10 Best Rafting Accessories for Adventure-Seeking Families
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Rafting is an exhilarating outdoor adventure that families can enjoy together, but having the right accessories can make all the difference in safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Whether you’re planning a leisurely float down a river or tackling challenging whitewater rapids, having essential rafting accessories ensures you’re prepared for the journey ahead. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the ten best rafting accessories suitable for outdoorsy families, each offering functionality, durability, and ease of use to enhance your rafting experience.
Table of Contents
Quick Glance: Best Rafting Accessories for Families
| Accessory | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| NRS Pilot Knife | Best Overall | Safety, compact size, sharp blade, convenient sheath |
| PFD (Personal Flotation Device) | Best Safety Gear | Buoyancy, comfort, adjustable fit, durable materials |
| Waterproof Dry Bags | Best for Gear Storage | Waterproof, durable, various sizes, keep gear dry |
| River Tube | Best for Relaxation | Durable construction, comfortable seating, easy to inflate/deflate |
| Waterproof Phone Case | Best Electronics Protection | Submersible, touchscreen-friendly, secure closure |
| Throw Bag with Rope | Best Rescue Gear | Floating rope, compact bag, easy to throw and retrieve |
| River Sandals | Best Footwear | Waterproof, non-slip grip, quick-drying, protect feet in water |
| Sun Protection Hat | Best Sun Protection | Wide brim, UPF protection, lightweight, breathable |
| River Gloves | Best Hand Protection | Grip, durability, finger dexterity, protect hands from blisters |
| Portable Waterproof Speaker | Best Entertainment | Waterproof, Bluetooth connectivity, durable battery life |
1. Best Overall: NRS Pilot Knife
- An excellent knife for freshwater boating and rescue. For saltwater use, choose the NRS Titanium Pilot Knife.
- The low-profile, quick-release Thumbs Up Sheath stashes fixed blades away securely and releases with a one-handed flick …
- The sheath attaches firmly to a PFD lash tab; lanyard attachment point on the knife handle further safeguards against lo…
The NRS Pilot Knife is our top pick for its essential safety features. It’s compact, has a sharp blade for cutting ropes in emergencies, and includes a convenient sheath for secure attachment.
2. Best Safety Gear: PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is crucial for rafting safety. It provides buoyancy, comfort with an adjustable fit, and is made from durable materials to withstand water activities.
3. Best for Gear Storage: Waterproof Dry Bags
- 3-Pack with Versatile Sizing: Includes 5L (16″x6″), 10L (17″x8″), and 20L (22″x9″) Blue floating dry bags—ideal for orga…
- Made from 190D Ripstop Nylon: Woven with diamond ripstop fabric and coated for water resistance—our airtight dry sacks b…
- Lightweight and Compressible Design: Ultralight, foldable sacks take up minimal space in your pack or boat—great for bac…
Waterproof dry bags are essential for keeping gear safe and dry during rafting trips. Available in various sizes, they ensure your essentials remain protected from water exposure.
4. Best for Relaxation: River Tube
- 【ULTIMATE COMFORT】: With a spacious 49-inch diameter, 300 lb max weight capacity, and a headrest, the River Blazer makes…
- 【LATEST AIR VALVE TECH】: The valve has a double chamber that must be screwed clockwise to seal, completely preventing an…
- 【NEW DOUBLE-SEALED SEAM】: The seams along the River Blazer are folded along the edge and then sealed; this creates doubl…
A river tube offers a relaxing way to float downstream. It features durable construction, comfortable seating, and is easy to inflate/deflate for convenient transportation.
5. Best Electronics Protection: Waterproof Phone Case
- IP68 Certified Waterproof Protection: A 3.3 feet/1 meter IP68 certified professional floating waterproof phone pouch is …
- Precise Design and Sensitive Touch: Pelican Marine Series waterproof case has an innovative design for easy access to si…
- Fully Protective: This phone pouch comes with a detachable cell phone lanyard that can be worn around your neck or wrist…
A waterproof phone case protects your electronics from water damage. It’s submersible, touchscreen-friendly, and features a secure closure to keep your devices dry.
6. Best Rescue Gear: Throw Bag with Rope
- Rescue Throw Bag with adjustable strap and 3M reflective exterior safety band
- Braided MFP polypropylene floating rope
- Bright orange nylon and polyester self-draining bag
A throw bag with rope is essential for swiftwater rescue situations. It includes a floating rope in a compact bag that’s easy to throw and retrieve in emergencies.
7. Best Footwear: River Sandals
- SKID-RESISTANT: The women’s sport sandals with cushiony EVA yoga mat insloe are soft and absorb impact, which is texture…
- SOFT & ARCH SUPPORT: The arch support built into the sandal can help provide support to the foot while standing. It can …
- HOOK & LOOP DESIGN: Featuring hook and loop closures with padded heel strap allows east on/off and adjust the tightness …
River sandals are designed for water activities with waterproof materials, non-slip grip, and quick-drying capabilities to protect your feet and provide traction on wet surfaces.
8. Best Sun Protection: Sun Protection Hat
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND BREATHABLE: Made of quality nylon which is quick dry ,lightweight, foldable and waterproof; breathable m…
- PERFECT SUN PROTECTION FOR HEAD AND NECK – The outdoor fishing hat has a large wide brim and neck flap to protect you fr…
- WIDELY USED – Widely used for various outdoor activities like gardening,fishing, kayaking,hiking,cycling,camping,etc.
A sun protection hat offers UPF protection with a wide brim to shield your face and neck from harmful UV rays. It’s lightweight, breathable, and ideal for long days on the water.
9. Best Hand Protection: River Gloves
- Key Features – 100% waterproof ice fishing gloves– Bound stitched, and glued seams – Fleece lined for warmth – Anti-slip…
- 100% Waterproof – KastKing IceRiver gloves are 100% waterproof. These fishing gloves are manufactured with 2.2mm neopren…
- Fleece Lined – The IceRiver winter gloves are lined with a 1mm layer of polar fleece to provide extra warm in extremely …
River gloves provide grip, durability, and finger dexterity for handling paddles and ropes. They protect your hands from blisters and abrasions during rafting adventures.
10. Best Entertainment: Portable Waterproof Speaker
- RICH JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND: The legendary JBL signature sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Go 3…
- ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: JBL Go 3’s ultra-portable design goes great with the latest styles, and its colorful fabrics and …
- 5 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: Don’t sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Go 3 gives you up to 5 hours of battery lif…
A portable waterproof speaker adds fun to your rafting trips with Bluetooth connectivity and durable battery life. It’s designed to withstand water exposure while providing entertainment onboard.
Final Words
Choosing the right rafting accessories ensures you’re well-prepared for adventures on the water. Whether you prioritize safety gear like a PFD and throw bag, need reliable storage with waterproof dry bags, or seek comfort and entertainment with river tubes and waterproof speakers, these accessories cater to various needs for outdoorsy families. Select the best accessories based on your rafting plans and enjoy safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences on the water with your loved ones.
