Packing for kayak/canoe trip

As I'm getting ready to head out for an overnight kayak trip down the Mississippi River, I decided I would write a post on packing for overnight kayak/canoe trips. If you have read any number of my previous posts, you would know that I am a minimalist. I try to minimize my loads down to the bare essentials. With that being said, packing for a kayak or canoe trip is a little different. If you are on a bike or hiking, you have to lug that weight. But in a kayak or canoe, you can budget for more weight since you aren't physically carryinging it. 

As you pack, as with any trip, you have 2 categories of gear: net gear and gross gear. Your net gear is what you absolutely need and should take on every trip (i.e. Water bottle, compass, map, etc.) These are your essentials that should be on every trip. I keep all of these in a backpack or a pannier, while in storage, so they are all together. 

Gross gear is what you can be more flexible with. This is the gear that can be altered to your trip. (i.e. Clothes, food, shelter, etc.) Each trip is a little different and you may change what you bring. This is where you pick and chose to adjust your weight. 

Gear

As I said before, when packing to go out on the water, you can budget for more weight so you can have a few more luxuries. As far as what to bring, here is a list of your net gear:

Water bottles/bladder

Compass

Map of the area

Whistle

Flashlight (or headlight)

Multi tool

Cord (paracord)

Survival kit (fishing kit, matches, water purification tabs, space blanket, spare flashlight, etc)

First aid kit (minimum: bandaids, gauze pads, tape, medical gloves, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment)

Bandanna

Fire starter

These are what you should always have on you during a trip. Everything else you could possibly do without if you desire. Even though shelter, a stove, food, and sleeping bag are important and you may definately want them, you could do without if need be (at least for an overnight trip). In addition to this list, you can now add your gross gear. Below is what I recommend for an OVERNIGHT canoe/kayak trip. 

Some sort of shelter

Sleeping bag

Stove and fuel

Cook set

Food

1 change of clothing (if bringing shoes, a couple pairs of socks)

Fishing gear and license

Camp chair

Small shovel and saw

Water filter

Sunscreen

Insect repellant

Solar charger

Spare batteries

Rain gear

Tinder 

Toilet paper

Spare blanket

Of course, these item can be tailored to what you would use. Again, you don't have to exactly skimp on stuff, but you should also try to not overpack. In addition to these, you will need to take trek-specific gear: paddles, life jacket, etc. 

If you plan to go for more than one night, you can easily alter your list. The net gear will remain the same, but your clothes, food, etc. may be changed depending on how long you will be gone. 

I recommend making a list for each meal. What will you eat as a main course? What will you drink? Will you want any sides for the meal? These are some questions to ask when writing a menu. Also budget for snacks for during the trip. 

Next, how often will you change clothes? If I'm doing 3 nights, I could get by with 1 change of clothes, plus maybe an extra shirt or 2. Some people need to change every day. Bring the amount of clothes that you think you will need. 

Finally, how many people are in your group? If you will be by yourself, what's on the list may be all you need. If there's more than one person going, you may only need 1 stove, 1 tent, 1 shovel, etc. If it's not something that is specifically for you, you could probably bring just one of that item to share (such as a stove). 

Packing

To pack your gear, I highly recommend dry bags, especially in a canoe. I also use a dry bag in my kayak and put it in the front. The type of kayak also determines how much you bring. Size, sit on top vs. enclosed, compartment space. In a canoe, you can load your bags onto the floor and maybe tie them in. If it's a sit on top kayak, you will have to secure your dry bag, whereas with an enclosed one, you can push to the front and back, letting it just sit there. If you have compartments, store your immediate essentials that you will need on the trek in these. If it's airtight, even better. If it's not airtight, I would advise to not store anything that is not waterproof.  Everything else I would suggest packing in a dry bag. They do make dry bags that double as backpacks. 

I would also recommend getting some dry boxes. I keep my survival kit in a dry box, which I would advise doing. I also keep my multi tool, carabiners, fishing license, and any other small items in one. If you have a paper map, you can get a waterproof map case (or use a ziplock bag). I also have an Armor Series Otterbox. You can get one of these or Lifeproof for your phone if you plan to use it on the water. The key idea here is to waterproof anything that might get ruined if you tip over. I would also highly recommend tying everything to your watercraft or make sure everything floats to keep from losing it. 

Packing for a canoe/kayak trip is relatively simple (in my opinion). This is a good start and if you see need to get rid of some things or add some, you can do so. For a first time, overnight trip, this is a great start. Any questions or additional ideas, comment below.