Get ready for your adventure with everything you need to bring

Grand Canyon Rafting Packing List

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What to Pack for a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Prepare for a smooth and comfortable trip by packing the right gear. Our packing list covers everything from clothing to personal items, ensuring you’re fully equipped for your rafting experience. Whether you’re facing thrilling rapids or relaxing by the river, the right gear will keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for anything.

People's feet in various sandals and shoes standing on a sandy surface.

River Sandals

Such as those made by Chaco, Teva, and Keen, to wear on the raft and on “wet” hikes. Choose those with comfortable fit, good fasteners, and non-slip soles.

Person wearing gray hiking boots on a rock, with gray jeans and socks.

Hiking Boots

Most of the hiking we do, can be accomplished in sandals or athletic shoes. Bring hiking boots if you prefer extra support and protection.

Group of hikers on a rocky landscape; some smiling, wearing jackets, hats, and carrying gear near a glacier.

Rain Suit

Two-piece waterproof jacket and pants for possible thunderstorms, and to offer protection during some of the rapids, especially on shady mornings or evenings.

Tan workwear set: pants on the left, button-down shirt on the right. Both are a neutral, light brown.

Quick Dry Clothing

Choose clothing with fast-drying fabric. Long sleeved shirts and pants will offer greater sun protection.

Three people wearing sarongs, holding mugs, standing on a rock near water.

Sarong or Wrap

Sarongs can be great for multiple uses. Cover-up on the raft in you’re getting too much sun, get it wet and cool yourself off, or wear it around camp.

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Sweatshirt or Light Fleece

Especially on early spring and autumn trips, weather could be a little cool. It’s always a good idea to bring something warm, just in case.

Woman in straw hat and red sunglasses, smiling near a river.

Hat

Bring a hat with a large brim for sun protection. Make sure your hat has a tie to prevent it from blowing off in the wind and being washed off in the rapids.

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Sun Protection

Sun block, sun screen, lip balm, etc.

Woman wearing sunglasses and a cap smiles outdoors, likely on a boat.

Sun Glasses

Make sure to secure your sunglasses with a strap. It’s always a good idea to bring a back up pair.

Clothing Tip:

You will be most comfortable in loose fitting clothing that is made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics. Consider fabrics such as capilene, microfleece, and nylon-polyester blends, that work well with a layering system. There fabrics dry quickly, wick away moisture, and keep you warm even if they are wet. If the air temperature is cool-to- cold, it can be very cold in the rapids and warm clothing will be appreciated.

Cataract Canyon River with boats in front of a large rock formation