As the warmer months approach, are you wondering what to wear for spring rafting? It’s a popular springtime activity, but your gear determines safety and how much fun you’ll have. We’ve compiled a handy guide to help you pack appropriate clothing, eyewear, footwear, and more. You’ll even find tips on common mistakes to avoid so that you can make the most of your excursion.
Things to Take into Consideration
The reality of rafting is that you’ll likely be soaked…almost all the time. Water will splash onto you, into the raft, and soak most items you take along. Also, the water will still be very cold even though it’s not the dead of winter anymore. If you don’t plan appropriately for these unique conditions, you’re in for lots of discomfort and can even put your health at risk.
Also, with rafting you’ll often walk on rough terrain—in and out of the water—so along with planning how to stay warm, think of protective wear to prevent injuries. Here’s a list to help you pack like a pro.
How to Dress for Spring Rafting Adventures
The market caters well to all these categories. You’ll be glad you invested some money in your attire once you realize the difference it makes in terms of convenience, safety, and warmth.
Layers
For rafting in springtime, you need multiple layers to be optimally prepared for everything the river will bring your way:
- Underwear/bathing suit: We suggest starting off with a bathing suit under all other layers. You’ll be prepared when wanting to take a swim AND in the absence of dressing rooms, they make it easier to add or take off other layers without feeling awkward because others are around. Pick one that’s comfortable and won’t hamper movement.
- Base layer: This is the layer that will be against your skin, so make sure it’s comfortable and made of non-abrasive fabrics. The purpose of this layer is to help keep your body warm, which wool, fleece, or various synthetic fabrics do well. Even if they get wet, they can still keep you warm, unlike some other natural fibers like cotton. A practical option is long underwear, preferably tight-fitting to allow more mobility once you’ve donned all your layers.
- Water-repellent layer: The most common option for this layer is wearing a wetsuit. A wetsuit can be water-repellent, but it doesn’t keep all the water out—rather it absorbs moisture and then helps to warm it up to match the temperature of your body so you don’t feel as cold. Such a suit can also prevent excessive heat loss. As a bonus, this thick layer helps protect your body if you should fall and hit rocks or other objects.
- Additional layer for warmth: Staying warm is a priority so wearing a wool sweater over your wetsuit is common practice for many experienced adventurers. Remember, if you pick the right fabric it will help keep you warm, even after it’s soaked.
- Splash layer: Now you can add a layer to minimize the amount of water reaching your body. You can wear a traditional raincoat, but a specially designed waterproof splash jacket with features like elasticated cuffs to prevent water from running inside will be a wise investment.
Of course, over all these layers, never forget to add your PFD (personal floatation device) in the form of a life jacket.
A Change of Clothes
Even with all the right gear to keep you as warm as possible, once you’re done with the rafting for the day, you’ll want to get into dry clothes as soon as possible. So, pack a change of clothes and keep it in a waterproof bag.
Also have a bag for all your wet clothes, for easy transportation.
Headwear
When keeping warm is a priority, remember that you can also lose body heat through your head. This makes it smart to wear something like a neoprene cap underneath your helmet. Because it’s not bulky, your helmet will still fit comfortably, but you’ll retain some heat.
Footwear
Remember, with water splashing into the boat, your feet will be wet all the time you’re on the water! So, when picking out footwear, warmth and protection are equally important and here again, it’s smart to opt for multiple layers.
At times you may need to get out and walk on the riverbed. A quality set of booties that provides some protection if you should stub a toe is vital but even a pair of tennis shoes can work, as long as they offer good grip.
In addition, wear wool socks for warmth and comfort before putting on your booties, so you don’t lose feeling in your feet because of the cold.
Note: when selecting your booties, pick a size big enough so there’s room for additional layers of socks.
Eyewear
Consider every part of your body for your next outdoor adventure, including your eyes. You want comfortable glasses that will keep the splashing water from your eyes at least to some extent, but you also need to guard against the sun’s harmful rays.
When reflecting off the water, the bright light makes it difficult to see, but you also risk cornea damage. Therefore, when wondering what to give preference sunglasses providing full UV protection are always the way to go.
Things to Avoid
Even by just avoiding a few common mistakes, you can make your next spring river rafting experience a time to remember with fondness:
- Cotton: Cotton sounds like a good idea because it’s a good insulator, but many people don’t realize that only applies when the fibers are dry. Once they’re soaked, cotton layers will lead to lower body temperatures, which could be disastrous in the outdoors. This is why wool and synthetic fibers are so popular with water sports pros.
- Sandals: With sandals or flip-flops there’s no protection for your toes when walking on the riverbed. Also, it’s more difficult to keep feet warm in open shoes.
- Jeans: This fabric is heavy and uncomfortable to wear when it gets wet.
- Valuables: It’s best to leave jewelry and wallets behind, and if you need to carry keys or a phone with you, make sure it’s in a waterproof bag.
A rafting adventure is an ideal way to celebrate the coming spring but do manage your comfort and body heat as best possible. Have respect for how nature will affect you in the outdoors and prepare accordingly, so you don’t put your health at risk. Better planning means more fun!