A First-timer’s Guide to Multi-day Rafting

If you’re getting ready for your first rafting trip, get ready for the time of our life. There is literally nothing like floating through remote canyons, sleeping under the stars on hidden river beaches, and fully unplugging from daily life. But before you get there, you probably have plenty of questions—what to pack, how to stay clean, and what to expect day-to-day. In this guide, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite beginner tips and practical advice to help first-time rafters feel confident and prepared.

Practical Advice for Your First Multi-day River Trip

Choose the right river

Rivers are rated Class I-V. Class I you could float in an inner-tube. Class V? Think giant waterfalls that many of the best guides in the world won’t attempt. Most guided trips fall in the Class II-IV range. When you are picking your trip, consider the different whitewater rafting classifications and your personal comfort level. If you love an adrenaline rush, by all means, go for the meat. But if you typically lean on the conservative side, you can have just as much fun on a more mellow river with a few big wave trains. By choosing the right rafting trip, you’ll have a better time and be more likely to come back for seconds.

Managing your fears

Rafting can be scary whether it’s your first time or you have hundreds of river miles under your belt. But what if you get on the river, and it’s a little more action than you were mentally prepared for? First, you have the responsibility to pay attention to the safety briefing so you know what do in the case someone falls out of the boat. Then as you enter the rapids, take a deep breath, and keep in mind that your guides are trained and seasoned professionals who know how to read the river.  Have confidence in their skills and feel comfortable telling them if you are scared.

Pack Smart

When it comes to packing for a rafting trip, a lot of what you need to bring and wear comes down to where you’re going, the season and the weather forecast. A good outfitter will provide a detailed packing list tailored to your trip and make suggestions that are appropriate for the season. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Pack light. You really won’t need a bunch of extra outfits. All they do is clutter up your dry bag and make it more difficult to find those small items that have fallen to the bottom. Focus on bringing functional and comfortable pieces that you can wear over and over again. Generally, this means synthetic, non-cotton materials that dry fast. And don’t forget proper footwear: secure river shoes (not flip flops) are essential both on and off the water.
• For warm weather trips, you’ll wear your swimsuit, plus something that offers sun protection, like a light rash guard or long sleeve UPF-rated sun shirt, and for ladies, you may want a pair of board shorts. I also have female friends who love rafting in a skirt or an old casual summer dress since it makes it a lot easier if you have to go to the bathroom. If temps drop, long johns are easy to throw on.
• Sunglasses (consider bringing a spare pair) and a wide-brimmed, wind-secure hat with a strap are must-haves for sun protection on the river.
• Your guide will have a comprehensive first aid kit, butit’s a good idea to have your own small first-aid kit, as well as any personal medications (migraines, allergies, etc.), and toiletries you think you’ll need. Plus, tons of eco-friendly sunscreen.
• Most outfitters provide the core gear—tent, sleeping bag, dry bags, and so on—but double-check what’s included. You also won’t need to worry about meals on a good guided trip. Still, if you have dietary needs or like to snack often, toss a few favorites in your bag.

Still have questions? Check out this video about out How to Pack for a Multi-Day River Trip.

Staying Clean

You won’t find showers in the wilderness, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay fresh.

• There’s no need for a shower when you have the river. If you are feeling a little stinky, a quick swim in the river is often all you need to wash the grime away.
• I’ll note that soap, even the biodegradable brands, is discouraged as the suds can be harmful to fish, plants, and other wildlife. As a good alternative, baby or body wipes are great for cleaning up. Typically I’ll bring one body wipe per day that I use at the end of my morning routine before I get dressed and put sunscreen on. Dry shampoo also does wonders for those of us who get a greasy mop after a day or two.
• Ladies, always make sure you bring all the supplies you might need in case you get your period on the trip. Many women prefer something like a Diva Cup since there is no trash and you have to change it less frequently than tampons. If you’d rather use tampons, pack them in double layered ziplock bags and keep them handy in your personal dry bag at the front of the boat. I also like to bring an empty ziplock inside a small stuff sack for the used ones for when the group trash bags might not be accessible.

For more helpful info, check out 6 Tips for Staying Clean on a River Trip.

Groover 101

One of the most common concerns for first-time rafters involves going to the bathroom. In simple terms, #1 goes in the river, #2 goes in the groover….the official name for the portable camp toilet. While you may be intimidated the first time you groove, it’s not that different than your toilet at home, except you’ll have a way better view. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer should always be stashed in an army can or plastic bag right next to the groover. Plus, a good set-up will include an official hand washing station.

Bring something fun to do

You like photography? Bring a camera. Enjoy reading? Pack a book. Fishing enthusiast? Don’t forget your pole. Being on a multi-day rafting trip means a lot of group time, and having something to keep you occupied in the case you need a little alone time is always a plus.

Sleep under the stars

One of my favorite things about rafting is falling asleep on those soft sandy beaches while gazing up at a sky full of shooting stars.  If the weather and bugs permit, don’t deny yourself the pleasure of sleeping out of your tent at least one night.

And one last piece of advice…be prepared to get hooked on river life.