Deschutes River: Packling List and Clothing Suggestions
What to wear on the river
Please come to the river prepared for all possible weather
conditions. The weather in the river canyons of the Northwest is often different
from that in surrounding areas, so you won’t really know how it will be until
you get there. At that time, you may decide that some of the items listed here
are not needed; but you need to have them along just in case! So please pay
close attention to the following information and checklists, and help to insure
your enjoyment of the day by bringing along the proper clothing.
Clothing tips
The best clothing is that which retains your body heat while wet, or one that dries quickly. Modern high-tech synthetic fabrics like Polypropylene, Capilene, and Polyester fleece do both, and are readily available at stores like REI. (Polyester fleece is increasingly available, as well, at large department stores. Just be sure to look for polyester fleece, not cotton fleece.) But if you don’t want to spend a lot on a rafting wardrobe look for wool clothes, which provide some warmth even when wet. Thrift stores and military surplus stores are good places to find inexpensive wool clothes. On all but the warmest days you should avoid wearing cotton clothing while on the river. When wet, cotton sucks warmth from your body at an amazing rate.
Packing List Spring (and cool weather summer or fall) trips
To Wear in the Raft
- swimsuit, or shorts and a T-shirt
- sunglasses with strap
- thick wool socks (or wetsuit socks), worn with athletic shoes, sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos
- synthetic or wool (medium to heavy weight) long underwear top.
To Bring on the River
- light weight rain jacket
- wool or synthetic sweater or jacket
- wool or synthetic "ski" hat (for extra warmth as needed)
- wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
- water bottle or canteen*
- waterproof sunscreen, lip-balm
* Please note: the terms of our license - as well common sense - lead us to insist that you refrain from consuming alcohol during your river trip (even during lunch).
To Leave in the car
a towel and complete change of clothes, including dry shoes, socks and a sweater or jacket.
Packing List Summer trips
To Wear in the Raft
- swimsuit, or T-shirt and shorts
- sun glasses with strap
- wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
- athletic shoes or sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos
To Bring on the River
- water bottle or canteen*
- waterproof sunscreen and lip-balm
- light weight long-sleeved shirt (to protect from sunburn)
- wool or synthetic sweater
- lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
* Please note: the terms of our license - as well common sense - lead us to insist that you refrain from consuming alcohol during your river trip (even during lunch).
To Leave in the car
- a towel and a complete change of clothes, including dry shoes and a sweater.
