Kayak camping offers a distinctive outdoor adventure. You get to spend days paddling and nights sleeping under the stars. Kayak camping is less stressful because you can move around more easily while backpacking without carrying any extra weight. Your craft provides you with additional storage space and can transport you to campsites that are inaccessible by foot or vehicle.
However, not everything will be happy-go-lucky! Hours of physically taxing paddling will be required of you. Additionally, if you are unprepared, exposure to the elements while on the water poses a threat to your health.
So, use the advice below to make your trip more enjoyable and successful.
How Do You Camp Successfully In A Kayak?
1. Decide on a kayak camping trip that fits your needs
The location and campsites you select are critical to the success of your kayak camping trip. Choose a kayaking location that is appropriate for your skill level. You don’t want to be exhausted after 3-5 days of rapid-shooting. Begin with a simple camping spot and plan to paddle 5-15 miles per day for one or two nights. Before you push yourself too far, you can get a feel for what it’s like to kayak camp physically and mentally this way. You also know what to pack and what to leave at home.
Start with lakes or slow-moving rivers where you can set up camp. It is recommended that the campsite be at least 200 feet away from the shore. When camping near the coast, be sure to place it far enough away from the shoreline to avoid being swamped by the tides.
2. Choose the kayak that will serve you best on the trip
Your camping trip will turn into a living hell if the kayak you use isn’t very comfortable. The best kayak for camping is the one you already have because you have the most experience with it and know it the best. Nevertheless, if you are considering renting or purchasing a new one, you should check that it satisfies the following criteria:
- A sufficient amount of storage space that features watertight compartments: The kayak that you select ought to be able to accommodate all of your gear without difficulty. And despite the fact that you will store your gear and necessities in dry bags, the waterproof compartment is a nice place to store your valuables, such as your camera and phone. Touring kayaks are the best choice because they are simple to paddle over extended distances and because they have all of the other desirable characteristics.
- Find a kayak that has foot braces and supportive seats so that you can paddle for long periods of time without becoming fatigued. One that has thigh pads is preferable because it improves the stability of the position. If the seat in your kayak doesn’t provide adequate support, you might want to consider mounting separate seats for a more comfortable camping experience in your kayak.
- Find the right paddle to complement your kayak by selecting a length that corresponds to both the length of your kayak and your height. You might want to think about installing paddle grips so that it is easier and more comfortable for your hands.
3. Narrow down to essential kayak camping gear
There aren’t many differences between backpacking and kayak camping in terms of packing. Except for the hiking boots, the majority of your backpacking gear will be put to good use. Kayak camping has the advantage of allowing you to bring more gear because you won’t have to carry it all on your back. However, it’s critical to use compact, lightweight gear to save on storage space.
You’ll need these items for your trip:
- Personal flotation devices, rope, a kayak repair kit, a towel, and binoculars are some of the camping supplies that kayakers should bring along.
- Paddle, paddle leash, bungee cord, hammock or tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow, as well as a headlamp and a small daypack, are all necessary items for a successful kayak camping trip.
- Outfits for kayak camping, including swimwear, sandals, water shoes, and other appropriate clothing, depending on where you plan to kayak.
- Food storage bags, stove and fuel, food, water bottles, water filters, and garbage bag; are the necessities for any kitchen.
- Toiletries and safety gear, such as bug spray, bear spray, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, an extra paddle, and an emergency communication device; maps, a compass or GPS device; and a hygiene kit.
- If you’re planning on going fishing, you’ll need the appropriate equipment.
4. Maintain control of both your body and your navigational abilities
A kayak camping trip requires a significant amount of physical fitness on the part of the participant. You should get your body ready for the trip by getting in as much kayaking as you can in the days leading up to it. Paddling before your escape is a great way to work and warm up the muscles that will be used during your escape.
You also need to hone your navigational skills, as getting lost can not only make your journey unpleasant but also put your life in jeopardy. Learn the ins and outs of your destination of choice, as well as how to read a map and find your way around using the various routes. You will have the opportunity to explore breathtaking off-route scenery as well as hidden caves while still being able to return to your original path and reach the shore.
5. Your kayak should be loaded correctly.
If you are unable to access the gear when you need it, it can quickly ruin what could have been a rather enjoyable kayak camping trip. When loading your kayak, make sure to follow the rules for ABS, which stands for accessibility, balance, and compression. And since you won’t be able to pack it at home, you should get some experience loading it up before you leave for your trip.
The following are some helpful hints that will assist you:
- To prevent items from becoming wet and to make loading easier and more effective, most things should be packed in small dry bags. If you want to make it easier to find your gear, consider using see-through dry bags or color-coding the bags themselves.
- When packing, make sure the weight is distributed evenly so that your kayak will maintain its balance when you take it out on the water. When packing the boat, make sure to put heavier items toward the middle and lighter items toward the ends. Keep in mind that you need to distribute your weight evenly across the sides of the kayak in order to keep it stable.
- Camp gear that won’t be needed while you’re out on the water should be secured with straps. This protects them in the event that your kayak turns over on its side. Maintain easy access to necessities such as a bottle of water, some snacks, a set of clothes, and a navigational device.
6. Maintain proper nutrition and fluid intake
The success of your trip is directly proportional to how well you take care of your body. Maintain your strength and stamina by maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. It is recommended to consume proteins and fats that are healthy. In order to successfully complete an adventure, maintaining a healthy diet helps you keep your energy levels up, decreases the amount of muscle soreness you experience, and ensures that your muscles regenerate.
7. Always make sure your kayak is secure before you set out
It’s easy for your trip to turn into a nightmare if you wake up to discover that your kayak and paddle have gotten very far away from the shore overnight. Keep your boat safe by keeping it a good distance from the shore at all times. In order to prevent the kayak from becoming a source of water damage should it rain, you should flip it over and place it close to your tent.
8. Be careful
When kayak camping, safety should be your top priority, and that starts with choosing a location. You should select a location based on your skill level and the terrain that you are most comfortable navigating. After selecting an appropriate location, ensure your safety by adhering to the following guidelines:
- Create an itinerary, and be sure to tell someone about it.
- Make sure you are in good shape before your trip.
- Check the forecast, and adjust your activities accordingly.
- Always have a first aid kit on you.
- When you are out on the water, you should always make sure to wear a life jacket that fits properly.
- In the event of a critical situation, you should have a way to get in touch with someone.
- Tag along a friend
- Before going on the excursion, make sure you are well-versed in various safety procedures, including self-rescue.
- If you are new to kayak camping, you should choose one of the more established sites to set up your tent.
- Abide by the leave no trace principle
Key Takeaways
A successful camping trip in a kayak requires that you follow the advice that was given above. However, as you continue to plan more trips, you will gain a better understanding of the kinds of gear that are important to you and what works best for you. In conclusion, remember to always act responsibly and have a great time!
