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 bottle
- Sunglasses with strap
- Sunscreen
- Dry clothes for after the trip
- Towel
- Change of shoes
Let your guide know if you have medication, snacks, or a water bottle you need to keep accessible. We can keep those items dry and secure in a raft dry bag.
What Should I Not Wear Whitewater Rafting?
Avoid wearing anything that becomes uncomfortable, unsafe, or heavy when wet.
Do not wear:
- Cotton hoodies
- Jeans
- Heavy sweatpants
- Flip-flops
- Loose sandals
- Expensive jewelry
- Watches you don’t want to lose
- Bulky jackets
- Long, loose accessories
Also, avoid bringing phones, cameras, or valuables on the river unless they are waterproof, secured, and you are fully comfortable with the risk. A good rule of thumb: if you would be upset to lose it, leave it behind.
Where Do I Store My Clothes and Valuables?
After gearing up, you can use your vehicle as a secure place to store dry clothes, shoes, phones, and valuables during the trip.
Please do not bring your vehicle keys on the river. Our staff will provide a safe and secure location for your keys so they’ll be waiting for you after your rafting trip.
What Should Kids Wear Whitewater Rafting?
Kids should wear the same types of quick-drying, non-cotton clothing as adults. A swimsuit, synthetic shirt, athletic shorts, or leggings are all good choices.
We provide the necessary rafting gear, including properly fitted PFDs and helmets. For safety reasons, Columbia River Outdoors rafting trips are available for ages 6 and up.
If you’re planning a family adventure, our half-day and full-day rafting trips are a great way to experience the Columbia River Gorge together.
What Should I Wear After Rafting?
Bring a full change of dry clothes for after your trip. Even if the weather is warm, you’ll be glad to have something dry and comfortable once you’re off the river.
Pack:
- Dry shirt
- Dry pants or shorts
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes or sandals
- Towel
- Warm layer for cooler days
Many guests like to head into White Salmon or Hood River after rafting, so bring whatever you’d want to wear for lunch, a brewery stop, or a scenic drive through the Gorge.
Quick Whitewater Rafting Packing List
Here’s a simple rafting packing list you can use before your trip:
Wear on the river:
- Swimsuit or quick-dry base layer
- Synthetic shirt or rash guard
- Athletic shorts or leggings
- Secure glasses strap, if needed
Bring for after the trip:
- Dry clothes
- Towel
- Dry shoes
- Warm layer
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
Leave behind:
- Cotton clothing
- Jewelry
- Phones
- Cameras
- Loose shoes
- Anything expensive or easy to lose
Ready for Your Whitewater Rafting Trip?
Knowing what to wear whitewater rafting helps you feel more prepared, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the day. The good news is that you don’t need to overthink it. Wear quick-drying layers, avoid cotton, bring dry clothes for after, and we’ll provide the essential rafting gear.
Whether you’re joining us for a half-day White Salmon River rafting trip, a full-day adventure, or a scenic day on the Klickitat River, our guides will help you get geared up and ready for the water.
