WHAT TO WEAR ON THE RIVER
River guides are fond of the saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.” This is true.
There is no reason you can’t be comfortable on the river, no matter what the temperature is or what is falling
from the sky. Here are some tips:
Summer ~ The temperatures are warm, and so your main concern will be to protect yourself from the sun.
River sandals or old sneakers make ideal footwear. A bathing suit and a pair of nylon shorts is a good base
layer. A long-sleeved, synthetic shirt or light windbreaker is good to have in case of a sudden shower or
temperature change. A hat, sun block, sunglasses with retaining strap, and disposable camera are also
important. Your guides will have a bit of extra room in their dry bags to hold your extra layers.
Conditions gets more complicated in the Spring and the Fall when the water and air temperatures are colder so
here is our recommended system of dressing:
Base Layer ~ Polypropylene, capilene, thermax and thermion are some of the different types of synthetic
long underwear that is available. Anyone who does anything outdoors should invest in a set. It is
indispensable for hiking, biking, skiing, water sports, gardening or just staying comfortable in a chilly house.
These fabrics are designed to wick moisture away from your body. They are hydrophobic, meaning they do
not absorb water; rather they transfer it to your outer layers where it can evaporate, keeping your core more
comfortable.
Mid Layer ~ Next, you’ll want to add a layer of fleece or pile. These are thicker and fluffier than your base
layer and supply insulation and warmth. Made from synthetic fibers, they will not absorb nearly as much
water as natural fibers. Wool provides some insulation when it gets wet but not as much. Cotton is an
absolute no-no. It will make you cold. We guarantee it. So leave that sweatshirt at home, or save it for
snuggling into after your trip.
Outer Layer ~ The purpose of this layer is to block the water. It can take several forms. Paddle jackets are
ideal because they have neck and wrist closures that prevent water from reaching your sensitive core.
Waterproof-breathable (such as Gore-tex) or coated nylon rain shells work well too. Ponchos are not
recommended.
Socks, Gloves and Hats ~ If your feet are warm, your whole body will be warm. In the Spring and Fall we
recommend neoprene socks or booties, or rain boots (not waders!) in mild white water. The next best thing is
wearing wool or fleece socks with your sneakers or river sandals. Neoprene, fleece, or wool gloves will keep
your hands happy. There will be room under your helmet for a hat.
Change of Clothes ~ Don’t forget your towel and your dry clothes!
What to Wear Check List
* Do not wear cotton items on the river such as socks, sweat shirts, or blue jeans. Cotton holds water andwicks warmth away from your body.
Medication ~ If you are taking medicine prescribed by a doctor, bring it with you (heart
medication, blood pressure, diabetes, seizure, asthma inhaler, pain management, etc). If
you are allergic to bees, be sure to carry an epi-pen.
Experience the rugged beauty of Montana
wilderness by river. Journey back in time and
discover historical and geological wonders.
From scenic float trips to rushing white water,
Adventures Unlimited offers a wide range of trip
options. We can create a trip that is perfect for you.
Adventures Unlimited custom designs trips for all
ages. Depending upon water levels, river conditions,
and participant experience, we offer trips down the
Missouri, Dearborn, Blackfoot, Yellowstone,
Gallatin, and Jefferson.
Paddle rafts offer an active trip, perfect for those
looking for a physically involved river experience.
All participants are given their own paddles, and with
the help of an experienced river guide, they must
perform as a team to navigate the river.
Oar boats are perfect for those who want to sit back,
relax, and enjoy the scenery, as a guide rows down
the river. Oar boats are also wonderful for families
with young children.
We also teach the fundamentals of river travel, such
as reading water, timing in current, paddle strokes,
paddle boat commands, rowing an oar boat, over
night trip logistics, and river safety.
River guides are fond of the saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.” This is true.
There is no reason you can’t be comfortable on the river, no matter what the temperature is or what is falling
from the sky. Here are some tips:
Summer ~ The temperatures are warm, and so your main concern will be to protect yourself from the sun.
River sandals or old sneakers make ideal footwear. A bathing suit and a pair of nylon shorts is a good base
layer. A long-sleeved, synthetic shirt or light windbreaker is good to have in case of a sudden shower or
temperature change. A hat, sun block, sunglasses with retaining strap, and disposable camera are also
important. Your guides will have a bit of extra room in their dry bags to hold your extra layers.
Conditions gets more complicated in the Spring and the Fall when the water and air temperatures are colder so
here is our recommended system of dressing:
Base Layer ~ Polypropylene, capilene, thermax and thermion are some of the different types of synthetic
long underwear that is available. Anyone who does anything outdoors should invest in a set. It is
indispensable for hiking, biking, skiing, water sports, gardening or just staying comfortable in a chilly house.
These fabrics are designed to wick moisture away from your body. They are hydrophobic, meaning they do
not absorb water; rather they transfer it to your outer layers where it can evaporate, keeping your core more
comfortable.
Mid Layer ~ Next, you’ll want to add a layer of fleece or pile. These are thicker and fluffier than your base
layer and supply insulation and warmth. Made from synthetic fibers, they will not absorb nearly as much
water as natural fibers. Wool provides some insulation when it gets wet but not as much. Cotton is an
absolute no-no. It will make you cold. We guarantee it. So leave that sweatshirt at home, or save it for
snuggling into after your trip.
Outer Layer ~ The purpose of this layer is to block the water. It can take several forms. Paddle jackets are
ideal because they have neck and wrist closures that prevent water from reaching your sensitive core.
Waterproof-breathable (such as Gore-tex) or coated nylon rain shells work well too. Ponchos are not
recommended.
Socks, Gloves and Hats ~ If your feet are warm, your whole body will be warm. In the Spring and Fall we
recommend neoprene socks or booties, or rain boots (not waders!) in mild white water. The next best thing is
wearing wool or fleece socks with your sneakers or river sandals. Neoprene, fleece, or wool gloves will keep
your hands happy. There will be room under your helmet for a hat.
Change of Clothes ~ Don’t forget your towel and your dry clothes!
What to Wear Check List
 | Shorts or swim trunks |
 | Sandals or old running shoes or wet suit booties for the Spring/Fall |
| Socks ~ cotton socks to keep the sand out in the Summer or wool, pile, or wet suit socks in the | |
| Spring/Fall |
| Ball cap (for the Summer) |
| Sunglasses |
| Glasses strap |
| Sunscreen ~ waterproof (a river trip is like a day at the beach) |
| Shirt ~ preferably a quick drying shirt which blocks the sun |
| Windbreaker or rain jacket |
| Waterproof disposable camera |
| Long underwear ~ polypropylene, capilene or thermax |
| Fleece jacket |
| Fleece pants |
| Rain suit |
| Wet suit |
| Wet suit gloves or golf gloves |
| Pile hat |
| Dry bag ~ each guide carries a dry bag (big enough for a few jackets or personal items) |
| Personal hygiene items |
| Change of clothes |
| Towel |
* Do not wear cotton items on the river such as socks, sweat shirts, or blue jeans. Cotton holds water and
Medication ~ If you are taking medicine prescribed by a doctor, bring it with you (heart
medication, blood pressure, diabetes, seizure, asthma inhaler, pain management, etc). If
you are allergic to bees, be sure to carry an epi-pen.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Experience the rugged beauty of Montana
wilderness by river. Journey back in time and
discover historical and geological wonders.
From scenic float trips to rushing white water,
Adventures Unlimited offers a wide range of trip
options. We can create a trip that is perfect for you.
Adventures Unlimited custom designs trips for all
ages. Depending upon water levels, river conditions,
and participant experience, we offer trips down the
Missouri, Dearborn, Blackfoot, Yellowstone,
Gallatin, and Jefferson.
Paddle rafts offer an active trip, perfect for those
looking for a physically involved river experience.
All participants are given their own paddles, and with
the help of an experienced river guide, they must
perform as a team to navigate the river.
Oar boats are perfect for those who want to sit back,
relax, and enjoy the scenery, as a guide rows down
the river. Oar boats are also wonderful for families
with young children.
We also teach the fundamentals of river travel, such
as reading water, timing in current, paddle strokes,
paddle boat commands, rowing an oar boat, over
night trip logistics, and river safety.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | | | | | | | |