Raft California will provide the following gear/items for all our rafting trips:
PFD
Personal Floatation Device/Life-Jacket
Paddles
Don't want to be up a creek without one...
HELMET
So seagulls don't poke you in the coconut!
Flip Flops
We recommend river sandles or old tennis shoes
No Pets
Unfortunately claws and rafts don't mix
VALUABLES
If you don't want to lose it, don't take it down the river
We urge you to leave your valuables at home. If you wish to bring a camera, please provide a case (preferably waterproof). However, it will not be possible to photograph during rapids.
On our Truckee, Trinity, South Fork American, and Middle Fork American River trip – Professional photographers are positioned along the banks taking photos of us running the rapids. These photos are available for sale at the end of the trip and the companies are in no way associated with Raft California. We do have links directly to their websites.
Extra money may be needed for meals en route to and from you trip, for souvenir T-shirts and photographs or a guide tip.
- Watter Bottle for Every Person Rafting
- Swimsuit or Shorts
- Tennis shoes or river sandals (Tevas, Chaco’s, Keens…NO FLIP FLOPS)
- Sunhat or Visor
- UVF Sunshirt
- Nylon Windbreaker
- Head strap for eyeglasses
- Waterproof Sunscreen
- Towel, dry clothes and shoes for wearing around camp
- Extra pair of glasses (Optional)
- Guide Tips!
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Tent – optional
- Ground cloth
- Flashlight w/ extra batteries
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries
- Light jacket/sweater
- Long pants
- Dry shoes or sandals
- Towel/Washcloth
- Fishing gear/license – optional
- Spirits (in moderation) – optional
- Musical instrument – optional
- Camp Chair – optional
These notes pertain to only our Wilderness Rafting Trips – those include the 2 Day Middle Fork American River Trip, 3 Day Lower Klamath River Trip & 2 Day East Fork Carson River Trip.
- Dry Bags – for tents, sleeping bags, clothing (we suggest putting in a duffel bag for easy packing)
- Sleeping bag & pad for each guest – you are welcome to bring your own
- Tent rentals are available, please note tents over 8×8 are too large for most our wilderness style trips
* Camping gear is not included with our overnight river trips. Rentals/purchased gear is typically available within 24-48 hours of your trip departure.
We recommend cool weather clothing (as a precaution) for the months of April, May, and October and for days anytime during the season where rain or cool weather is a possibility. Please avoid wearing cotton since once wet this will just make you cold and wear quick drying materials such as poly-pro. We recommend that you bring the following attire for cold weather white water rafting:
- Wetsuit & Splash Jacket (rent) OR DrySuit
- Lightweight cap that covers the ears (you will be wearing a helmet so you don’t want anything too bulky)
- Long Sleeve shirt or sweater
- Windbreaker
- Wool Socks
- Wool gloves
