McKenzie River: Packing List and Clothing Suggestions Western Oregon   Half, 1 & 2 Days April - September Class II+       Book a McKenzie River Rafting Trip McKenzie 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! In addition, McKenzie River water is always 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 highly recommend that guests on our April and May 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 may still be appropriate for summer trips, given the McKenzie's low water temperature. If you don't want to wear a wetsuit, but be sure to bring along warm clothing, just in case the weather is cooler than anticipated. And keep in mind - the water will be quite cool.

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

	swimsuit, or shorts and a T-shirt
	sunglasses with strap
	wetsuit socks or thick wool socks worn with athletic shoes or sport sandals ( such as Tevas or Chacos), or hard-soled wetsuit shoes (available for rent from O.R.E.)
	wetsuit and splash jacket (may be rented from O.R.E. or from windsurf and scuba shops), or a light weight rain jacket plus synthetic or wool (medium to heavy weight) long underwear tops and bottoms.

To Bring on the River

	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)
	wool or synthetic socks
	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. Additional Gear to Bring for 2 Day Trips

Camp clothing

	dry shoes for camp
	long pants
	shorts
	long-sleeved shirts
	short-sleeved shirts
	socks and underwear

Camp gear

	compact tent (freestanding is preferred)
	medium-weight sleeping bag
	foam sleeping pad (Thermarest is a popular pad), or air mattress
	small tarp (to place beneath your tent, or as a ground cloth for sleeping under the stars)
	personal toiletries, including small towel, biodegradable soap, dry-skin lotion, prescription medicines
	small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

Optional items

	binoculars
	camera and film
	reading material
	pen and journal or notebook
	fishing gear
	spare glasses, sunglasses
	small daypack, ammo box, or small dry bag
	beer or soft drinks, wine or liquor. (We provide coffee, tea, and juice; also wine with dinner). Please note: Consumption of alcohol is prohibited during the day — but is okay once we arrive in camp.