🌊 Summary of Aquatic Canyoning Gear
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for canyoners, protecting against the elements and potential dangers. PPE for canyoning extends beyond just a helmet and harness; it's a complete system designed to safeguard different parts of your body from the unique hazards of the canyon environment.
We highly suggest talking to your canyon leaders and other participants about their suggestions for what to pack in each canyon, tips and tricks, their favored gear, and more. However, keep in mind that you know your experience and needs and body better than anyone; e.g. if you tend to get cold easily, pick a thicker wetsuit and sock, pack more layers, etc. You’re better off carrying layers you don’t end up needing rather than freezing and regretting what you didn’t pack.
đź’°Â Purchasing vs Renting Wet Canyon Gear
If you are not planning on consistently doing wet canyons, or do not do them frequently, we suggest exploring renting SOME gear instead of purchasing.
- Wetsuits can be rented in the Zion area, but note that this can be just as expensive as purchasing if you rent for multiple days.
- Wet canyon shoes
- If you cannot purchase or rent wet canyon shoes, some canyoners loosen their laces on their approach shoes and take out the insole of the shoe to accommodate neoprene socks.
Wet Canyon Gear List
- Wetsuit: A wetsuit features 4-way stretch neoprene rubber for maximum mobility and comfort in extreme conditions. Most flowing-water canyons require a minimum 4/3 millimeter wet suit, but depending on the environment, you may need up to a 5mm wet suit or a dry suit.
- See a breakdown of wetsuit types here
- Brand and type of wetsuit is up to individual canyoners; try on wetsuits in person to determine what works best for you
- We suggest wearing a full wetsuit or a Farmer John/Jane with an additional neoprene layer for warmth.
- It is ideal to use thicker neoprene over the torso (core) to hold in vital body heat where it’s hardest to stay warm, while thinner sections on the arms and legs give more flexibility and mobility.
- Many canyoners wear swimsuits underneath their hiking clothes, change into a wetsuit over their swimsuits at the start of the water, and then change into entirely dry clothes once out of the water.
- Commonly used brands include O’Neil, Roxy, NeoSport, and Hyperflex
- Dry Suits: Some dry suits are designed specifically for canyoning and have a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep you warm and dry. During some parts of the season, you will need a dry suit for aquatic canyons to prevent hypothermia, especially in places like the Pacific Northwest.
- Dry suit vs wetsuit is up to the individual canyoner. We do not suggest bringing a dry suit unless you already know how to use it/are comfortable wearing it.
- If you’re deciding between a dry suit and a wetsuit for a wet canyon, we recommend a wetsuit; even if it tears, it will continue to provide insulation, whereas a torn dry suit offers no protection from the cold.
- Phone Case: You will need a waterproof case if you want to take pictures on your phone, like most canyoners.
- We suggest cases that do not require you to take your phone in and out to get a clear picture. Prioritize efficiency to diminish time spent fiddling around with your bags.
- Neoprene Cap: Covering your head can significantly help you keep warm. Keeping your head warm makes a huge difference.
- Neoprene gloves: Neoprene gloves help keep your palms and fingers warm. Many aquatic canyons are flowing from snow melt, which can numb your hands quickly, making it hard to do the tasks required while canyoning.
- Neoprene Socks: Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber with good insulating properties. This makes it ideal for use in cold water, as it will help keep your feet warm. Neoprene socks can fit in your canyoning boots, while neoprene booties have a sole and don’t fit in your boots.
- Commonly used: Neosport 5mm
- These are critical to wear with appropriate wet canyon footwear. Prioritize warm toes and feet in wet canyons!
- Alternative brands can be found on Amazon.
- Some local vendors carry these, but not all, and not in all sizes and mm. Plan and purchase in advance to ensure your comfort.
- Canyon Keg: The most foolproof water protection available.
- ON Rope Canyoneering
- Unlike dry bags, the canyon kegs external shell helps protect your items from crushing during impact, offers excellent floatation, and allows easy access to your goods.
- Dry Bags: You cannot hike to the trailhead in your wetsuit; you will overheat. You need to wear clothing to hike into and out of aquatic canyons. You will want to have dry bags and or canyon keg to keep clothing dry for the hike and out and to prevent clothing from getting wet and heavy. You will also need dry bags for food, a first aid kit, and other accessories to keep different items dry.
- Sea to Summit
- Protect your dry bags carefully—even a small tear or puncture can compromise them and let water in. Avoid using them for everyday packing, and keep them off rough or dirty surfaces to prevent damage.
- Swim Goggles: You always want to check what is at the bottom of pools of water before anyone on your team jumps into it.
- Canyoning Boots: Water-specific canyoning boots offer an excellent combination of comfort, softness, support, warmth, and durability. We suggest you buy a “sticky rubber” boot that provides excellent grip on slippery surfaces. Try on shoes with your neoprene socks for an ideal fit.
- Waterproof Rain Jacket Shell & Insulating Layer: Often, water in aquatic canyons is cold. Although you will have your wetsuit to protect you from freezing temperatures, it is important to bring warm protective layers to insulate your body after you have completed the canyon. Packing a puffy jacket (insulated with synthetic, which stays warm when wet) is always a good idea. In addition, a rain jacket with a waterproof shell keeps the warmth in and protects you from the wind.
- REI rain jackets
- Puffy: We suggest puffies that use PrimaLoft insultation. PrimaLoft insulation is ideal for canyoneering in wet environments because it retains warmth even when soaked, dries quickly, and stays lightweight and packable. This makes it far more reliable than down for swims, waterfalls, and the repeated wet–dry cycles common in technical canyons.