What to Pack in Your “Carry-on” Dry Bag for Rafting Trips

Stay Prepared With a Well-Stocked Day Bag for the Raft

A small, “carry-on” dry bag that you keep with you during the day is your secret weapon for comfort and readiness on any river trip. A river guide reveals their top picks for what to pack, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the day brings until you settle into camp and can access the rest of your gear.

What Exactly is a “Carry-on” Dry Bag and How Big Should it Be?

This isn’t your main luggage for a multi-day trip; it’s a smaller, easily accessible waterproof dry bag to hold items you’ll need while on the water throughout the day. Think of it as your river “purse” or “backpack.”

Most people find a small, 15-20 liter waterproof dry bag is an ideal size to keep essentials accessible on the raft. On commercial trips, these will usually be provided. For best results and to ensure it’s actually waterproof, you should be able to fold the top of the bag at least three times before latching it closed. Avoid overstuffing. Once sealed, strap it to the perimeter line or another piece of webbing on the boat to keep it secure in whitewater.

Your On-River Essentials: Tried and True Guide Tips

Sarong to Help Beat the Heat

It might not be something you’d consider packing, but I always bring a sarong while rafting in the summer. It makes for an excellent sun cover, and it is surprisingly effective in cooling you down. If you have a sarong handy in your day bag, you can dip it in the water and drape it over your legs or shoulders to help beat the heat. As a bonus, you can use it to protect your lower half from the unpleasantness of sitting on a piping-hot raft.

Sunscreen

Having plenty of sunscreen is crucial to avoiding sunburn while on the river. But have you ever noticed how sloppy and slick your hands feel after applying it? For at least 30 minutes after application, I have trouble hanging onto my paddle because my hands feel so slippery. Here enters the sunscreen stick. You can apply it directly to your face and other hot spots you’ll need to touch up regularly (like face, arms, shoulders, and neck), and it never needs to go onto your hands. Also, consider a good chapstick with SPF. River environments can be harsh, and having dry, chapped lips for the duration of your trip can make you feel miserable. Be sure whatever sunscreen you choose is eco-friendly and safe for the river.

Prescriptions or Necessary Personal Toiletries

From contact lenses to medications to sanitary supplies, it’s always a good idea to keep important personal toiletries nearby and easy to access. While the guides will keep a wag bag handy for those sudden bathroom stops, it’s a good idea to keep any toiletries you might need during the day at the ready. This also includes any essential prescription medications (like an EpiPen or inhaler) that you might need to access quickly. Pack these in an extra Ziploc bag inside your dry bag for double protection.

Camera, Smartphone or GoPro

It’s likely you’ll want to keep your phone, GoPro or camera at the ready to collect footage of your epic adventure. While a small dry bag offers primary water protection for electronics, proceed with caution, since some moisture can get inside the bag, especially if it goes for an unexpected dip. Although some newer phone models are waterproof, to help better protect your smartphone on a rafting trip, a waterproof phone case and shatter-resistant screen cover are a must. For larger DSLR cameras, it’s worth investing in a sturdy waterproof case like a Pelican box.

Paddle Gloves for Blister Prevention

If you’ll be on a paddle raft, paddle gloves are designed to have extra padding on hot zones where your hand will hit the T-grip of your paddle with the most force. Wearing gloves can do a lot to prevent blisters and calluses, and even if you think you don’t need them, they are good to carry as a backup. If you start to form blisters and paddling persists, an open sore can develop, and then you’re one step away from an infection that could ruin your dreamy river vacation. This is perhaps one of the most common ways to end up with a preventable open wound on a river trip, and a solid pair of paddle gloves can save you from an unpleasant and painful situation.

Socks to Save Your Feet

Just like paddle gloves protect your hands, a pair of quick-dry socks in your day bag can save your feet. If you feel a hot spot or blister starting, slip them on under your sandals (yes, it’s totally acceptable on the river!) to prevent further pain. They’re also great for hikes where grit can irritate bare feet in sandals. Plus, socks offer excellent sun protection for the tops of your feet, an area often missed by sunscreen. Protect your feet, and they’ll thank you.

Rain Gear

No matter what river you’re on, what time of year you’re traveling, or what the weather forecast says…always bring rain gear. Unforeseen showers happen on the river all the time, so don’t assume you won’t need it if your trip calls for sunny skies and high temperatures. Rain gear doesn’t just protect you from unplanned downpours and windy, overcast days, it can also protect you from cold rapids, especially in the mornings when the river is still fully shaded, and the sun hasn’t traveled high enough in the sky to warm things up at river level. As the day progresses, you can remove your rain gear and store it in your day bag. (Pro tip: Get a stuff sack you can put it in to prevent excess moisture inside your dry bag if it’s still a little damp.)

Sanitation Essentials

Having hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes at the ready is one of the best ways to keep yourself and the team of rafters around you healthy while on the river. Use them frequently: before and after any quick restroom stops, and certainly before and after snacks or meals. A quick wipe-down of your hands and even your water bottle or coffee mug can make a big difference in preventing the spread of germs throughout the day.

Female Urination Device 

For female rafters, a female urination device can make a world of difference in aiding with comfort in an outdoor, toiletless world. Check out PeePod, She-wee, Freshette, Tinkle Belle, and more. While this option isn’t requisite, many female passengers find this gadget helpful and convenient.

Beyond the Basics: Other Smart Additions

• Snacks: Most commercial rafting trips will provide snacks in between meals, but if you’re traveling with picky eaters or have food allergies, it’s a good idea to keep a few energy bars, trail mix, or other non-perishable snacks handy for quick energy boosts between meals.
• Electrolyte Powder: Staying hydrated on your trip should be a top priority. Small, lightweight packets of electrolyte powder can be easily added to your water bottle to replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, especially on hot days.
• Small First-Aid Kit: While guides carry comprehensive kits, a small personal kit with blister treatment, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes for minor scrapes is always a good idea.

Pro-Tips for Packing Your Day Dry Bag

• Organize with Smaller Bags: Use smaller, clear Ziploc bags, mesh stuff sacks, or even brightly colored dry sacks inside your main day bag to categorize items. This makes it much easier to find what you need without emptying everything out.
• Top Priority at the Top: Pack items you’ll need most frequently (like sunscreen, chapstick, or a quick snack) closest to the opening for easy access.
• Double Bag Electronics: For anything truly sensitive (like a phone or camera), place it in a dedicated waterproof case first, then inside a Ziploc, and then into your dry bag. You can never be too careful!

By thoughtfully packing your day dry bag with these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for anything the river throws your way, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable rafting adventure.

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This post was originally published in 2023 and has since been updated.