What to Pack in Your Day Bag

July 23, 2019
Whitney Chandler
Two blue bags are sitting next to each other on a wooden floor

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. 

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:

Several bottles of sun bum spray are lined up on a wooden shelf

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. 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. 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

A young boy is holding a red box with a white cross on it.

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.

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.

A table with a water bottle , hat , sunglasses , and other items on it.

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.


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. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the rapids, the views, and the memories.

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.


Thrilling, refreshing, unforgettable—see why guests rave about Winding Waters rafting trips by checking out our Google Business Profile Reviews today!