Float Trip Essentials: 14 Must-Haves on the River

River float trips should be on everyone’s summer bucket list! Nothing quite compares to floating down a cold river on a hot summer day. Whether you’re floating down calm water or whitewater, here are some float trip essentials to bring on the river.

girl floating on a tube on the little river in tennessee

Of these 14 must-have float trip essentials, some are required for safety while others are optional to add to the fun.

Happy floating!

Table of Contents

Float Trip Essentials: 14 Must-Haves on the River

tubing on the little river in the smoky mountains

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1. Tube

The first float trip essential is a tube, of course! Ideally, you’ll want to bring a sturdy one that can withstand rocks and rapids.

This river tube is available on Amazon and would be a great option! It’s puncture-resistant and has a backrest, handles, and a cup holder.

PRO TIP: Avoid black tubes, as they absorb the sunlight and get super hot!

2. Portable Air Pump

Inflate your tube with a portable electric air pump! This saves so much time and gets you out on the water faster.

This portable air pump on Amazon is very affordable. I’ve been using it for years! It comes with a variety of attachments so you can also blow up inflatable SUPs, kayaks, and more.

3. Dry Bag

You’ll need a waterproof vessel to carry your float trip essentials. I’d recommend a durable dry bag with straps so that you can wear it, clip it to your tube, or put it in a separate tube tied to yours.

This dry bag backpack on REI is great because it is 100% waterproof and submersible, is UV-resistant, and has padded shoulder straps.

4. Waterproof Belt Bag

Vessi’s waterproof belt bag comes in clutch on river float trips. It allows easy access to essentials that you might frequently need like your phone, snacks, and chapstick.

And with a zippered closure, it’s much easier to get into than a typical roll-top dry bag.

5. Waterproof Camera and/or Waterproof Phone Pouch

If you’re going to be capturing photos and/or videos on your float trip, I’d bring one of these things: a waterproof pouch for your phone or a waterproof camera. Or both!

I have and love the GoPro Hero 11! This waterproof action camera captures fantastic photos and videos. Attach the GoPro to a floating hand grip so it’ll float if dropped into the water.

If you’re bringing your phone on the river, you must have one of these waterproof phone pouches! It will protect your phone and prevent it from getting wet. It even comes with a lanyard to wrap around your neck, so you won’t lose/drop it!

6. Life Jacket

Life jackets are necessary, especially if you’ll be floating on a river with deeper sections and/or strong currents.

Many states require life jackets, so it’s a good idea to at least carry one in your tube. Better yet, wear it. Safety first!

7. Sun Protection

Protect yourself from the harsh sun rays by wearing a sunhat, applying SPF chapstick to your lips, applying water-resistant sunscreen to your skin every hour or two, etc.

8. Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the river! It can be easy to forget to drink when you’re floating, but it’s important to sip to avoid dehydration. This lightweight Hydroflask bottle will keep your water ice-cold for hours.

9. Towel

A small packable towel has many uses on the river. You can dry off after jumping in the water. You can lay it out on the riverbank to have a picnic. You can dip it in the river and wrap it around your neck to cool off as you float. Multi-purpose!

10. Bug Spray

Many rivers are buggy so you’ll want to spritz bug spray on yourself before departing. If you’ll be on the river all day, or if you’ll be swimming, it’s probably a good idea to toss a bottle in your bag so you can reapply.

11. Snacks

Snacks are always a good idea on a float trip! Depending on how long you’ll be on the river, you might just need a few snacks or you might need to bring a meal to prepare along the riverbank.

12. Bathing Suit or Quick-Drying Clothing

Wear a bathing suit and/or quick-drying clothing on the river! No cotton, as this holds water and won’t dry.

13. Water Sandals

Water sandals are a necessity on the river. I’d never recommend tubing barefoot because if you ever need to get out of your tube, you’ll want sturdy footwear to navigate the slippery rocks.

These Columbia Sports Sandals are the BEST water sandals! They’ve got excellent traction. I wear them on the river, at the beach, on hikes with lots of river crossings, and more! I’ve hiked, floated, and paddled hundreds of miles with them – and they’re still going strong!

14. Mini Paddle

river tubing on the little river in the smoky mountains

I saved the most unique float trip essential for last – a mini paddle! These come in handy to navigate your tube, whether for steering or getting unstuck from rocks. When the water level is low, rocks could protrude above the surface, causing your tube to get stuck.

I use half of a detachable paddle that came with my inflatable SUP, but you can buy mini paddles on Amazon here. You don’t want to bring a regular-sized kayak paddle because they’re too long!

Ready to Go River Tubing?

My favorite place to float is in the Smoky Mountains. The rivers have a perfect mix of adventurous rapids and relaxation “lazy river” vibes, so there’s a tubing route for everyone!

Here’s info on the three best tubing rivers in the Smoky Mountains!