Whitewater Rafting Packing List

After many years of river running, we have honed down our packing list to a select few items for our multi-day trips. Click here to see descriptions of gear Winding Waters provides.

Additionally, Winding Waters has partnered with Pro Guide Direct so you can purchase select recommended gear for your trip. Follow the links below to see recommended gear.

Personal Items:

Sun Block
Moisturizing Lotion
Personal Meds
Camera (waterproof or in a waterproof case)
A Good Book
Flashlight/Headlamp
Small Pillow
Sleeping Bag/*Cotton Sheet (*for hot summer nights)
Gloves for paddling
Water bottle
Chapstick with SPF
Backup Eye Glasses
Biodegradable/Camp Soap
Liquor/Beer/Wine

Clothing:

Fleece Jacket
Rain Suit
Long Pants
Sun Hat/Knit Hat
Toiletries/Towel, etc.
Long Sleeve Shirt
Hiking Shorts
Short Sleeve Shirt
River Sandals (Sandals you can get wet. Guide choice = Chacos)
Hiking Shoes
Sun Glasses
Socks
Swimming Wear
Quick dry shorts/shirts

A few fun optional items to consider: camping hammock, leatherman tool, swimming goggles/snorkel gear, binoculars, star gazing guide, playing cards, musical instrument (we have a guitar bag)

Things not to bring: electronics (games, phones, pc, etc), expensive jewelry/eyeglasses (both the Chandler's Bed & Breakfast and the Quality Inn in Clarkston provide storage for valuables in their safes.)

Beware: Almost all of our guests leave telling us that they brought way too much stuff.

Gear Winding Waters Provides

Winding Waters River Expeditions uses the best equipment available in the industry. Through product testing and guest feedback, our gear is selected to provide the safest and most comfortable river experience for you. Visit our Boat Fleet page to read descriptions of our boats.

Large (left) and Small Personal Dry Bags

Large Bag Dimensions: 4.5 cu. ft. (127 liters); 18" diameter by 31" high

Small Bag Dimensions: 0.8 cu. ft. (22 liters); 10" diameter by 20" high

See bag packing note below

A note on packing dry bags: Each guest receives one large dry bag and one small dry bag. The large dry bag, which will be accessible in camp, is for personal gear you will not need during the day (this bag rides on the gear boat). The small "Day Bag" remains with you during the day. We recommend guests pack their gear prior to the trip in a duffle bag which can fit inside of the large dry bag. Keep in mind your sleeping bag and pillow will also join your duffle in this bag. Each guest receives these bags at the pre-trip meeting the night before your launch.

Personal Floatation Devices: NRS Big Water V

Adult and youth sizes available