What Should You Wear White Water Rafting in Aspen?
One of the most common questions we get before every rafting trip is:
"What should I wear?"
The good news is that rafting clothing is much simpler than most people think.
The bad news?
Wearing the wrong thing can make you cold, uncomfortable, and miserable.
The biggest mistake we see isn't people forgetting fancy gear.
It's people showing up in the wrong clothing.
Here's exactly what we recommend for rafting in Aspen throughout the season.
The Most Important Rule: Avoid Cotton
If you remember one thing from this article, remember this:
Cotton is your enemy on the river.
Cotton absorbs water and stays wet.
As it dries, it pulls heat away from your body, making you feel colder throughout the trip.
That's why experienced guides avoid:
Cotton t-shirts
Cotton sweatshirts
Cotton leggings
Cotton underwear
Instead, choose synthetic materials that dry quickly and continue insulating when wet.
Think of how you'd dress for:
the beach
the pool
a paddleboard trip
Not a football game.
Not a hike.
And definitely not a day in jeans.
What to Wear During Spring Rafting (May & June)
Spring rafting means:
colder water
snowmelt runoff
larger rapids
cooler mornings
Even when the weather feels warm, the river is still being fed by melting mountain snow.
For spring rafting, we recommend:
Base Layer
Swimsuit
Swim trunks
Synthetic leggings
Synthetic shirt
Rafting Layers
We provide:
Wetsuit
Fleece layer
Splash jacket
Wetsuit booties
PFD (life jacket)
Helmet
If conditions are especially cold or water levels are particularly high, bringing an additional synthetic fleece layer can help keep you comfortable.
Spring vs Summer Rafting in Aspen
What About Socks?
Skip them.
Our wetsuit booties are designed to be worn without socks.
Wet socks often become uncomfortable and provide little benefit.
What to Wear During Summer Rafting (July & August)
Summer rafting is generally warmer and less splashy than spring runoff.
We still recommend:
Swimsuit
Swim shorts
Synthetic shirt
Synthetic leggings (optional)
Depending on river conditions, wetsuits may not be necessary on:
Scenic Float (Middle Roaring Fork)
Family Float (Lower Roaring Fork)
Canyon Cruise (Upper Roaring Fork)
Your guide team will determine whether additional gear is recommended based on weather and water conditions.
The biggest difference between spring and summer is comfort.
You'll typically experience:
warmer air temperatures
warmer water
fewer layers
Best Time of Year to Go Rafting in Aspen
What Shoes Should You Wear Rafting?
Footwear matters more than most people realize.
The best options include:
Great Choices
Wetsuit Booties
Chacos
Water shoes
Old running shoes with good tread
Any snug-fitting shoe that can get wet
Acceptable Choices
Sandals with secure heel straps
Poor Choices
Loose flip flops
Crocs
Anything that falls off easily
Crocs are comfortable around the river, but they don't offer the best grip and can come off surprisingly easily in moving water.
If you don't have appropriate footwear, we provide wetsuit booties for every guest.
Do You Need a Wetsuit?
This depends on the season and trip.
How Much Does White Water Rafting Cost in Aspen?
We Typically Recommend Wetsuits For:
Spring rafting
High water conditions
Slaughterhouse Falls (Class IV)
Inflatable Kayak Tours
Cold weather days
Wetsuits May Be Optional During:
Mid-summer Scenic Floats
Family Float Trips
Canyon Cruise Trips
Warm weather conditions
One thing worth noting:
Many rafting companies charge extra for wetsuits.
Others don't provide them at all.
Before booking any rafting trip, ask what's included.
A wetsuit can dramatically improve comfort, especially during spring runoff.
We always bring wetsuits for guests even when its optional to give you the peace of mind on the river.
What Should You Bring?
The good news is you don't need much.
Don't Forget:
Sunglasses strap
Sunscreen
Towel
Dry clothes for afterward
These are easily the most commonly forgotten items.
Nothing feels better than changing into dry clothes after a day on the river.
What Should You Leave Behind?
Most guests overthink this.
You don't need:
Giant backpacks
Multiple jackets
Extra gear bags
If you bring personal items, they can typically be left securely in the shuttle vehicle during your trip.
The Funniest Clothing Mistake I've Ever Seen
Years ago, while guiding a Class V river trip in West Virginia, I met a guest who decided to wear jeans for an entire day on the river.
Not shorts.
Not synthetic pants.
Jeans.
By the end of the trip, he was extremely uncomfortable and dealing with serious chafing.
It became a lesson nobody on that trip ever forgot.
Jeans and whitewater simply don't mix.
What Other Rafting Websites Get Wrong
One of the worst pieces of rafting advice you'll find online is:
"Just wear whatever you're comfortable in."
That's not helpful.
I've worked for companies that didn't include wetsuits, splash jackets, or proper cold-weather gear.
At the same time, they told guests they didn't need those items, even on some of the coldest days of the season.
The reality is that comfort on the river depends heavily on:
water temperature
weather
river section
proper equipment
Good outfitters provide the gear needed to keep guests comfortable throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
If you're wondering what to wear rafting, the simplest answer is this:
Dress like you're going to the beach or pool, not hiking or skiing.
Choose synthetic materials.
Avoid cotton.
Wear footwear that stays on your feet.
And before booking, make sure your rafting company includes essential gear like:
Wetsuits
Splash jackets
Fleece
Booties
The right clothing can make the difference between spending the day thinking about how cold you are and spending the day enjoying one of the best adventures Aspen has to offer.
