How to Pack for Your River Rafting Vacation

How to Pack...

All kids receive a Mackay waterproof river duffle and a waterproof "day bag". We ask that you use these bags for packing your clothes and personal items. Please limit your items to 40 pounds.

Mackay Wilderness River Trips Provides

Professional Kid Wrangler

A roomy Sierra Design tent

Freshly laundered Sierra Design sleeping bag

Deluxe self-inflating sleeping pad

Sleeping pillow

Coast Guard approved life jackets

All meals while on the river

All rafting equipment

Games and Books

Water Cannons

Plenty of fun!

You Should Bring

Polyester T-shirts - these T's will dry quickly so you are ready for the next water fight.

Cotton-T-shirts - T-shirts can be worn all day. They will protect you from the sun while rafting and are comfortable during the day. They will get wet, so bring one for each day.

Nylon shorts or Swim Trucks - Nylon is comfortable when wet, dries quickly and is lightweight and easy to pack. More than any other piece of clothing, you will wear your shorts the most. Two or three pairs should be plenty.

Swimsuits - A swimsuit will come in handy for a quick dip or a soak in the hot springs.

Raingear - good quality raingear is mandatory. We experience mountain showers throughout the season and an inexpensive suit will not do the job. Your raingear should have jacket, pants and hood. If the temperatures drop, raingear can be worn over your fleece to keep you warm and dry.

Fleece jackets and pants - they designed polar fleece with rafting in mind. This wonderful fabric dries quickly and stays warm even when wet. By layering your clothing - swimsuit, shorts, T-shirt, polar fleece and raingear, you are assured of complete comfort no matter what mother nature brings.

Shoes - you will need two pairs of shoes, a pair that can be wet and another that will be dry for camp. On the raft your feet will be wet most the day, either a canvas tennis shoe, river sandals with secure heel, or neoprene booties with soles will work best. At camp a dry pair of tennis shoes is perfect.

Wetsocks - the water temperature can be around 60 degrees. Your feet are in and out of the water most the day, so if your feet have a tendency to get cold we recommend wetsocks.

Sun screen - the sun can get very hot in the summer months, so a waterproof sun screen will help protect you from burning and the sun's harmful rays.

A towel - you will need a towel for showering and the hot springs. One per person is plenty.

Flashlight - a small lightweight flashlight is good to have for any night walks to the latrine.

Hats - during June a warm wool or fleece hat will help keep the warmth in. During the warmer summer months a hat with a bill will keep the sun off your face.

Sunglasses with a security strap - polarized lenses will protect your eyes from the sun's rays.

Fishing gear & tackle - we do not provide any fishing equipment, however we welcome you to bring your own equipment. Make sure your rod and reel are in a hard case. You may contact our office for advise on what flies or lures are working during your trip.

Camera and plenty of film - you will want to bring your camera or video camera to capture your adventure. We give you a dry bag to protect your equipment from water damage. If you are concerned, we recommend disposable waterproof cameras.