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.
– Is the weather hot and dry? 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!
– Are you sick of putting on sunscreen every ten minutes? Cover your legs with your wet or dry sarong. It provides some sun protection without making you overheat.
– Want to minimize what you pack? Allow your sarong to dry as you approach camp, so it’s ready to use as a towel after a riverside bath. This way you can leave your towel at home.
– Need to change clothes? Have a friend hold up your sarong like a privacy curtain.
– Ladies, do you want a convenient, more discreet way to urinate in broad daylight? Wrap your sarong around you like a dress and head to the river. The fabric creates your very own privacy curtain as it covers your backside.
– Want to do yoga and gaze at the Grand Canyon? Lay your sarong on the sandy beach and find your zen.
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!
