Gearing Up for Rafting: Glacier National Park, Montana

The Gift of Pure Nature

A couple of friends and I went to chase the light on Lake Saint Mary by the entrance of Glacier National Park, Montana before the sun disappeared. The morning hike there was just gorgeous during a rogue hike after checking into West Glacier Cabins, which offered some top-notch accommodations with more amenities than you might expect for cabins at a national park. Tiny houses at the doorstep of the park.

I was gearing up for rafting on the rapids for a couple of days, so I just wanted to capture some shots on the trails before it was too late. Imagine the sheer delight when pulling up to the gate and the ranger happily letting us glide right in …all the way. It was a week earlier than the park’s opening was planned for, so it was a thrilling surprise. A pure gift of bliss. I imagine it’s very few who get to experience that pristine majesty unencumbered by the multitudes sitting in gridlock all season long.

Hugging those open roads, wrapped in nature, all the way to the soaring peak of Logan Pass… this was heaven. And the calm before the storm with rough weather ahead on the rapids.

Conquer the Rapids with Confidence

Buckle up for a wild ride with some gear that I checked out from Mountain Equipment Company while spending a couple of days on a paddling adventure along the Flathead River.

I’m not one to inflate my own experience, but I am a bit of an expert when it comes to whitewater rafting. So believe me when I say it couldn’t be more important to realize that no matter what your level is on the mighty rapids, the number one key factor before stepping into that raft confidently is preparation.

When the weather turns your day of fun thrills into a challenging test of endurance, you realize the importance of reliable and high-quality gear. Nature immersion is exhilarating and immensely therapeutic, so choosing a trusted name in sports equipment is crucial.

There are no guarantees you won’t go overboard and you don’t know what Mother Nature might throw your way, so you want to seal up your phone before nature throws IT away. Rafting is all about being in the moment. Put the phone away and conquer those waves!

Keep the Goods Safe & Dry

Keeping your dry goods safe is imperative on the rapids, so it’s wise to not underestimate the power of water. You will likely get wet. I went lightweight MEC 20L Nano Dry Bag. It fits into the Goldilocks zone for me as far as size goes, conveniently acting as a comfortable, adjustable waterproof backpack without any of the bulk. The straps and buckles are versatile too, offering a solid option for securing your dry essentials to the inner raft which allows easy access. Durable and bone-dry inside during the Class IV waves I rode and the relentless downpour conditions that graced my journey, this bold red airtight baby was a trusty dry bag.

Safety is another non-negotiable for river adventures. Aside from hygiene and the convenience of having your own, a personal flotation device is a useful investment especially when going rowing on the rogue. MEC’s Aquanaut PFD, was a handy item to have. Although vests are usually provided on rafting jaunts, some prefer their own. Feeling custom-fitted, buoyant, and familiar on the water adds a bit of confidence. Plus the multiple pockets are great for stashing a whistle or whatever you need.

Essentials You Never Knew You Needed

Owning water shoes turned out to be more handy than I thought. While a great item for water sports and adventure in general, they have also proven to be a valuable lightweight option for the pool, showering at the gym, and walking on the sand with more ease than flops. Having a personal pair of water shoes is smart when it comes to hygiene, too. With just enough of a thick grip on stony ground when docking for a hike, the high-quality Vibram Five Fingers wasn’t cumbersome when wet, with its quick-drying mesh upper. When rafting, they wedge into the foot thwarts nice and tight, which they need to.

Most rafting companies provide decent wet suits, as was the case at Glacier Rafting Co. Some people want to simply just wear their day wear on the water, but it’s not a wise idea. However, one item I found useful to tuck away in my dry bag for later was the unisex hooded sun shirt.

The hooded sun shirt provided a fresh option for when we ported for some grilling on the riverbank at the end of the day. Quick drying, and lightweight, it spared me from slathering on the SPF when the rain finally let up.

A water-tight phone case is one of those useful things people didn’t know they needed until they had one. But which one? Things to look for, aside from the rugged submersion protection, are snugness, optical grade panels, and touchscreen capability. The PVC-free Sea to Summit case also has a latch and dual lash points. I opted for the neck lanyard so I could wedge it nice and tight between my chest and vest in case there was a safe moment for a photo op. It comes in handy from beach to slopes etc…

Be Rugged, Look Stylish with the MEC Outpost Bag

Where to put all this gear? You need a bag for your bag! Rugged outdoors doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style, so when I saw the great reviews for the sleek black MEC Outpost 25L I could easily see myself slinging it on my back as an urban daypack, too. The PU-coated nylon has a stylish leather look to it. With just enough pockets to organize, it is also fully adjustable to use for a hike or as a weekend-er. This cool water-resistant pack has mesh side pockets that can actually hold a good-sized water bottle which is a must and not always easy to find.