## What to Pack for Colorado River Rafting
Are you planning a Colorado River rafting trip? If so, you’ll need to pack carefully to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you get started:
### Essential Gear
– Waterproof bag: This will protect your belongings from water damage. Choose a bag that is large enough to hold all of your essentials, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry.
– Life jacket: This is required by law on all Colorado River rafting trips. Make sure your life jacket is properly fitted and in good condition.
– Water shoes: These will protect your feet from sharp rocks and debris. Choose water shoes that are comfortable and provide good support.
– Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it frequently.
– Sunglasses: Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Choose sunglasses that fit well and have UV protection.
– Hat: A hat will protect your head from the sun and keep you cool. Choose a hat that is made of a breathable material, such as cotton or mesh.
– Rain gear: Rain gear will keep you dry in the event of rain. Choose rain gear that is lightweight and waterproof.
### Clothing
– Moisture-wicking clothes: Moisture-wicking clothes will help you stay cool and dry. Choose clothes made of materials such as polyester or nylon.
– Quick-drying clothes: Quick-drying clothes will help you get dry quickly after getting wet. Choose clothes made of materials such as nylon or spandex.
– Insulating clothes: Insulating clothes will keep you warm in the event of cold weather. Choose clothes made of materials such as down or fleece.
– Swimsuit: A swimsuit is essential for swimming and cooling off. Choose a swimsuit that is comfortable and fits well.
### Personal Hygiene
– Toiletries: Pack all of your essential toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste.
– Towel: Pack a small towel for drying off after swimming or showering.
– Toilet paper: Pack toilet paper in a waterproof bag.
– Hand sanitizer: Pack hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean.
### Food and Water
– Food: Pack enough food to sustain you for the duration of your trip. Choose foods that are non-perishable and easy to prepare.
– Water: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. You’ll need at least 1 gallon of water per day.
– Water purification tablets: Pack water purification tablets to treat water from rivers or streams.
### Other Essentials
– First-aid kit: Pack a first-aid kit to treat minor injuries.
– Whistle: Pack a whistle to signal for help in an emergency.
– Flashlight: Pack a flashlight to see in the dark.
– Map and compass: Pack a map and compass to help you navigate.
– Camera: Pack a camera to capture your memories.
– Cash: Pack cash for incidentals.
– ID: Pack your ID for identification.
### Tips for Packing
– Pack light. You’ll need to be able to carry your gear on and off the raft.
– Pack in a waterproof bag. This will protect your belongings from water damage.
– Pack essential items in easy-to-reach places. You don’t want to have to dig through your entire pack to find what you need.
– Bring layers of clothing. The weather can change quickly on the river, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of conditions.
– Pack for fun. Bring along games, books, or other activities to help you pass the time on the river.
By following these tips, you can pack everything you need for a safe and enjoyable Colorado River rafting trip.