What to Wear White Water Rafting: The Complete NMRA Packing List
Figuring out what to wear white water rafting is one of the most common questions we hear from first-timers at New Mexico River Adventures. The right clothing and gear keeps you safe, comfortable, and focused on having fun, whether you’re splashing through the Racecourse rapids or spending two days in the Taos Box. This guide covers everything you need to pack for a rafting trip with us on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama, from head to toe and season to season.
What to Wear White Water Rafting by Season
New Mexico’s high desert climate means temperatures and water levels shift dramatically between spring and summer. Dressing appropriately for the season is the single most important thing you can do before your trip.
Spring Rafting (March–May): Cold Water, Cooler Air
Spring brings the highest flows and the most exhilarating whitewater, but the water coming off the Rockies is cold. Cotton is your enemy in spring conditions. When cotton gets wet, it loses all insulating ability and acts like an evaporative cooler against your skin. Stick to synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, merino wool) as base layers.
NMRA provides wetsuits and splash jackets at no extra charge for spring trips. Our wetsuits are Farmer John style (think bib overalls), so you’ll want to wear a long-sleeve synthetic top underneath. A bathing suit or synthetic underwear works perfectly beneath the wetsuit itself. If you run cold, add a thin fleece mid-layer before the splash jacket goes on.
- Synthetic base layer (no cotton)
- Long-sleeve synthetic shirt to wear under wetsuit top
- Optional: thin fleece layer for extra warmth
- Wool or neoprene socks
- Secure close-toed shoes (tennis shoes or water shoes)
- Neoprene gloves or dish gloves to keep hands dry in frigid temps
Summer Rafting (June–August): Sun Protection Is Everything
Summer on the Rio Grande means warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine bouncing off the water. The single most important thing you can wear in summer? Sunscreen. Beyond that, you have a lot of flexibility.
Many of our guests love long-sleeve sun hoodies. They block UV rays, dry fast, and actually keep you cooler than bare skin on a 90°F day. A tank top and shorts work equally well if you apply sunscreen generously and reapply throughout the trip. A baseball cap or visor worn underneath your helmet protects your nose and forehead. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s quick-dry fabric you don’t mind getting soaked.
- Quick-dry t-shirt, tank top, or long-sleeve sun hoodie
- Shorts or quick-dry pants
- Baseball cap or visor (fits under a helmet)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum, water-resistant)
- Sunglasses with a retention strap
Footwear: What Goes on Your Feet
Your footwear must stay securely on your feet even if you end up in the river, planned or otherwise. This is a safety requirement, not just a comfort preference.
| Footwear Type | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water shoes / aqua socks | Any | Best all-around option; available in our shop |
| Tennis shoes (old pair) | Any | Great for traction; they will get wet |
| Sandals with heel strap | Summer | Must have a secure heel strap; no slides |
| Wool or neoprene socks + closed shoes | Spring | Best insulation for cold water days |
| Flip-flops | ❌ Never | Not permitted will come off in current |
We carry a selection of water shoes at our Embudo headquarters at reasonable prices if you forget yours at home.
Complete Rafting Pack List
Use this checklist when deciding what to pack for a rafting trip with NMRA. Day trips are streamlined you won’t need to haul much. Multi-day trips have a few additional items covered in the next section.
| Category | What to Bring |
|---|---|
| Sun Protection | Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30+), lip balm with SPF, sunglasses with strap, hat |
| Clothing | Quick-dry shirt and shorts (no cotton); long-sleeve option in spring; change of clothes for after |
| Footwear | Water shoes, old tennis shoes, or secured sandals no flip-flops |
| Hydration | Reusable water bottle (we provide water; staying hydrated in the desert sun is critical) |
| Health | Any personal medication you may need during the trip |
| Cash / Card | For optional shop purchases and guide gratuity if desired |
| Great Attitude | Mandatory leave the rest to us! |
Our shop at the Embudo meeting point carries sunscreen, hats, NMRA shirts, water bottles, and water shoes so if you forget something, we’ve got you covered.
Cameras & Electronics
Many guests love documenting their day on the river. If you bring a camera, it must be waterproof. Many waterproof cameras come with elastic straps that clip directly to the top latch of your life jacket, keeping your hands free and your gear safe.
We strongly recommend leaving non-waterproof phones and cameras in your vehicle or at home. A dunking is always possible, even on mellow sections.
Rather leave the photography to a pro? NMRA has a private photographer stationed at the final rapid who captures your best expressions mid-rapid. Photos are available for purchase when you return to our headquarters no gear required on your end.
Additional Gear for Multi-Day Trips
Heading out on the Rio Chama 3-Day, the Taos Box Overnight, or another multi-day adventure? Your packing list expands a bit. NMRA provides dry bags for river gear, tents, sleeping bags, and all camp kitchen equipment. You’ll want to add:
- Personal toiletries (biodegradable soap and shampoo)
- Layers for cool canyon evenings (fleece or light jacket)
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Any personal snacks or dietary items
- Book, cards, or other riverside entertainment
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings at camp
Your guide team will brief you on the full list when you book a multi-day trip.
What NMRA Provides
You don’t need to invest in a lot of specialized gear we’ve got the essentials covered for every trip:
- Life jacket (personal flotation device) fitted to your size
- Helmet for whitewater sections
- Wetsuit and splash jacket (spring trips, or on request)
- Paddle and safety equipment
- Experienced, certified river guides
- Lunch on full-day and multi-day trips
Guide Gratuity
Tipping your guide is entirely optional but genuinely appreciated. The rafting industry standard is typically 10–20% of the trip cost, adjusted for the level of service you experienced. Our guides are some of the most experienced on the Rio Grande we’re confident you’ll want to show them some love at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear white water rafting in New Mexico?
In summer, wear quick-dry shorts and a t-shirt or sun hoodie, plus secure footwear and plenty of sunscreen. In spring, stick to synthetic base layers (no cotton), and we’ll provide a wetsuit and splash jacket at no charge. Avoid flip-flops in any season, as they will come off your feet in the current.
What should I bring rafting for a day trip?
For a day on the river, bring sunscreen, a water bottle, secure footwear, a change of clothes for afterward, any personal medication, and an optional waterproof camera. Our shop at the Embudo headquarters sells water shoes, sunscreen, hats, and NMRA gear if you forget anything.
What do I pack for a rafting trip that lasts multiple days?
In addition to your standard day-trip items, multi-day guests should pack personal toiletries (biodegradable), a fleece or light jacket for cool evenings, a headlamp, insect repellent, camp shoes, and any personal snacks. NMRA provides tents, sleeping bags, dry bags, and all camp cooking gear.
Can I bring my phone or camera on the raft?
Only waterproof cameras or phones with a proper waterproof case should come on the water. We don’t recommend non-waterproof devices. NMRA’s professional photographer captures action shots at the last rapid, available for purchase at our headquarters after the trip.
Does NMRA provide wetsuits?
Yes, wetsuits and splash jackets are provided at no extra charge on spring trips and on request during shoulder-season days when water temperatures are cold. Our wetsuits are Farmer John style, so wear a long-sleeve synthetic top underneath.
Are flip-flops okay to wear rafting?
No. Flip-flops are not permitted on any NMRA trip. They come off easily in moving water and create a safety hazard. Wear water shoes, old tennis shoes, or sandals with a secure heel strap instead.
What is a good tip for a rafting guide?
The industry standard is 10–20% of the total trip cost, based on the service you received. Tips are never required but are always meaningful to our guides, who work hard to make your river experience safe and unforgettable.
What should kids wear white water rafting?
Kids should wear the same basics as adults: quick-dry clothing (no cotton), secure footwear, a hat, and sunscreen. NMRA provides properly-fitted life jackets and helmets for all ages. In spring or cooler conditions, youth-sized wetsuits are available.