Rain or shine, rain gear is a must-have item for your Grand Canyon rafting trip. We recommend packing a hooded rain jacket and rain pants to shield you from the cold water of the Colorado River. The Colorado River is fed by Glen Canyon Dam. The dam releases water from the bottom of Lake Powell, keeping the water temperature about 50 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the entire rafting season. Even on our hottest trips, rafters often wear rain gear.

Rain gear works as a splash guard while rafting through rapids. Make sure that your rain gear is WATERPROOF and not just water resistant. Your jacket should have a hood and the ability to cinch at the wrists and neck opening. The less water that is able to enter your rain gear, the more comfortable you’ll be.

In general, you’ll start off each day layered in your quick-dry clothing and rain gear. If you’re on one of our early or late season trips you may even want your fleece under your rain jacket. As the day warms up you’ll have the opportunity to take off your rain gear. Just give a heads up to your guides and they will let you know if the timing is right to do so. While not in use, store your rain gear in your provided day dry bag for easy access.

Ponchos and wetsuits are not recommended for this adventure. Most of our season’s temperatures are around 100 degrees and there are large portions of flat water throughout the canyon. You’ll be happiest in lightweight, easy to remove layers. Do not go on your river trip without rain gear!

If you have any questions about what to wear while on the boats, please don’t hesitate to ask our office team!

Where to buy?

We sell this great quality rain gear seen below! We’ve all taken these jackets and pants down on the river and highly recommend them. They are seam-sealed with a hood and cinches at the wrist. We have men’s and women’s specific jackets for sale in our online shop. The rain pants are seam-sealed as well and are uni-sex. Remember, a rain jacket and rain pants are a REQUIRED item on your packing list!