For all the reasons that make kayaking fun, there are an equal number of important things to account for when planning and packing for your trip. Bringing along the right kayak camping gear ensures that you don’t end up thoroughly soaking wet and, instead, get to enjoy the riveting thrills, beautiful sights, and water adventures. For a full guide on how to plan a kayak trip, including all gear you should bring with you when kayak camping, read the rest of our article!
How to Plan a Kayak Trip, Step By Step
Kayak camping stands above other forms of outdoor activity as a truly unique way to experience nature. However, for things to go smoothly, there’s quite a bit of planning involved that you shouldn’t neglect in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
First things first, you’ll need to find a destination to head to and get familiar with its specifics. Research factors such as:
- Difficulty level
- Accessibility
- Campground availability
- Regulations you’ll need to follow
Then, as part of your research, you should also study the weather forecasts to prepare accordingly. Camping in the rain is no joke, and without proper preparation, you’ll end up wet, sad, and likely forced to go home early.
When mapping your route, factor in the daily distance you and your group can comfortably cover. When in doubt, lower your estimates. Remember that you’ll be paddling with all your belongings in tow, adding quite a hefty load to the boat’s total, which also leads to the next point, and that is…
Do not overpack! It’s incredibly easy to forget yourself and want to bring virtually every contingency item out there. While some creature comforts are necessary (and recommended), after all, you’re getting out there to enjoy nature, not distract yourself with your extensive gadget collection.
Packing properly becomes significantly easier when traveling in a group, as more kayaks equals more storage space. That said, we’ll be diving into the specific of what you should pack in the next section.
Essential Equipment
When considering items to bring along, you should group them together separately. One group will consist of things needed for the kayaking part, while the other will be made up of the core camping equipment to facilitate your stay whenever you’re not paddling down streams.
Kayaking Gear
Of course, the vessel itself comes as the number one thing to bring, followed quickly by a paddle and a properly fitting life jacket. Depending on the weather and season, you might want to get yourself a spray skirt to keep dry.
Other than that, a solid kayaking outfit consisting of a warm outer layer and waterproof equipment will be necessary to keep warmth in and the water out, when some inevitably gets splashed inside. You might also want to bring a pair of gloves and a solid pair of waterproof shoes. The latter is especially important when mooring the kayak, as getting in and out of the water exposes your feet to sharp rocks and other random debris.
Furthermore, when heading out in the summer, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat also rank among the necessary kayaking gear to pack.
Kayak Camping Gear
In addition to the essential kayaking equipment, you'll need to pack the necessary camping gear to facilitate your stay. Investing in high-quality, water-resistant camping gear is crucial for a successful kayak camping trip.
A compact, durable tent is a must. Look for one specifically designed for camping in wet conditions, but if you can’t, take every possible precaution and waterproof the tent (or reapply the waterproofing) to prevent it from leaking moisture inside. On top of that, you’ll also need a comfortable sleeping bag and sleeping pad to ensure a good night’s rest after a long day of paddling.
To take care of sustenance, bring a long, lightweight portable camp stove, some fuel, and basic cooking utensils to prepare your meals. Some people can’t live without coffee even when camping, so if you’re in that camp, pack the equipment needed to brew your morning cup however you like it.
Other essential camping gear includes a headlamp or flashlight, a first aid kit, toiletries, and a change of clothes (especially some underwear). You might also want to bring a portable solar power bank to keep your devices charged at all times!
The Takeaway
Planning and executing a succesful kayak camping trip does require some forethought, true, but once you figure out the essential kayak camping gear you need, you’re good to go. All that’s left is to gather your equipment and set out adventuring!
You may also read: What Is Bushcraft Camping?