on the water. Many outfitters also offer professional trip photos, so you can enjoy the adventure without worrying about your gear.