Kayak Survival Kit -- Bring One Along, You Just Might Need It

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Bring a Kayak Survival Kit -- You Might Just Need It

Don't think you need a kayak survival kit? Think again. Even if you're just going out for an afternoon trek across the bay, you never know what's going to happen out there. The weather can take a drastic change, you can get capsized by a rogue wave, you can have equipment problems and get stranded in a remote location. And as the old saying goes, it's better to have a survival bag and not need it, than need one and not have it (or something like that).

Now these kayak survival kits go by several names: bailout bags,
safety kits, survival bags, etc. And we're not just talking about a first aid kit and a cell phone here. A well equipped survival kit should include the following items:

A handheld marine radio (with weather bands)
A handheld compass
Waterproof matches
Fire starter
An emergency blanket
A first aid kit (marine variety)
A small fishing kit (line, hooks, bobbers, plastic worms, etc)
Several flares
A flashlight with extra batteries
An emergency strobe light
An air horn
Duct tape
30 foot length of nylon rope
A GPS unit (optional)
Emergency food rations -- energy bars, food sticks, etc
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Toilet paper (not optional)

Now I know this sounds like a lot of gear to be hauling around. But you'd be surprised with how much equipment can be stowed in a good 6x12" or 8x14" dry bag. And remember, a good dry bag serves the dual purpose of adding a little extra flotation to your touring or recreational kayak.

You can always add to or subtract from the above list. But just remember: a good kayak survival kit isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Like the old commercial says: don't leave home without one (or something like that).

Got Gear?

Is that PFD of yours getting a little frayed around the edges? Is that spray skirt springing a few leaks? Well check out one of our featured merchants for great online deals on kayaking accessories.

Retail sporting goods stores are great, but most only carry a limited selection of kayaking gear, and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, offer a wide selection of name-brand kayaks and paddling accessories, and at discounted prices. And online shopping offers a convenient, comfortable alternative to driving all over town looking for that hard to find item.

Our featured merchants are all well-established companies that have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies, and will ship virtually anywhere in the world.

For some great deals on new kayaking gear, click on one of the following links:

BackcountryStore.com -- kayaking gear
Shop backcountry.com for a great selection of name brand kayaking gear, including Thule, Yakima, Wildwasser, and others.

Tips & Tricks

Emergency stove

It's a good idea to have an emergency stove along on your trip in addition to your primary stove. An emergency backup stove can be as simple as a section of rolled up cardboard inside a tuna fish can. Stuff the cardboard (corrugated works better) into the can and then fill the can with melted candle wax. Before you leave home, light the stove once so that the wax saturates the cardboard. This will make the stove easier to light in the field.