McKenzie River: Packing List and Clothing Suggestions
1 Day Trips ----------- 2 Day Trips
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 for 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 for 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
- 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.
