Planning ยท Packing
What to pack for a rafting trip with nights on the river
A checklist built from six outfitters' own packing lists, plus what they hand you at the put in.
Quick answer
For an overnight rafting trip, pack quick drying synthetic or wool layers (not cotton), a two piece rain suit, river sandals with a heel strap plus camp shoes, SPF 30 sunscreen, a sun hat, a headlamp and a water bottle. Most outfitters supply the dry bags and camp gear and set a limit of 15 to 35 pounds.
What you get
What outfitters supply
Before you pack, check what the outfitter hands you. Six packing lists side by side.
| Outfitter and river | Dry bags | Weight limit | Sleeping gear and tents | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western River ExpeditionsCataract Canyon | Duffle about 12 x 13 x 24 in | 20 lb, or 25 lb with drinks | Sleeping bag, sheet and ground tarp provided | Packing list |
| Western River ExpeditionsMiddle Fork Salmon | Dry bag 16 x 33 in, day bag 9 x 20 in | 20 to 25 lb | Bag, sheet, pillow, pad and tent provided | Packing list |
| OARSMiddle Fork and Main Salmon | 54.4 liter and 17.7 liter dry bags | 35 lb on the Gem Air flight, drinks included | Sleep kit provided; 2 person tents, extra tent $30 | Packing list |
| Northwest Rafting CompanyMiddle Fork Salmon | Dry bag about 17 in across by 32 in | Under 35 lb on the Gem Air flight | Camp gear free on request; tent and cot package $480 | Packing list |
| Holiday River ExpeditionsAll trips | Day bag 10 x 22 in, camp bag 16 x 28 in | 15 to 20 lb | Rental kit $50 (bag, pad, pillow, rain gear, mug); tent $30 more | Packing list |
| Sheri Griffith River ExpeditionsCataract Canyon | Bags about 20 x 20 x 27 in and 10 x 20 in | Not stated | Tents, sleeping bags, pads and chairs included | Packing list |
From each outfitter's own packing list, checked October 11, 2026. Lists differ by river and season, so use the one your outfitter sends.
Checklist
Overnight rafting trip packing list
On the river
- Quick drying synthetic or wool layers, not cotton
- A two piece rain suit: jacket and pants
- River sandals with a heel strap, or water shoes
- A sun hat with a clip or strap
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, not aerosol
- A water bottle with a clip
In camp
- Closed toe shoes or sneakers
- A dry set of clothes and warm layers for the evening
- A headlamp; a red light setting helps around camp
- A battery pack: there is no power
- Toiletries, with biodegradable soap
Early and late season
- Warm long underwear, wool or synthetic
- A splash jacket and neoprene socks
- Ask whether wetsuits are provided: on some spring trips they are
Leave at home
- Glass bottles and jars
- Ponchos
- Jewelry and valuables
- Drones, speakers, firearms and pets
Built from the packing lists of Western, OARS, Northwest Rafting Company, Holiday, Sheri Griffith and Mild to Wild. Your outfitter's list comes first.
Clothes
Why no cotton, and what to wear instead
Wet cotton stays cold. Northwest Rafting Company warns that "cotton can significantly lower body temperature when wet," and OARS asks for a synthetic or merino base layer.
Layers beat one heavy jacket. Mornings and evenings in a canyon can be cold, and afternoons hot. Pack a warm layer for camp and a rain suit that doubles as a wind layer on the boat.
Sun is the other half. Western, OARS and Sheri Griffith ask for SPF 30 or higher, and Mild to Wild suggests a sun shirt and a wide brim hat.
In camp
Drinks, phones and power
Every list we read bans glass. Bring drinks in cans or plastic, and ask the outfitter about alcohol: ARTA lets guests bring their own for camp, and Northwest Rafting Company allows no drinking on the river.
Expect no phone service. Western and OARS both say so, and Sheri Griffith notes there is no power in camp, so bring a battery pack.
A headlamp is the item people forget. Mild to Wild warns about it, and Holiday suggests one with a red light. See river camping for the rest of the night.
Questions
Packing questions
What should I wear on an overnight rafting trip?
Quick drying synthetic or wool layers, a rain jacket and pants, river sandals with a heel strap and a sun hat. Holiday puts it plainly: "Cotton will not keep you warm when it is wet."
How much can I bring?
Usually 15 to 35 pounds. Holiday asks for 15 to 20 pounds and Western for 20 to 25. On Middle Fork trips that fly in, OARS and Northwest Rafting Company work to a 35 pound limit with Gem Air.
Do I need my own sleeping bag and tent?
Usually not. Western and Sheri Griffith include sleeping gear, OARS provides a sleep kit, and Northwest Rafting Company lends camp gear free on request. Holiday rents a kit for $50, with a tent for $30 more.
What shoes should I bring?
Two pairs. River sandals with a heel strap or water shoes for the boat, and closed toe shoes for camp. Western and Sheri Griffith say no flip flops on the river; OARS allows them in camp only.
Should I bring a poncho?
No. Western says "No ponchos please," and OARS lists no ponchos too. Bring a two piece rain jacket and pants.
Can I bring alcohol?
It depends on the outfitter. ARTA does not provide alcohol but lets you bring your own for camp, and Northwest Rafting Company allows beer and soda in cans with no drinking on the river. Sheri Griffith will chill cans. Every list we read says no glass.
Will my phone work?
Not on most rivers. Western says there is no cell service, and OARS says there is generally none. Bring a waterproof case for photos, and a battery pack, since there is no power in camp.
Do I need a wetsuit?
On early season trips, sometimes. Western provides farmer john wetsuits in May and June on the Middle Fork, OARS includes wetsuits and splash tops on early and late season trips, and Northwest Rafting Company says they are sometimes required in May and June.
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