Sea Kayak Camping

Some basics about sea kayak camping

  1. You need to pack your kayak efficiently, even if you have brought the absolute minimum equipment. 
  2. It all has to be in waterproof containers (usually dry bags), but they have to fit inside a hatch which is narrow at one end and wider at the other – so rule of thumb, its better to have 2 x 10L bags than 1 x 20L bag. They are more eaily pushed into tight places. I find 10L bags to be the most efficient.
  3. The bags that you need first, pack last! Plan your bag packing by categorising the things you will need to easily get at compared to things that are not required until nightfall. 
  4. For really important or electrical items, its best to double bag them (1 bag inside another bag) to ensure water proofing.
  5. Weight matters – keep things to a minimum and as light as you can.

Camping Gear

Rest Kit

  • Head torch with spare batteries
  • Sleeping bag (appropriate for the season)
  • Sleeping pad / mat
  • Tent or other shelter (hammock / tarp)
  • NB stuffing your sleeping bag cover with clothes makes a great pillow.

Clothing Kit

  • Sensible clothing for the weather / time of year.
  • Long pants (mosquitos)
  • T shirt
  • Warm top (for cooler nights)
  • Spray or rain jacket (light)
  • Dry footware
  • Underwear
  • Light weight towel

Kitchen Kit

  • Microstove + fuel
  • Basic Utensils 
  • Sharp knife
  • Billy or pan for cooking
  • Mug
  • Plate or bowl
  • Can opener?
  • Plastic waste bag
  • Scourer / bio detergent (in a small screw-top container)
  • Matches/lighter/fire starter in a waterproof container 

Personal Kit

  • Lip balm 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Water in bottles or bladder
  • Mobile phone in a protective bag/case
  • Spare battery & charger cable
  • Credit card and a small amount of cash
  • Camera (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Guidebook (optional)
  • Notebook and pen or pencil (optional)

Personal safety / hygeine Kit

  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Bandanna or scarf (hot sunny days)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and water-resistant)
  • First-aid kit (optional but good habit)
  • Toilet paper or sanitary wipes.
  • Hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap.

Sea Kayaking Gear

Kayak Kit

  • Kayak
  • Paddle, plus a spare
  • Buoyancy Vest 
  • Bilge pump
  • Spray skirt 
  • Dry bags for packing
  • Mirror
  • Paddle float
  • Paddling knife (attached to PFD)
  • Towline
  • Watch
  • Paddle leash (optional)
  • Large sponge

Paddling Gear

  • Swimwear or shorts or convertible pants
  • Rashguard top or long-sleeve shirt
  • Wet shoes
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Bandanna or scarf (hot sunny days)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and water-resistant)
  • Water bottle