{"id":20300,"date":"2019-06-11T17:00:56","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T00:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=20300"},"modified":"2022-01-06T09:14:45","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T17:14:45","slug":"five-pieces-of-gear-outfitters-wont-provide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2019\/06\/11\/five-pieces-of-gear-outfitters-wont-provide\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Pieces of Gear Outfitters Won’t Provide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe it\u2019s your first time rafting. Maybe it\u2019s your tenth. Maybe you\u2019ve been rafting a lot, but it\u2019s the first time you\u2019re bringing your overly anxious mother who sends a pestering text every evening asking what she should pack even though your trip is weeks away.<\/p>\n

The what-to-bring list varies from outfitter to outfitter and river to river. For most people venturing into commercial whitewater rafting, you head out in the summer to a place where the water is cool but not cold, and the air temperature is warm but not sweltering hot.<\/p>\n

On most whitewater trips you\u2019re guaranteed to get wet, but you aren\u2019t guaranteed to swim. Companies offer the essentials: a life jacket, a helmet and a splash top when the weather is less than ideal. They recommend closed-toe shoes, not showing up in jeans, and not bringing your expensive DSLR camera. But there are a few pieces of gear first-time rafters might not think about that will enhance their rafting experience, without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1. Hassle-Free Sun Protection with Silkweight Shirts<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Whether you\u2019re rafting in May or July, the sun is brutal on an all-day whitewater trip. The water reflects the rays and the rubber boats do nothing to protect you from the UV. We definitely recommend lathering up in sunscreen before getting on the water\u2014don\u2019t forget your ears and any exposed skin on your scalp\u2014but how many times have you been outside for eight hours and forgot to reapply?<\/p>\n

The NRS H2Core Silkweight shirts eliminate that need. Extremely lightweight and breathable, NRS Silkweight material offers 50+ UPF protection. Designed with seam-free zones under the arms, they won\u2019t chafe when the guides tell you to dig in and paddle hard and they fit great under a lifejacket. On top of all that, at the end of the day, no matter how big you go at Lunch Counter or Lochsa Falls or Hell Hole, Silkweight tops dry in a flash, leaving you comfortable for that shuttle ride home.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2. Bring the Good Vibes on Your Feet
\n<\/strong>Outfitters that typically paddle colder rivers will offer footwear. Outfitters that don\u2019t offer shoes recommend close-toed shoes\u2014yep, that old pair of sneakers works great\u2014or sandals with straps (read: no flip-flops). If you show up with inappropriate footwear, rest assured, they will pull out something for your feet, but it\u2019s guaranteed to be a neoprene booty that 347 other people have stuffed their stinky feet into in the past.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s just give you an excuse to buy new shoes, because everyone loves a fresh pair of kicks. The NRS Vibes are water shoes, hiking shoes, and go-to-the-bar shoes. Combining technical capability and style with unsurpassed comfort with or without socks, Vibes are constructed with tough, quick-drying Cordura\u00ae nylon, durable rubber rand outsole, and a highly breathable tongue and toe-box, meaning this shoe protects your feet from sticks and stones and keeps them ventilated all-day long.<\/p>\n