Tubing is an enjoyable event that the whole family can enjoy! The best part of tubing is that you are going somewhere that is essentially like a lazy river (depending on where you go), but you get to enjoy the nature that surrounds you, and you will see much more wildlife in the process.
All dreams aside, one of the biggest things you should consider is what kind of items you should pack for a tubing trip. Although it might seem like fun and games for the most part, there might be a few items that you have not thought about bringing. But do not worry, as we have you covered in this area!
The items you need to pack for tubing are essentials like sun protection, water, food, and, of course, do not forget about your tube! However, there may be other items you might not have thoroughly thought about.
This article discusses everything you need to know about what to bring when going out tubing, as well as some extra information that we have not discussed above, like what you should wear and what things you can do to prevent yourself from falling off during a floating trip.
Overall, we have everything you need to know right here in this very article, so we encourage you to continue reading for more information!
What Are Some Items You Should Pack for a Tubing Trip?
There are multiple things you should pack for a tubing trip. Regardless of whether you are floating down a scenic mountain or riding on a lazy river, you are still soaking up the sun and enjoying the great outdoors.
However, it is essential to ensure that you pack properly, as this can significantly impact whether you have a smooth and enjoyable experience or find yourself in a stressful and messy situation.
From essentials like sunscreen and water shoes, it is essential to make sure you bring what you need. We also recommend creating a checklist before venturing off, as well, to ensure you have everything you need. With that being said, let’s dive in for more information.
Necessities:
Without the necessities, tubing can be rugged at times. Although most of the time it is about relaxing and enjoying yourself, there are still some things to keep in mind, like how you are out in the wilderness, and anything can essentially happen that you might not have taken into account. So, with that being said, let us review what the necessities are so you can plan accordingly for your next tubing trip!
1. A Floating Device
Of course, the first thing you should bring on a tubing adventure is a floating device! If you don’t have one, we recommend looking for specific areas that allow you to rent a tube for the day. It typically costs anywhere between $15 to $30 to rent out a tube for the day, unless stated otherwise. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time to ensure the whole family can enjoy it!
2. Water Bottle
While out in the sun or even being anywhere outdoors, it is vital to make sure you bring lots of water with you. Despite you actually being IN the water, you will still get thirsty along the way, especially if it is a hot summer day. Because of this, you need to make sure you are staying hydrated. Another consideration is bringing an electrolyte drink with you if you tend to get fatigued easily.
3. Life Jacket
Having a life jacket might not seem like a necessity, but for some people, it is imperative to have one. For example, if you are bringing children who do not know how to swim, ensuring they wear a life jacket is crucial. On top of this, if you go on a floating trip with some rough waters along the way, then we recommend keeping it on for your safety as well.
4. Day Bag
Having a day bag is essential because it keeps all of your belongings in one spot instead of you having to rummage through a bunch of different items to find one specific place. We recommend putting everything in small boxes or something similar to ensure you can find things more easily in said backpack as well.
5. Food and Snacks
It is not a tubing adventure without some good food and snacks! If you plan to be out all day, we recommend planning accordingly. Make sure to bring snacks that you enjoy eating instead of something that tastes gross to you. However, we also recommend bringing snacks that are high in protein or food that gives you good energy. Also, it is essential to ensure that you are not packing something like a banana, which can easily get smushed and turn brown quickly.
6. Beach Towel
Beach towels are good because they are lightweight, but many beach towels made nowadays also keep sand off of them. We recommend getting a 2-pack beach microfiber towel, as it dries quickly while also keeping sand off of it. Plus, they will not take up a lot of space in your bag, making it the perfect accessory to have on hand!
7. Insect Repellent
Insects will constantly bother you, especially in water that is infested with bugs like mosquitoes. In this case, we recommend investing in an insect repellent that will be non-toxic to yourself and those around you. Lots of insects hate lemongrass (especially mosquitoes), so check out this deet-free insect repellent that contains lemongrass oil.
8. Sun Protection
Protecting your skin against the sun is a huge must. Although the sun is good for you, having too much sun will cause sunburn. Make sure to find a good sunscreen to use, sunglasses, a hat (especially if you are bald and have hardly any to no hair), and other sun protectants, like specific swimwear.
9. Air Pump
Sometimes, things happen, and that means your tube might get a hole in it during the tubing process. In that case, we recommend bringing an air pump for emergencies. Also, consider getting some patches to keep on hand so that you, your family member, or friend can get back home safely!
10. Change of Clothes
Suppose you just spent the day out on the river and do not wish to drive home in the clothes you wore all day. In that case, we recommend bringing an extra change of clothes in case you need them. On top of this, if you are going to be camping, then we truly recommend bringing more clothes!
11. Waterproof First Aid Kit
You never want to leave your home without a first aid kit. It is essential to keep this on hand wherever you go, regardless of whether you are in the water or not.
Although you might think that nothing bad will happen during those times, there is always a chance that something might, especially if you have children. We recommend getting a waterproof first aid kit specifically designed for outdoor use.
Extra Items You May Want:
Sometimes all we think about are the necessities, but what if you wanted more to make your life easier? In that case, we recommend bringing some (or all) of these extra items on your next floating trip.
1. Waterproof Portable Speakers and Chargers
Sometimes all you want to do is sit back, relax, and jam out to some of your favorite music. In this case, we recommend bringing a waterproof portable speaker.
Make sure to charge it up the night before and jam out to some music the next day. However, another consideration is bringing a waterproof portable charger that allows you to charge on the go, even in environments without access to a power outlet.
2. Floating Cooler
Nothing says “let’s go floating” like a nice cold drink of your choice (or even keeping your food cold). We recommend investing in a floating cooler to ensure it does not sink all the way to the bottom if you accidentally drop it. On top of this, if you are using a floaty, you can potentially tie a rope from one of the handles to the cooler to ensure you are not losing anything specific.
3. Waterproof Phone Case or Pouch
Much in the same way as you may want waterproof speakers to hear something interesting, you should consider getting a waterproof phone case or pouch to put your belongings in.
On top of this, it would be fun to get plenty of pictures so you can cherish these memories for years to come! Consider getting a phone case specifically designed for your phone to ensure there are no hiccups along the way.
Something else to consider is that although you are on a floating trip, you still need somewhere to put your keys, wallet, and whatever else is essential. In that case, we recommend a waterproof fanny pack or something similar to ensure everything remains dry.
What Are Some Things You Should Wear on a Float Trip?
When considering what items to wear on a float trip, we highly recommend wearing something that is first and foremost comfortable for you. Consider that you will be lying on your back for the majority of the time. In this case, if you are wearing something tight that can cause you not to sit down properly, then it might not be the right clothes for you.
Make sure you wear clothes that will dry quickly as well, like a bathing suit or something similar. Another alternative is to invest in a rash guard, which helps protect you better from the sun. It is also a wise idea to wear this if you get easily sunburnt.
We also recommend bringing water shoes. Suppose you and your party want to sit somewhere and relax for a moment, but there are a lot of rocky areas that will hurt your feet. In this case, water shoes will help protect the bottom of your feet from constant irritation. Plus, you can get around quicker.
Can You Wear Crocs on a Float Trip?
Crocs, despite their comfort and popularity, will not be the best option for you to bring on a floating trip. Although crocs do float if they slip off your feet, the moral of the story is, they DO slip off and can easily become lost.
However, if you are a determined person, you can go get them wherever they “swam off to,” but most likely this will be a common recurrence, causing you more frustration than anything else. Instead, we recommend water shoes or sandals that have straps or laces because they are not easily able to be taken off.
How to Keep Things Dry on a Float Trip
When packing for a float trip, we recommend putting all personal belongings in a waterproof case. You can also invest in a highly affordable dry bag that comes in all sizes, ranging from 5L to 40L, depending on the size of your party and what you are going to bring. This would also be a perfect bag to bring if you are going on an overnight float trip, which we will briefly discuss below.
What to Bring On an Overnight Float Trip?
There are many things we recommend bringing on an overnight float trip, but the most important things to remember are water, food, safety supplies, and similar items. To make things easier, here is a quick list to get you by:
- First aid
- Float bag
- Safety gear (helmet, life jacket, rope, etc.)
- Camping clothes
- Camping equipment (like a small tent or sleeping bag)
- Footwear
- Sun protection
- Cooler
- Storage for food
- Waterproof cases
- Entertainment
- Meals and water
How to Not Fall Off While Tubing?
Some tubes are huge for people to use. For example, if you have an 8-year-old child, then they will most likely fall off. In this case, it is essential to make sure you gain the knowledge required to ensure you do not fall off while tubing. Here are some tips to remember before venturing off:
- Wear a PFD: Make sure that while wearing a PFD, it fits whoever is wearing it properly.
- Inspect equipment regularly: If the tube has a hole, you will not be having fun for much longer. Make sure to inspect any equipment you bring beforehand to ensure a safe and fun experience.
- Hold onto the handles: This is a given, but holding onto the handles will ensure you remain on the tube and not fall off.
- Relax: Get the wiggles out and take a deep breath before going tubing. Simply enjoy the time you are on there and have fun!
Conclusion
In summary, there are several essentials to pack for a tubing trip, but the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy yourself! We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions about tubing, we recommend checking out our other articles for more information. Happy tubing, everyone!