You may be preparing for your upcoming river trip and notice that the packing list includes a unique item, a sarong. But what is a sarong? Why is it so important that it’s on the detailed packing list? How are you going to use this on your river trip? Do you really need it? (YES!)
A sarong is a large rectangle of lightweight fabric and it is your best friend on a Grand Canyon rafting trip. The most practical use is to manage your body temperature in the desert climate. However, you’ll discover that it’s also crazy versatile and can be used as a…
Cooling Tool
Dunk your sarong into the cold river water and wrap it around you to cool off. As the water evaporates, it takes some of your body heat with it. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer!
Sun Protection
Sick of putting sunscreen on every 10 minutes? Cover your legs with your wet or dry sarong. It provides some sun protection without making you overheat.
Towel Substitute
A sarong is large enough to double as a towel. It’s quick-drying and handy after a riverside bath.
Headwrap
Vanity is typically replaced by practicality on the river but if you’re feeling fancy, wrap your hair up in a sarong to protect it from the harsh desert climate.
Instant Skirt
It’s comfy, convenient and makes urinating in the river more discreet in broad daylight.
Picnic Blanket
Chairs are available in camp but not at lunch stops. Use your sarong as a picnic blanket! It will catch your crumbs, making you a responsible Leave No Trace visitor.
Changing Station
Create privacy by having a friend hold up your sarong to create a curtain you can change behind.
Seriously, you’ll find even more uses for this rectangular wonder on your next trip. And, yes, I encourage guys to pack it too!
Not convinced? At least pack a bandana. Bandanas can be dunked in the river and wrapped around your neck to cool you off. You can clean your sunglasses after getting splashed in those epic rapids. You can even use it as your napkin. In an effort to reduce unnecessary waste, we don’t use paper plates or napkins at lunchtime. (When at camp for breakfast and dinner, we have real plates and silverware because we can set up a dishwashing system there.)
Bring a sarong. They’re fun, functional and available for purchase on our online shop.