What Should I Wear Whitewater Rafting?
If you’re getting ready for a whitewater rafting trip, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: what should I wear whitewater rafting? The short answer: wear quick-drying clothing, avoid cotton, dress for getting wet, and bring layers if the weather is cool. At Columbia River Outdoors, we provide the essential rafting gear you’ll need, including wetsuits, helmets, splash tops, neoprene booties, and Type V PFDs, so you don’t need to show up with a closet full of river gear. Still, wearing the right base layers can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel on the water. Here’s what to wear, what to bring, and what to leave behind before your rafting trip on the White Salmon River or Klickitat River. What to Wear Whitewater Rafting For whitewater rafting, wear clothing that can get wet and dry quickly. Swimsuits, synthetic base layers, rash guards, athletic shorts, and lightweight performance fabrics are all good options. Avoid cotton whenever possible. Cotton holds water, gets heavy, and can make you feel colder once you’re wet. Instead, choose materials like polyester, nylon, fleece, wool, or other synthetic fabrics designed for outdoor activity. A good rafting outfit usually includes: Swimsuit or quick-dry underwear Synthetic shirt or rash guard Athletic shorts or leggings Warm synthetic layer on cooler days Secure footwear or provided neoprene booties Sunglasses with a retention strap If you’re rafting with Columbia River Outdoors, we’ll help make sure you’re geared up properly before getting on the river. What Gear Does Columbia River Outdoors Provide? We provide the essential rafting gear for your trip, including: Wetsuits Neoprene booties Helmets Type V PFDs, also called life jackets Splash tops This gear helps keep you warmer, safer, and more comfortable on the river. You’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit, neoprene booties, or helmet if you prefer. If you want to wear your own PFD, it must be a Coast Guard-rated Type V PFD. If you’re planning a trip soon, browse our White Salmon River rafting trips or Klickitat River rafting trips to find the right adventure for your group. What Should I Wear Under a Wetsuit? Under your wetsuit, wear a swimsuit, underwear, or lightweight synthetic base layer. Rash guards and synthetic long underwear can also work well if you want extra comfort or warmth. Try to avoid bulky clothing under your wetsuit. Thick cotton shirts, sweatpants, and heavy layers can bunch up, hold water, and make the wetsuit less comfortable. For warm summer days, a swimsuit or quick-dry underwear is usually enough. For cooler spring trips, synthetic base layers can help you stay more comfortable. What Should I Wear Whitewater Rafting in Summer? For summer rafting, wear light, quick-drying layers that will feel comfortable when wet. A swimsuit, athletic shorts, rash guard, or synthetic T-shirt are all good choices. Even on warm days, the river can still feel cold, especially on the White Salmon River. That’s why we provide wetsuits and splash gear when needed. For summer rafting, we recommend: Swimsuit or quick-dry base layer Lightweight synthetic shirt Athletic shorts or leggings Sunglasses with a strap Sunscreen before the trip Dry clothes for after rafting Summer is one of the most popular times to raft near Hood River and White Salmon, so booking ahead is always a good idea. If you’re planning a Columbia Gorge getaway, check out our guide to activities in Hood River for more ways to build out your trip. What Should I Wear Whitewater Rafting in Spring or Cooler Weather? For spring rafting or cooler weather, layering is key. The weather may feel mild on land, but river water and wind can cool you down quickly once you’re wet. Start with a synthetic or wool base layer, then use the wetsuit and splash gear we provide. Avoid cotton hoodies, jeans, sweatpants, or anything that stays heavy and cold when wet. For cooler rafting days, wear: Synthetic long underwear Rash guard or performance shirt Wool or synthetic socks, if preferred Warm dry clothes for after the trip Spring can be an exciting time on the river, especially when higher flows bring bigger whitewater. If you’re interested in high-adventure rafting, read more about rafting Husum Falls and what makes this optional Class V waterfall such a bucket-list experience. What Shoes Should I Wear Whitewater Rafting? Wear shoes that can get wet and stay securely on your feet. River sandals with heel straps, water shoes, or old sneakers can work well. Avoid flip-flops, loose slides, or anything that can easily fall off in moving water. At Columbia River Outdoors, we provide neoprene booties for guests, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t own river shoes. Just make sure you bring comfortable footwear for before and after the trip. Can I Wear Glasses or Sunglasses Rafting? Yes, you can wear glasses or sunglasses rafting, but we strongly recommend using a retention strap. Croakies or similar straps help keep your glasses secure if you get splashed or go for an unexpected swim. We usually have croakies available for purchase before the trip if you need them. If your sunglasses are expensive or hard to replace, consider leaving them behind or bringing a backup pair. The river has a way of claiming things that are not strapped down. Should I Bring a Hat? You can wear a hat under your helmet as long as it fits comfortably and does not block your vision. Thin baseball caps or skull caps usually work better than bulky hats. On sunny days, a hat can help with sun protection. Just keep in mind that anything you bring on the river should be secure and able to get wet. What Should I Bring Whitewater Rafting? You don’t need to bring much for the actual rafting portion of the trip. We provide the major gear, and your guide can help store small essentials in a dry bag when needed. Good items to bring include: Medications you may need during the trip Small snack, if necessary Water