Inflatable River Tubes

A river tube is an inner tube used to float down a river. Despite the name, river tubes can also be used in pools, lakes, or even on the ocean, so long as it’s in a calm, protected area away from boat traffic and there aren’t too many waves. River tubes are primarily designed for casual floating on flatwater.

The best river tubes are made from heavy-duty materials like vinyl or rubber. Our Weekender Float tubes are made with 0.45 millimeters of 18-gauge vinyl—offering reliable protection from scuffs, scrapes, and punctures—and can support up to 300 pounds.

The lifespan of an inflatable river tube largely depends on how well it's taken care of and how it’s used. Vinyl inner tubes like the Weekender Float can last 5 to 10 years with proper care. Proper inflation, cleaning, and storage can significantly extend the life of an inflatable tube.

Avoid leaving your tube exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Remember that tubes used frequently in harsh conditions (e.g., rocky beaches, saltwater) will generally wear out faster than those used less often or in gentler environments. Clean and dry your tube after each use, especially if tubing in saltwater.

The best river tubes aren’t just donut tubes. They also come with accessories like a comfortable backrest, mesh bottom, grab rope, heavy-duty handles, and integrated cup holders! Our inflatable tubes all come with all of the above, as well as a repair patch in case of a puncture.

While river rafting and river tubing have similarities, they are very different activities. River rafting uses a multi-person raft with paddles for navigation and is suitable for group adventures, both on calm or whitewater rivers. River tubing, on the other hand, uses individual tubes for a relaxed, slower-paced float on calm water. Rafting offers more control and excitement for group outings, while tubing is more laid-back and suitable for both individuals and groups.

The best tubes for river floating are durable, lightweight, and offer more than a simple inner tube. Good river floating tubes should have accessories like an inflatable backrest, handles, a mesh bottom, cup holders, and grab ropes. A basic inner tube can get the job done, but a tube designed specifically for river tubing, like the Weekender Float, will make your days on the water much more relaxing and enjoyable!

The best river tubes are inflatable manually, by blowing into a valve on the side of the tube. The best way to inflate a tube without getting out of breath is to inhale deeply, then exhale slowly and steadily. Avoid fast, shallow breaths. The anti-leak screw valve on our Weekender Float river tube makes inflation a breeze, preventing leakage and allowing you to take breaks as you blow without your tube losing any air.

You can go river tubing without shoes, but it’s highly recommended to wear water shoes or secure sandals. Riverbeds can be rocky or have debris. Shoes also provide traction on slippery surfaces, like mossy rocks, and covered water shoes protect the tops of your feet from sunburn. If you’re tubing on a sandy beach or in a very deep body of water, like a lake, then shoes may be less necessary, but they’re still helpful when climbing in and out of a boat or onto a dock.

It’s important to always wear a life jacket during on-water recreational activities. This is true for paddle boarding, kayaking, tubing, boating and sometimes for swimming too. Life jacket laws vary by state, so familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations in your area and make sure you understand any potential hazards—including currents, tidal activity, boat traffic, or submerged rocks and logs—before you venture out.

Only the best river tubes have mesh bottoms, but they provide a serious upgrade in comfort! Unlike bottomless tubes, mesh bottoms prevent the rider from slipping deep into the tube, keeping them sitting in an upright, comfortable position. And unlike a non-porous bottom, a mesh bottom allows water to flow through the tube naturally, so that the rider doesn’t sit in a puddle of water, and the tube doesn’t slowly flood as water splashes into it.

Mesh bottoms are also useful because you don’t have to worry about losing items like sunglasses or hats. If you don’t have space for them in your twin integrated cup holders, then you can keep them in the tube with you, and they won’t slip out the bottom!

Inflatables lose air over time due to a combination of factors. Temperature changes also play a role, as the air inside the inflatable expands when it's hot and contracts when it's cold, leading to pressure differences and air loss. Microleaks will also eventually develop at seams or valves after seasons of wear and tear. With proper care and storage, however, you should be able to get five years or more out of your inflatable before this occurs.

No inflatable tube will last forever. Most have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance and storage, so long as you avoid any undue wear and tear. You can make your inflatable river tube last longer by ensuring it’s washed and dried after each use (especially if used in saltwater) and by storing it in a cool, dry environment, free from extreme temperatures and out of direct sunlight. Also, try to avoid tubing in shallow water with hazards like rocks and logs, as these may puncture your tube.

We always recommend people have a basic level of swimming ability and comfort in the water before participating in any recreational water activities, including river tubing. Regardless, make sure you always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device!

While it’s usually safe to go tubing after it rains, it's crucial to research in advance. Safety depends on the length and severity of the rainfall and the river you plan to tube. Heavy rainfall can increase water levels and current, making the river more dangerous. It can also wash fresh debris into the river, and stir up sediment, reducing water clarity and making it harder to see obstacles like rocks or logs. Do your due diligence and use caution when tubing after heavy rain.