The first step to take when you want to bring along a stereo on your float trip is to be sure that it is waterproof. The last thing you want is to have your stereo or iPod damaged by water. Besides that fact that most of them will no longer work after being exposed to water, most manufactures will not replace them when they are damaged by water. There are many places you can find a stereo to fit your floating needs, including online and at some retail stores. You will want to be sure and find a stereo that is of good quality in order to ensure a good signal. If you are looking to make a waterproof iPod case so that you can use your iPod on your trip, you must be sure and do the proper testing before just assuming it is waterproof.
Many people have found it is handy as well as convenient to make a waterproof stereo or iPod case out of a cooler. This will make for less space taken up on your trip because you will already have a cooler to take anyway. This will call for some serious testing as well to be sure the ice that is in the cooler does not damage, or cannot get to the stereo components. There are many materials that can be used to help you out with this project. You may want to try your local hardware store as well as maybe your local outdoor supply store. Trying to build your own waterproof stereo can be a bit time consuming and may cost more than you would spend if you were to just buy one already made. The thing to consider is what kind of options you are looking for on your float trip stereo.
If you are looking for a waterproof stereo just to have on the canoe with you, but you do not have to take it under water, you may see different stereos that give you waterproof in the canoe but cannot be taken underwater. You may want to just find a case to put on your iPod so that you can just bring that along with you, or you may just want a simple case for a regular am/fm radio, these may be some of the options you have available to you. Depending on the size, amount of money you can spend, there are options for just about any stereo or iPod you may have. Always be sure to check reviews on any item like this you are interested in, this will give you an idea of how well that particular case works.
The best advice someone can give you is to always test out your case with something that cannot be damaged by water before trying it out on your stereo or iPod. This will sometimes save you a lot of time and money in the long run. You want to protect and electronics when it comes to water because as I said before if they are damaged by water it is less likely that the manufactures will replace it. If you have done your homework and have found a reliable waterproof iPod case or just a simple waterproof stereo, you should be ready to listen to your favorite tunes on your float trip.
Please be sure to respect your neighbors on the river in regards to decibels. Your favorite tunes may grate on the guy in the next canoe like salt on a scraped wound. Some rivers have decibel limits and you may be required to turn your tunes down if confronted by a law enforcement officer. Using full headphones on the river is like using them while driving…you may be very sorry you did so if you miss warnings from others. Why not keep your tunes at camp and only during at reasonable hours? Even better, learn to listen to nature around you….never know what you might discover!