Best Heavy Duty River Tubes for Water Relaxation

During summer, it is more relaxing to have fun on the water. One way of having this kind of fun is floating or a calm river. Subsequently, we recommend getting the best heavy-duty river tubes for cool and optimal water fun.

Accordingly, we have compiled an informative buying guide for the best river float tubes. Even so, let's first understand the concept of a heavy-duty river tube.

What is a Heavy Duty River Tube?

A heavy-duty river tube is a floating accessory used while floating on a river, with some models featuring versatile applications in lakes and pools. Moreover, this type of floater has a build suitable for convenient, safe, and comfortable river floats. Floating on a river can vary in purpose, rendering the availability of differently designed river tubes.

Nonetheless, river floaters are not ideal for pulling on a powerboat. Instead, you should look for a towable tube that won't expose you to the risk of water accidents. So, in light of a heavy-duty river tube, let's look at the five best products in this category.

What are the best heavy duty river tubes?

1. Intex River Run I Sport Lounge

INTEX 58825EP River Run 1 Inflatable Floating Lounge: Comfortable Backrest – Built-in Cup Holders...

• THE ORIGINAL RIVER RUN – This sport tube is...
• DURABILITY – The River Run 1 is constructed...
• ULTIMATE COMFORT – Enjoy cruising and...
• PERFORMANCE – Designed with 2 air chambers...
• SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs,...

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Our first pick among the best heavy-duty river tubes is the Intex River Run I Sport Lounge. We love this particular tube more than other Intex river run tubes because of its durability, safety, and comfort. Primarily, this river floating tube guarantees you a long-term service for a wide range of summer water activities. In addition, this 53-inch floater has two air chambers: a safety chamber and the main chamber, for safety even if one bursts.

Beyond being just a tube, this premium river tube comes with a built-in backrest for enough support as you comfortably lounge in the sun. Moreover, this tube comes with two heavy-duty handles for planting you safely and comfortably in the tube. You can also enjoy your refreshments with the help of two cup-holders. In case you are having fun with tubing buddies, this tube comes with an all-around grab line for staying close to each other.

While on the river, this tube stands out as a modern, sporty accessory that comes in a bright appearance of either blue or the Tube Pro Green. Eventually, you and your belongings are protected from any debris by a mesh bottom. The mesh bottom also ensures that you or any other items don't slip as you relax on the river.

2. Intex 58837EP River Run II Inflatable Water Float

Intex 58837EP River Run 2 Inflatable Floating Lounge: Comfortable Backrests – Built-in Cup Holders...

• THE ORIGINAL RIVER RUN – This sport tube is...
• DURABILITY – The River Run 2 is constructed...
• ULTIMATE COMFORT – Enjoy cruising and...
• PERFORMANCE – Designed with 5 air chambers...
• SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs,...

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Indeed, this is another Intex inflatable water float. Specifically, the Intex 58837EP River Run II Sport Lounge has the best inner tube for river tubing in duos. Unlike other Intex tubes, this inflatable water float has double seats on the same unit. Additionally, this dual seat tube comes with a grab rope for connecting to other tubing buddies.

To keep its occupants safe, it is made with five air chambers for maximum backup in case one of the chambers is punctured. Also, it has two grab handles that are durable for ensuring maximum safety and stability while floating. As the ultimate cruiser, this tube comes with a built-in cooler for storing any chilled snacks and drinks. Additionally, it has one built-in cup holder on each side, and you can also use its hollow space between seats to store dry gear and extra snacks.

3. Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube

Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube

• Roomy armrest storage with additional reel...
• Extra large and comfortable backrest
• Rear storage pockets and exterior mesh...
• D-rings for attaching gear and creel bags
• Horizontal rod holder

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If you are looking for a fishing float tube, we've got you covered with this Classic Accessories Cumberland float tube. This floater is different from other tubes because it features craftsmanship for enabling fishing. Specifically, it comes with dual rod holders, two drink holders, a mesh stuff pocket, a fish ruler on a mesh apron, and a mesh storage platform. Fundamentally, this tube is the ideal budget-friendly river fishing tube.

Moreover, this tube has an abrasion-resistant PVC and fabric which can hold up against branches, debris, and UV rays. In addition, this tube has a seat built with a weight capacity of 350 pounds while only weighing 14 pounds. The seat is also placed high and is ultra-adjustable with thick padding for comfort. Generally, this tube is ideal for comfortable fishing river floats, and its green impression blends in perfectly with nature.

5. Tube In a Box the Original Swim and Snow Tube

Tube In a Box the Original Swim and Snow Tube, 45" XL

• 100% commercial grade rubber (latex free):...
• Safety valve stem: no more being poked with...
• The tubes are durable and very tear resistant...
• Use the stop and start air flow method to...
• Good old fashion fun: amp up the fun factor,...

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Lastly, we also recommend the 'Tube in a box' tractor tube, available in four different sizes. The different tube sizes are for accommodating diverse users from 50 to 280 pounds. This traditional heavy-duty tube has a commercial-grade rubber that is very durable and tear-resistant. We precisely love this tube for its versatility as a river tube and one of the best snow tubes.

A significant number of users also love this tube for its safety valve stem that is covered to protect users from scraps and pokes. It is also a quality inner tube for river buoyancy because it doesn't puncture easily like vinyl tubes when it bumps on logs and rocks. However, despite its versatile and durable build, it lacks a backrest, cupholder, handles, and ropes. Finally, we recommend using the stop and flow method of inflation to prevent your tube from bulging.

Advantages of Using Durable River Float Tubes

If you purchase any of our recommended best heavy-duty river tubes, you should expect to reap the following benefits:

• Value for your money as you obtain an effective tube for river buoyancy
• Long-lasting tube service for even years
• Comfort while enjoying nature at the river
• Boosting your water relaxation with snacks and drinks
• Enjoyable outdoor water fun besides the ordinary ground activities
• Safety regardless of the intended water activity

Safety Tips

Relaxing on a river can be highly fulfilling but needs to be done cautiously and responsibly. First, alcohol intoxication should be avoided. It is okay to take alcohol but not beyond your tolerance levels. Additionally, we recommend having a portable pump to reduce the hassle and stress of inflating your tube.

You should also get a river float tube with a rubber safety valve cap and stem. A rubber valve stem protects you from cuts, bruises, and scratches. Also, with modern rubber caps, you can effectively maintain your tube inflated with no leaks. Finally, having river floaters with canvas or mesh bottoms prevents users from slipping out of the tube.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Heavy Duty River Tubes

1. Type

The first consideration to make for a river tube is the type corresponding to the purpose of river-tubing. Accordingly, there are three types of river float tubes: regular float tubes, lounging tubes, and fishing tubes.

First, the regular tube is just a river tube for ensuring you stay afloat on a river for leisure. Secondly, a lounging tube is ideal for the perfect river float, especially for luxury, and has a headrest. Thirdly, you can find a fishing tube that is complex and heavy-duty to allow for both floating and fishing. Also, due to the increased versatility of fishing tubes, they are built with backrests, full seats, and headrests.

Based on the different descriptions, each of the types has a target purpose. Therefore, the river tubing purpose is an essential guiding principle in choosing the appropriate and best river tube.

2. Number of Users

Additionally, you should consider the capacity you desire for a river float tube. Precisely, you have the option of choosing whether you want to relax on the river alone or in the company of others. Also, if you have a tubing partner, you might consider getting a conjoined tube.

Separate tubes are fun and easy to navigate, but you might lose your floating in the absence of a connecting rope. However, the rope hook-ups might cause other connected tubes to tip over if one floater tips over.

Fortunately, you can find a duo-rider tube that doesn't have the risk of tipping over. You can also find larger sharing tubes, such as the 6-person Sevylor Covered River Tube-Fish Hunter 360. Even so, such float tubes are difficult to navigate and require good paddling skills.

3. Durability

The durability factor directly relates to the identity of a heavy-duty tube. Ideally, the best river float tubes should be able to brush against branches, plants, rocks, and debris without the risk of tearing or popping. PVC tubes are preferred in most cases because they are soft but resilient, UV protected, and dense. On the other hand, rubber tubes are equally durable but have the disadvantage of getting hot and sticky on the surface.

Furthermore, the outer tube should have guaranteed durability and suitable thickness made of high-gauge PVC rubber or double-stitched rip-stop nylon cover. The reason for this high-grade strength is to protect inner tubes, which are vulnerable to scraps, hole punctures, and tears. Additionally, the best river floating tubes should have a canvas bottom with a polyester tube cover or a sturdy mesh floor denier and tube cover.

4. Inflation

When it comes to inflation, you should choose a river tube with an easily inflatable inner tube. Most of the river floaters in the market can be inflated using a person's breath, while others require an air pump. Moreover, tubes are built with multiple air chambers to ensure that not every air chamber is affected if one gets punctured.

Generally, manufacturers recommend the stop-and-go inflation method rather than inflating all at once. This inflation method is vital to avoid bulging your tube. Also, you can consider getting a river float tube with a Boston valve to maintain air inflation for long, which is also sunken on the side to avoid poking out.

5. Handles

In addition, the best heavy-duty river tubes should have heavy-duty handles for grabbing when the going gets rough on the river. Conversely, the classic river float tubes don't feature any handles but are still ideal for calm waters. Nevertheless, handles are important while venturing on rapids, avoiding slip-ups when the tube is wet and easy ground transportation when inflated. If you are a water sports enthusiast, handles are essential for comfort and safety.

6. Beverage Holders/Coolers

If you enjoy sipping on a drink as you float around, you should consider an option with built-in cup holders. The majority of tubes come with two cupholders, more so in the absence of a cooler to store more drinks. Accordingly, you can have a river floating cooler to store more snacks and drinks as you float for leisure. Also, you can stock some extra refreshments inside your seat, considering that a mesh bottom will not let in river water and won't let them fall off.

Frequently Asked Question on the Best Heavy Duty River Tubes

1. Can you use a snow tube for river drifting?

Yes, you can find a versatile tube for use on snow and river drifting. Specifically, a tractor tube 'Tube in the Box' can be used for both applications. You can find its review within our buying guide.

Image source: outsidepursuits.com