Canyoning Equipment: What's Provided and What to Bring

What the operator provides for canyoning

On a guided trip with a certified instructor, the following gear is included in the trip price:

• Neoprene wetsuit (5 mm, sometimes two-piece: jacket + trousers): thermal insulation in 8-15 °C water, protection against impacts and rock abrasion
• Neoprene socks (3-5 mm): worn inside your shoes to insulate your feet from the cold
• Helmet: sized to fit, mandatory for rockfall and low passages
• Canyon harness with lanyards, descender and carabiners: reinforced seat protects during natural water slides
• Canyon bag with waterproof containers: stores your dry gear during the descent

The guide carries the group equipment: semi-static ropes, rescue system, waterproof first aid kit and emergency phone.

Canyoning shoes: the most important gear choice

This is the one item the operator doesn't always provide. Poor footwear turns an enjoyable descent into a constant slip hazard.

Old sports trainers

The most common option for a first trip. Pick a pair with a grippy sole (no smooth tennis soles) and ankle support. The shoes will come out battered by water and rock, so bring a pair you're willing to sacrifice.

Low hiking shoes

Better grip and support than trainers. Ideal if you have an old pair. Avoid mid or high-cut models: they make swimming harder and take ages to dry.

Dedicated canyoning shoes

High-grip rubber sole, built-in drainage, ankle reinforcement. Worth it if you go regularly. Budget around €60 to €120 for a decent pair. For a first trip, they're unnecessary.

The decisive factor: the sole. It must grip on wet rock. Test before your trip by wetting the sole and walking on tiles. If it slides, switch pairs.

Checklist: what to bring for canyoning

• Grippy closed shoes: old sport trainers or low hiking shoes (see section above)
• Swimsuit: worn under the wetsuit
• Towel and dry clothes: to change after the trip, leave in the car or at the meeting point
• Water bottle and energy bar: for trips over 2 hours, the guide carries them in the dry bag

Optional but useful:

• Thin synthetic t-shirt (under the wetsuit to prevent chafing)
• Glasses strap for prescription eyewear
• Waterproof pouch if you want to bring a phone

Canyoning trips in Lake Garda or Bovec typically last 3 to 4 hours: plan accordingly.

What not to wear canyoning

• Cotton: a cotton t-shirt under the wetsuit cools you down instead of insulating. Always wear synthetic.
• Smooth soles: street shoes, flip-flops, plastic sandals. Zero grip on wet rock.
• Jewellery: rings, necklaces and bracelets snag on ropes and gear. Leave them in the car.
• Soft contact lenses: current and water jumps can dislodge them. Prefer prescription glasses with a retaining strap.

Our canyoning conditions guide covers the physical and medical requirements.

Adapting your canyoning gear by season

Midsummer (July-August)

Water stays cold (10-15 °C in the Alps, 12-18 °C in Spain), but the 5 mm wetsuit is more than enough. Bring sun cream for the approach hikes and out-of-water breaks. The neoprene socks provided by the guide are usually sufficient.

Early and late season (May-June, September)

Water drops to 8-12 °C. The guide may provide neoprene gloves as well. Bring a thin synthetic base layer to wear under the wetsuit for extra insulation. Our canyoning beginners guide covers how to prepare for your first trip depending on the time of year.