5 Items to Up the Comfort Level of Your Next Float Trip
My friend Nelbert has a saying:
”Any damn pilgrim can be uncomfortable on the river.”
At 83 years-old, Nelbert Niemi is one of the most experienced river rats on either side of the Mississippi. In addition to countless expeditions on various rivers around the US, Nelbert has rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon well over a hundred times. He has another run “down in the ditch,” as he likes to say, scheduled for April 2023. Nelbert started in the rafting business around the beginning of commercial guiding in the Grand Canyon. He is still rowing his own boat to this day.
In his time on the river, Nelbert has learned a thing or a hundred about comfort. So back to his saying; while he may sound a bit grough, if you read between the lines, there is a lesson to be learned from someone who has cut his teeth on the water.
Anyone can show up and just get through a river trip, but with a little planning ahead and a few comfort items, the whole experience becomes that much better.
To help you along that path to “luxury” on your upcoming adventures, let’s talk about five items that will help take your next float trip to the next level.
NRS Mesh Drag Bag
Yes, this can be used to carry loose items to camp and yes, it’s also good for hanging food out of reach from critters. But the true beauty of the NRS Mesh Drag Bag is cooling your beverages out on the river.
When cooler space is limited and ice only lasts for so long, the NRS Mesh Drag Bag is the perfect solution for preventing a long day of drinking lukewarm Busch. Simply throw a few in in the morning, let it hang off the tail of your boat while you float, and let the cool water of the spring-fed river do the chilling. The NRS Mesh Drag Bag is built with rugged heavy-duty mesh so you don’t have to worry about an accidental run in with a gravel bottom. Run a strap through the D-ring to attach it to your raft or a carabiner and the strap to hang the bag at camp.
Crazy Creek Original Travel Chair
Wishing your canoe seat offered a little more back support? The solution is simple. The Crazy Creek Original Travel Chair offers comfort on any terrain. As far as portable, lightweight chairs go, a Crazy Creek is the best you can get. They’re made with the most durable fabrics and carbon fiber stays, and they come with a lifetime warranty.
In fact, if you don’t already have a Crazy Creek Travel Chair, you should probably add one to your essentials kit. After a long day in a canoe, your back will thank you for the investment.
Nocs Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars
What is the one thing you always find yourself wishing you had on a float trip but forget to bring? For me, the answer is a good pair of binoculars. The Nocs Standard Issue 8X25 Waterproof Binoculars are the perfect travel binocular to take on your next float trip. Whether you're floating along or exploring the woods near camp, a good pair of binoculars can definitely enhance your experience.
Constructed with top shelf optics in compact, rugged housing, the Nocs Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars offer a wide field of view and fully coated, scratch resistant lenses. Plus they’re waterproof (IPX7) and fogproof, so if they end up taking a swim with you on the Eleven Point they’ll still be good to go.
Frost River Canoe Thwart Bag
We’ve all been there, out on the river with our water bottles, sunscreen, guide books and other personal items rolling around in sandy water at the bottom of the boat. The solution- add some storage compartments to your canoe. The Frost River Canoe Thwart Bag is a sturdy organization tool to keep your personal effects in order.
The Frost River Canoe Thwart Bag features a 18oz waxed canvas, premium leather and solid brass hardware. Secure leather straps attach to the thwart so the bag hangs within reach of the stern paddler. With a zippered main compartment and half and full-length secondary pockets, it has plenty of storage for the goods you grab for regularly on float trips.
NRS High Roll Duffle 35L
Accidents happen, especially on the Ozark rivers. Next time you end up sideways in Halls Bay, rest easy knowing there will be a dry change of clothes and sleeping bag are protected inside a dry bag like the NRS High Roll Duffle 35L.
I know, I know…the old backpack in a garbage bag is more true to Missouri fashion, but if you’re looking to level up dry bags have the best return on investment of any comfort item you might choose. They provide safety by keeping your goods dry and piece of mind in all elements. Bonus, they’re designed to take a bit of a beating. The NRS High Roll Duffle is a favorite because it has the durability of the legendary NRS Bill’s Bag, but in a duffel-style design- making it easy to pack and find your gear.