From waterproof speakers to flamingo floats, here are a few items to make your Russian River adventure relaxing and fun.
Life is busy. Take time to float once in a while. Sonoma County's Russian River is a perfect place to drift the day away during summer. Here's some basic equipment to help you eke out all the leisure possible. Click through the gallery for details.
Cool Thing: When you can’t choose between bringing a bulky cooler or packing light, do both with this collapsible bucket. Get your ice at the market, add drinks and snacks, and head to the riverside to chill and be chilled. $18, Potter Green & Co., 3586 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707-996-8888, pottergreen.com
Let it Swim: Your open bag of spilling out belongings might not feel too secure in your tippy canoe. But with this fully-sealable, waterproof, puncture resistant, floating wet bag (a favorite among river-goers) you can go with the river’s flow. $19.99-$34.99 (sizes xsmall-large) King's Sport & Tackle, 16258 Main St, Guerneville, 707-869-2156
Stylin' Stallion: Let this Animal Farm trucker hat provide some necessary shade. As century-old hatmakers Goorin Bros. say of their contemporary take on the essential hat, “You are what you wear.” $35, Ereloom, 110 Matheson Ave, Healdsburg,415-395-0550, ereloom.com
Towel Couture: Would it be sarong to say this plant-dyed cotton towel can double as a beach wrap? In the case of this beautiful Fair Trade piece, it would be exactly right. Hand-made by artisans in Ethiopia, this tightly woven towel is absorbent, quick-drying and utterly wrapable. $75, One World Fair Trade,104 Matheson St, Healdsburg, 707- 473-0880, oneworldfairtrade.net
Waterproof Sound: Tunes are a vital component of a great day on the river. This Boombotix speaker is waterproof to three feet and has 2 GB flash storage for music, so lots of water and limited bluetooth connection won't stop the beat. $99, World of Stereo, 159 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-769-1880, worldofstereo.com
Brown Bag It: Grab some gourmet grub at Guerneville's Big Bottom Market. Bagged lunch options include roast beef, turkey or curried chicken salad sandwiches, dressed up with delicious condiments like spicy Mendocino mustard, shallot or jalapeño jam. Grab this bag (which includes water, chips and house-made cookies) and you're good to go, or stay. $17, Big Bottom Market, 16228 Main Street, Guernville, 707-604-7295, bigbottommarket.com
Floatilla Fashion: Floating is fun, but don't float plainly. This flamingo is plenty bright and well-sized for an especially relaxing manner of drifting. $39 (from $50), Sports Basement, 1970 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, 628-207-8136, shop.sportsbasement.com
