River rafting is a fun activity, and many people consider it to be a serious sport. Whether you're heading out to the river for a short day trip or you're planning on camping down by the river bank, it's essential to make sure you bring the right gear to make your experience both safe and more pleasant. From the highly experienced to the novice rafter, here are some needed items you'll want to be sure to bring with you on your next adventure.
Boating Clothing and Accessories
When rafting or riding on any boat, here are some must-haves for your excursion:
- Life Jackets: Everyone on a boat at all times should wear a life jacket.
- Whistles: Each person should have a whistle in case you need help or cannot locate each other if you get separated.
- Waterproof Backpack and Dry Clothing: You WILL get wet, so you definitely want to have a quality waterproof pack where you can keep dry socks and clothing.
- Helmet: Riders should wear a helmet at all times while in the water to prevent head injuries.
- Sunscreen: No one wants to suffer from sunburn!
- River Shoes: These specialty shoes make walking in riverbeds much easier.
Camping Gear
If you also plan to camp while on your river rafting trip, here's what you should bring along:
- Quality Tent: It's much easier to have shelter ready than to have to improvise.
- Cooking Gear: A lightweight pot and pan as well as a metal coffee pot will definitely come in handy.
- Matches: Starting a fire with waterproof matches will be much easier than having to rub two sticks together!
- Essentials: Don't forget things like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and of course a first aid kit.
- Rope: You can use a rope for so many applications, it's always a good idea to bring plenty of it when camping and rafting.
Fishing
If you plan to fish while you're out on the river, don't forget these must-haves:
- Rod and Reel: Bring a collapsible fishing rod and reel set, which can make carrying it with you a lot easier.
- Bucket: You'll need a way to transport all that fresh fish, so be sure to bring along a few heavy duty buckets.
- Fish Scale: Some areas require fish to meet certain weight requirements, so if you can find one, bring a special fish scale along with you.
- Tackle Box: Of course, all fishermen need to bring a fully stocked tackle box with hooks and lures.
Have a great river rafting trip!
