Camping For Paddlers
Camping, as it relates to kayaking and canoeing, is a little different than
camping from a car or RV, or hiking into a campsite. Plus you’ll have to bring dry bags and pack for water
immersion, which is an ever-present possibility when paddling.
For one thing, you’ll have to pack light, due to the storage constraints of
your boat, so you’ll need to pack only the essentials necessary for a
successful outing.
The most important step when kayak or canoe camping, especially if this will
be your first outing, is to plan carefully and make a good checklist.
There’s nothing worse than getting your boat to the water and discovering
you don’t have room for all your gear, or getting to the first night of your
trip and realizing you left something important back at the house.
Another way to avoid some potential mistakes is to do a “dry run” at home
some weekend. Basically load up your kayak or canoe just as if you’re
leaving for your trip, then spend a night or two camped out in your
backyard. This way you can get some experience with your equipment, and how
to set things up, cook your meals, get dressed for the conditions, etc.
If you’re still a little nervous about camping from your kayak or canoe
after a dry run at home, you’ll probably want to choose a fairly easy trip
your first time out. Don’t choose a destination that’s going to require a
lot of tough paddling, be aware of the water levels in your area, and try to
pick a time when you’ll run up against some good weather. That way you won’t
be battling the elements and your new camping gear at the same time.
Another essential is a good map or maps of the area you’ll be visiting.
You’ll want to study your maps carefully before your trip and try to
anticipate where the best campsites will be, in addition to any potential
hazards like waterfalls or dams along your route.
As mentioned earlier, what you bring along in your kayak or canoe is an
important consideration. What you leave at home is almost as critical as
what you bring along. Chances are you won’t have room for that portable
television, or that oversized ice cooler you haul around in your RV. And
don't even thing about that big watermelon you’d love to eat while relaxing
around the campfire after supper.
As far as clothing, make sure you bring along clothes that will match the conditions you’re likely to encounter on your trip. This includes anything you’re likely to run into out on the water, from total immersion to getting caught in a freezing rainstorm. Another good idea is to bring enough dry bags for all your clothing - after all, there are few things more miserable than having nothing but cold soggy clothes to wear.
Other essential gear includes a good tent (think light
but sturdy), a warm sleeping bag (usually a 20 degree three-season bag
will do), a stove, cooking utensils, a cooler, toilet paper, fresh water
(2 gallons per person), a flashlight (headlights are better), rope,
knife, sunscreen and of course enough food to replenish all that energy
you'll be expending out on the water.
In other words, think light and lean. Especially if you'll be out for more
than one or two nights.
But don't leave the essentials back at the house either. And don't
forget the marshmallows and some great stories to tell around the
campfire!
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