How To Kayak Camp - Preparation

Looking to improve your kayak camping experience? You may just need a little practice! Come along as I load the boat and head to an island to practice my setup and systems for kayak camping. Learning how to kayak camp can be as difficult as it is fun. It is definitely advantageous to practice this stuff before heading out on a big trip. Preparation is the name of the game here and working through your set up and techniques will definitely improve your next adventure!
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[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Kayak camping is no different the ordinary camping it is just the delivery system.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Great way of looking at it!

[@Wilton7176]

It's also a good idea to check the county burn ban site to know whether you can legally have an open fire.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

yes, dont set the forest on fire!

[@scottpiner2149]

“Figure it all out before you have to.” Very wise words.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you Scott! the proverbial "ask me how I know" would work here! LOL.

[@scottpiner2149]

@@RiverKingsKayak Haha. I got messed up one time. Then I started practicing in the backyard in the dark with a headlamp in a t-shirt. If I can do it cold and in the dark, then I can do it under good conditions too. LOL.

[@mightydazken]

Pete being the internets most helpful guy for new paddlers as always, your work helps all of us in one way or another though.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks mightydazken!

[@vernwalkin5445]

Thanks for the great tips Pete.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Vern!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

My wife laughs at me...but that whole system thing is awesome, and has saved me more than once! Love seeing a video from someone with experience, confirming to me, that I'm still doing it right! Thanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Always remember the wise words from my late grandfather... behind every great man, is a woman rolling her eyes! LOL!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Amen! 🤣

[@codymarsh8117]

Perfect timing with this video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Cody!

[@NavigatingwithNafe]

I must admit, what you're doing there looks extremely relaxing. 👍... I just bought a kayak for my stepdaughter for her birthday, and had to get one for myself. I've been checking out videos on kayak gear & accessories, then your video popped up. I was like 😲 wth man!! I've been a hammock camper for nearly 10 years now & feel like there's nothing more serene, until this video! Vicariously living through you ATM brother! Lol... only for a duration though! Time for me to gear up! I just need to research some areas here in Ohio. Thanks for sharing & great video! Be safe, God bless, have a good one!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on JMO!

[@shaneoakley8757]

Your content is just excellent Sir. It’s camping season in NC! 😎

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Shane!

[@WKINNEY]

Thanks Pete, good stuff!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Wink!

[@troybennington3479]

Wait I need the story about the fire before I take my nap… follow up video😎

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he he!

[@slalomking]

Thanks, very informative and relaxing

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bryan!

[@LeeEnfieldLB]

Love it... great advice. Get out there and enjoy. Let it all go.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Lee!

[@banderasXx69]

Hey man I'm also from NC, I love the outdoors, I hope to run into you someday. Happy camping

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Banderas!

[@crazygrandma2972]

I am excited to watch,

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Crazy Grandma!

[@czajkinadwoda]

Super cool 😮❤

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks KA!

[@escapewithjay]

Best hammock straps that exist! Just used them down in Louisiana kayaking the swamps and they are amazing. So glad you showed them in other videos. Also, always do a final walk around of camp after the boat is packed and ready to go. That last walk around may save you big time leaving something behind

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I agree EwJ! Love the Warbonnet strap and buckles!

[@ohillbilly]

Good stuff! ... The little store I work at just got some of them tables. I snatched one up and it stays in the truck. I figure with some sort of a plastic top, I can clean fish on it. Surprisingly sturdy.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They will spoil you rotten!!! I love them!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Excellent tips all around Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Gatewood!

[@SouthernPaddler]

This is great stuff!! Thanks so much, Pete!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dan!

[@leonbax4655]

Thank you Pete ,excellent viewing as always. You help me stay sain after shoulder surgery 12 weeks ago ,love u all stay safe

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Leon! I hate to hear about your shoulder. Are you looking to get back out soon?

[@lowermichiganadventures]

Awesome thanks for sharing

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks LMHCA!

[@traceygreen9273]

I've learned a lot about WW kayaking from your channel and now, I'm inspired to do some kayak camping soon! I really appreciate this channel!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Tracey! That is what it is all about!

[@glennrobin3141]

This os the content i been wait on

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Glenn!

[@jailen461]

👍👍 good video Pete.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Denny!

[@kellyc5397]

Thank you so much for another great video. Since finding you channel it has inspired me to pack my boat and try kayak camping. I’ve hiked in to camp before but never gone by water and I think it would be awesome! Thanks again hope I can find some awesome sites in Ontario 🇨🇦

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Kelly! You live in a wonderful place for kayak camping!!! Enjoy!

[@alletecinc1]

That Current River trip was wild, for sure. Nicely done video, as usual. Great info like always, especially about the two tarps. Hope to one day meet up with you.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jeffrey! likewise!

[@oldkayaker1]

Love this. I’m going kayak camping with Pete sometime soon, on the Nolichucky (at my secret spot). Been wanting to do it for awhile. Now that things have slowed for the year it’s time. And yes Pete is going, weather he likes it or not. 😄

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Love it!!

[@IE_Tiger]

Honey is great in coffee, too. Great video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tiger! I need to try that sometime!

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Nothing like river camping👍👍 Thanks for the tip on the table. I'm gonna incorporate that. ($32 now)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks TFO! I agree 100%!

[@yakkelberry214]

A great video full of tips that will help others from suffering some of the same embarassing moments! Like....forgetting the ridgeline and almost floating down river... not sure who would do that...but I've heard it happens :D

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks brother!! he he he! Good memories!

[@jasonjohnson3164]

Great reminder and example of how to practice such skills, Pete! Just wish I had a place like that to go practice on lol

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jason! Im sure there is somewhere out there near you!

[@jasonjohnson3164]

@@RiverKingsKayak oh most likely, the rub is more likely going to be obtaining permission to do so from local DNR authorities

[@mosulmedic7048]

You can get a double layer hammock and place a space blanket, spare clothes, a woobie etc in between and eliminate the need to mess around with an under quilt. Best upgrade I have done for hammock camping!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I have tried literally everything and nothing keeps me as warm as a premium underquilt.

[@mosulmedic7048]

@@RiverKingsKayak I guess I should add a disclaimer that I definitely haven't tested my setup in as many fall / colder weather overnights as you presumably have. I just despised dealing with the set-up and tear down of the underquilt. I had dream hammock make me a double layer and it has been a game changer. I am hoping to do a few colder overnight floats before the end of the year

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@mosulmedic7048 for sure!! In warmer weather you are def right!

[@agrarianriverman]

Great video, thanks! Also would you ever consider doing away w the hammock and sleep under the tarp only? Put a ground cover down and a good jungle snugpak.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Darren! Good question! I have done more of that than I care to admit! for about 10 years, I worked in a field environment working with the special forces. Most days, we just existed with the minimum that would facilitate the mission...now a days, I camp for fun and when I am comfortable, I have more fun...LOL! So, going for the most comfort available, I opt for the hammock.

[@BDiHaze]

Appreciate this as we are planning to try this for the first time. Do both of those quilts you have come as a set and which hammock is that? Please give details on cookware/dishware setup for my partner and I to have best experiences when we do this. Thanks much!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Here is a video on the quilts... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mabGiGStm96dZ7c I dont use cookware on most of my trips. Rather, I just bring a jet-boil and heat water for de-hydrated meals such as mountain house meals etc... Hope that helps!

[@wood2be]

Love your videos! Found this one to be particularly helpful as I’m preparing for my first kayak overnight. Do you have recommendations for a portable grill? I need something lightweight and easy to store in my Eddyline Sitka LT which doesn’t have the greatest storage capacity! TIA

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Wood2be! I never use a portable grill. If I need to cook other than what a jetboil can do, I use either aluminum foil or a frypan - both on a fire.

[@NovaScotiakayaker]

We need to get you down to Nova Scotia and do the shubenacadie canal

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh that would be fantastic!!

[@flushot6513]

Got my river king decals for my kayak enjoy your content

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah!!

[@ninjazxd]

I need to get a sit in kayak for kayak camping. That blackbird is hard to beat, i have the xlc and the superfly, I have a bunch of others too but the Blackbird xlc is my favorite. I need to invest in some quilts for sure.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Charles!! The quilts are like magic in the cold months!

[@ninjazxd]

@@RiverKingsKayak I have a quilt I bough a few years ago used but its regular length. I have looked at the wookie from Warbonnet but it would probably only be compatible with the Blackbird. I bought my 10 year old son a Warbonnet Ridge Runner and he uses the regular length under quilt with it.

[@ericoberholzer5430]

Great video. Was interested in which boat this is - after watching all the angles it looks like it is a Dagger Katana. Maybe you've already made a video on this, but I would be interested in seeing a video on all your boats, the pros and cons, and how you choose which boat is optimal for which activity. I'm new to kayaking, so a lot to learn about the boats!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Eric! That is my Dagger Katana 10.4. Great video idea!

[@moeadeeb2862]

@@RiverKingsKayak really enjoy your videos Pete. I do like the commentary as you are a “Kayaker poet”. It’s always nice to take our daily activities and interests and put them in a larger perspective. I’ve learned a great deal from watching your channel and subbed a while back. I did have a question about your hatch cover on the Katana. I have a 9.7 and don’t care much for the rubber cover. Headwaters Kayak did a vid on replacing it with the JK hard cover with straps and I was considering making the change but have not had any feedback from someone who’s done it. Are you happy with the mod?

[@jackkat8825]

A sea kayak with a foot controlled rudder is the most stable kayak to use on lakes and inlets n oceans.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes, I agree.

[@_bigbuddhacheese9369]

Thanks for sharing! would like to know more about packing a boat, did you ever try stuffing a riverrunner full of gear? no hatch. what would total weight of general gear be? do you pack every item double waterproof? what about trim? is it bad to be super tail heavy and can you stash gear between your feet? (entanglement issue?) Cheers and keep it up!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks BBC! I have a dedicated kayak packing video and then a video where I used a Flying Squirrel 95 on a whitewater kayak camping trip.. packing for kayak camping - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV6vnqmGd56bpNE whitewater trip - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nafKdIhjbbd_rJY

[@hike-bike-paddle-and-drone]

HaHa!! I think we all have had those cringe moments where we say ..... I shoulda never done that!! re.. JetBoil heater! LOL!! Looks like you had a very breezy day! Check out the Klymit chairs, my hi-back is awesome!! I always have some sort of table with me nowadays too and a plastic cutting board! Yak-Attack makes one with a hole in it for hanging or a lanyard for hanging. And nothing beats a mid-day snooze all wrapped up in those fluffy quilts!! One thing you forgot to mention was always have a change of clothes!! Great video man, I hope there are a couple of new kayak campers out there now! Sorry I have been missing the Premiers lately.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jeff!! Good points!

[@hike-bike-paddle-and-drone]

@@RiverKingsKayak the clothing suggestion is one of my Cringe moments! HaHa!!!

[@stevestory8483]

How do you like the remote designs dry bag vs the sea to summit big river dry bags?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They are both good!!!

[@kellyjiroch2305]

Thank you for all the tips! As a follow up, do you have a video that reviews top kayaks for camping? There are so many options out there and I want something that balances comfort, storage, tracking, and maneuverability. Some of the rivers have higher class rapids and my wilderness aspire can't navigate them safely. I need a kayak that can handle rivers with technical spots. I would love your advice on the best kayaks for camping.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Kelly! I have made a couple videos on that topic. Sadly, I dont have an exhaustive list ranking all the available boats, but these videos should help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoe7Z2ehhb-ofqc kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5-QaIWto8p1jbc

[@kellyjiroch2305]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thank you!

[@Brian-yx5vo]

Thank you for your video. Why would one rather use a kayak versus a small canoe to camp? Thank you.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

speed on the water, comfort (depending) and mostly performance in rapids.

[@Brian-yx5vo]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you

[@jaffajedi4911]

Thanks Pete, I would love to know all the gear you used for the camp ie tarp. I am in the UK so don't know if we have any supplier that would supply the same kit.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on! here ya go- quilts - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mabGiGStm96dZ7c tarp - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYbKe6yqnseSiac hammock - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKKmdaOwqJKApMk

[@jaffajedi4911]

@@RiverKingsKayak thanks 🙏 Love your videos

[@rangerdoc1029]

What camera did you have mounted on your Yak? The colros are so much more vibrant than mine.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

GoPro 8 or 10, not sure which I used on that one.

[@WhitewaterBBQ]

Hey Pete what’s the JK hatch setup you are using on your dagger? Does the soft cover add extra protection over just the plastic? I have a Tupelo 12.5 from JK and it only has a hard cover on a hinge

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is the Jackson Hard Hat kit. It retrofits a Katana perfectly! The neoprene delivers the waterproofness while the hard plastic protects it.

[@WhitewaterBBQ]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thanks appreciate it!!

[@domjaylyssasmom]

Soooo I have watched a few videos from various creators on kayak camping. Not once have I seen my kayak brand. We just bought lifetime kayaks..... are these ok!? I am too cheap to buy more expensive ones.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Those may be great depending on the water/rivers you paddle. They would not fare well in the places we go. I would recommend a higher end boat not only for performance, but for safety features/reasons.

[@ewoodybass]

Hey Pete, where exactly is the island you set up shop on? We stayed at Spirit Island a few weeks back, but that doesn’t look like the same area? Anyway, thanks for another quality video!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

that is my secret island that is hiding about 100yds out from the dock at Saxapahaw...lol.

[@ewoodybass]

@@RiverKingsKayak I might have to go find your secret island this weekend, lol. We were so focused on locating the dock to Spirit Island, we probably paddled past it and didn’t even notice. Still had a fine time on Spirit.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@ewoodybass Spirit Island is literally tucked up against puryear dam. As you paddle upstream, keep in the main channel. When you see the dam, the island will be on river left (upstream right). The dock is almost all the way to the upstream side of the island.

[@ewoodybass]

@@RiverKingsKayak Oh, we found the dock to Spirit Island and had a good time camping there. I just meant that our focus was finding that dock since it was our first time, so we probably paddled past your secret island without even noticing.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

​@@ewoodybass ahhhh...now I am tracking! good stuff!! I love some spirit island camping!

[@canajian]

👋😎👍

[@grant9908]

where did you get the tarp from?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYbKe6yqnseSiac

[@KimIrby]

Please tell me how I can reach you. I want to learn from you. Will travel from AR when you get some rain. Thank you!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

riverkingpete@gmail will work.

[@KimIrby]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you

[@WVWes]

Unrelated question.. you often say “we ride” in a silly voice. What is that from?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I think it was from an old fruit of the loom commercial! LOL! kzbin.info/www/bejne/najOm5qbfLKSbcU

[@WVWes]

@@RiverKingsKayak I knew I recognized that lol!!! I just couldn’t place it. I remember now! Lol

[@Crazy_Anglers28]

Where u kayak camp

[@RiverKingsKayak]

all over!

[@jackkat8825]

NOLS EDU

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I am not familiar with that organization.

[@39camper]

Really? how is this showing people to kayak camp??

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Well, Did you watch the video? I thought I explained what I was doing...it is called a dry run. Preparation. Practice. Giving people ideas about how they can prepare for their next adventure. No worries. Perhaps these can be of more assistance to you. Let me know if you have anything in particular you need help with that I didnt cover in these videos. Cheers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmSVc42AlLWriJo kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKWzY6CFatyMos0