Best Fabrics for What to Wear Rafting
What to Wear Rafting and the Ideal Fabrics
What to wear rafting is a common question amongst outdoor adventurers and travellers and although local weather and water temperature are huge considerations when choosing what to wear and pack, there are some common items to all locations and of course, some preferred fabrics! Even if you are not a home sewist, the information and suggested fabrics will help you find the most suitable ready-to-wear items that provide comfort, safety and protection from the elements that will satisfy just about any outfitter's What to Pack list.
Factors to Consider When Deciding what to Wear Rafting
Local Climate - Warm Hot
If you are heading somewhere warm or hot for your rafting trip, and the water temperature you are rafting on is also considered warm, then lightweight, breathable, and sun protective clothing is essential to keep you cool and comfortable. Moisture wicking, quick drying fabrics are ideal and a mix of T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts or rash guards provide options throughout the day. If the water is considered cold, we will address this below!
Locale Climate - Cool Cold
If you are heading to a colder climate, think Alaska, Canada's Arctic, and Scandinavia for example, the average daytime temperatures may range widely, depending on the current weather system. Both very warm and very cool temperatures are possible so plan on wearing layers that will trap heat and keep you warmer on cold days. On top of your t-shirts or long sleeved shirts noted above, add one or two insulating mid-layers that fit comfortably over top as well as a final waterproof layer that will protect you from the elements. For more information on dressing for the water temperature, read on!
Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a crucial role in what to wear rafting and if you are going on a guided trip, the outfitter will likely dictate what to wear for the particular trip/river.
Warm Water
If the water temperature is warm, lighter clothing and swimwear are suitable and a swim may be desirable to cool off from the heat of the sun.
Cool or Cold Water
Mountain and glacier fed rivers can be extremely cold even when daytime air temperatures are hot. If you will be splashed repeatedly or if there's a possibility you could find yourself in the water unexpectedly, your guide will most likely have you dress for the water temperature. This means wearing clothing with enough insulation to keep you warm in the water. A wetsuit or drysuit (with warm layer(s) underneath) is generally recommended.
Grade of White Water and Type of Raft
Raft trips are often described as primarily float trips or primarily white water trips. On float trips, dressing for the climate is the best strategy. On white water trips, dressing for the river temperature is the general practice.
What Fabrics to Choose for Your Rafting Wardrobe
Matching Your Packing List Items to Performance Fabrics
Tee Shirts and Long Sleeved Shirts or Rash Guards
As discussed above, moisture-wicking, fast drying sun protective t-shirts and long sleeved shirts/rash guards can be worn for both warm and cool climate rivers. Fabrics such as Sun Lite Jersey, Magic Yarn Graphene Jersey and some styles of Polartec Power Dry Lightweight check off all 3 boxes and make layers that are comfortable when worn alone or as baselayers. Swim fabrics can also be used for rash guards, especially when travelling somewhere warm.
For added warmth in cooler climates or during the early mornings or evenings in warmer climates, a long sleeved shirt made from a lightweight insulating fabric such as Polartec Power Grid Mid Warmth or Lightweight Polartec Power Wool is a great layer to have in your kit. These fabrics are visually similar to one another but Power Grid is synthetic and Power Wool is a combination of merino wool on the wrong side and synthetic fibers on the face. This combination creates a fabric that dries faster and is more durable than 100% merino.
Staying Cool
If you are heading somewhere very warm, The trick to staying cool is combining a lightweight fabric that integrates evaporative cooling technology which uses your own sweat to keep you cool. If you are not sweating a lot, then simply wear any of the fabrics above in the lightest weights. But if you are prone to sweating then use that to your advantage to stay cool. Polartec Delta is a unique fabric that combines the moisture-wicking qualities of Power Dry with a natural Lyocell outer layer, to keep you dry but trigger slow, cooling natural evaporation. Delta is perfect for cycling, pickleball, tennis, running or any high aerobic activity. It enhances the body’s ability to stay cool and offers reduced friction against the skin.
For a quick and easy layering formula, read our blog: Packing for Multiple Climates
Button-down Shirts
If you favour button-down style quick-dry shirts, opt for a wrinkle-resistant Stretch Woven, such as our SunPro style, for a polished look that transitions seamlessly from warm daytime temperatures to cooler nighttime. This is a wonderful slightly stretchy travel fabric which adds a small amount of ease making the garment more comfortable with movement, but not so much that it changes the size you make when the pattern calls for non-stretch woven. In addition, the water-repellency makes it less prone to stains which is important when travelling, as the garment stays cleaner. Water repellency does not affect the breathability of the shirt!
For a lightweight shirt, we recommend Sunpro Stretch Woven. In addition to the benefits mentioned, it is also highly sun protective, with minimum 50 UPF!
Pants and Shorts
Depending on activity, there are a couple of best choices. For hiking, consider Adventure styles of Stretch Woven. They are slightly heavier, but still fine for summer. Adventure Stretch Woven offers a more durable fabric that is perfect for cargo pants or shorts but can also be used for dressier styles. This fabric is certainly not limited to pants, but it is a staff favorite for hiking or travel pants. For a lighter weight, consider Sunpro or Surfer Stretch Woven. The Sunpro prints, while great for shirts or lined dresses are not completely opaque. So for pants you might want to choose a darker color solid which is not see-through.
Surfer Styles of Stretch Woven are slightly heavier than Sunpro, and make fabulous board shorts, skirts as well as lightweight pants.
Adventure, Sunpro and Surfer are all styles of Stretch Woven.
You can also choose a natural knit such as Bamboo French Terry or lighter weight Bamboo Stretch Jersey for shorts. If you prefer a yoga-style, you'll want a moisture-wicking athletic fabric such as Yoga Stretch, Solar Stretch or Breathe Tek.
Solar Stretch and Breathe Tek both offer 50+ UPF protection.
Leggings
While leggings and warm weather don’t always go together, I still prefer to take a pair that I can wear during the plane trip, and for cool or rainy days. Breathe Tek athletic and Caress Athletic are wonderful, and so soft and comfy to wear. Yoga Stretch is also a staff favorite. It has a cottony feel and is moisture-wicking.
Sweaters/Warmer Layers
Lightweight Merino Wool or Silkweight Power Wool are both a great choice for a pullover. Power Grid Mid Warmth or High Warmth or Microfleece and Classic 200 weight fleece are great fabric options for rafting trips are they dry incredibly quickly.
One sweater fabric that can’t be ignored is Polartec Alpha Direct. This is a highly technical ultralight fabric that needs to be seen to be believed (or worn to be appreciated)! It was developed for the military, and is the mainstay of any serious backpacker’s gear it is ridiculously light and unbelievably warm. Whether you make a hoodie, a sweater or a jacket this is one travel fabric you can’t do without.
Susan Low, an avid sewist and gear expert said the following about Alpha Direct…
“While Alpha Direct is delightfully warm, it isn’t stifling. It allows your body to regulate the heat so you’re not going to find yourself desperately needing to peel off the layers like you might with a different fabric. I’ve never regretted having an Alpha Direct layer available and it packs very small compared to other fabrics that could provide similar thermal benefits.”
Swimwear
If you are sensitive to the sun, you may also want to consider a sun hoodie in addition to your swimsuit. For those you can either use swim fabric, or Sun Lite Jersey.
Socks and Hats
When choosing a hat, select one with a wide brim to shield your eyes from the sun and consider hats with chin ties or some other method of firmly anchoring your hat should a sudden gust (can be common on rivers) attempt to blow your hat off your head.
Jackets
We always recommend a highly water wind repellent shell, such as Polartec Neoshell or Polartec Power Shield Pro. They take little room to pack in your carry-on. These shells are both wind and water repellent. You will stay dry and comfortable even in the pouring rain. Both styles are highly breathable. For warmth, rely on your base and mid layers. Your outfitter may also recommend rain/splash pants and these two fabrics work well for this purpose too.
Other must-have fabrics for warm weather travel
Cooling towels
A great way to stay cool is with a cooling towel. Cooling Microfiber fabric is highly specialized. You simply wet it, wring it out and “snap” it to activate the moisture molecules. They begin the evaporation process causing the towel to get cold. When worn around the neck, it offers instant relief. Once you feel the towel getting warmer from your body heat, simply remove it, snap it again, and place it back around the neck. It’s quite amazing and completely natural! Towels are very easy to sew using this fabric. You can make several from one yard of fabric, and the towels can easily be hemmed using a straight stitch machine. If you care to know more about the Microfiber Cooling Towel fabric, watch it on our Youtube channel (and don't forget to subscribe!)
Towels
For many years we manufactured Swim and Travel Towels which you can purchase ready made. Those of you who sew can make your own as we sell the fabric by the yard. You can choose from either Midweight Quick Wick or Lightweight Quick Wick
The advantages of such a lightweight travel towel are
- Less room to pack
- Can double as beach coverup
- Dries fast so you don't need to stuff a damp towel into your river bag
- Stays fresher than cotton
Additional Considerations for Travel Clothing
Sun Protection
When traveling to sunny destinations, prioritize clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for fabrics treated with UV-blocking agents or naturally sun-protective materials like tightly woven cotton or synthetic blends.
Water Repellency
For outdoor adventures or rainy climates, consider clothing treated with water-repellent finishes or constructed from hydrophobic fabrics like nylon or polyester. These garments will keep you dry and comfortable even in wet conditions and will dry quickly should they get wet.
Windproofing
If you'll be traveling to windy destinations or engaging in activities exposed to strong gusts, invest in windproof outer layers made from tightly woven fabrics like polyester or specialized wind-blocking materials, such as ripstop nylon. These garments provide an additional barrier against chilly winds and take up little space in your backpack or river bag.
For travel fabric suitable for cooler climates refer to our Blog Layering 101, Packing for Multiple Climates or ask in our Facebook discussion group.
Ask for Advice!
There are so many personal considerations when choosing the right fabrics for an adventure travel trip like rafting. Choosing appropriate clothes depends on many factors. We love to help, which is why we have a Facebook Group. If you ask in our group, be specific about where you are going (climate), what you will be doing and if you plan on packing with carry-on only. Many of our staff and customers are highly knowledgeable about many outdoor activities. We will try to make suggestions that will fit your trip. We are always happy to chat in the group, where others can learn from the answers! Our Facebook group is Sew Inspired by Discovery Fabrics. Join us!
