Home About the Club Join The Club Trip Schedule Trip Photos Safety Etiquette Camping River Classifications Links Send Comments

Canoe/Kayak-Camping Packing your gear Remember to pack light. There is limited space in a canoe or kayak, and you’ll be carrying food and equipment as well as personal gear. Also, you will have to lug gear from your boat up to the campsite each time you set up camp and then pack it all out again in the morning. You’ll be glad you didn’t pack the kitchen sink! Clothing—“layering” Choose clothing that you can put on and take off in layers—tee-shirt, turtleneck, pullover sweater, windbreaker. In warm summer-time weather, take just one sweater or sweatshirt, not four! You’ll probably paddle in your swimsuit, to be ready for any likely looking pool along the way, so you won’t need tons of underwear or outer clothing. Personal items Whether your trip is just overnight or a full week or more, you won’t need 16 ounces of shampoo or the family-size tube of toothpaste! “Sample” sizes of these items are great and will significantly downsize your duffle. Choose a paperback rather than a hardcover book, “travel” size games rather than full size, and a small-size flashlight rather than the big one that weighs three pounds! Pick up “airline” utensils at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store—they’re smaller and lighter than full size tableware. Think small—light—compact—and leave at home all that stuff you just might need! Waterproofing Essential. Capsizes are possible, and in any case some water inevitably splashes in. We recommend that you waterproof your gear with two layers of plastic plus an outer protective layer of nylon or canvas. For canoe-camping, you can use two large plastic bags, one inside the other (compactor bags are good). When loaded, gather each separately at the top and secure with heavy-duty rubber bands (bring extras). Put inside a canvas or nylon duffle bag to protect the plastic from tears, punctures, and abrasion. With the more limited space in a kayak, use several small waterproof bags, such as zip-locks. You can of course get special waterproof gear bags, at greater cost. Tying in gear Tie in your gear and personal items, especially anything that will sink. Use 2 to 3-foot sections of 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch line (sear ends over candle flame to prevent fraying). Tie with a bow-knot that can be easily released in the event of a capsize. Do not use bow or stern lines for tying gear!   Gear Checklist Individual/personal items Canoe or kayak & paddles Life jacket Sponge/bailer Day bag (for stuff you want handy) Sunglasses (w/safety strap) Sun lotion/lip cream Tie-in lines (4 to 6, 1/8" line, 2-3' long) Waterbottle–personal Water jugs–1-gal. plastic, 2 per boat Whistle on neck thong Sleeping bag Pad/air mattress/ground cloth Cup, plate/bowl, eating utensils Flashlight Hat with brim (sun) Toilet kit (toothbrush/paste, comb, soap) Washcloth & towel Medications Canoeing shoes (thongs) Camp/hike shoes (w/laces) Long pants & long-sleeved shirt Nightwear Short-sleeved shirts/T-shirts Sweater & windbreaker Swimsuit & shorts Underwear & socks Optional Bandana Camera/film (waterproof) Frisbee/games/cards Insect repellent Medications/prescriptions/eyeglasses Musical instrument Paperback books Pocketknife Poncho/rain gear Sunglasses Tent (lightweight) Leader Candle Cleanup gear Cooler Drink jug Duct tape Extra bags Extra line First-aid kit Gloves Grates Library Maps Matches Pots/pans/utensils Potty seat/shovel Rubber bands Tarp Throwing line Tie lines Tools/channel locks Water filter