What to Pack for Your Adventure Bound Trip: The Complete Guide

The question we get more than almost any other: what should I bring?

It’s a good question. A day Kennebec River Rafting is different from most things people have done before — you’ll be wet, you’ll be outside for hours, you might be staying overnight, and the conditions in May feel very different from August. Getting this right means having a better trip. Getting it wrong means spending the day uncomfortable.

This guide covers everything — what to wear on the water, what to pack for overnight stays, what changes by season, and the items we see people forget most often. Read it before you pack, send it to your group, and arrive ready.

📄 Download the quick-reference versions:
Participant Packing List (PDF)
Trip Leader Welcome Letter (PDF)

The Non-Negotiables: Bring These or You Can’t Participate

These items are required — not optional. Participants without them will not be permitted to take part in activities. No exceptions.

Completed and signed Release of Liability Form — must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for anyone under 18. Cannot be altered in any way. Bring the physical form on arrival.
Prescribed medications — Epi-pens, asthma inhalers, diabetic medications, and all other prescribed medications must travel with you, not in a bus or vehicle that isn’t staying on site.

If you’re arriving by bus and the bus is not staying on property, we strongly recommend having at least one vehicle on site for emergencies. Please plan accordingly.

What to Wear on the Water

This is where most people have questions — and where getting it right makes the biggest difference. Here’s the honest answer: you will get wet. Plan for it.

The basics — every water-based activity

Bathing suit and shorts — wear them as your base layer under everything else
Synthetic layers — not cotton. Cotton holds water and gets cold. Synthetic fabrics dry fast and keep you warmer.
Swim shirt — for sun protection and an extra layer
Water shoes or sandals with a heel strap — crocs and flip-flops are not appropriate and won’t stay on. Old extra sneakers work great as a backup.
Rain gear — even on sunny days, conditions on the river can change
Sunscreen — bring it and apply it before you get in the raft

Wetsuits: Adventure Bound provides wetsuits when weather conditions warrant them. You don’t need to bring your own — but you do need the layers listed above regardless.

Spring and Fall — extra layers matter

Water and air temperatures in May, June, September, and October are significantly cooler than midsummer. If you’re coming during shoulder season, plan accordingly:

Fleece hat that fits under a helmet — this is important and often overlooked
Thin gloves
Synthetic base layers that go under or over a wetsuit (fleece)
Extra rain jacket or windbreaker

The river is beautiful in spring and fall. A little extra preparation means you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

What to Wear for Land-Based Activities

Ropes course, rock climbing, hiking, and other land-based activities have slightly different requirements than water activities. Plan for both if your trip includes a mix.

Closed-toe shoes — required for the ropes course, rock climbing, hiking, and all activity center use. Water shoes alone won’t cut it. Bring a dry pair of sneakers or trail shoes.
Comfortable athletic clothing — nothing too loose that could catch
Layers for temperature changes — mornings in Caratunk can be significantly cooler than afternoons
Rain gear — Maine weather is genuine Maine weather

Packing for an Overnight or Multi-Day Stay

Groups staying overnight at Adventure Bound need a few additional items beyond the water and activity gear. Cabin tents have wooden bunks with mattresses — you’ll need your own bedding unless you’ve arranged for linen service.

Overnight essentials

Sleeping bag and pillow — a standard camping sleeping bag is fine
Towel — for the pool, hot tub, and showers
Headlamp or flashlight — the property is spread across 40 acres and it gets dark out here
Warm layers for evenings — temperatures drop noticeably after sunset, especially in spring and fall
Personal hygiene items — toothbrush, soap, shampoo, whatever you need
Closed-toe shoes in addition to water shoes — for walking the property in the evenings

Optional but useful overnight items

Water bottle
Baseball hat
Sunglasses
Eye Glass retainer (Chums or Croakies – a must for Prescription Eye Glasses – Chums for sale at AB)
Bug spray — it’s Maine, in the woods, by a river

Meals and Dietary Needs

Check with your trip leader about your group’s meal plan — Adventure Bound offers a full range of meal options including riverside BBQ lunch, breakfast, and dinner for overnight groups.

Allergy information:

Adventure Bound offers gluten-free and nut-free options, but the facility is not a dedicated gluten-free or nut-free environment. The campground serves the general public and our grounds and buildings are not nut-free.

For participants with severe allergies, we recommend packing your own meals in a personal cooler. Please let us know about any allergies and dietary restrictions prior to your arrival.

What to Leave Home

Cotton clothing for water activities — it holds water, gets heavy, and gets cold. Leave the cotton t-shirts and jeans for after the river.
Crocs or flip-flops for the water — they come off. Bring water shoes or sandals with a secure heel strap, or old sneakers.
Valuables — phones, cameras, and anything you’d be upset to lose or damage should be secured in your accommodations or locked in a vehicle. Cell phone reception is limited in our area; wifi is available in the main building.
No alcohol or smoking — no alcohol is permitted on Adventure Bound property. No exceptions. No smoking or vaping.

Quick Reference: Full Packing Checklist

📄 Download the Participant Packing List (PDF)

Water activities — everyone

☐ Bathing suit and shorts
☐ Synthetic base layers (no cotton)
☐ Swim shirt
☐ Water shoes or sandals with heel strap
☐ Extra sneakers (great backup)
☐ Rain gear
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Signed Release of Liability Form
☐ Prescribed medications (Epi-pen, inhaler, etc.)

Spring and fall — additional layers

☐ Fleece hat that fits under a helmet
☐ Thin gloves
☐ Synthetic layers for under or over wetsuit
☐ Extra rain jacket or windbreaker

Land activities

☐ Closed-toe shoes / sneakers or trail shoes
☐ Athletic clothing

Overnight stays

☐ Sleeping bag and pillow
☐ Towel
☐ Headlamp or flashlight
☐ Warm layers for evenings
☐ Personal hygiene items

Optional

☐ Water bottle
☐ Baseball hat
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Bug spray

A Few Things to Know Before You Arrive

Check-in times:

Rafting, rock climbing, ropes course, hiking, canoeing: 8:00 AM
Half-day afternoon programs: 12:30 PM
Climbing wall: 7:30 PM (advance reservation required)
Accommodation check-in: 3:00 PM
Two-day overnight arrival: 8:00 AM
Accommodation check-out: 10:00 AM

Quiet time begins at 10 PM. Lights out at midnight. The pool and hot tub close at 10 PM. The lodge closes at 11PM, though bathrooms and showers are open 24 hours. The gift shop is open 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Minimum ages:

Upper Kennebec rafting: 10 years old
Lower Kennebec rafting: 8 years old
Dead River rafting: 14 years old
All other activities: 10 years old

Directions: From the south, take Exit 133 off I-95, then Route 201 north through Skowhegan, Solon, and Bingham. Adventure Bound is 13 miles north of Bingham on Route 201 on the left, directly across from the access road to Pleasant Pond and the village of Caratunk. Use 1094 US Route 201, Caratunk, ME 04925 for GPS.