Overnight Float Trip

[Nick Williams]

Good morning, a group of friends and I are planning to do an overnight, or 2 day, float trip later this summer or into fall during the middle of the week to avoid the crowds. At the moment, we're looking at the NFOW for our trip, but I don't know if that will affect any answers to my question. None of us have done an "overnighter" before, so I am looking for a list of items that you ALWAYS make sure you have, so that we can start planning more efficiently.

Obvious items on our list are things like a dry bag and high calorie snacks like trail mix, beef jerky, etc. We aren't planning on lugging ice or water onto the river with us, so I'm hoping you guys will have recommendations on water purifiers that we can just drink river water! We've talked about picking up some MRE's for one of the meals on the river and then catching our other meals. Just looking for some advice and tips! Thanks guys!

[awhuber]

Check out this thread.

[Nick Williams]

Awesome! I didn't see that one, awhuber. Thanks!

[ollie]

Number one thing - TP!!!!! lol

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Sawyer mini is a great water purifier. It works similar to the lifestraw, but with less limitations. About $20.00 depending on where you go. I got a 4 pack on ebay for $17.00 each after shipping.

[Coosa]

Get you a lifestraw . It's awesome. I keep one on my camping gear. It's pretty sweet. You can drink the muddiest water you can find and it will come out clear and clean. Just google it and check it out

A thermocell is also great to keep the Mosquitos away

[Nick Williams]

Yeah, TP is definitely a must, especially when you must have hot sauce with fresh fish!

I looked at the LifeStraw type devices, and while they are super impressive, I think I'd rather be able to get a pump filter to fill up a hydration pack and/or Nalgene bottle.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Go to Katadyn and check out their line. I've used a PUR pump for many years, but the filters are no longer available. I have the earlier model of the Katadyn Ultralight now. If you get a pump, keep some coffee filters handy along with some bread ties. They will keep the crud from stopping up the unit prematurely.

Mountain house freeze dried meals are pretty good and all the require is hot water. They're available at most outdoor stores and Wal Mart. They aren't so expensive that you can't try them at home to see what you like.

[Nick Williams]

Katadyn is the brand I have been researching the most and have heard the most about. And thank you for the tip! We've discussed using the dehydrated meals and/or MRE's. Still haven't decided.

We are planning on catching some of our meals - anyone have tips on what we need for that? Spices? Foil? Lemons?

[Ozark Sweetwater]

Keep in mind that if you're floating the Blue Ribbon section ( Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge) your limit is one fish over 18", and if your'e floating from Patrick Bridge down to the lake (Red Ribbon) your limit is 2 fish 15" or over.