What Should You Eat On a Float Trip?

Couple taking a lunch break out in nature

A float trip promises adventure, relaxation, and a thrilling journey along serene rivers or winding waterways. Whether you’re paddling down a peaceful stretch or braving mild rapids, fueling up with the right food is essential for maintaining energy and enhancing your experience. This guide will help you decide what to eat on a float trip, ensuring your meals are delicious, convenient, and suitable for the great outdoors.

Preparing for the Trip

The amount of type of food you pack for a float trip depends on several factors. Before diving into specific food choices, consider:

  • Trip Duration: A single-day float trip requires less planning compared to a multi-day adventure.
  • Cooler or No Cooler?: Decide if you can carry a cooler or if you need non-perishable options.
  • Cooking or No Cooking?: Some trips allow for cooking, while others require ready-to-eat snacks.

Breakfast Options

If you’ll be on a float trip that spans the first meal of the day, you have many convenient, tasty and nutrition options, including:

  • Overnight Oats: Prepare in a jar with rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and berries. Chill overnight for a ready-to-eat, nutritious breakfast.
  • Breakfast Burritos: Pre-make wraps with eggs, sausage, cheese, and veggies. Wrap in foil, and reheat over a campfire or portable stove.
  • Granola and Greek Yogurt: Carry a cooler for Greek yogurt or opt for shelf-stable yogurt cups. Pair with granola and dried fruits.
  • Instant Oatmeal: Quick and easy with hot water. Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra flavor.

Lunch Options

Convenience is key for lunchtime on a float trip. You’ll want to pack lunch for most float trips. If you’re not bringing a cooler, you still have plenty of options for things you can eat that aren’t just protein bars or crackers.

Float trip lunch ideas include:

  • Wraps and Sandwiches: Fill tortillas or sandwich rolls with meats, cheeses, and veggies. Opt for stable meats like salami or tuna pouches for no-cooler trips.
  • Pasta Salad: Make-ahead pasta salad with olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette. Keeps well and tastes great chilled.
  • Trail Mix: A blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate, and dried fruits offers a quick energy boost.
  • Canned Chicken Salad: Mix with mayo, celery, and spices. Serve with crackers or in wraps.
  • Charcuterie Packs: Combine cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a gourmet-style lunch.

Dinner Options

If your float trip spans multiple days, end your days with a filling, flavorful dinner.

  • Foil Pack Dinners: Wrap meat, veggies, and seasoning in foil. Cook over hot coals or a portable stove.
  • Campsite Chili: Pre-make chili with beans, ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. Reheat and serve with tortilla chips.
  • Instant Noodles or Pasta: Instant ramen or pasta cups are easy to prepare with hot water.
  • Grilled Skewers: Skewer marinated meat, veggies, or shrimp. Grill over an open flame or portable grill.
  • Freeze-Dried Meals: Lightweight and easy to pack, just add boiling water for a satisfying meal.

Snacks for the Journey

Keep hunger at bay and energy high with these snacks:

  • Beef Jerky: Lightweight, protein-packed, and shelf-stable.
  • Fruit Leather: Natural fruit strips for a sweet treat.
  • Energy Bars: Choose bars with high protein and complex carbs.
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, oranges, carrots, and celery are sturdy and refreshing.
  • Nut Butter Packs: Single-serving almond or peanut butter packs with crackers or fruit.

Hydration and Drinks

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially under the sun.

  • Water Bottles: Ensure everyone has enough water, or bring a filter if you’ll source it from the river.
  • Electrolyte Drinks: Tablets or powders can replenish lost electrolytes.
  • Instant Coffee or Tea Bags: For morning warmth or an afternoon pick-me-up.
  • Juice Boxes: Shelf-stable juice boxes provide a refreshing treat.
  • Adult Beverages: If allowed, lightweight canned beer or wine is easier to pack.

Pro Tips

Planning your meals for a float trip can be challenging. You’ll want to remember food safety considerations, such as keeping items in airtight containers to keep the food dry or prevent spills. The weight of your food items matter when packing items onto a raft. You’ll also need to bring items that allow you to easily bring all garbage back home with you to leave the river as pristine as you found it.

A float trip offers the chance to unwind in nature while enjoying delicious meals on the water. With the right food choices, you can fuel your adventure, keep energy levels high, and make your trip a memorable experience. Choose versatile, easy-to-pack options that fit your preferences, and savor every bite as you glide along the river!

Grand Teton Scenic Floats offers serene and picturesque float trips through the pristine waters of the Snake River, providing unparalleled views of the majestic Teton Range. Their experienced guides ensure a safe, informative, and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Wyoming’s natural beauty.

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