What to Pack in Your Day Bag
We love taking folks down the river for their first whitewater adventure, or their fiftieth. We understand if you are new to rafting you may have some questions, especially about what to pack.
Key Takeaways
- Pack smart for your whitewater rafting trip by separating essentials into a small day bag (“river purse”) for quick access and a large bag for camp items.
- Include
sunscreen and sun-protective clothing like hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses to prevent burns during extended sun exposure on the river.
- Always keep
rain gear handy in your day bag—weather can change quickly, and staying dry helps maintain comfort and safety throughout your rafting adventure.
- Store
essential medications and personal hygiene items where they’re easily reachable, and inform your guide of any medical needs before launch.
- Use
dry bags or waterproof cases to protect electronics and valuables from water damage while rafting.
- Before your trip, review your rafting gear checklist with Winding Waters River Expeditions to ensure you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable experience.
When you arrive for our pre-trip planning meeting you will be given two bags — one large bag and one small bag. The smaller bag will become your day bag or what we like to call your “river purse”. Your day bag will hold all the items you will want access to throughout the day. Your larger bag will be buried by other bags on the gear boat and inaccessible when not at camp.
The following is a list of items you may want to include in your day bag:
Personal Protection Essentials
Sunscreen
And lots of it. You will want to regularly reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you are sweating or jumping in and out of the water. Alternatively, you can wear layers of sun protection (see above) if you do not want to bother with lotions. If you are fair-skinned, combine with
sun protection items like
whitewater rafting clothes,
river rafting clothes, and
rafting outfit pieces to help prevent burns.
Sun Protection
Sun protection differs from sunscreen. It includes long-sleeved t-shirts, pants, hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, sarongs , and handkerchiefs. When rafting you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time. On trips like our Snake River in Hells Canyon expeditions, shade can be limited, making good sun protection essential. Even with copious amounts of sunscreen, you can still become sunburnt. It is best to be prepared with items to protect you from the sun. We recommend bringing a backup hat and pair of sunglasses in the event of loss in an out-of-raft experience.
Weather-Ready Packing
Rain Gear
The
weather can be unpredictable and we like to be prepared for whatever comes our way. Packing rain gear in your day bag will ensure you stay warm in the event of rain. Those joining our
Grande Ronde River rafting trip often encounter shifting conditions, so packing smart is key. It won’t do you any good to pack it in your larger bag that is buried on the gear boat. A
5l dry bag,
8 litre bag, or
10 litre bag size is perfect for storing your jacket and extra layers. Even if rain is not in the forecast it is wise to pack along. Both rain jackets and rain pants are useful, or we have wetsuits we can provide if you would like an additional warm layer.
Health and Hygiene
Medications and Toiletries
You can still go rafting, even if you have a medical condition. All of our boats are equipped with first-aid kits to treat minor injuries. If you require the use of an inhaler, EpiPen, insulin or other medications please be sure to carry those with you in your day bag. It would be useful to let your boat captain or fellow passenger know where they are located prior to launch in the event you need help accessing them.
If you’re preparing for a multi-day Salmon River adventure, keeping essential medications close ensures a smooth experience on the water.
Additionally, we do provide feminine hygiene products in our groover setup at camp but they will likely be unavailable while on the water. Be prepared with any personal toiletry items you need while traveling down the river.
Tech & Valuables
Camera/Cell Phone
Protect your tech in a dry bag or pelican-style case. If you’ve ever seen a vacation raft scene go wrong, you’ll know the river doesn’t spare electronics. Wondering what are dry bags or whats a dry bag? Visit our site or call—we’ll help you prepare.
You assume the risk of losing any number of items to the powers of the river. Being prepared with back up items in your day bag is always a welcomed idea.
Extra Hints for Packing
Looking for rafting ideas or wondering what to take on a rafting trip? Don't overpack, but do include things to take on a float trip like dry snacks and a float trip list. Some guests even throw in a compact over it raft cover or plastic rafting toys for fun. On longer trips like our Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure, thoughtful packing can make each day more comfortable.
What to bring on a white water rafting trip? Simple: start with gear for white water rafting, ask about the age limit for white water rafting, and make sure your rafting package fits your adventure level. If you’re on a long journey—say what to pack two weeks in Europe—we can guide you on how to keep your river kit light.
Join Us on the Water
Ready for your next great river adventure? Whether you're planning your first whitewater rafting trip or returning for more, Winding Waters River Expeditions is here to provide an unforgettable experience. Explore our special interest rafting trips for photographers, families, and groups looking for a custom experience. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the rapids, the views, and the memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some helpful answers to common questions about what to pack in your day bag for a whitewater rafting trip.
What should I pack in my day bag for a rafting trip?
Pack essentials you’ll need access to during the day, including sunscreen, sun protection clothing, rain gear, medications, personal toiletries, and waterproof cases for electronics. Avoid overpacking—keep it light and practical for quick access on the water.
Why do I need both a large bag and a day bag?
Your large bag is stored on the gear boat and only accessible at camp, while your day bag stays with you throughout the day. The day bag, or “river purse,” ensures you have key items handy, like sunscreen, snacks, rain gear, or medications.
What type of sunscreen should I bring for rafting?
Choose a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Even with sunscreen, wear long sleeves, hats, or sun-protective clothing for extra coverage since sunlight reflects off the water and increases exposure.
What kind of sun protection works best on the river?
In addition to sunscreen, bring long-sleeve shirts, quick-dry pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses with a strap. Pack a backup pair of sunglasses and a hat in case one gets lost in the water.
Do I need rain gear even if the forecast is clear?
Yes. Weather can change quickly on the river, and rain gear helps keep you warm and dry. A lightweight rain jacket and pants packed in a small dry bag (5–10 liters) are perfect for unpredictable weather.
Can I bring my phone or camera on the raft?
Yes, but make sure to store them in a waterproof dry bag or a pelican-style hard case. The river can be rough on electronics, so protect them well and understand you assume the risk of loss or damage.
What should I do with medications during the trip?
Always carry essential medications like inhalers, EpiPens, or insulin in your day bag, not your large gear bag. Let your boat captain or a companion know where they’re located in case you need assistance accessing them during the trip.
Are there hygiene essentials I should bring?
Yes. Bring any personal items you may need during the day, including feminine hygiene products and small toiletries. Camp setups have additional supplies, but they won’t be accessible while rafting.
How do I keep my belongings dry while rafting?
Use dry bags or waterproof containers to store everything from clothing to electronics. Make sure they’re sealed tightly and secured in the raft. It’s wise to pack backups of small essentials like sunglasses or hats in case they get wet or lost.
What size day bag is best for rafting?
A 5 to 10-liter dry bag works well for holding essentials like sunscreen, rain gear, snacks, and small personal items. It’s compact enough to fit in the raft but large enough for everything you need throughout the day.
What are common packing mistakes for rafting trips?
Overpacking, forgetting rain gear, or not securing items in waterproof bags are common mistakes. Avoid bringing valuables or heavy items you won’t need on the water. Focus on staying light, organized, and weather-prepared.
Can I buy forgotten items before my rafting trip?
Yes. Visit the boathouse store before launch to pick up any forgotten essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, or waterproof bags. You’ll also have time at the pre-trip meeting to ask last-minute packing questions.
If you have any further questions about what or how to pack you will have a chance to ask plenty of questions at the pre-trip meeting the night before you launch. Be sure to visit the boathouse store for any items you may have forgotten to bring. For specific questions, always feel free to call us. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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