- Stay Cool in the Backcountry: Dunk your sarong in the cold river water and wrap it around yourself; as the water evaporates, it naturally lowers your body temperature in the hot, dry desert heat.
- Sun Protection and Privacy: Use the fabric to shield your legs from sunburn without overheating, or utilize it as a mobile privacy curtain for changing clothes and discreetly using the river.
- Versatile Wilderness Gear: This quick-drying rectangular wonder can replace your bulky towel at camp, serve as a yoga mat on sandy beaches, and can be purchased directly from the Arizona River Runners store!
As you prepare for your upcoming river trip, you might notice something unexpected on your packing list—a sarong. But what exactly is a sarong, and why is it such an important item to include? How will you use it during your trip? Do you really need it? (The answer is YES!)
“Sarongs are essential for protecting thighs from sunburn while on the river and as a wet sheet on the hot nights.” – Joanne, Kirkland, WA
“Make sarongs mandatory!” – Matt, Washington, DC
This simple, lightweight, quick-drying piece of fabric is crazy versatile:
Natural Evaporative Cooling
Dunk your sarong into the cold river water and wrap it around you to cool off. As the water evaporates, it takes some of your body heat with it. Sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer in the desert heat!
Lightweight Sun Protection
Cover your legs with your wet or dry sarong. It provides an extra layer of sun protection without making you overheat, saving you from constant sunscreen reapplications.
Ultralight Travel Towel Alternative
Allow your sarong to dry as you approach camp so it’s ready to use as a quick-dry towel after a riverside bath. This allows you to leave the bulky bath towel at home and minimize your pack weight.
Portable Privacy Curtain
Whether you need to change clothes or create a makeshift bathroom stall, have a friend hold up your sarong to give you instant privacy anywhere on the trail.
Discreet Outdoor Urination for Women
Wrap your sarong around you like a dress and head toward the river. The fabric creates your very own privacy screen, covering your backside and making “nature calls” much more comfortable in wide-open spaces.
Sand-Free Beach Yoga Mat
Lay your sarong on the sandy beach to create a clean surface for stretching or meditation. It’s the perfect lightweight base for finding your zen while gazing at the Grand Canyon.
Seriously, you’ll find even more uses for this rectangular wonder on your next trip. We encourage everyone to pack one!
Not convinced? At least bring a bandana. Bandanas can be dunked in the river and wrapped around your neck to cool you off or be used to clean your sunglasses after getting splashed in those epic rapids.
So enjoy a sarong on your next Grand Canyon river trip. You can even buy one in our store!
