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SAIL
July 11, 2016
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There is no need to cross an ocean to set off on an adventure. The most amazing kayaking destinations are often nearby. From Quebec to Ontario, the East Coast of Canada has plenty of options available for kayaking and camping enthusiasts. So if you enjoy water sports as well as camping under the stars, get ready for an adventure! However, you may want to hold off a little on answering the call of the wild. A kayaking expedition must be carefully planned, whether it is a short outing or a longer, multi-day trip. You will need to plan a route that’s suited to the level of fitness of all participants, identify where you’ll be setting up camp, and take the right gear with you. While leaving on a kayak-camping trip may sound like complete freedom, it does involve a degree of preparation.
To ensure your kayaking expedition is a long calm river, it’s important to choose a touring kayak, to opt for ultra-light camping equipment and to grab a few dry bags. A kayak-camping expedition is similar to a canoe-camping trip, with one major difference… Less room for your gear!
If you dream of outdoor adventures and love paddling, get a map out and start planning your next kayaking expedition. Here are our top tips for choosing the best gear for your next kayak-camping trip.
In this article, you will learn how to choose the right kayaking gear for your next kayak-camping adventure.
Not all sea kayaks perform well on long expeditions. Some were designed for touring, and the rest for other purposes. Both double and single sea kayaks were designed to be loaded with gear. Once the passengers and their equipment are on board, the water line will be much lower. Your kayak will become faster, glide better and stay the course.
Overall, longer crafts will have more storage capacity. Check the size of your storage compartments. If they are on the smaller side (around 150 L), kayak-camping trips can still be possible, but you’ll need to bring lightweight gear that packs small (compressible sleeping bag, ultra-light tent, etc.). Compartments with a storage capacity of at least 200 L are better suited for multi-day kayaking expeditions. Opt for touring kayaks which feature bungee cargo nets on top to add storage.
Ideally, place all your camping gear inside the kayak’s compartments and distribute your gear’s weight evenly throughout the craft. Putting everything in the back will render your kayak unstable, and you may struggle to stay the course.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a touring kayak? Comfort. If you are planning to stay seated paddling for hours on end, make sure your kayak is ergonomic and comfortable. Check the seat support is the right size, well padded and that the footrests can be adjusted. Your pelvis, knees and feet should be resting against the craft’s shell.
When it comes to kayak materials, those looking for a faster, double sea kayak should opt for fibreglass, which will be more responsive. Polyethylene crafts are less rigid and don’t perform as well, but they are sturdier and scratch resistant. They are also cheaper.
Now that you know the size and type of touring kayak you may need, have a look at Pelican or Old Town for some reliable options.
Going on a kayaking trip requires a lot of planning and organization, particularly when it comes to choosing and preparing your gear. Paddlers preparing a multi-day trip should pack light. A kayak that’s too full or badly packed will not glide as well on the water, which can become very tiring for paddlers. Lightweight equipment will go a long way towards helping you stay under the craft’s maximum weight limit. When it comes to your essential camping kit (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat), opt for compressible gear, particularly if your storage compartments are on the smaller side. Rest assured that even with a storage capacity below 150 L, kayak-camping adventures are still an option. However, each piece of gear will have to be carefully selected. Choose a light tent that packs small, and a mummy-shaped sleeping bag, which takes up less room than a rectangular one. The same goes for your sleeping mat: compact is the way to go. Inflatable models are usually less bulky.
Even if your touring kayak has a larger storage capacity (bigger compartments, additional storage areas), you will still need to distribute the weight evenly, but you may not have to invest in ultra-light gear.
A kayaking expedition can be very pleasant, so long as your equipment doesn’t get wet! Cellphone, spare clothes, sleeping bag… In order to have a good night camping under the stars, your gear needs to stay dry. This is where dry bags come in. In addition to protecting your gear, they also increase your storage capacity.
Using dry bags is the best way to keep your gear dry, whatever happens along the way. As they contain air, they also make your kayak more buoyant, thus safer. Filled with clothes, dry bags also make for pretty good camping pillows. Some bags are designed to float, which means you don’t have to worry about dropping them in the water. They are available in many sizes and can contain from 5 L to 40 L. You can also pick a shape (traditional backpack, tube bag, with or without a strap, etc.) according to your preference. Backpacks are quite practical, but their storage capacity is often smaller. Tube dry bags are not as easy to carry (especially without a strap), but can contain up to 40 L. Dry bags are now an essential item on any watersports enthusiast’s checklist.
Outdoor brands have come up with many innovative ways to ensure they are fully waterproof: sealed seams, roll-top closures, waterproof or ripstop fabrics… There are many models available to keep your gear dry. Look for bags from brands Seal Line, SAIL or Sea to Summit.
It’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need to put all your equipment in dry bags. Some gear is water-resistant (tent poles, water bottles, dried food). You can therefore optimize the storage space available in your bag by prioritizing what needs to be protected. You can also use sealed plastic bags for items which could potentially get wet without getting damaged.
A light paddle is indispensable for any multi-day kayaking outing, whether you are in a single or a double. This is particularly crucial during expeditions which will see you travel over long distances each day. You may not feel the difference between a lightweight carbon fibre paddle and a heavier model when kayaking for a couple of hours around the local lake, but on an intense multi-day kayaking expedition, you definitely will. Your upper body will be working much harder if using a heavier paddle that’s less rigid.
A sea kayaking paddle has two blades, one on each end. The shape and size of the blades will vary depending on their use. Finer blades were designed for longer outings and help make each stroke more powerful, which your muscles and your joints will appreciate!
Your paddle serves a dual-purpose: it is both your engine and your rudder. It is therefore very important to choose it carefully. Start by selecting a paddle that fits your size. Models vary between 210 cm to 240 cm in length, and some are adjustable. Lighter ones feature a carbon fibre shaft. This is what differentiates a lightweight from a heavier paddle. Models made of aluminum are on the heavier side, and therefore less suitable for kayak-camping trips. The best quality options weigh less than 1 kg (1.2 lbs). The blades’ materials will differ from one model to the next: fibreglass reinforced with polypropylene, nylon, etc.
Paddles with a 2-piece shaft are great for touring expeditions as they can easily be carried once dismantled.
Carlisle, Pelican and Wilderness have a selection of models that perform well on kayak-camping trips.
Your touring kayak is ready, and your paddle and dry bags are packed? There are only a few items missing before you can set off on your kayaking expedition.
We won’t provide a checklist of all the things you should consider taking with you on your kayak-camping trip as this will vary depending on your chosen route, the season, how many people will be with you, where you’ll be camping, etc.
When it comes to essential gear, navigation aids should be at the top of your list. Bring a map of your route, a compass, and a GPS. It’s one thing to go on an adventure, it doesn’t mean you should be reckless! Should your GPS’s battery die, a compass and good old-fashioned map can get you out of a bad spot. Keep your map in a waterproof sealed bag visible on top of your kayak’s deck so you can quickly refer to it. A waterproof pouch also keeps your phone and car keys safe and protected.
On your list of kayaking essentials, you’ll also find a personal flotation device (PFD), a whistle, a scoop and a 15-metre-long (49 ft) heaving line.
When it comes to food and water, make a list of everything you’ll need and check you’re not leaving anything behind, particularly if camping in the wilderness. Dishes, camping stove, food, water filter… The list goes on. Take your time, and keep the weight restrictions in mind. You’ll also have to check everything fits in your storage compartments or dry bags.
Make sure you bring enough spare clothing to stay warm and dry, particularly at night. For your “dry land” clothes, choose synthetic fabrics over cotton as these will dry much quicker.
Many outdoors enthusiasts dream of their next kayak-camping adventure. Paddling during the day, taking in the scenery, watching out for wild animals, enjoying the quiet wilderness while camping… There are many reasons to love kayaking expeditions, so long as you have the right gear with you to ensure your trip doesn’t turn into an exhausting nightmare. Even more so if you are headed into the wilderness with everything you will need over several days aboard your craft. Fortunately, you now know how to choose your sea kayak, paddle, and camping gear. All that remains is to choose your next destination!
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