Packing for a whitewater trip trips people up more than almost anything else about the day. You’re going to get soaked, you’ll be hiking a bit over rocky terrain, and you’ll want your hands free for paddling, so what you bring (and don’t bring) actually matters. Here’s a straightforward rundown of what to wear, what to pack, and what to leave in the car.
What to Wear on the Water
Quick dry clothing, not cotton. Cotton soaks up water and stays cold and heavy for the rest of the trip. Synthetic athletic wear, a swimsuit, or quick dry shorts and a shirt all work well. Layering is smart in spring and fall when the water is cooler than the air.
Secure footwear. Flip flops and slides come off in the rapids almost immediately, and bare feet are a bad idea on a rocky riverbed. Water shoes, secured sandals with an ankle strap, or an old pair of sneakers you don’t mind getting wet are all good choices. If you don’t own any of these, most outfitters, including us, can point you toward what to grab beforehand or have options available at the outfitter.
A swimsuit under your clothes. Wearing a swimsuit as a base layer, then quick dry shorts or a shirt over it, gives you flexibility if the weather shifts or you end up wetter than expected.
Sun protection. A hat that straps on (or one you’re willing to lose), and sunscreen applied before you get on the water. Once you’re wet, reapplying mid-trip usually isn’t practical, so put it on early and thoroughly.
What Cherokee Rafting Provides
You don’t need to buy specialized gear for this trip. Every rafting trip with us includes:
- A helmet
- A life jacket (PFD)
- A wetsuit or splash jacket during cooler months, when needed
- A safety briefing before you’re on the water
This is standard across most guided Ocoee outfitters, so if another company you’re researching doesn’t mention these, that’s worth asking about directly.
What to Bring With You
A dry bag or waterproof pouch, if you have one, for your phone, keys, or wallet. Many trips have a designated dry storage area on the raft or back at the outfitter, but if you want your phone nearby for photos, a small waterproof pouch on a lanyard is worth having.
A change of clothes for after. You will be completely soaked by the end. Leave a full change of clothes, plus a towel, in your car so you’re not driving home wet or stuck in the same clothes for the rest of the day.
Water and snacks for before and after, not during. You won’t be able to eat or drink much on the raft itself, so hydrate and eat beforehand, and bring something for the drive home if your trip runs into a mealtime.
What to Leave Behind
Loose jewelry. Rings, necklaces, and dangling earrings can catch on gear or simply fall off in the water and be gone for good.
Cotton anything. Jeans, cotton t-shirts, and hoodies get heavy and cold fast, and they take forever to dry.
Expensive electronics without protection. If you’re bringing a phone or camera, it needs to be in a proper waterproof case or left in the car. The Ocoee’s rapids are not gentle, and unprotected electronics rarely survive a Class IV wave.
Anything you’re not okay losing. Between the current, the rocks, and the general chaos of a good rapid, small items go overboard more often than people expect.
A Quick Packing Checklist
- Quick dry clothes or a swimsuit
- Secured water shoes or sandals
- Sunscreen, applied before arrival
- A hat that won’t blow off easily
- A change of clothes and a towel for after
- A waterproof pouch, if you want your phone with you
- Water and snacks for before and after the trip
Ready to Go
Once you’re dressed right and know what to expect, the only thing left is showing up. Arrive a little early, listen closely during the safety talk, and let the guides do what they do best. The gear is simple, the river does the rest.
