What to Wear Canyoning in Interlaken

You've booked the tour, the date is set, and now you're looking at your bag wondering what exactly you're supposed to pack. Short answer: not much. Most of what you need is already waiting for you at the base.

But a few small choices make the difference between three comfortable hours in the water and three you could have done without.

When you arrive at the OUTDOOR Base in Wilderswil, you'll be fitted with a full neoprene wetsuit, neoprene water shoes, a helmet and a swim vest. The wetsuit keeps you warm in the water and protects your skin against rocks. The shoes have grip soles designed for wet stone. You don't need to bring any of this, and you can't use your own gear instead.

All technical climbing and safety equipment (harnesses, ropes, carabiners) is handled by the canyoning guides. You never need to clip or unclip anything yourself.

Wear your swimwear under your clothes when you arrive. Saves time and the changing room queue. Women: a simple bikini or one-piece works well under the wetsuit. Men: swim shorts or trunks. Avoid anything with metal zips, buckles or loose strings that could catch on equipment.

Skip the underwear under your swimwear. Cotton stays wet and gets uncomfortable under neoprene. Contact lenses are fine to keep in. Glasses are risky in the canyon, if you need them, bring a tight sports strap. The guides can advise on this at the briefing.

Tie long hair back before putting on your helmet. A simple hair tie is all you need.

Pack a small bag with just the essentials. The base has secure storage, so leave valuables in your locker. You'll want a towel for after the tour, sunscreen for the walk to the canyon, and a dry set of clothes to change into.

One thing people forget: bring a plastic bag for your wet swimwear after the tour. Saves you a wet backpack on the train home.

Personal cameras, GoPros and phones are not allowed in the canyon for safety reasons. Your tour is photographed by the guides, and the group photo is free.

Leave jewellery at the base. Rings, necklaces and earrings can snag on equipment or get lost in the water. Don't bring your own wetsuit or shoes, the guides fit you with gear that meets safety standards. And don't worry about bringing food or water into the canyon. The tour is 90 minutes in the water, and a free drink is waiting for you at the base afterwards.

For the complete overview of the tour, from check-in to the final splash, read our full guide to canyoning in Interlaken.