Originally Posted By: xbanker
One of these would be somewhere between swimming and using an inflatable raft. Your pack would have to be sealed in a trashbag or similar, and "towed" (presumably what you'd do if swimming). Fishing Float Tube. This is one of many products of its type. Can't find weight, but one reviewer gave points for being "lightweight" and when uninflated/folded, fit in his backpack (which you wouldn't do, but some indication of portability). By their nature, these are sturdy construction.


I looked at several of these online and it looks like typically have shipping weights of 8-12 lbs. That is much lighter than a raft/kayak. However in looking at these, I ran across "river tubes". Sort of your standard innertube but with handles and a tougher cover. They had shipping weights of 4-8 lbs. For just getting across a canal, the river tube might be all I need.

I also found your standard inflatable pool "swim ring". Shipping weight 12 oz and cost $4. For one time use, that might be the best bet yet. Certainly fragile, but I'll be getting wet in anything less than a raft and could always swim. Any type of flotation device beyond a simple life-vest has the potential to keep my drier and require less energy.