Regarding rafting, you can’t afford to overlook a few essential pieces of rafting gear. First, you’ll need waterproof rain jackets and splash pants, which are great for keeping water out of your wetsuit. If you plan on rafting multiple times, splash pants are a must. For more casual rafting, a rain jacket with a thin synthetic top will keep you warmer. And for extra protection against the sun, consider a camera case and waterproof gloves.
Moisture wicking clothing
There are many benefits to moisture-wicking clothing for rafting trips. A rashguard protects your upper body from the sun while being breathable and quick to dry. Water shirts offer the same benefits but are less form-fitting. Water shorts are a great choice if you prefer a synthetic base layer over cotton. Wool socks are excellent for warm water rafting and can be worn under your shoes.
Besides offering excellent protection from the sun, breathable clothing also helps beat the humidity in high-heat conditions. This set includes a full-zip front shirt and a pair of surf-approved boyshorts. In addition, it features colour-blocked panels and a decorative logo on the chest, and you should wear moisture-wicking shoes such as Keen Whisper Sandals over a pair of Crocs.
Wetsuits
If you’re planning on rafting on a cold day, you’ll need to wear wetsuits. These suits provide warmth when you’re wet while preventing you from overheating in hot water. Some even feature thick fleece or synthetic fabric layers under the splash top. While rafting, you’ll probably also want to wear some paddling pants or rain pants.
Wetsuits aren’t as bulky and technical as drysuits. Instead, their primary purpose is to keep you warm while you’re in the water. As a result, you’ll want to opt for a full-length wetsuit for early spring rafting. A three to five-millimetre thickness will ensure that your body heat is adequately insulated. Wetsuits can also be worn over shorts, but you’ll have more drag in cold water.
Drysuits
A drysuit is a layer of waterproof fabric that helps protect the body from cold and wet conditions. It is generally made from multiple layers of synthetic fabrics, such as Polyester or Nylon. They are usually backed with fully taped seams and highly breathable membranes. In addition, some drysuits are lined with Gore-Tex, which prevents sweat from seeping in. Each face fabric has its properties and uses.
The Kokatat Hydros 3.0 drysuit has a Gore-Tex membrane but is only 50% more expensive. The Kokatat Hydros 3.0 membrane wicks away sweat from the body and keeps the kayaker dry. It also has a neck gasket that is more comfortable than latex and is waterproof. It also has adjustable straps and cuffs to keep your arms warm.
Camera case
You can purchase a waterproof case for whitewater rafting to protect your camera. You can also buy a hard-sided waterproof case, but these will add bulk and weight to your belongings. A waterproof case for a DSLR can also protect your camera from water, but you will probably want to bring a hard-sided waterproof case to keep your camera dry while you’re rafting. These cases are usually waterproof and come with a carabiner for clipping to your raft.
If you’re looking for an even better case for your camera, check out Aquapac. This case protects your camera from splashes, and the plexiglass in front of the lens makes it 100% waterproof. It’s also rated 15 feet underwater, so it’s an excellent solution for shooting in water. Another waterproof camera case is the Aquapac Compact Camera Case. These cases are made of polyurethane, which is entirely recyclable and stays flexible even in cold temperatures. However, they do not work with cameras with external zoom features, so be sure to choose one that fits your camera well.
Footwear
River-specific water shoes have many features that make them ideal for rafting. Many of these shoes are designed with high-traction soles that will give you traction on rocky riverbanks. They also have unique fabric to drain quickly so they won’t smell while you’re in the river. River-specific water shoes are also durable enough to handle slippery shores and are usually made from high-quality materials that resist odour and stink. One of my favourites is Astral’s River Shoe.