Deschutes River: Packing List and Clothing Suggestions Central Oregon   Half Day & 1 Day April - October Class III        Book a Deschutes River Rafting Trip Deschutes Rafting Trip Schedule & Prices

What to wear on the river Clothing tips Packing list

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! 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.

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 warmest days you should avoid wearing cotton clothing while on the river. When wet, cotton sucks warmth from your body at an amazing rate. 

Packing List     Spring (and cool weather summer or fall) trips

To Wear in the Raft

	swimsuit, or shorts and a T-shirt
	sunglasses with strap
	thick wool socks (or wetsuit socks), worn with athletic shoes, sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos
	synthetic or wool (medium to heavy weight) long underwear top.

To Bring on the River

	light weight rain jacket
	wool or synthetic sweater or jacket
	wool or synthetic "ski" hat (for extra warmth as needed)
	wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
	water bottle or canteen*

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

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

	-- swimsuit, or T-shirt and shorts
	sun glasses with strap
	wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
	athletic shoes or sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos

To Bring on the River

	water bottle or canteen*
	waterproof sunscreen and lip-balm
	light weight long-sleeved shirt (to protect from sunburn)
	wool or synthetic sweater
	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

a towel and a complete change of clothes, including dry shoes and a sweater.