Getting your clothing right is the best way to stay comfortable and safe on a whitewater rafting adventure. 

Here’s what to wear for a fun river trip.

Quick Checklist: What to Wear

• Swimwear or shorts and t-shirt
• For spring/early summer, base layers like Under Armour, leggings, & other moisture-wicking clothing
• Sandals with heel straps (Tevas, Chacos, Keens, etc.) or water shoes
• Hat and inexpensive sunglasses with straps
• Sunscreen

We provide: wetsuits, life jackets, splash jackets, water shoes, helmets (optional depending on the trip), and dry bags.

The Golden Rule: Avoid Cotton

On cooler days, avoid cotton clothing like jeans, sweatshirts, and cotton underwear. It absorbs water and stays wet, robbing your body of heat. Instead, wear clothes made of polyester, nylon, or neoprene that dries quickly and keeps its insulating properties even when wet.

On hot summer days, cotton t-shirts are fine since you’ll dry quickly in the warm sun.

What to Wear Whitewater Rafting in the Summer

Summer and early fall rafting (late June through Mid-September) usually means warm sunshine and refreshing river splashes. 

Here’s What to Wear in the Summer:

• Swimwear or t-shirt and shorts
• Lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt for extra protection
• Splash jacket: we provide these on cooler mornings
• Wetsuit: we also provide these upon request
• Hat with a strap
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap
• Waterproof sunscreen

Most guests on our popular half-day whitewater trips (2–3 hours) don’t need anything else. We provide everything you need on the river, and you’ll be back before you know it.

What Shoes to Wear Whitewater Rafting

We get asked about footwear a lot. Water shoes and sandals with heel straps like Chacos, Tevas, or Keens stay on the best and protect your feet. The river access at our put-in and take-out have a rocky-sloped path, so having tight fitting, river footwear is very helpful.

If you don’t have footwear for the river, we’ve got you covered—we provide neoprene water shoes in the summer and booties on cooler days.

Can you wear flip-flops or Crocs whitewater rafting? Only if you want to lose them in the river.

What to Wear in Cooler Months

May and early June often have cool or cold conditions, even on sunny days. 

Here’s what we provide when it’s colder:

• Wetsuits
• Splash jackets (a windproof outer layer to block spray and wind)
• Neoprene booties

Additional clothing to bring when it’s cold:

• Base layers like Under Armour to wear under your wetsuit
• Wool hat
• Fleece or jacket for before and after your trip
• Wool socks under neoprene booties

What Wild West Rafting Provides

We’ve got all your essential safety and comfort gear:

• Type V life jackets for all ages
• Safety helmets
• Wetsuits and splash jackets for cooler days
• Water shoes and neoprene booties
• Dry bags (our guides carry them and guests are welcome to use them)

Don’t Forget These Extras:

• Change of clothes for after your trip
• Towels
• Cash for tipping your guide

Leave Behind:

• Cameras: we’ll be taking photos for you!
• Jewelry
• Expensive sunglasses
• Cell phones and wallets: leave valuables in your locked vehicle
• Car keys: we have a safe place to keep them in our office
• Your worries!

Not sure what to pack? Give us a call at our Gardiner office: 406-848-2252. We’ve outfitted thousands of rafters for every condition imaginable and can answer any questions about what to wear on your specific trip date.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Now that you know what to wear, experience the thrill of the Yellowstone River with one of our whitewater rafting trips.

Book your Wild West Rafting trip today and get ready to conquer the rapids in any season! Contact us with any questions about preparing for your Yellowstone rafting adventure.