How to Pack Your Kayak for a Camping Trip

Kayaking and camping go together like peanut butter and jelly, so it’s no surprise that many people enjoy the combination. There are a few key things to remember when packing for this type of trip. The downside to camping with a kayak is like backpacking you will have a limited amount of space to pack everything. However, there are some ways to arrange your gear to save space.

Planning for a kayak camping trip is a bit different than planning for a backpacking trip. If you have never kayaked with camping gear before I suggest practicing putting it all together before your planned trip.

The first thing to note is that if you’re going to be kayak camping – or even just paddling for long distances – it’s important not to load your kayak down with too much weight. In this article, we will give you some top tips on what you should bring on your kayak camping trip and how to fit it all in. We will also go through the different types of kayak camping gear you can bring and how to choose it.

Planning your Trip

So first off you should figure out what you want to do on your trip. Do you want to have some serious family time? Maybe you’re going out with a group of friends and don’t want to spend too long chatting. Perhaps you’re into kayaking in your free time and just want to spend some quality time with your kayak.

• The length of your trip: You will want to take as little gear with you while kayak camping as possible. In order to pack as little gear as possible you will want to make sure you can only take what you need.
• The temperature: Any type of kayak camping requires planning for heat and for colder climates, more insulation is required. Yes, extra clothing is always nice but if you are spreading out your gear in layers, depending on the temperature will help save space.
• The size of your kayak: How much gear you can carry in your kayak will always be limited by the size of your kayak. But you can always pack smart! Most kayak camping is done in a touring kayak, but you will have to be smarter in your packing using a smaller kayak.
• What to Bring: The checklist below is a great place to start, but if you need any extra space or can bring more gear than you can fit on this list use the tips to maximize your space.
• Clothing: It’s a good idea to lay out the clothing you plan on packing in order to figure out how much space it will take up. For example, you may not need to take a sweatshirt if you plan on camping in the early spring or late fall. There is no better way to save space than to plan ahead.

Having The Right Camping Gear

It is important to have the correct kayak camping gear to save space and weight.
kayak camping gear is fairly light, however, it can still be heavy when you are carrying it. Make sure to pack this gear securely so that you don’t have any problems on the water. Here is a list with information about the most import gear to pack:

Kayak(Obviously!): It is important to make sure your kayak is in good condition before you go. This means the following:
•Make sure your kayak doesn’t have any holes or damage on it. Holes will not only affect the water, but also the materials used in the kayak.
•Make sure it can be easily paddled and fits you properly.
•If possible, test out your kayak first so that when you try to pack it, most of the gear will fit.

Tent: It is important to pack a light weight and easy to carry tent. You don’t want a tent that takes up too much room in your backpack or one that is heavy to carry. Make sure you pack a tent that is easy to set up and can withstand harsh weather.

Cooking gear: There are things you will want to bring cooking gear with you on your kayak camping trip such as a stove, fuel and a cooler for food. Remember to pack it all in a way that allows you to carry it easily.

Towels: These are probably the most important piece of gear because they are quite heavy and take up a lot of space. Try to make sure you can have all of your towels in one place so you can easily pack them. Your local camping store should stock microfiber towels that dry quickly and are half the size.

Packing Your Kayak for Camping

Once you have everything prepared it’s time to start packing your kayak for your camping trip. Here are some tips on how to make the most of the room you have and pack your kayak for camping.

• Drybag everything: Packing everything in dry bags will ensure your gear is protected from rain and that you can pack it all in one go.

• Stay organized: Pack as much as you can in a dry bag then place it in any extra space left in your kayak. This will keep your gear organized and easily accessible.

• Spread the weight evenly in your kayak: Pack your gear so that about 20 percent of its weight is in the bow and stern (front and back) of the kayak, leaving approximately 80 percent for the middle. This helps you to keep your balance when paddling. Getting a kayak Outriggers And Stabilizers could be a good option to add on.

• Securely place your valuables: Use bungee cords to loop excess gear or valuables through the D-rings of your kayak. Then use straps or bungee cords to secure them.

• Keep common items near: Place dry bags in the front and rear compartments. Keep personal hygiene items, sunscreen, first-aid kit, spare paddle and extra clothing in the front. Keep food and your camp stove, a water filter if you have one, matches and extra fuel in the rear compartment for easy access.

• Use a small dry bag to store small items: Place your flashlight, maps and compass, whistle, extra batteries for your flashlight and other small items in a small dry bag. Tuck it under the bungee cord or rope that is securing larger items such as your sleeping bag.

Kayaking is a great way to experience the outdoors, and it’s easy to enjoy a kayak camping excursion. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your kayaking experience is enjoyable and hassle-free.

Hopefully, this article was informative and helped to answer some of your questions about packing your kayak. If you still have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!