Our Boats & Gear

Top-of-the-Line Boats & Gear Included

Great river days start with great equipment. We run premium, commercial-grade boats and provide the gear you need to stay comfortable, safe, and confident on the water. From wetsuits and neoprene booties on cooler days to proven camp systems on overnight trips, we focus on clean, well-maintained gear and a professional setup so you can focus on the fun.

 

Boat Setups We Use

We choose the setup based on river conditions and your group. If you have a preference, tell us when you book and we’ll do our best to match it.

Paddle Raft

(Guide + paddlers)

  • Best for: energetic groups, families with older kids, and guests who want a hands-on whitewater experience.
  • How it works: everyone paddles together with the guide calling strokes and lines.
  • Why we love it: maximum teamwork, excitement, and engagement.
High Country Expeditions paddle raft running McKenzie River whitewater in Oregon with premium safety gear and professional guides
High Country Expeditions stern frame paddle raft on Oregon’s McKenzie River showing professional guide setup and premium rafting equipment

Stern Frame Paddle Assist

(Guide on oars + paddlers)

  • Best for: mixed-ability groups, families with little kids, seniors, and anyone wanting extra stability and precise control.
  • How it works: the guide rows from the stern with oars for more control, while paddlers still help drive the raft.
  • Why we love it: smoother lines through technical rapids and a little more margin for error while guests still get to paddle.

Expedition / Center Frame

(Overnights + scenic floats)

  • Best for: overnight trips and relaxed scenic days.
  • How it works: a centered frame carries additional trip gear and creates stable seating and a comfortable ride.
  • Why we love it: efficient logistics for multi-day travel and a great platform for big scenery, wildlife, and a slower canyon rhythm.
High Country Expeditions stern frame paddle raft on Oregon’s McKenzie River showing professional guide setup and premium rafting equipment

Inflatable Kayaks aka IK’s

On select sections of the McKenzie, Deschutes, Owyhee, and the Lower Klamath we offer guided inflatable kayak options. IKs are a fun way to paddle under your own power without needing hard-shell kayaking experience. IK participation is guide-supervised only.

  • Included with IK use: paddle, PFD, wetsuit, neoprene booties, and helmet when appropriate.
  • Who it’s for: confident swimmers and guests looking for a more active, technical ride.

Personal River Gear We Provide

Our trips are designed to be all-inclusive on the essentials. We size and fit gear at check-in so you’re comfortable before you launch.

  • Commercial-grade PFDs (life jackets) in a full range of sizes (kids to adults).
  • Quality paddles sized for comfort and control.
  • 3mm neoprene farmer-john style wetsuits (when conditions call for it, or anytime by request).
  • Neoprene booties with durable soles for traction and warmth.
  • Splash jackets / paddle jackets for cool days, wind, and spring/fall conditions.
  • Dry bags for essentials (layers, phone, sunscreen, medications).

Overnight Camp Comfort Gear (Multi-Day Trips)

On our overnight trips, camp comfort matters. We bring proven river-camping systems so you sleep well and feel ready for the next day.

  • Shelters: Dragonfly-style kitchen / shade shelters for a comfortable communal camp area.
  • Sleeping systems: cots paired with Paco-style pads for supportive, insulating sleep.
  • Camp kitchen & dining setup for clean, organized meal service (hand-wash systems, food-safe practices).
  • Dry storage and organized gear rigging to keep camp efficient and tidy.

Safety & Maintenance Standards

  • Boats are professionally maintained and inspected regularly for wear, valves, and rigging integrity.
  • Each trip runs with appropriate rescue and first-aid equipment for the river and trip type.
  • Guides lead a clear safety talk and paddling briefing before launch so guests know what to expect.

What You Bring

  • Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes for easy gear changes).
  • Quick-dry layers (synthetic or wool; avoid cotton on cool days).
  • Secure footwear if you prefer your own (closed-toe recommended).
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses with retainer, sunscreen, lip balm.
  • Water bottle and any personal medications.

FAQs (Use as an Accordion / FAQ Block)

Do you provide wetsuits and booties?

Yes. We provide 3mm neoprene wetsuits and neoprene booties for cooler conditions, and they are always available by request. We’ll help you get fitted at check-in.

What should I wear under the wetsuit?

A swimsuit is perfect. For cooler days, you can also bring a thin synthetic or wool base layer to wear under your wetsuit.

Do you provide splash jackets / paddle jackets?

Yes. We provide splash jackets for wind and cool conditions so you stay warm and comfortable.

Are helmets required?

It depends on the river and conditions. Some trips require helmets, and on others they are optional. If you’d like a helmet, just let us know and we’ll have one ready.

Do you have dry bags?

Yes. We provide dry bags for essentials like a warm layer, small towel, camera/phone, sunscreen, and medications.

Can I bring my phone or a small camera?

Yes, at your own risk. We recommend a secure waterproof case and a lanyard/float. Splash and bumps are part of the fun, so protect electronics accordingly.

Do you have gear for kids?

Yes. We carry kid-sized PFDs and gear options, and our guides help fit everything so kids stay comfortable and secure.

What camping gear do you provide on overnight trips?

We bring key comfort and camp infrastructure including shelters and elevated sleeping systems (cots and Paco-style pads). Specific inclusions can vary by river and trip length.

 

Wherever your rafting adventure takes you, we hope that you at least once experience one of our great NW whitewater rafting excursions. We are sure that once you do, that you’ll be hooked as we are on rafting in Oregon and California with High Country Expeditions.