Browns Canyon Rafting Rafting Blog

How to Prepare for Your Rafting Trip: What to Wear, Bring & Expect with Browns Canyon Rafting

If you’re planning your first Colorado white water rafting adventure, you may be wondering how to prepare for the day on the river. What should you wear? What should you bring? And what should you expect when you arrive?

This guide covers everything you need to know before your rafting trip so you can arrive confident and ready for the adventure.

What to Wear for Colorado White Water Rafting

Dressing properly for rafting helps keep you comfortable both on and off the water. Rivers in Colorado are fed by snowmelt, so even on warm days the water can feel cool.

Recommended Clothing

For most rafting trips, we recommend wearing:

Quick-dry shorts or swimwear
A synthetic T-shirt or long sleeve shirt
Secure sandals or water shoes
Sunglasses with a strap
Sunscreen

Avoid cotton clothing whenever possible. Cotton absorbs water and takes a long time to dry, which can leave you feeling cold during the trip.

Early Season or Cooler Weather

During spring or cooler mornings, you may want to bring:

A light fleece or long sleeve layer
Waterproof or quick-dry jacket
Change of clothes for after the trip

Our guides will help ensure everyone is comfortable before heading onto the river.

What to Expect on Your Rafting Day

Your rafting trip starts with a quick check-in and safety orientation. At Browns Canyon Rafting, our guides walk you through everything you need to know before stepping into the raft.

Typical Rafting Trip Experience

Most trips follow a simple flow:

Check-in and meet your guide
Safety briefing and paddling instructions
Gear fitting (life jackets, helmets if needed)
Shuttle ride to the river
Launch and enjoy the rafting adventure

Your guide will explain basic commands such as when to paddle, when to stop, and how to stay balanced through the rapids.

Even first-time rafters quickly get comfortable once the trip begins.

Gentle river sections
Plenty of time to enjoy the scenery
Opportunities for kids and adults to participate
A comfortable pace suitable for beginners

It’s an ideal way for families to spend time together outdoors while creating lasting memories.

What to Bring on Your Rafting Trip

One of the most common questions we hear from guests preparing for their Colorado white water rafting trip is what they should bring with them.

Most rafting trips keep things simple.

Essentials to Bring

Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing
Secure footwear (no flip flops)
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Towel and dry clothes for afterward

You generally won’t need to bring much on the raft itself. Your guide will provide essential safety gear such as:

Life jackets
Helmets (when required)
Paddles
Safety instructions before launch

Leave valuables like phones, wallets, and keys secured in your vehicle or with the rafting company while you’re on the river.

Tips to Make Your Rafting Trip Even Better

A few simple tips can help you make the most of your rafting day.

Helpful Rafting Tips

Eat a light meal before arriving
Apply sunscreen before the trip
Bring a change of clothes for after the ride
Listen carefully during the safety briefing
Relax and enjoy the experience

The best rafting trips happen when guests come ready for adventure and trust their guide on the river.

Still Have Questions? Check Our Rafting FAQ

If you’re preparing for your trip and still have questions, our Rafting FAQ page covers many of the most common topics guests ask before their adventure.

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