Clackamas River:
Packing List and
Clothing Suggestions
Western Oregon
Half Day & 1 Day
April - August
Class III (Summer)
Class III-IV (Spring) |
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| What to wear on the
river |
| Clothing tips |
| Packing list |
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What to wear on the river
Please come to the river prepared for all possible weather
conditions. The weather in the river canyons of the Northwest is often different
from that in surrounding areas, so you won’t really know how it will be until
you get there. At that time, you may decide that some of the items listed here
are not needed; but you need to have them along just in case! In addition,
Clackamas River water is usually quite cool, even on a hot day. So please pay
close attention to the following information and checklists, and help to insure
your enjoyment of the day by bringing along the proper clothing.
Spring (and cool weather) trips
We strongly recommend that guests on our April, May and early June trips
plan to wear a wetsuit while on the river. Wetsuits may be rented directly
from O.R.E., and may also be available at windsurf or dive shops in your
area.
O.R.E. rents wetsuit/splash jacket sets ($5 per day) in sizes to accommodate persons from
4’8"
and 85 pounds to 6’4" and 240 pounds. Also included are wetsuit shoes
(men's sizes 5 to 13). Our wetsuits are a 1/8"
thick, one-piece "farmer john" style which fully cover the legs and
torso but which leave the arms free. The splash jacket helps to protect your
arms and torso from the cold water, and may be worn with a sweater or jacket
underneath if needed for extra warmth. Reservations and advance payment are
required for O.R.E. rental gear. To place a reservation for a wetsuit/splash
jacket set please call our office at 800-827-1358.
Summer trips
Wetsuits are usually
not required. But be sure to bring along warm clothing just in case the weather
(or the water) is cooler than anticipated.
Clothing tips
The best clothing is
that which retains your body heat while wet, or one that dries quickly. Modern
high-tech synthetic fabrics like Polypropylene, Capilene, and Polyester fleece
do both, and are readily available at stores like
REI.
Polyester fleece is increasingly available, as well, at large department stores.
(Just be sure to look for polyester fleece, not cotton fleece.) But if you
don’t want to spend a lot on a rafting wardrobe look for wool clothes, which
provide some warmth even when wet. Thrift stores and military surplus stores are
good places to find inexpensive wool clothes. On all but the hottest days you
should avoid wearing cotton clothing while on the river. When wet, cotton sucks
warmth from your body at an amazing rate. (An exception to the "no
cotton" rule: cotton shorts may be worn over a wetsuit to reduce slippage
while sitting on a raft.)
Packing List
Spring (and cool weather summer or fall) trips
To Wear in the Raft
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swimsuit, or shorts and a T-shirt
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sunglasses with strap
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wetsuit socks or thick wool socks worn with athletic shoes or sport sandals (such as Tevas or
Chacos), or hard-soled wetsuit shoes (available from O.R.E.)
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wetsuit and splash jacket, or a light weight rain jacket plus
synthetic or wool (medium to heavy weight) long underwear tops and bottoms. |
To Bring on the River
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wool or synthetic sweater or jacket
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wool or synthetic "ski" hat (for extra warmth as needed)
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wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
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water bottle or canteen*
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waterproof sunscreen, lip-balm
* Please note the terms of our license - as well common sense - lead us to
insist that you refrain from consuming alcohol during your river trip (even
during lunch). |
To Leave in the car
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a towel and complete change of clothes, including dry shoes, socks and a
sweater or jacket. |
Packing List
Summer trips
To Wear in the Raft
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swimsuit, or T-shirt and shorts
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sun glasses with strap
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wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
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athletic shoes or sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos |
To Bring on the River
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water bottle or canteen*
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waterproof sunscreen and lip-balm
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wool or synthetic sweater,
or lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker |
* Please note the terms of our license - as well common sense
- lead us to insist that you refrain from consuming alcohol during your river
trip (even during lunch).
To Leave in the car
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a towel and a complete change of clothes, including dry shoes and a
sweater. |
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