The Sarong: The Most Useful Item You Can Bring on Your Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure
Why is it so wrong not to bring a sarong on your rafting adventure? You might be wondering why this seemingly simple piece of lightweight fabric is on our packing list. A sarong is much more than just a versatile garment you can wear around your waist or drape over your shoulders. It’s a multifunctional tool that can enhance your experience and even help keep you comfortable on the river.
Furthermore, sarongs are made from lightweight and breathable material, which makes them perfect for so many other outdoor activities. They are easy to fold and can be packed into a small space in your backpack, leaving you with more room for other essentials. Sarongs are a must-have item to bring on your Grand Canyon river trip. They are versatile, lightweight, and can be used for various purposes. So, make sure to pack one for your upcoming adventure and be prepared to make the most out of your adventure!
Here are just a few of the many reasons you should pack one for your trip:
A Cooling Device
One of the most important uses for your sarong is temperature management. Dunk it in the icy river water, then drape it over your body. As the water evaporates, it creates a cooling effect that helps regulate your body temperature on hot days. This can be lifesaving, literally! When you take a sarong on a hike with you, get it totally wet before you start the hike (or even take a full-on dunk yourself with all of your clothes on), and drape it around your shoulders or neck. Keeping it around your neck will help keep your core temperature down while you’re hiking, making it much more enjoyable.
Sun Protection
Whether wet or dry, a sarong can effectively shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Use it to cover your legs, shoulders, or neck, reducing the need for constant sunscreen reapplication. If a big rapid approaches, simply tuck it away under a strap or between some bags until it’s time to retrieve!
A Quick-Drying Towel
Comprised of lightweight rayon or cotton material, a sarong makes an excellent towel. It dries much faster than traditional towels, allowing you to quickly dry off after a bath. Plus, with its generous size you can wrap it around yourself for modesty as you make your way back to camp for a change of clothes. This also helps you pack less, avoiding packing a towel, and just using a sarong instead.
Instant Changing Room
Need to change out of wet clothes? Wrap the sarong around your waist or chest and quickly switch to something dry. This makeshift changing room lets you ditch the hunt for a bush or a tent for privacy. If you have a buddy, they can hold it up for added privacy.
Picnic Blanket or Tablecloth
Your sarong can double as a picnic blanket, catching crumbs and debris during lunch. Once you’re done eating, simply gather up the corners and toss the leftovers in the trash, making it easy to practice “Leave No Trace” principles. Plus, it keeps you off the hot sand!
A Catch-All
If you can’t find that elusive item in your dry bag, spread your sarong on the sand and dump everything out of your dry bag onto it. This way, you can sort through your gear while keeping it sand-free.
A Spare Sheet or Throw
On hot nights, a lightweight sarong can be draped over you for comfort instead of using the sheet we provide or your sleeping bag. If you get too warm, wetting the sarong first can provide additional cooling. It’s also handy for a quick nap when you get to camp, offering a barrier against the surface of your sleeping pad.
A Pillowcase
For minimalists, a sarong can be transformed into a pillowcase. Simply place your softest clothes inside it and tie it up to create a comfy pillow for your head.
Fashionable Headwrap or Shawl
Feeling fancy? Use your colorful sarong as a headwrap or just to protect your hair from the sun and dust. It can also serve as a stylish shawl when the evening chill sets in.
Makeshift Daypack
While you’ll have a daypack on your trip, sometimes you just want to carry a few essentials hands-free. A sarong can be easily fashioned into a makeshift fanny pack or bag for short walks or hikes. They also work great to carry your toiletries and/or dirty laundry down to the beach for a bath.
Instant Skirt or Dress
And lastly, use it as an item of clothing! Need an effortless outfit for an unexpected occasion? A sarong can be tied in numerous ways to create a dress or skirt. On the other hand, it’s especially useful for discreet bathroom breaks by the river, offering a bit of coverage for the gals when needed.
And gentlemen, sarong dress wear is not just for the ladies, we promise! Wearing a loose, dry sarong in camp gives you a chance to dry out after wearing clingy, wet shorts or pants all day. You will quickly find yourself eager to slip into a colorful, fun sarong as soon as you arrive at camp!
Don’t underestimate the power of a sarong! It’s fun, functional, and versatile—you might even discover more uses for this rectangular wonder on your next adventure. We have shared 11 creative ways to use a sarong on your river trip. Have any other sarong tips? Let us know!
Why do we sell sarongs made of Rayon?
The reason for a sarong’s versatility is the wood viscose rayon fiber they are made from. But what exactly is rayon?
Rayon is a man-made material derived from a variety of sources. The preferred rayon for sarongs is made from wood cellulose, usually from pine, spruce, or hemlock trees. Sarongs made from wood cellulose rayon feel and behave like silk or cotton. The lightweight fabric is breathable and comfortable to wear in the heat, with a beautiful drape that flows in the breeze. The fabric’s ability to hold vibrant dyes means that rayon sarongs come in a range of colors and patterns.
The sarongs sold at Red River Sports are from Lost River Imports, based in Bali, Indonesia. Rayon is popular in Indonesia due to its breathability and being lightweight, making it ideal for the country’s scorching heat. The hand-dying and wax printing process in Bali adds an artisanal touch to the sarongs, explaining the small variations observed in similar dye lots. This attention to detail and unique production methods contribute to the distinctiveness of the sarongs offered by Lost River Imports.
