What to wear for whitewater rafting trip?
I'm going whitewater rafting and I don't want to wear a wet T-shirt all day. Any recommendations on something lightweight and quick-drying that will keep me from getting sunburned?
As a raft guide on the Colorado, Arkansas and Eagle for three years, I can tell you that you need to first investigate WHERE you will be rafting.
If you're rafting in rivers that are mainly fed by snow run-off, like most of those found in the Rockies and some of the Appalachians, then the water will be significantly colder than some of your larger river runs. Early in the summer, water temps can run below 40 degrees in run-off fed rivers and you need to plan accordingly.
For the colder rivers, you need to wear a light synthetic layer such as Patagonia's Capilene layers if you already have some or something like NRS's line of water-specific gear.
Your guide company should also provide you with some measure of wetsuit or splash-jacket and booties, but don't expect them to keep you dry or significantly warm. You need to avoid cotton, especially for shirts and if you have water shoes that have straps, you probably want to wear those instead.
If you're running in rivers where the water temps are more like 70 degrees, you just need to go with a darker colored, lightweight, long-sleeve synthetic shirt or just some sunscreen. A good guide or a good river will keep you wet enough that you won't get too hot in it. Don't wear a thin white shirt either, it's not a good look.
Regardless, bring as much of your own (or borrowed from friends) gear as you can. You need to realize that as guides, we wash all the gear that you wear, but it's after a really, really long day and we don't have to wear it...
6 Answers
I actually prefer a lightweight, breathable rainjacket. It's sleeves will help your arms with stay not burnt, and it's waterproof so should keep you dry.
I haven't specifically taken them whitewater rafting, but for most other outdoor purposes I'm a fan of things like Columbia's long-sleeve fishing shirts. Very lightweight and vented to keep you cool, and they'll dry before you realize you're wet.
As a raft guide on the Colorado, Arkansas and Eagle for three years, I can tell you that you need to first investigate WHERE you will be rafting.
If you're rafting in rivers that are mainly fed by snow run-off, like most of those found in the Rockies and some of the Appalachians, then the water will be significantly colder than some of your larger river runs. Early in the summer, water temps can run below 40 degrees in run-off fed rivers and you need to plan accordingly.
For the colder rivers, you need to wear a light synthetic layer such as Patagonia's Capilene layers if you already have some or something like NRS's line of water-specific gear.
Your guide company should also provide you with some measure of wetsuit or splash-jacket and booties, but don't expect them to keep you dry or significantly warm. You need to avoid cotton, especially for shirts and if you have water shoes that have straps, you probably want to wear those instead.
If you're running in rivers where the water temps are more like 70 degrees, you just need to go with a darker colored, lightweight, long-sleeve synthetic shirt or just some sunscreen. A good guide or a good river will keep you wet enough that you won't get too hot in it. Don't wear a thin white shirt either, it's not a good look.
Regardless, bring as much of your own (or borrowed from friends) gear as you can. You need to realize that as guides, we wash all the gear that you wear, but it's after a really, really long day and we don't have to wear it...
First off you are very smart to not wear cotton. Cotton obsorbs the cold water and then, just like sweat it cools our body temperatures down, because we use heat to try to help evaporate it off our skin. I have seen small children get the beginning stages of Hypothermy in sunny 85 degree weather because they were wearing cotton.
Your best bet is to go with a capilene or some other wicking material. The darker in color is usually the better especially if in a warm region with cold waters (ie. most places out west). Do not fall for the high prices of Patagonia. You will most likely wear this garmont once, MAYBE twice a year, if you are not involved in the sport. Stick with companies like columbia and north face for less expensive gear.
I just went rafting on the Ottawa River up here in Canada a few weeks ago, it was a total blast but I also was worried about what to wear.
I ended up wearing a good pair of board shorts and an Underarmour long sleeve top I also wear for running. It is Heat Gear so it dries up pretty quick.
For most of the trip it was overcast and rainy, but the water was decently warm and I never really found myself cold, surprisingly enough as you'll be paddling for most of the time in-between rapids.
The rafting company I dealt with also rented wet suits for approx $10 CAD, which I would recommend if you're worried about the clothing you're wearing. I agree though, you will want to stay dry as much as possible even though you'll be getting soaked in the rapids and possibly going for a swim on some of them too.
Patagonia makes some great lightweight capilene clothes, and they are comfortable and will last forever. Check out their site- you can also get it in most outdoor stores.
If you don't want to spend that much money, anything that is non-cotton will do just fine. It will dry relatively quickly, so you will not have to deal with the wet shirt.
I usually wear my bathing suit and a capilene shirt, and then they make me wear a pfd (life vest) over top of that.
In addition to that, most rafting companies will give you the choice of using a dry top and/or a neoprene wetsuit, depending on the weather. These can help keep you warm and are usually pretty reasonably priced to rent.
Good luck and have fun!