What to Pack for a Float Trip on the Meramec River: The Ultimate Packing Checklist

So you’ve booked your float trip on the Meramec River — nice move. Now comes the part that can make or break your day on the water: packing. Knowing what to pack for a float trip is the difference between a relaxing adventure and a sunburned, hungry, “I wish I’d thought of that” kind of afternoon.
Whether you’re a first-time floater or a seasoned river regular, having the right gear means you can focus on what really matters — kicking back, soaking up the scenery, and making memories with your crew. We’ve put together this complete packing checklist based on years of experience at Blue Springs Ranch, so you can hit the Upper Meramec fully prepared.
Let’s get into it.
The Essential Float Trip Packing List
Before we break things down by category, here’s your at-a-glance river float trip checklist. Think of this as the quick-reference version you can screenshot or print before you head out the door.
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Water shoes with secure straps
Sunglasses with a retainer strap
Wide-brim hat or baseball cap with a clip
Dry bag or waterproof pouch
Cooler with ice
Reusable water bottle
Quick-dry clothing or swimsuit
Towel (for the ride home)
Waterproof phone case
Snacks and lunch
Cash or card for the general store
Change of dry clothes for after the trip
Now let’s dig into the details so you know exactly why each item matters and how to choose the best options.
What to Wear on a Meramec River Float Trip
Your clothing choices matter more than you might think on the river. The right outfit keeps you comfortable for hours. The wrong one can leave you chafed, sunburned, or weighed down.
Quick-Dry Clothing Is Your Best Friend
Cotton is a no-go. It absorbs water, gets heavy, and takes forever to dry. Instead, pack quick-dry shorts and a lightweight moisture-wicking shirt. Athletic wear and rash guards work great for this.
If you plan to spend most of the trip in the water (especially on a tube), a swimsuit with a quick-dry coverup is the way to go. For sun protection, a long-sleeve rash guard gives you coverage without the need to constantly reapply sunscreen on your arms.
Water Shoes — Not Flip-Flops
This one is non-negotiable. You need water shoes with a secure strap or back. Flip-flops will slip off your feet the moment you step into the river, and walking on rocky river bottoms barefoot is no fun.
Look for water shoes with good grip, a closed or protected toe, and a strap that keeps them locked on. Brands like Keen, Teva, and Merrell all make solid options. Old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet can work in a pinch, but they’ll be heavy and take a long time to dry out.
Protect Your Head and Eyes
A hat is a must on the Meramec River. Even on partly cloudy days, sun reflecting off the water doubles your UV exposure. A wide-brim hat offers the best coverage for your face, ears, and neck. If you prefer a baseball cap, attach a clip or strap so it doesn’t blow off and float downstream.
Sunglasses with a retainer strap (like Croakies or Chums) are just as important. Polarized lenses cut the glare off the water and help you spot rocks and shallow areas. Without a strap, your sunglasses are basically a donation to the Meramec River.
Sun Protection and Safety Gear
Missouri summers mean heat, humidity, and strong UV rays. Protecting your skin and staying safe should be at the top of your float trip packing list.
Sunscreen
Apply reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before you leave the parking lot. Bring the bottle with you on the river and reapply every two hours — more often if you’re swimming. Don’t forget the spots people always miss: tops of your feet, backs of your knees, ears, and the part in your hair.
First Aid Basics
A small first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Pack a few adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, and any personal medications you need. If anyone in your group has allergies, make sure you have the appropriate medication accessible and stored in a waterproof container. The American Red Cross recommends always having basic first aid supplies available during water-based recreation.
Hydration
This is where a lot of floaters slip up. You’re in the sun, you’re active, and you might not realize how dehydrated you’re getting. Bring a reusable water bottle — ideally an insulated one that keeps your water cold — and drink regularly throughout the trip. We recommend at least one liter of water per person for a 5-mile trip and two liters or more for a 10-mile trip.
Food and Drink for the River
Half the fun of a float trip is the floating picnic. But you need to plan your food and drinks with the river in mind.
What to Pack in Your Cooler
A small soft-sided cooler is easier to manage on a canoe or raft than a bulky hard cooler. Load it with plenty of ice and pack foods that hold up well in the heat:
Sandwiches or wraps in resealable bags
Trail mix, granola bars, or beef jerky
Fresh fruit like grapes, watermelon slices, or apple slices
Chips and pretzels
Cheese and crackers
Avoid anything that needs to stay at a specific temperature to be safe. Mayonnaise-heavy salads and dairy items can go bad quickly on a hot day.
Drinks on the River
Water should be your number one priority. Beyond that, sports drinks and juice boxes are easy to pack and keep everyone refreshed. If you’re bringing canned beverages, make sure everything is in cans or plastic containers. Glass containers are not allowed on the river. This is a strict rule for everyone’s safety — broken glass and bare feet on a river bottom are a bad combination.
Pro tip: freeze a few water bottles the night before. They’ll act as extra ice packs in your cooler and give you ice-cold water as they melt throughout the day.
Waterproofing Tips for Phones, Keys, and Valuables
The river and electronics don’t mix — unless you plan ahead. Here’s how to keep your important items dry and safe.
Waterproof Phone Cases
A waterproof phone pouch is one of the best investments you can make for a float trip. Brands like Mpow and JOTO make affordable universal pouches that let you take photos and use your touchscreen through the plastic. Test your pouch in the sink before your trip to make sure the seal is tight.
Even with a waterproof case, consider attaching a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck. If your canoe tips or your tube flips, you don’t want your phone floating away.
Keys and Wallet
Put your car keys and any cash or cards into a small dry bag or a zip-lock bag inside another zip-lock bag. Some floaters clip their keys to a carabiner attached to their life jacket or dry bag. The goal is redundancy — one layer of waterproofing is good, two is better.
Dry Bags Are a Game-Changer
If you’re going to buy one thing specifically for your float trip, make it a dry bag. These roll-top waterproof bags come in various sizes and keep everything from towels to snacks to spare clothes completely dry. A 10-liter bag is usually enough for one person’s essentials, while a 20-liter bag works well for a couple. You can find solid options at outdoor retailers — REI’s guide to dry bags is a good starting point for choosing the right size and style.
What NOT to Bring on Your Float Trip
Packing smart also means knowing what to leave behind. Some items are dangerous on the river, and others are simply not worth the risk.
Glass Containers
We mentioned this above, but it’s worth repeating: absolutely no glass on the river. This applies to bottles, jars, and any other glass container. Transfer drinks to cans or plastic bottles before your trip. This is a rule at Blue Springs Ranch and most outfitters along the Meramec. It protects you, other floaters, and the river environment.
Valuables and Expensive Electronics
Leave the expensive jewelry, high-end headphones, and anything you’d be devastated to lose at home — or locked in your car. The river doesn’t care how much something cost. If it can’t get wet or you can’t afford to lose it, it shouldn’t be on the water.
Items That Can Harm the River
The Meramec River is a beautiful natural resource, and we all have a responsibility to keep it that way. Don’t bring Styrofoam coolers (they break apart and create litter), single-use plastics that blow away easily, or anything you aren’t prepared to pack out. The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages a “leave no trace” approach to all river recreation.
Packing for a 5-Mile vs. 10-Mile Float Trip
Blue Springs Ranch offers both 5-mile and 10-mile float trips on the Upper Meramec River. The packing basics are the same, but the longer trip calls for a few adjustments.
5-Mile Trip Packing
The 5-mile trip is our most popular option and typically takes two to three hours depending on water levels and how often you stop. For this trip, your essentials checklist above covers you well. One water bottle per person, a few snacks, and sunscreen for reapplication should be plenty.
This is a great option for first-time floaters and families with younger kids who may not want to commit to a full day on the water.
10-Mile Trip Packing
The 10-mile trip is a full-day adventure, usually taking four to six hours. You’ll want to pack more substantially:
More water — at least two liters per person, more on hot days
A full lunch — not just snacks, but an actual meal packed in your cooler
Extra sunscreen — you’ll reapply at least two or three times
A lightweight towel or sarong — handy for drying off during lunch breaks on gravel bars
Extra layers — weather can shift over a full day, and late afternoon river breezes can get cool in spring and early fall
The 10-mile trip is ideal for groups who want to take their time, stop at gravel bars, swim, and really soak in the Meramec River experience.
Packing for Kids on a Float Trip
Floating with kids is one of the best family activities on the Meramec. The Upper Meramec at Blue Springs Ranch is a Level 1 river, meaning it’s calm, shallow in many spots, and perfect for beginners of all ages. But kids need a few extra items in their pack.
Kid-Specific Packing Checklist
Properly fitted life jacket — required for children and a smart choice for all ages
Higher SPF sunscreen — SPF 50+ for sensitive young skin, and reapply often
Water shoes with a secure fit — kids will want to hop in and out of the water constantly
Extra snacks — more than you think they’ll need, because they will eat all of them
A change of clothes — pack a full set of dry clothes in a dry bag for after the trip
Sun-protective clothing — rash guards and swim shirts reduce the sunscreen battle
A small toy or two — a mesh bag for collecting river rocks, a foam football, or a small bucket can keep kids entertained during gravel bar stops
Tips for Floating With Little Ones
Start with the 5-mile trip for younger children. It’s shorter, less tiring, and gives everyone a chance to get comfortable on the water. Make sure kids drink water regularly — they may be too distracted having fun to ask for it. And keep their essential items in a dry bag within arm’s reach, not buried at the bottom of the cooler.
For more details on kid-friendly floating, check out our FAQs page or contact us with questions.
Items Available at the Blue Springs Ranch General Store
Forgot something? Don’t stress. Our on-site general store carries many of the items you’ll need for a great day on the river. You can pick up:
Sunscreen
Snacks and drinks
Basic supplies and sundries
Ice for your cooler
Souvenirs and Blue Springs Ranch gear
While the general store has you covered for common forgotten items, we still recommend packing your own water shoes, dry bags, and waterproof phone cases since those are specialty items. Stocking up on ice and last-minute snacks at the store before you launch is a great move, though.
Your Printable Float Trip Packing Checklist
Clip this list to your fridge or save it to your phone before your trip. Check off each item as you pack and you’ll be ready for a perfect day on the Meramec.
Clothing & Footwear – [ ] Quick-dry shorts or swimsuit – [ ] Moisture-wicking shirt or rash guard – [ ] Water shoes with secure straps – [ ] Hat with clip or strap – [ ] Sunglasses with retainer strap – [ ] Change of dry clothes for after the trip
Sun Protection & Safety – [ ] Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) – [ ] Lip balm with SPF – [ ] Small first aid kit – [ ] Personal medications – [ ] Properly fitted life jacket (especially for kids)
Food & Drinks – [ ] Cooler with ice – [ ] Water (1-2 liters per person) – [ ] Snacks and/or lunch – [ ] Canned or plastic-bottled drinks (NO glass)
Waterproofing & Gear – [ ] Dry bag (10-20 liters) – [ ] Waterproof phone pouch with lanyard – [ ] Zip-lock bags for keys and wallet – [ ] Towel
For Kids (If Applicable) – [ ] Fitted life jacket – [ ] SPF 50+ sunscreen – [ ] Extra snacks – [ ] Sun-protective clothing – [ ] Dry bag with change of clothes – [ ] Small toys for gravel bar stops
Do NOT Pack – Glass containers – Expensive jewelry or electronics – Styrofoam coolers – Flip-flops (wear water shoes instead)
Hit the Meramec River Fully Prepared
Packing for a float trip doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right gear, a solid checklist, and a little planning ahead, you’ll spend your time on the Meramec River relaxing instead of wishing you’d packed differently.
At Blue Springs Ranch, we’ve been helping families and friend groups have incredible float trip experiences since 1988. Our 5-mile and 10-mile trips on the Upper Meramec are Level 1 and beginner-friendly, so whether it’s your first float or your fiftieth, you’re in good hands. And we’re just about an hour from St. Louis, making it the easiest weekend getaway you’ll plan all summer.
Ready to get on the water? Book your float trip online or give us a call at (800) 333-8007 to reserve your spot. We’ll see you on the river.