What to Pack for a Whitewater Rafting Expedition in Ecuador

A Complete Guide to Rafting Gear for Guests, Guides & Safety Kayakers

Rafting in Ecuador is more than a splashy thrill — it’s a journey through pristine jungle rivers, Andean canyons, and volcanic valleys. Whether you’re gliding down Class III rapids in Tena or taking on intense Class IV+ sections near Baños, the right gear makes all the difference.

In this post, we break down everything you need to pack or expect from a professional outfitter like Barefoot Expeditions — including the gear used by guides and safety kayakers.

🎒 Gear for Guests

These items are typically provided by your tour operator, but understanding what’s included helps you choose the right outfitter and pack smart.

✔️ Gear Provided by Barefoot Expeditions

• Life Jacket (PFD) – Certified, snug-fitting, Type V
  Recommended: NRS Big Water V

• Helmet – Whitewater-rated, secure, comfortable
  Recommended: WRSI Current Helmet

• Raft Paddle – Durable and lightweight
  Brands: Carlisle Magic, Werner

• Wetsuit or Splash Jacket – Shorty wetsuits for warm water; full wetsuits/dry tops for colder rivers

• Throw Bag (on raft) – Emergency swimmer rescue rope

🧳 What You Should Bring

• Quick-Dry Clothing – Avoid cotton; go for synthetics
  Examples: Patagonia Capilene, Columbia Omni-Wick

• River Shoes / Neoprene Booties – Must have grip and ankle security
  Recommended: NRS Wetshoe

• Swimsuit – Under the wetsuit

• Waterproof Sunscreen – SPF 30+

• Sunglasses with Strap – Polarized preferred

• Water Bottle – Hand to guide for safe storage

• Towel & Dry Change of Clothes – For after the river

• Dry Bag (optional) – For personal items or phone

• Insect Repellent – Especially in jungle zones

• GoPro (optional) – With helmet mount or chest rig

🛟 Gear for Guides & Safety Kayakers

Professional guides carry specialized gear to ensure group safety, manage rescues, and operate in technical river conditions.

🧑‍✈️ Raft Guide Essentials

• Guide PFD with pockets and tow tether

• Rescue throw rope

• Helmet (visor optional)

• River knife (PFD-mounted)

• First aid kit

• Communication whistle

• Dry bag with essentials

• Carabiners and pulley kit for rescue

🧜‍♂️ Safety Kayaker Setup

• Whitewater Kayak – Dagger Rewind, Jackson Zen 3.0

• Paddle + Spare – Werner Powerhouse + breakdown

• Drysuit or Dry Top – Waterproof shell for cold conditions

• Astral Green Jacket PFD – Industry-standard with rescue features

• Helmet with Visor

• Throw Bag + Tow System

• River Knife & Whistle

• First Aid + Rescue Kit

• Float Bags & Emergency Rations

🎯 Why it Matters: In swiftwater, safety is everything. A trained safety kayaker is your lifeline if someone flips or is separated from the raft.

✅ Rafting Gear Quick Checklist

🧠 Booking Tips: Questions to Ask Before You Go

• Do you provide a safety kayaker on Class IV rivers?

• Are your guides Swiftwater Rescue certified?

• What kind of helmets and PFDs do you provide?

• Will I need a dry top or wetsuit based on the river temperature?

• How many guides per raft?

• Do you offer GoPro footage or photo services?

🌎 Why Choose Barefoot Expeditions?

We work with professional guides who are trained in swiftwater rescue, wilderness medicine, and navigation. Our gear is the same we trust with our lives, and your safety is always our priority.

Ready to take on the rivers of Ecuador?
Let’s paddle together. 🌊

📸 Related Articles & Adventure Logs:

• Rafting the Jatunyacu River: Amazon Class III Fun

• Top rafting trips in Ecuador

• Rafting Toachi and Blanco Rivers