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    What to Wear and Bring Rafting in Futaleufú | Complete Packing List

    August 22, 2026Equipo Futaleufú

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    Table of contents

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    What your operator provides

    Before packing, know what your rafting operator will give you. Every reputable company in Futaleufú includes:

    • Personal Flotation Device (PFD) — Type V whitewater PFD, fitted to your body
    • Whitewater helmet — mandatory on Class IV and above
    • Paddle — sized for your height and position in the raft
    • Wetsuit or drysuit — depending on water temperature and season
    • Neoprene booties — some operators provide these, others require your own footwear
    • Splash jacket — a waterproof outer layer to block wind and spray
    • Dry bag — for your personal items during the trip

    You do not need to buy any technical rafting gear. Your job is to show up with the right clothing underneath and a few personal essentials.

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    What to wear on the river

    The key principle: avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs water, stays wet, and pulls heat from your body. Choose synthetic or wool layers instead.

    Base layer (under the wetsuit)

    • Synthetic or merino wool t-shirt — moisture-wicking and quick-drying
    • Synthetic or merino wool shorts or leggings — comfortable under a wetsuit
    • Sports bra (if applicable) — synthetic, not cotton
    • Swimsuit — can serve as your base layer in warm weather

    Mid layer (if cold)

    • Fleece or synthetic pullover — for early season or cold days
    • Thin neoprene top — adds warmth without bulk under a wetsuit

    What to avoid

    • Cotton t-shirts, jeans, or sweatshirts
    • Anything with metal zippers or buckles that could snag
    • Loose clothing that could catch on equipment
    • Expensive or sentimental items

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    Footwear: the most important choice

    Your feet will get wet. Plan accordingly.

    Best options

    • Neoprene booties — ideal, warm, and grippy on wet rocks
    • Old running shoes — they will get soaked and possibly ruined, but they work
    • Water shoes with closed toes — protect your feet and drain quickly
    • Sport sandals with heel straps — Teva-style sandals work, but open-toe models risk toe injuries

    Avoid

    • Flip-flops — they fall off in rapids
    • Bare feet — rocks at put-in and take-out are sharp
    • New shoes you care about — river water and rocks will damage them
    • Hiking boots — heavy, slow to dry, and uncomfortable in a raft

    If your operator provides neoprene booties, you can wear those. Otherwise, bring old shoes you do not mind getting destroyed.

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    Sun protection

    The Patagonian sun is intense, especially reflected off water and at altitude. Sun protection is critical.

    Essential sun gear

    • Sunscreen SPF 50+ — waterproof/sweatproof, applied 30 minutes before launch and reapplied at every calm section
    • Lip balm with SPF 30+ — lips burn fast on the river
    • Sun hat with retention strap — a wide-brim hat under your helmet or a cap with a neck flap
    • Polarized sunglasses with retainer strap — reduce glare and protect eyes from UV. The strap is essential — if they fall in the river, they are gone

    Tips

    • Apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands, ears, and the back of your neck — commonly missed spots
    • Zinc oxide sunscreen stays on better than chemical sunscreens in water
    • Even on cloudy days, UV exposure is high on the river

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    What to bring in your dry bag

    Your operator will provide a waterproof dry bag. Pack light — only essentials:

    • Sunscreen — for reapplication
    • Lip balm with SPF
    • Waterproof camera or GoPro — with a secure mount or float strap
    • Small snack — energy bar or trail mix (if not provided by operator)
    • Medication — any prescription medication you need, in a waterproof container
    • Cash — small amount for emergencies or tips, in a ziplock bag
    • Change of clothes — for after the trip, left in the vehicle or at the meeting point

    Do not put in the dry bag

    • Car keys — leave them with the operator or at your accommodation
    • Passport or ID — leave at your accommodation
    • Large electronics — no laptops or tablets

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    What NOT to bring

    Leave these items behind:

    • Valuables — jewelry, expensive watches, designer sunglasses
    • Large electronics — laptops, tablets, large cameras without waterproof housing
    • Cotton clothing — as discussed, cotton is dangerous in cold water
    • Glass containers — no glass on the river
    • Anything you cannot afford to lose — the river takes what it wants
    • Heavy bags or backpacks — your operator provides dry bags
    • Bluetooth speakers — respect the river and your fellow rafters

    If you must bring a phone, use a waterproof case with a lanyard and accept the risk that it may get wet or lost.

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    Packing for a multi-day descent

    The Full Rafting Futaleufú is a 2-3 day trip where you camp along the river. Your operator provides camping equipment and meals, but you need:

    Clothing

    • 2-3 synthetic t-shirts
    • 2 pairs of synthetic shorts
    • 1 warm layer (fleece or puffy jacket)
    • 1 rain jacket (even if your operator provides a splash jacket)
    • 3-4 pairs of synthetic or wool socks
    • Underwear (synthetic or wool)
    • Warm hat and gloves for evenings
    • Camp clothes — dry, comfortable clothes for evenings (kept in a dry bag)

    Personal items

    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Biodegradable soap (small amount)
    • Headlamp with extra batteries
    • Personal medication
    • Insect repellent
    • Small towel (quick-dry microfiber)
    • Book or cards for camp entertainment
    • Binoculars for wildlife
    • Journal and pen
    • Small flask of whiskey for campfire evenings (ask your guide first)

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    Seasonal adjustments

    October - November (early season)

    • Water is cold (6-10°C). Your operator will provide a drysuit or thick wetsuit.
    • Bring extra warm layers underneath: fleece, neoprene top
    • Warm hat and neoprene gloves recommended
    • Expect rain — bring a good rain jacket

    December - February (peak season)

    • Water is warmer (10-15°C). A standard wetsuit is sufficient.
    • Lighter base layers — you may overheat in thick clothing
    • Sun protection is critical — long days and strong UV
    • Afternoon wind is common — bring a light windbreaker for after the trip

    March - April (late season)

    • Water cooling (8-12°C). Wetsuit or drysuit depending on conditions.
    • Warm layers essential — autumn in Patagonia is cold
    • Rain gear mandatory
    • Shorter days — trips may finish in cooler conditions

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    Last-minute checklist

    The night before your trip, confirm you have:

    • [ ] Synthetic base layer (top and bottom)
    • [ ] Footwear that can get wet (neoprene booties or old shoes)
    • [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50+ (applied before arrival)
    • [ ] Lip balm with SPF
    • [ ] Sunglasses with retainer strap
    • [ ] Sun hat with retention strap
    • [ ] Any personal medication
    • [ ] Change of dry clothes for after the trip
    • [ ] Towel
    • [ ] Cash for tips
    • [ ] Positive attitude and sense of adventure

    Your rafting operator handles everything else. Show up ready to get wet and have the time of your life.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need to buy a wetsuit for rafting in Futaleufú?

    No. Your operator provides a wetsuit or drysuit as part of the trip. You only need to wear appropriate clothing underneath — synthetic layers or a swimsuit.

    Can I wear glasses or contact lenses?

    Yes. Secure glasses with a sports strap. Contact lenses are fine — bring a spare pair in case one is lost. Prescription sunglasses with a retainer strap are ideal.

    What if I get cold easily?

    Tell your guide. They can provide extra layers, adjust your wetsuit, or place you in a position in the raft that gets less spray. Bringing a thin neoprene top to wear under your wetsuit adds significant warmth.

    Should I bring my phone for photos?

    Only if you have a waterproof case with a float strap and accept the risk of losing it. Many operators provide GoPro footage or professional photos as part of the trip. A waterproof disposable camera is a low-risk alternative.

    What do I wear after the trip?

    Bring a complete change of dry clothes and leave them in the vehicle or at the meeting point. Include warm layers — you will be cold and wet when you take off your wetsuit. A towel and dry shoes make the post-trip experience much more comfortable.

    Can I wear jewelry on the river?

    Do not bring any jewelry. Rings are acceptable but necklaces, earrings, and bracelets can snag on equipment or be lost in the river. Leave valuables at your accommodation.

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    Final CTA

    Now you know exactly what to wear and bring. The rest is on us. At Futaleufú Expeditions, we provide all the technical gear — you just show up ready for an adventure. Contact us if you have any questions about packing for your trip.

    [Contact via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/56912345678?text=Hi!%20I%20have%20questions%20about%20what%20to%20bring%20rafting%20in%20Futaleuf%C3%BA)

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