Pack list
What to bring
First time on a Missouri river? Start here.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Required by law on Missouri rivers
Water shoes — not flip flops
Gravel bars are sharp and rocky. Flip flops slip off and float away. You need a secure, closed-toe shoe that stays on your foot.
Floating polarized sunglasses
Sun reflects hard off the water all day long. Polarized lenses cut the glare significantly — and these float if they go overboard.
Dry bag (20L)
Keep phone, wallet, and snacks dry
Mineral sunscreen SPF 50 (river-safe)
Conventional sunscreen washes off into the river and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Mineral-based zinc oxide formulas are biodegradable and safer for Ozark waterways.
Insulated water bottle
You'll drink more than you expect
Waterproof phone pouch
Easier access than a dry bag mid-float
As an Amazon Associate, Missouri Float Trip Guide earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability set by Amazon. We never display stale price data on this site.
Where to use it
Best rivers for this kit
Best beginner rivers: gentle Class I water, well-staffed outfitters, easy gravel-bar stops.