Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Camping from a Kayak

I get asked quite often.....what do you take with you when camping from a kayak. It's not an easy question because there are a lot of variables that come into play.
How comfortable do you want to be, how long will you be out, what is the weather like, will you be preparing food or cooking at your campsite.

Here is a list of items that I usually take out for an overnight river trip.

1) Tent, one person for yourself or two person if doubling up. I will also take a hammock instead if I know that the area will have available trees.Be sure your tent or hammock has a rain fly.

2) Sleeping Pad, these can be found at many sporting good stores and vary in price. If i'm out for multiple days i'll take a blow up matress that you can inflate with a battery operated pump.

3) Sleeping bag, these vary in sizes and would only be used in colder weather.

4) Folding chair, get a small one but do get one. You will thank me later. The Coosa kayak that I have has a removeable seat that doubles as a chair so that helps.

5) Cooler, this is very important if you plan on having ice so food doesn't spoil while out in the heat for multiple days. I prefer the K2 Cooler, multiple days in 100 degree heat and still have ice when I arrive home.

6) Water filter, unless you pack water in you will need either a filter pump or a filtered water bottle.

7) Stove,I pack a Talon backpacking stove which I use if it's raining. Otherwise matchlight charcoal put into ziplock bags sure make the steaks taste great cooked over a small grate.

8) Extra paddle, you just never know.

9) First Aid kit, small one for minor emergencies.

These items are needed as well.
Toilet paper (biodegradeable), Lighter, Fire Starter, Rope, Utensils, Cooking set, Change of clothes, Camp sandles, Hygiene kit, Flashlight, Knife, Hatchet.
To some this will seem like a lot of gear. It is not all used on every trip but it is all gear that is used.

Most of these items should come from stores that cater to camping and backpacking or hiking. There are many products out there that are designed to lighten your load. You should also pack some kind of emergency meal just incase, never know when you might have to spend an extra night. I won't get into the argument about carrying a firearm that occurs whenever it's brought up but I do carry while on the water.

Here are some websites to assist you with finding gear to use.
www.rei.com
www.academy.com
www.cabelas.com
www.campmor.com

Feel free to comment if you have other additions and thoughts....

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