Tube For Quick River Crossings: Lightweight / Tough Enough / Easily Inflated

[Troutsource]

Looking for something that fits the above just to float across unsafely waded sections of rivers like the Yuba, American or parts of the Pit, for example. Just for quick transport across the river. Ideally it would be lightweight and not require a pump and could be stowed in the back of a typical vest. Trying to avoid drowning with my wading gambles.

Thanks for any ideas.

[MThompson]

If something like that existed everyone would have one.

[tcorfey]

perhaps wearing a wet or dry suit maybe farmer John style? with quick drying pants and shirt over it, might work or a waist belt manual inflation device like this...
https://www.sportsmans.com/fishing-g...pack/p/1445307

[JohnR]

Such a device could contribute to drownings, not mitigate them.

[JasonB]

I think John is probably correct. In the right hands, and used sparingly, it could in theory be very helpful...but it would also have lots of potential to get people into much more hazardous situations too. There are a few options out there which fit some of your criteria, but I think your final one would eliminate any that I would consider. If you did find something that could be stowed in the back of your fishing vest, I think the set up time to get it ready would make it a bit of a hassle? A good fitting PFD while wet wading has worked well for me in a few situations on smaller streams, but I’d be way too lazy to try that on a wider or faster stream.
JB

[JayDubP]

Float tube: how will your propel it? Fins or kayak paddle will add weight and bulk for you to carry while fishing.
Plus float tubes are not designed for moving water, so wet wading it might be okay but with waders and wading boots it spells danger. Scadden has some lightweight, frameless, "U" boats but he made them lighter by using thinner material- probably too heavy and bulky to carry all day.

PFD- I wear a NRS Chinook PFD/fishing vest when I use an inflatable.


THE BEST: Several firms sell lightweight, "kayak-style" inflatables designed for backpacking. These weigh around 3-5lbs not including weight of kayak paddle, but they are designed to safely handle white water.

Alpacka is one I used on a fly-in, paddle out with hiking between rivers. They now make some from Vectran (spun liquid polymer material- stronger than steel) but these are pricey.

https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/


NRS and AIRE also have similar boats.

If you plan to walk to a spot to cross and return-- consider a boat designed for that: SeaEagle Packfish 7, a 1 person, 22 lb, raft. Inflated you can carry it like a backpack. Not a vinyl toy, good quality. I used one to float the Yuba and it was great. $350 or so new. Also, look at Outcast Commander and Scadden used to sell similar "kayak-style" open bottom inflatable.

Jim