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What to Wear River Rafting in Moab, Utah  

What to Wear River Rafting in Moab Utah

You’re riding the river under the perfect blue sky. It’s as good as life gets! But, only if you’ve made a few basic preparations, like taking the kinds of clothes and other river gear you need to bring. That can be the difference between a beautiful day of white water rafting at Moab and an uncomfortable, shivering and/or sunburned episode. So, good job doing your research by reading this information on what to wear rafting. Way to prepare for a great time out on the river!

Whitewater Rafting Clothing Basics

You’ll need to prioritize safety and comfort in choosing which clothes to wear for whitewater rafting. Bring layers of clothing to stay dry and warm. Choose the fast-drying wool-based fabric or synthetics like nylon or polyester, not cotton. To be sure you have everything you need to make the most of your time on the water in warm or cold conditions, use this river rafting gear checklist:

Warm Weather Rafting Clothes

On rafting trips in water of 70°F or above, there’s little risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to river water, rain, and wet clothing in the outdoor air.

Bottom and Mid Layer: Wear a swimsuit and a fast-drying top and shorts, leggings, or lightweight pants to protect your skin from direct sun and to avoid having just a swimsuit against the rubber raft and the direct sun.
Top Layer: Bring a summer rain jacket in case of rain.
Change of Clothes: Bring dry clothes so you can change after you’re back on the river bank.

Cold Weather Rafting Clothes

On rafting trips in water under 70°F, staying cold for too long from being drenched by cold rain or river water can lead to hypothermia or other severe health effects.

Bottom and Mid Layer: Wear rain pants, or better, wear splash pants, which seal around the ankles to help you stay dry. They’re great for layering over shorts when the weather changes.

Top Layer:
A water shirt, rain jacket, or a paddle jacket (which is most effective for keeping dry in wet conditions).
Wetsuit: Wearing a wetsuit and wetsuit booties allows a thin film of water inside the suit and in the booties. That water becomes warm and helps keep you warm. Wear an underlayer like shorts or leggings of fabric that won’t ride up or bunch up inside the suit.
Dry Suit: Like wetsuits, dry suits are made for protection against cold in wet conditions. But, unlike wetsuits, dry suits are sealed around the neck, wrists, and ankles to keep water out, and people normally wear one or more layers of clothing under the dry suit.
Paddle Gloves: Paddle gloves help hands and arms stay warm in cold, wet environments. They also provide the additional benefit of protecting your hands from blistering due to friction from paddling.

All Weather River Rafting Items You Need

So, now you’ve got your river rafting clothes ready for a warm or cold day on the water. But, whatever the weather may be during your river rafting experience, here are some important items you need to bring with you.




Eyewear:
Polarized sunglasses help reduce reflection and glare coming off the river. A retaining strap is essential for wearing glasses on the river. Get one that secures firmly to your sunglasses and floats if it drops in the water.
Headwear: Wear a paddling hat or other hat with a chin strap to keep your hat secure. If you wear a baseball cap, test to be sure it can be adjusted tightly enough to keep it in place. Whichever kind of hat you choose, just be sure it can be kept from blowing away in the breeze or washing away in a wave that sprays over the raft. If you’re wearing a helmet, adding a cap visor helps with sun protection.
Footwear: Wear durable, supportive water shoes for walking in a rocky unstable river bed, or wear water sandals that have heel straps to secure them on your feet. Or, you can just wear a pair of old athletic shoes that you don’t mind using in the water. In cold weather, wear wool socks under your sandals or shoes.
Zippered Pockets: If you choose tops and bottoms with pockets, zippers are an ideal way to secure the essentials, such as a whistle, car keys, credit card, etc. This is the surest way to avoid having these items end up in the water and lost forever.
Additional Accessories Bring a waterproof bag for your extra clothing layers, snacks, etc. Also, bring a waterproof case for your phone, car fob, etc. Don’t forget to bring high-SPF sunblock.

River Rafting Safety Gear

Here are some additional items you will need to have with you during your river rafting excursion. If you have a professional white water rafting guide, some or most of these items might be provided for your group:

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Even shallow slow currents can be a safety risk. So, be sure you have your life jacket on at all times while you are on the river. Your PFD should fit snugly and be adjusted to stay on well. Plus, of course, you’ll need a personal flotation device (PFD) that is Coast Guard Approved.

Protective Helmet
Wearing a paddling helmet is a must for any whitewater river rafting trip for adults and children alike. On professionally guided rafting tours, your guides will probably provide a selection of helmets for you, but, when in doubt, ask in advance.
Sun Protection Protect yourself from the intense sun with a hat and sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Even during cloud cover, you are well advised to shield your skin. Consider a rashguard (a.k.a swim shirt), for sun protection and other great benefits mentioned.
First Aid Kit and Whistle Be sure that your group is taking at least one well-supplied first aid kit and an emergency whistle or other fool-proof loud noise maker to communicate in loud rapids if necessary.

You’re Ready for the River!

You’ve got your river rafting gear ready to go. Now you just need a reservation with the Moab area’s only licensed river rafting guide service. This is the way to pack the most excitement and fun into your Moab whitewater rafting experience. Whether you’re out for an afternoon of family fun or a multiple-day rafting adventure, we make it the most fun and the safest experience you can have on the water at Moab!

To reserve your river rafting dates at Moab, call Red River Rafting Tours at (435) 259-4046, or contact us here on our website anytime!

Red River Adventures is in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.

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The River People
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We strive to ensure that time spent with us is time that you will always look back on fondly. We want to leave you with a memories that bring a smile to your face no matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, and no matter how much time has passed. In addition to a deep reservoir of personal experience, our rafting guides are licensed by the state of Utah, have Wilderness First Responder and/or First Aid/CPR certifications, and are insured. Many guides also have swiftwater rescue training. Our climbing and canyoneering guides are AMGA-certified for the terrain in which they operate. Our skiing guides are certified for the terrain, and some are world-renowned for their experience. All of our guides are intimately acquainted with not only the river, rock and snow, but also with the incredible surroundings of the areas we guide.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

Sarah Cantrell
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Sarah Cantrell
July 9, 2025

fun environment and loved the guides. Made it very fun

Dominique Grecian
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Dominique Grecian
July 8, 2025

Excellent day out with the family!

Mike Florczak
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Mike Florczak
July 7, 2025

Great driver, great guide who was super friendly, great explanations, swam in river, awesome time!

McKenzie Barnes Platt
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McKenzie Barnes Platt
July 7, 2025

Fun time with a great guide!

John Coleman
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John Coleman
July 6, 2025

Aaron our guide was great! The family loved our trip. So glad we did the full day vs the 1/2 day. (Tip- don’t call a raft trip that ends 2:30-3:00 a “full day” trip)

Trevor Massey
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Trevor Massey
July 6, 2025

Jenna was our guide and was wonderful. The trip was great, we moved a good pace and finished on time. The lunch was really nice and simple. Everyone one in my group thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Thank you.

Charles Songy
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Charles Songy
July 5, 2025

Good place to take a rafting trip with. All of the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our guide, John was great! Kept us going and also engaged us in conversation. Rapids were a little less strong, but that's nothing that they have control over. A great experience!

Courtney Bonthuis
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Courtney Bonthuis
July 5, 2025

What a great first experience white water rafting! Jenna was fantastic and the whole crew was funny yet professionals. Our three boys loved it and can’t wait to go again!

Michelle Hall
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Michelle Hall
July 5, 2025

Super friendly staff, our guide Savannah was kind and informative. Such a beautiful rafting journey! We were graced with a wonderful 4th of July experience, as Red River really knows how to do it right.

K 3102
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K 3102
July 5, 2025

The river was a bit mild that day. So we enjoyed the picturesque scenery as we padd)ed. It was a beautiful cloudy day so we saw many herons, 3 otters playing, 2 American bald eagles, and a family of mountain goats on the red rocks way above us. The guides were great... and funny! MKHtravel

Cathy Hollister
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Cathy Hollister
July 4, 2025

I have been whitewater rafting for 42 years. This river trip was wonderful! The rapids are very mild. The scenery is unsurpassed! 😍 I chose this full day float as a special way to experience the beautiful red rock, we spotted River Otters and Bighorn Sheep! The bus driver and guides were all fun and engaging, while totally professional. When I return to the area, I will do this again with Red River.

Morgan Turley
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Morgan Turley
July 3, 2025

Great experience! John was our guide and he was such chill dude. Seamless experience, would recommend!

Ethan Busch
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Ethan Busch
July 3, 2025

Really fun and the hosts were nice and very funny I’d recommend it

John Lucas
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John Lucas
July 3, 2025

Anna and the group of guides, fhe bus driver and everyone at Red River did a great job and I highly recommend Red River. We did the 6 hour trip with lunch and it was outstanding

Ronald Dunleavy
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Ronald Dunleavy
July 3, 2025

We did a half day Green River rafting adventure. Jenna was awesome! Trip was informative, entertaining and fun! Highly recommend! Red River Rocks!

Shane Donnelly
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Shane Donnelly
July 3, 2025

Our guide Emily was funny and awesome. Highly recommend booking with this company.

Sophie Squirrell
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Sophie Squirrell
July 1, 2025

I had a really wonderful time doing a half day rock climbing experience. Carl was an expert guide and explained everything really clearly as I was a beginner. I felt very safe and Carl was a great coach with made me get the most out of the experience. I will never forget the great view from the top. I would highly recommend using red river adventures

Suzie Simon
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Suzie Simon
July 1, 2025

Sam was a great guide!! Would definitely recommend. Would like to have more white water

Elizabeth Chingren NE-Omaha
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Elizabeth Chingren NE-Omaha
July 1, 2025

Our guide Nathan was great! He was so patient with the little boy in our group who was so scared on the big repel. We all made it out alive 😂 He pointed out interesting sites and taught us about the plants along the way.

Kendall Lyons
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Kendall Lyons
June 30, 2025

Awesome company and great river guides! Very satisfied with this company!

L M
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L M
June 30, 2025

Shout out to Sam! She was our guide for the afternoon and we had a blast! She was very professional and informative about the area as well as keeping us all safe. Thank you, Sam and Red River Adventures for a fun river experience. 😃🛶

Renee Anderley
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Renee Anderley
June 30, 2025

We did the Bow and Arrow Canyoneering trip. We had Nathan as our guide and the experience was fantastic. It was a highlight for my 3 teenagers.

Mark Loucks
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Mark Loucks
June 30, 2025

The family and I absolutely had a fabulous time. The folks at Red River Adventures are all friendly, witty, and fun. A big shout out to our guide Jena who made this a wonder morning float, very knowledgeable, professional and fun. we were in good hands. Would recommend Red River to anyone and would definitely do another adventure with them.

Trip Segars
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Trip Segars
June 29, 2025

A relaxing float down the river, with lots of in the water time. Our guide, Jon, made it really enjoyable.

Sean Miller
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Sean Miller
June 29, 2025

The guides were great, engaging, kind, and cute their presentations and directions. Loved our time with Genna, Savannah, Monarch Butterflies, and BIG HORN SHEEP!!

Kelly K
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Kelly K
June 29, 2025

Great staff! Fun, professional, informative. Safe transport. Great driver. Well maintained equipment. Fun experience!

Clare Ashford
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Clare Ashford
June 28, 2025

We had a wonderful time on the Colorado River! Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Our 10 yr old loved it and said he can’t wait to go back. I would recommend this trip to any families visiting Moab!

Crystal Anderson
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Crystal Anderson
June 27, 2025

This trip was amazing and perfect for our first time river rafting! The guides and other staff were super helpful and pleasantly entertaining!! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures to all ages and am all-around super impressed!

Aris Burcham
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Aris Burcham
June 27, 2025

Sam is an amazing guide and I had a lovely time. Thanks so much for the great afternoon adventure!

Jeremy Lindgren
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Jeremy Lindgren
June 27, 2025

Emily was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable and super fun! Would definitely recommend!!

Paul Larsen
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Paul Larsen
June 27, 2025

Great rafting trip! Guide was fantastic and knew a ton of interesting facts about the river, wildlife and things to see. Will be back for sure!

Jacque Lake
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Jacque Lake
June 26, 2025

Red river company was wonderful! Zero complaints and the guides were great but the actual route only hit level two and the rapids are far apart. Nothing the company could do to change that and all the team was excellent and respectful, kind, genuine and will make you laugh.

Maureen Rosner
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Maureen Rosner
June 26, 2025

Beautiful rafting trip! Guides were wonderful 😁

Delice Bolotin
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Delice Bolotin
June 24, 2025

Guides were very good about explaining everything and making sure people were safe. Had a great time. Savannah was terrific.

Phoebe Schroeder
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Phoebe Schroeder
June 24, 2025

This was my girls’ (10 & 7) first rafting experience and they’re ready for more! Due to high winds it was the most I’ve ever had to paddle, but that’s obviously no fault of anyone. We did the fisher’s towers half day trip that was recommended on their website for ages 5+. It was very tame and if your kids are adventurous I would consider looking at some other sections. That being said, our guide Jonathon did a wonderful job keeping the kids entertained as he challenged them to a couple of games. They enjoyed sitting on the front of the raft and how much fun they were having was apparent in their similes. Thank you!

Juan Carlos Millon
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Juan Carlos Millon
June 24, 2025

This was our first time canyoneering and Nate made my daughters and I feel very safe during the entire process. We had some much fun, got over some fears and loved every second. Highlight our our trip to Moab. Thank you Red river adventures.

Brian Kohnlein
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Brian Kohnlein
June 23, 2025

The half day tour was so much fun! The guides were great.

Jessica Mancill
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Jessica Mancill
June 23, 2025

Our guide Savannah was fun and engaging. She was confident in leading us through the rapids. We had a great time!

Allie McIntire
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Allie McIntire
June 23, 2025

I have done the half day rafting trip twice, and have had a great experience both times! The guides know what they are doing and make it super fun!

Carla Richey
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Carla Richey
June 23, 2025

We had a great half day trip rafting! Our guide Anna was friendly and the whole staff was fun and knowledgeable. The half day trip was the right amount for our kids aged 7-15 who had never rafted before.

E J
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E J
June 23, 2025

Had an amazing trip up to the Longbow Arch with Mary as our guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable about rope systems, climbing, and the area’s history. She was very encouraging and helped one of our team fight through her fears and repel 140ft on her first time. Our whole group rated the trip as. 10-10.

Carissa S
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Carissa S
June 23, 2025

Amazing canyoneering trip with our 3 kids! Chase was so helpful & informative, and made our trip a blast.

Amy Norris
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Amy Norris
June 22, 2025

Great day and amazing staff! Was a very fun experience

Colleen Ranieri
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Colleen Ranieri
June 22, 2025

Chase guided my fiancé and I through the Rock of Ages Canyoneering hike and he was a wonderful guide! We were new to rapelling, but we felt safe with him the entire time. He was also very upbeat, polite, and provided us with great recommendations for the area for our visit. Would book again with Chase!

Robert James
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Robert James
June 22, 2025

Chase was a wonderful and informative guide. We had a phenomenal time with the difficult hike, which was a blast. We got excellent coaching throughout the process. A great time, beautiful views, but maybe not so much for the faint of heart!!

Nick Boyce
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Nick Boyce
June 22, 2025

Great family friendly trip, did the 1/2 day morning trip. All the guides were super friendly and helpful.

Bill G
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Bill G
June 21, 2025

Adam was an amazing guide funny, patient, with teaching new repellers and amazing with kids

Sheila Frost
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Sheila Frost
June 21, 2025

Great intro to white water rafting. Our 9 year old had a blast. Staff were friendly and genuine. I highly recommend!

im_maya
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im_maya
June 20, 2025

We had so much fun and our guides were super chill!

MEgan Z
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MEgan Z
June 20, 2025

We had John as our tour guide, he was great! Great attention to details, he made sure we were safe and taken care of! He had a great time talking with him down the river. 10/10 recommend especially for families