Best Heavy Duty River Tubes Reviews 2021
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 04:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
As summer gets into full swing, what better way to cool off than by taking a trip to the river for some fun in the sun?
Of course, once you get there, the options can be a bit limiting to hanging out on the shore relaxing in the heat or spending all your time treading water.
Thankfully, you can combine both with a heavy duty river tube that lets you keep cool without having to wear yourself out.
That said, finding the right inflatable tube can be a bit tricky– especially when making sure it can hold up to heavy use over multiple trips.
That’s why this list breaks down the 5 best heavy duty river tubes, letting you know what makes each one best for its purpose.
You will also figure out what to look for in a floating tube with the buyer’s guide and have your more pertinent questions answered.
Best Seller: Tube in a Box the Original Swim and Snow Tube, 45-inch extra large
- 100% commercial grade rubber (latex free): double your fun by using this inner tube for any season
- Safety valve stem: no more being poked with one of those long metal stems from the old days
- The tubes are durable and very tear resistant and will not pop like many vinyl tubes
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 04:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
This lightweight design is not a thin style swim and snow tube; its inflatable capability arrives at 40 inches, so be sure that it is fully inflated for best results.
It is made out of heavy-duty 100 percent commercial-grade rubber and is ideal for sledding and floating.
This combination tube is resilient enough to go river tubing through rough and bumpy rapids and a smooth ride out on the lake.
Not only is it great for your river tubing trip, but it is also tough enough to sled down a ski-resort mountainside or steep hill in the wintery snow without popping the tube.
The Tube in a Box is controlled in the same way with or without an out protective cover, which is like going down a snow-filled hillside without a steering wheel.
This versatile design is the ideal tube for thrill-seekers, water warriors, and snow bunnies.
It comes with a safety valve stem that doesn’t dig into your skin and is not at all like the old-fashioned metal styles.
In fact, the stem is made out of durable rubber. This latex-free design protects those who may have an allergic reaction to latex.
Features:
- UV protected and tear-resistant
- Rubber coated safety valve
- Made out of 100 percent commercial grade rubber, latex-free
Verdict: This fantastic tube is big enough for an adult or large teen to enjoy, but it’s ideally intended for those who weigh less than 195 pounds and are no taller than 5 feet, 7 inches. The durability of this design keeps the Swim and Snow Tube full of air during the roughest adventures, and because of this, it has become the best seller in the inflatable tube market.
Pros:
- Built for sledding in the snow and river tubing
- Has a durable and strong structure
- Has a lightweight design
Cons:
- There are no heavy duty handles to hold onto
Top Pick – Intex River Run I Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 53-inch diameter
- Have fun floating in the pool or at the lake with the Index River run I
- Designed with a built-in backrest for easy cruising and a mesh bottom that keeps you cool
- An all around grab rope is included for ease of use
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 04:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The River Run Sports Lounge offers the ideal combination of a place to put your cold drink with its dual cup holders, loads of durability, and enough room to move around without feeling constricted.
This 53-inch water float features two air chambers to make it safer for the user; if one should burst, you still will have plenty of time to get to the shoreline.
The maneuverability of the Sports Lounge tube allows you to easily navigate around debris, rocks, and other obstacles along the river pathway.
Floating down the river with this tube is excellent; however, you must be cautious about hitting a rock or getting snagged or hung up as it may puncture a hole in the air chamber.
The River Run design provides two durable grab handles that give you a safe way to hold on when you hit any rough currents.
The connect and float system allows you to inner connect with other River Run products.
Features:
- Two air chambers for added safety
- Comfortable mesh bottom
- Built-in backrest for comfortability
- Two built-in cup holders for beverages
- Two durable grab handlesConnect and float system
- 53-inches in diameter
Verdict: The River Run I Sports Lounge has a distinctive mesh seat design that supports your body while embracing it, which gives you enough comfort to relax all day and stay cool. To make it even more relaxing, this Sports Lounge comes with a comfy built-in backrest, which provides you with the right amount of back support to protect your spine from injury. It was designed for those who are eight years old and up, and with all of these features, it is the top pick in the market.
Pros:
- Dual cup holders for holding a cold drink
- The tube is very easy to maneuver around
- Comfortable enough for an all adventure
Cons:
- Not easy to paddle against the wind
Top Pick’s Recommended Accessory – Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover
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Having a Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover will save the life span of your inner tube. The Bradley tube cover is designed with 1100 denier vinyl-coated canvas top to protect against wear from the sun.
The 1000 denier Micro-Mesh bottom allows water to flow through to help keep you cool on warm sunny days. It also protects the tube from cuts, scrapes, punctured holes by tree branches that have fallen into the water, pointy rocks, or other debris.
This cover allows for quick connect rope-clip systems to link your Intex Sport River tubes together. The heavy-duty construction is designed to make your experience more advanced and fun out on the water while it protects the inner tube.
It is much easier to maneuver your Intex River Run I Sports Lounge around with the Bradley Heavy-Duty Sports tube cover, and the comfortability is superb with the backrest contouring to your spin.
Features:
- 53 inches cover for inflatable Sport Tubes
- Saves the length of your river float tube
- Allows for quick connect rope-clip system
- Heavy-duty construction
- 1000 denier micro-mesh bottom
- 1100 denier vinyl-coated canvas topHas a backrest
Verdict: The Bradley Heavy Duty River Tube Cover enables the tube to fully inflate without any restrictions. The best way to fit this cover onto your tube is by slightly inflating the tube, place the cover around the inner tube, and then fully inflate the tube while holding the cover in place. It works great to protect and enhance inflatable sports tubes like the Intex River Run I Sports Lounge.
Pros:
- Compatible with Intex River Run I
- It allows full tube inflation
- Protects the tube against abrasions
- Protects against wear from the sun
Cons:
- Takes time to line the cover-up with the tube
- Still missing heavy duty handle
Best Value – Tube Pro Orange 48-Inch Premium River Tube with Handles
- 48" (120 cm) inflated outer diameter
- 52" (130 cm) deflated outer diameter
- Heavy Duty 30 gauge PVC vinyl
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 04:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Tube Pro Orange River tube is designed with dual air chambers: safety chamber and main chamber.
The safety chamber is what holds the Boston valve in place, so no air leaks out.
The main chamber construction includes a Boston valve which helps the tube maintain air for more extended periods.
This 48-inch river inner tube is designed with heavy-duty 30 gauge PVC vinyl that provides a durable and robust structure.
The Tube Pro Orange River tube structure is durable enough to ramp off the slide at the water park, and because of its abilities and features, it has been ranked the runner-up in the inner tube market.
This premium river tube is designed by Tube Pro to give you the highest quality river tube that you can take just about anywhere to have fun in the water.
This Tube Pro design comes in very bright colors such as orange, yellow, and green. On top of this tube, there is a swirling design that looks as if water is draining into the center of the tube, making it unique.
Features:
- Heavy-duty 30 gauge PVC vinyl
- Two air chambers, safety chamber, and main chamber
- The main chamber has a Boston valve
- 48-inch inflated outer diameter
- 52-inch deflated outer diameter
- Two large support handle
Verdict: The Pro Orange 48-inch tube is intended for single riders who are ten and older. It is an awesome inner tube to take down the river for some exciting summer fun. It comes with two large support handles for a secure place to hold on when you encounter any fast water currents like rapids.
Pros:
- Designed for a single rider
- Has safety support handles
- Strong and sturdy inner tube
- Great for downstream floating
Cons:
- No padding around the handlesNo back support
Runner Up – Pool Floats Adult, Lake Floats for Adults Heavy Duty, Water Floats for Adults, River Run I Sport Lounge with Headrest, 53″ Diameter, 2 Cup Holders/2 Heavy-Duty Handles
- 🌊【The Thickest - 0.46mm】The material thickness of PAFOLO swimming tube floats is made up to 0.46mm, from super sturdy PVC, what does...
- 🌊【The Most Reliable Sealing】Why are your previous tubes mostly likely to develop leaks? Reasons below: 1st, too thin; 2nd, poorly...
- 🌊【The Most Fast Inflation】Hyper-Flate Valve allows 5x faster inflation and deflation compared to traditional valves. Very easy to...
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 05:01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Pafolo inflatable float provides a complete package that features one of the thickest inner tubes reviewed at 18 ½ ga.
While PVC is a standard material, Pafolo makes it a point to reinforce its thick inner tube walls with double seals to prevent leaks. That said, the company is a relative newcomer with just over a year’s experience that can show through with iffy quality control specifically at the seams.
But if you get one of the good ones, this river inner tube is every bit as good, if not better, than any competitor on this list.
With a mesh seat to let water in while preventing you from slipping out and a separate headrest, the Pafolo inflatable float is extremely comfortable. On top of that, this river tube employs two heavy-duty handles and a sturdy grab rope for holding on and connecting multiple floats.
The dual cup holders also make sure you don’t have to worry about leaving your drinks onshore.
Features:
- Thicker than a standard tube
- Two handles and cup holders
- Large enough for most people
- Mesh seat and inflatable headrest
- Rope for grasping and connecting
- Well-made inflation valve
Verdict: The Pafolo inflatable float is a solid option on the surface with an 18.5 ga inner tube and double-sealed seams. Unfortunately, the relatively new company still seems to be working the kinks out of their manufacturing process as some seals are better than others. At a reasonable overall value, it might be worth the modest risk thanks to a comfortable design that is also pretty convenient.
Pros:
- Larger than mostIs fairly comfortable
- Tear and puncture-resistant
- Easy to inflate
Cons:
- Has iffy QC
Also Consider – Raftoob River Tube | Heavy Duty Water Tube and Cover for Kids and Adults – Electric Blue and Black Premium Lounge Tube – 43 inches inflated and Packed with Value Added
- WATER TUBING REDEFINED: Experience summer fun on your favorite river, lake or pool like never before! Raftoob float tubes are considered to...
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: A Raftoob measures 50 inches flat and 43 inches (109 cm) inflated. Each Raftoob includes a heavy-duty cover, our 100%...
- MERGING COMFORT AND SAFETY: Riders in swim suits will appreciate the soft neoprene ring around the seating area, the marine-style foam...
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 05:01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Raftoob is another newer company but doesn’t necessarily provide the kind of value found with other models leading to the less available information.
That said, what is known suggests that this heavy-duty river tube lives up to that title thanks to the use of six lbs of 100% butyl rubber that resists both water and oil.
Even better, this is one of the options encountered that employs stretchy, durable neoprene for the cover for added strength and comfort.
The Raftoob River Tube is also the only model reviewed that comes with four, foam-filled handles to make holding on easier than most.
As if that weren’t enough, the handles each feature a connecting loop at the bottom to join multiple floats and an accessory loop at the top for speakers or a dry box. You can also attach it to your boat as a towable tube.
To connect multiple floats together, the Raftoob River Tube comes with an aluminum carabiner and a six-foot strap. This attachment feature also makes it suitable as a towable tube or better yet, attach your floating cooler.
Finally, the two cup holders and included rapid deflation tool make this raft more convenient than some of the competition.
Features:
- Made of six lbs of butyl rubber
- Comes with a carabiner and strap
- Four accessory loops and two cup holders
- Protected by a neoprene cover
- Has a rapid deflation tool
- Provides a mesh seat
Verdict: By all accounts, the Raftoob River Tube should be one of the most durable and reliable options available. However, with few reviews and very little information provided outside of the manufacturer, it is a bit of a gamble. While that’s not necessarily the worst thing, it isn’t anywhere near the best value which makes the gamble even riskier. Still, the use of 100% butyl rubber for the inner tube and neoprene for the cover is comforting.
Pros:
- More durable than most
- Allows multiple tube connections
- Has plentiful hand rests
- Convenient and cool
Cons:
- Not the largest
- No back or headrest
Best Heavy Duty River Tubing Buying Guide 2021
Durability
Having a strong durable tube will protect your inner tube against obstacles in the water. The durability is the main factor to determine if it will stay afloat or not. The thinner inner tubes can’t withstand the roughness of a strong current and should not be used in rough water conditions. Manner inner tubes in this review offer a high-gauge PVC rubber, which has a strong durable thickness.
Canvas bottom
The canvas bottom is the most durable in the inner tube market. It is typically triple stitched together for a stronger hold. Many canvas bottoms also can withstand heavyweight than the mesh bottoms, and it keeps the little ones from sliding out of the tube.
Mesh bottom
This is one of the ideal features an inner tube can have for the rider to stay cool and comfortable. The mesh floor design has a strong knit structure that is protected from snags and tears. It also has plenty of strength to hold a waterproofed picnic lunch or a few sealed drinks along with the rider.
Safety rubber valve stem and cap
This feature is an essential part of the inner tube as it is what keeps it full of air. Over the years valve stems have changed from the hard old metal ones to a much safer rubber style. The new improved rubber valve stems to protect the rider from scratches, cuts, and bruising. The cap cover reinforces the air to stay in the tube and not leak out, which will give a longer inflation time.
Handle
A handle is great to have out on the water as the current is always fluctuating. High current and fast flows of water can knock you around some, and a handle is one of the best to have to hold onto for your protection. River rapids are even stronger and could knock you out of the tube, but with a handle, you will have a way to stay on the inner tube.
Cup holders
Cup holders are convenient to hold a cold beverage as your floating down the river; this is particularly important if you plan to be out on the water all day. Some cup-holder designs are made out of mesh, and others are part of the polyester cover. Either option will hold your beverage in place without falling out into the river.
Inflation
How the tube is inflated may determine how the tube is transported to the river The best way to inflate your inner tube is by using a pump, which will save time and energy.
The Advantages of Having a Heavy Duty River Tube
One of the most significant advantages of having a heavy-duty tube is that it will be able to withstand the roughness of the water currents.
The next best advantage is that you will never be left behind when your friends take off to go river floating. Not only will you be able to join your friends, but you also will be able to enjoy Mother Nature as you float downstream.
The beauty that lies along the riverbed is a wonderful sight to see that you wouldn’t want to miss out on because of not having an inner tube to join in on the fun.
Another great advantage is the private talks that you can have along the way that will bring your friends much closer to you.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best heavy duty river tube depends largely on the size of the user, their preferred comfort, and the river’s setting.
Since rivers aren’t usually manicured settings, it’s probably a good idea to look for river float tubes that provide more durability to prevent debris from accidentally tearing or puncturing the inner tube. All of the models except Tube Pro and Pafolo check this box both with the inner tube and the cover (if it comes with one).
Of course, durability only goes so far with a product you’ll lounge on, so getting a river tube that provides plenty of comforts is also a plus. In this regard, the Intex and Pafolo are the best bets with multiple handles, cup holders, and an inflatable headrest.
Given that the Intex River Run is the only option that offers both superior durability and an extremely comfortable design, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s the Top Pick.