You are floating down the cool river on a sunny Summer day, trailing fingers in the water as you bob along. It's warm. You're relaxed. The birds are chirping in the trees, singing along with the flow... Then somebody says, "Hey wouldn't it be fun to be snow tubing right now?"
What's to stop you from packing up the tubes and heading for the high country- other than the fact that it's Summer and the snow is probably far, far away?
Well, quite frankly, it's your tubes.
Good, old fashioned inner tubes are cheap, and may be fine for easy water, for casual floating on a pond, lake, or quiet river, but the rubber can be dirty, may cause allergic reactions, and breaks down with time and exposure, making them unpredictably unsafe. The valves on car or truck tubes are long enough to fit through the tire and rim. In the water, this is simply a cut or abrasion waiting to happen.
There's got to be a better way!
River tubes are made from heavy duty, hypoallergenic materials, with welded seams, and sometimes handles and cup holders. They might be made with single or dual tow points for towing behind a jet ski or boat, and may even accommodate one to four passengers.
Some river tubes are open in the center for dangling toes and "bottoming out". Others have a closed center that creates a flat deck surface or a "well", depending on which side is up. Some are lounge style, with back and/ or arm rests. There are even matching tow-along floating coolers.
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It might be all fun and games on the lazy river, but when it comes to snow tubing, you're going to need something made for the sport. Snow is a crystalline form of water. Clumps of snow and ice can have sharp edges. Do the math...
Snow tubes are made for snow. They are made from heavy duty PVC fabrics that resist cuts, tears, and punctures, and are treated with "cold crack additive" to keep the tube strong and supple in icy temperatures. The seams are double welded to take the impact of bouncing down the hill.
Tubes for single riders are usually round, but they can also be found in more unique shapes as well. Most of them have handles. A 2 person snow tube may be round, "double donut" style, or elongated, similar to inflatable snow sleds. They are also equipped with handles. All styles come in a variety of colors and fun prints.
Inflatable snow sleds are great for kids of any age. There are styles that can be ridden on or in, so everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can share the fun.
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The difference between snow tubes and river tubes is not huge, but it can mean the difference between a great day and a wet one. Regardless of the consistency of your water - liquid or crystalline - be sure to bring along a patch kit, spare valves, and a pump.
Inflatables are sturdy but not bullet-proof. Rocks, sticks, stumps, or other debris often lurk beneath the surface, unseen. Don't let a puncture or tear rob you of a grand experience. Patch it up, blow it up, load it up, and GO!
Hand pumps, foot pumps, or electric pumps that can be plugged in to your car make inflation a snap, wherever you are.
For tubing in the backcountry, you might rig some accessories to help you tote your "gear du jour". Small cargo nets, plastic crates or buckets, and virtually any pack, poke, or sack can be adapted with a little imagination.
Whether you are floating or flying, making sure everyone is safe and comfortable ensures a good time this time, and the likelihood of those to come.