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What To Bring Whitewater Rafting

Welcome! We are so excited for you to come and experience one of our amazing river trips! We want everyone to be prepared and know what to expect. Here are some tips on What to Bring, and What NOT to Bring on your white water rafting trip with Raft California!
WHAT WE PROVIDE
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!

WHAT NOT TO BRING

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.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

River attire is very casual and you should expect to get wet and dress accordingly. Quick-dry clothing is recommended. Anything cotton gets wet stays wet and does not keep you warm. Following this list will assure you a comfortable and well-prepared trip.

Please remember to tip your guide at the end of your rafting trip! If you forgot to bring cash, just contact our office to use a credit card. Some locations can provide credit card tip processing on a tablet.

  • 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!
OVERNIGHT GEAR LIST
  • 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
2 Day Wilderness Rafting Trip Notes

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.

Recommended Spring Rafting Attire

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

About Tributary Whitewater

Tributary Whitewater Tours was founded by Dan Buckley in 1978. He wanted to share the excitement, wonder, and natural beauty that rivers have to offer with others. Since then he has been an integral player in the development of Whitewater Rafting in California.

We have whitewater rafting trips on over 12 rivers in Northern California, Oregon, and into Nevada! Rivers include the South Fork American, Middle Fork American, North Fork American, North Yuba, Truckee, Tuolumne, Kaweah and more!.

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