Waterproof Gear for Rafting | Dry Bags, Phone & Valuables
Waterproof Gear for Rafting: How to Keep Your Phone, Keys & Valuables Dry
On a rafting trip, getting wet isn't the exception. Your gear should be ready for it.
The best waterproof gear for rafting protects your phone, keys, wallet and other valuables from more than a few splashes. For small essentials, a fully waterproof crossbody keeps important items attached to your body and easy to reach. Larger clothing, food and group gear are better stored in a secured dry bag.
Rafting is one of those activities where "I'll just try to keep it dry" isn't much of a strategy.
Even on relatively calm stretches of river, paddles throw water into the raft, waves come over the sides and wet gear piles up quickly. On whitewater, the possibility of your entire bag getting soaked or briefly submerged becomes very real.
That makes waterproof storage less of a convenience and more of a basic gear decision.
What waterproof gear should you bring rafting?
Most rafters should keep phones, car keys, wallets and other small valuables in fully waterproof storage that stays securely attached to them or the raft. A waterproof crossbody works well for personal essentials, while larger dry bags are better for clothing, food, first-aid supplies and group gear.
What Should You Bring on a Rafting Trip?
What you bring depends on the length and difficulty of the trip, but most rafting days involve a similar set of essentials.
- Phone
- Car keys
- Wallet or ID
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a retention strap
- Quick-drying clothing
- Extra layer for cooler conditions
- Snacks or food
- Small first-aid supplies
How Wet Does Your Gear Get While Rafting?
Potentially very wet.
A common mistake is assuming that because a bag is sitting inside the raft, it is protected.
Water accumulates in the bottom of rafts. Waves can break over the tubes. Paddles continually drip water onto everything nearby. People climb in and out soaking wet.
In rougher water, the raft itself may flip or swimmers may end up outside the boat.
Waterproof Crossbody vs. Dry Bag for Rafting
Waterproof Crossbody
Ideal for the smaller valuables you want to keep close to your body.
- Phone
- Car keys
- Wallet
- ID
- Small sunscreen
- Other small valuables
Dry Bag
Better for bulky items that can remain secured inside the raft.
- Extra clothing
- Food
- Towels
- First-aid supplies
- Camera equipment
- Group gear
For many day trips, the best setup is actually both.
Keep your most valuable personal items attached to your body, then use a larger dry bag secured inside the raft for everything else.
Why a Waterproof Crossbody Works Well for Rafting
A waterproof crossbody solves a different problem than a traditional dry bag. Instead of protecting everything you're bringing, it protects the few things you really don't want separated from you.
- Keeps your phone and keys attached to your body
- Reduces the risk of valuables getting lost inside the raft
- Lets you access your phone quickly during calm sections
- Takes up almost no room in the raft
- Continues working when you get out of the raft
- Provides real waterproof protection around water
What Happens If You Fall Out of the Raft?
This is where keeping your most important gear attached to you becomes useful.
If a phone or key is sitting loose in the raft, it can be difficult or impossible to recover if the raft flips or gear gets thrown around.
Wearing your essentials means they remain with you instead.
Phones, wallets and keys are usually safer in waterproof storage worn securely rather than lying loose in the raft.
Dry bags should be attached to the raft according to your outfitter's or guide's instructions.
Loose equipment can move around, get stepped on or disappear if the raft flips.
What Size Waterproof Bag Do You Need for Rafting?
| Trip Type | What You're Carrying | Best Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Short Guided Trip | Phone, keys, wallet | Waterproof crossbody |
| Half-Day Trip | Essentials, snacks, extra layer | Crossbody + small dry bag |
| Full-Day Trip | Food, clothing, personal gear | Crossbody + larger dry bag |
| Multi-Day River Trip | Clothing, sleeping gear, food, equipment | Multiple secured dry bags |
Can You Bring Your Phone Whitewater Rafting?
Yes, but it needs to be protected appropriately.
Phones are useful for photos, navigation and emergency communication, but whitewater is not the place to trust a normal pocket or a lightly water-resistant bag.
If you're taking your phone, use waterproof storage designed for significant water exposure and keep it securely attached.
What About Car Keys?
Electronic car keys are one of the easiest things to forget about before getting on the river.
Modern key fobs contain electronics, which makes soaking them a potentially expensive mistake.
If you drove to the river, treat your car key like your phone and keep it inside reliable waterproof storage.
Is a Waterproof Phone Pouch Enough for Rafting?
It can be, depending on what else you need to carry.
A basic phone pouch may work if your phone is literally the only thing you need to protect. But once you add a key fob, wallet, sunscreen, cards or other small items, a slightly larger waterproof crossbody becomes more practical.
That's especially useful when you want one bag you can wear before, during and after the rafting trip.
How to Keep Your Gear Safe While Rafting
Keep phones, wallets and keys together in your most waterproof storage.
If it would be a major problem to lose it, don't leave it loose inside the raft.
A waterproof bag only works as intended when its zipper or closure is completely sealed.
Commercial rafting outfitters may have specific rules about securing bags and personal items inside the raft.
Rafting Gear FAQs
Do you need a dry bag for rafting?
For larger items such as clothing, food and equipment, a dry bag is extremely useful. If you're only carrying a phone, keys and wallet, a waterproof crossbody may provide enough storage for your personal essentials.
Where should I put my phone while rafting?
Your phone should be kept inside waterproof storage securely attached to your body or raft. Avoid leaving it loose inside the boat, where it can get soaked, stepped on or lost.
Can I take my phone whitewater rafting?
Yes, but assume it may be exposed to heavy splashes or even complete submersion. Use appropriate waterproof protection and only take it out during safe, calm sections of the trip.
Are water-resistant bags good enough for rafting?
For clothing or items that can tolerate getting wet, possibly. For phones, electronic keys and valuables, fully waterproof storage is the safer choice because rafting often involves much more water exposure than rain or occasional splashes.
What should I wear while rafting?
Wear clothing appropriate for the water and weather conditions, preferably quick-drying layers. Follow your rafting outfitter's guidance on footwear, personal flotation devices and cold-water protection.
Should I bring my wallet rafting?
Bring only what you need. An ID, one payment card and a small amount of cash are usually easier to protect than carrying your entire wallet. Keep them in waterproof storage with your other valuables.
Keep Your Most Important Gear With You
Rafting is one of the worst places to rely on a normal pocket or a bag that only handles a little rain.
For your phone, keys, wallet and small essentials, the SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody gives you compact waterproof storage that stays attached to your body without taking up valuable space inside the raft.
Fully waterproof protection for your everyday essentials.