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what to wear rafting in summer

What to Wear & What Not to Wear White Water Rafting Near Gatlinburg: Summer Edition

June 18, 2025

If you’ve never been white water rafting near Gatlinburg before, you may be wondering how you should dress. One thing you’re probably thinking of is a bathing suit. But what else do you need other than that? We’re here to tell you what to wear white water rafting! Also, read further to find out what NOT to wear while you’re white water rafting near Gatlinburg this summer:

What to Wear Rafting in Summer 

Bathing Suit

This should be the first thing you pack. You’re going to want to wear something that dries quickly when it gets wet, and bathing suits are designed to do just that. Most people who raft with us are comfortable in just a swimsuit and shorts! 

Quick-Drying Clothes

In addition to your swimsuit, you’ll also want to wear quick-drying clothes. You don’t want to stay soaked long after your white water rafting trip is over. Polypropylene, polyester, and nylon materials provide wicking ability and will dry quickly. 

Appropriate Shoes

best shoes for white water raftingYou don’t want your shoes flying off while you’re paddling through class 3 and 4 rapids! You need sports sandals with a heel strap, some type of water shoe, or old tennis shoes. These will protect your feet and won’t come off. You want to wear shoes that you won’t mind getting wet and dirty. Can you wear Crocs white water rafting? No, we don’t recommend it, as they’re not secure enough. 

Dry Clothes

At the end of your white water rafting trip, you’ll probably be wet. You’ll definitely want to pack a change of dry clothes to change into once you’re done white water rafting in summer!

What Not to Wear Rafting in Summer

Anything Cotton

You don’t want to wear anything cotton when you go white water rafting near Gatlinburg. You might be wondering why not: cotton is lightweight, right? However, cotton is known for getting wet and staying wet. Pick clothes that dry quickly and are lightweight.

Heavy Clothing

You don’t want to wear clothing that is heavy and immobile. This would include things like jeans, leather, and denim. Lightweight clothing that is easy to move in is just what you want to be wearing.

Inappropriate Shoes

dad and daughter white water rafting in the Smoky MountainsIf you pick the right shoes, they’ll stay on your feet. If you don’t pick the right shoes, they’ll fly off during your trip! Inappropriate shoes to wear for white water rafting include flip flops, Crocs, high heels, and cowboy boots.

Important Accessories

The last thing you want is to lose something important to you on your trip because you’re probably never going to get it back. Leave important accessories such as your phone, jewelry, and wallet in the lockers we have on site so you can easily access them after you come back from your trip.

White Water Rafting in Summer? Here’s A Packing List

Now you know what to wear rafting in summer, so you’re better prepared on how you should dress for white water rafting near Gatlinburg! But what else should you bring? Find out things to bring white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains!