Moab Utah Vacations

Packing List & Travel Tips »

It's important to be prepared for your rafting trip. You may enounter all types of weather and conditions. Planning ahead and having the proper gear will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable river rafting experience.

Through several decades of experience on the river, Western knows what clothing and gear will keep you smiling every second of your adventure. For your convenience, you can find all these items online with Western’s retail division, Red Rock Outfitters. Shop for your packing list now »


Gear on the River

Duffle Bag
All of your personal items should be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Due to aircraft weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20 pounds, not including beverages (see note on next page regarding beverages).

Dry Bag
Upon arrival to the river’s edge, you will be provided a water-resistant day bag (approximately 6” x 12”). In this day bag, you will want to put those items you wish to access during the day (raingear, camera, medications, sun block, lip balm, river guidebook, etc). We recommend packing these items in a simple plastic grocery sack inside your duffle for easy transfer to your day bag at the launch site.

Gear Bag
Also upon arrival at the launch site of your trip, you will receive a water-resistant gear bag. This bag will contain your sleeping bag, sheet and ground tarp. You will put your duffle bag inside this bag, roll the top down and clip it securely to avoid getting your personal gear wet. Your personal gear bag will be available at camp each night of your trip.

Packing List

print packing list  Print Your Southwest Sampler Trip packing List (PDF)
Clothing Items for River Trip
  • Two-piece rain suit
  • 1 swimsuit (2-piece swimsuit and quick-drying shorts recommended for women)
  • 1 quick-drying shirt (long sleeve and/or short sleeve)
  • 1 pair comfortable lightweight pants/shorts and shirt with underwear for camp
  • 1 pair socks for use in case of sunburn or foot injury
  • 1 pair quick-drying pants (optional - for sun protection)
  • Sturdy water sandals or water shoes. Based on the type and condition of your footwear, you may want to consider a backup pair of sandals or shoes in case of any damage.
  • Comfortable footwear for camp (optional – some
    guests prefer to change out of wet sandals or
    shoes into flip flops or other light weight shoes)
  • Hat for sun protection with string or hat clip

Note: Water clarity can vary from moderately silty to very silty. As a result, clothing may become discolored. Please pack accordingly.

Clothing Items for Hiking & Hummer

  • Shirts, shorts, socks, shoes and underwear for the first 2 days of your trip. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes on Arches Hike and Hummer Safari.
Optional Items
  • 1 small carabiner for clipping day-use bag and water bottle to ropes
  • Disposable moist towelettes
  • Mile-by-Mile River Guide Book (see redrockoutfitters.com)
Personal Items
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Plenty of sunscreen
  • Sunscreen lip balm
  • After-sun moisturizing lotion
  • Biodegradable soap and shampoo in small bottles
  • Sport water bottle with clip or carabiner
  • Small towel and wash cloth
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Small pack of tissues
  • Small headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Insect repellant (small container)
  • Sunglasses with safety strap
  • Camera – waterproof digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards recommended (Note: online post-trip photo sharing will be available for those with digital images. You will be given access information via email. Please ensure we have your accurate email address on file.)
  • Small travel pillow
  • Medication if needed (cool storage is available)
  • Cash for gratuities (Your guides on each of your tours will make every effort to see that your trip is enjoyable and successful. Gratuities for guides are appropriate, greatly appreciated and at your discretion, as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and service. A suggested per-person guideline is between $5 and $15 on the Arches and Hummer tours and $15 to $30 on the rafting trip. The common practice is to give the gratuity to guide at the end of the trip. In trips where multiple guides have participated, the gratuity will be split amongst all of them).

Red Rock Outfitters

Everything you need for your rafting trip can be found at one place. Western River's own retail store Red Rock Outfitters. Shop for every item on your packing list, from shoes to soap. With fast, easy online odering you can get everything on your packing list sent straight to your door! Start your shopping now:

Men's Outdoor Clothing »
Women's Outdoor Clothing »
Outdoor Footwear »
Outdoor Gear & Accessories »

Shop Red Rock Outfitters



Erik, Anthony, and Reese were awesome guides. This was such an adventure! The scenery and the rapids were amazing. My family will never forget it. Especially 13-yr old Krystal! We can’t wait to see some photos. And we’ll surely be back again.”

Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah