Northwest Rafting Gear Must-Haves

10-Function Micro Multi-Tool Model: C2795 See details Our price: $12.00

An overnight rafting trip in the Northwest can be the highlight of your summer, and planning for it can be as exciting as the actual trip itself. One of the challenges of preparing for a multi-day rafting trip is figuring out how to pack in everything you need while keeping your camping equipment and other gear as minimal and lightweight as possible.

The key to packing efficiently for a rafting trip is to consolidate by choosing durable, compact gear with lots of versatility. Following are a few rafting must-haves that provide plenty of utility without taking up too much space in your dry bag.

LED headlamp. Every rafter on your trip should have a small personal flashlight, and an LED headlamp fits the bill perfectly. A quality LED headlamp will combine a powerful beam with a small, sleek design. Plus, the energy efficiency of LED technology means you’ll get plenty of life out of your batteries. As an added bonus, an LED headlamp straps around your head for easy, hands-free use great for any outdoor situation. Not only will an LED headlamp provide all the light you need while barely taking up any dry bag space, but it’s a dependable piece of survival gear in case you wind up in a sticky situation.

Multi-tool. A strong knife is another critical piece of outdoor survival gear no rafter should be without, and the most compact way to include one in your gear is to carry a folding multi-tool with a sturdy knife blade. A multi-tool is a versatile piece of survival gear that allows you to be prepared for unforeseen situations without hauling around the kitchen sink. By choosing a multi-tool that includes a miniature saw, pliers, scissors, a file and any other camping equipment you might need -- such as a compass, eating utensils or an LED light -- you can drastically reduce the number of items you’ll have to stuff into your dry bag.

Camping equipment. The bulk of your dry bag space will be consumed by the camping equipment you’ll need at night. Before you go, make sure your tent is small enough to fit in the kayak, canoe or raft. Stuff bags with cinch straps are great space savers for items such as sleeping bags; cinching them down forces air out of the bag and condenses it into a much smaller pack. If you’ll be cooking, an exchange blade cutlery kit can also help save on space, offering several kitchen tools that fit on the same handle in a compact kit.

Other useful items. Here are some additional tips to help you condense your camping equipment and save space in your dry bag:

• Sweat-wicking clothes: These will help you dry off quickly if you get wet during the trip. In addition, they are thin, lightweight and offer protection from the sun without making you feel too warm.
• Microfiber towel: Bring a thin, quick-dry towel for drying yourself and other wet items. These absorb water well but have only a fraction of the bulk of a regular towel.
• Plastic zipper bags: Whenever possible, remove snacks and food from the original packaging and place in plastic zipper bags for both waterproofing and space saving purposes. Plastic bags are also great for holding small items such as lighters and matches.
• Toilet paper: Remove toilet paper from the roll and place it in a plastic zipper bag to make it more compact.
• Thermal safety blanket: Its reflective material doubles as a signaling tool if you require emergency help.
• Hefty garbage bags: Don’t forget, you’ll need to pack out all of your trash, so bring sturdy garbage bags that can hold up on a raft. In a pinch, they can also double as makeshift dry bags.

When planning a Northwest rafting trip, remember your dry-bag space is limited. Plan to pack lightly, and place your camping gear in soft bags. In addition, if you plan to do any sort of fishing, remember to purchase a fishing license (you’ll need to pack that too).

~ Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2010

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