How To Pack for Kayak Camping | Kayaking 101

Preparing for a kayak camping trip is a little like backpacking, but requires some modification and additional preparation to be successful. Seth breaks down his kayak camping kit and walks through a practice pack. Want to order any of the items in this video? Use these affiliate links and support the channel while you shop:
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[@firstfromabove]

After months of planning, I finally went on my first kayak camping trip last week. Tried watching several videos like this beforehand to decide what I should take from my normal camping set up and honestly, it was a little discouraging. Even the "budget" setups had all of this expensive ultra fancy ultra light gear and a $1,000+ kayak. So I decided I would try to do a true budget setup with all new gear and push it all to the absolute limit of its capabilities, as well as myself. I mean, I literally had 4 hours of experience total on a kayak before this trip and I did a 5 day solo summer trip and covered almost 60 miles of really shallow river lol. Other than the kayak, all of my gear was either from Amazon or Walmart. Ended up going with a Lifetime Tioga fishing kayak that was on sale at TSC. Could've gone cheaper, but I wanted the stability (and free paddle). All together, with the kayak and every bit of gear I took, I spent a little under $600. And boy, did I learn some stuff. I feel like I could almost go again with half of what I thought I'd need this time and do just fine. Most of the budget gear held up alright. I only had two problems the whole trip. My cheap amazon tent pole broke on my last night because of a storm, but I was able to rig it with electrical tape and paracord to survive the rest of the night. And I ran out of sunscreen on day 3, so I got a little crispy by the end. It was a hell of an experience. Got to paddle through some beautiful cliff country with remnants of fossilized reef all over from a prehistoric ocean. Spent some time climbing a giant rock fall, found some fossils, a dinosaur track and a small piece of pottery from back when it was native american territory. It was hard, but it was also the best time I've had in years and I can't wait to go again. Sorry not sorry for the long ass comment. Great video by the way. Wish I had watched it prior to my trip because I did a horrible job loading my kayak. But now I've got some really good ideas for improvement on my next trip. Thanks!

[@scottplumer3668]

Look at it this way: your trip let you figure out what you need and don't need, so you'll be better prepared for your next trip.

[@Yarnlociraptor]

This was really helpful, thank you! Thats the same kayak I got. Electric tape is a wise idea

[@radioknopf]

If you wanna go Buget on a Kayak used is the way. I got a 200€ fully funcional Prijon Touring Kayak used. Paddle and other Stuff i get used. Then there are things you can go Buget on like cooking equipment, i for myself Choose to spend a little more money on the Tent as it can get quite rainy where i am. KZbin isnt the best way to judge what you use, its to easy to just watch commericals or listen to people who do it 1000 miles and thing a rugged lightweight tent is just what you need while really you have space and weight for a little kayak when you go out. (or, e.g. there arent lots of places in europe i would use filtered water. )

[@pepepepert]

I just sold my 12' old town sit inside to go sit on top. I exchange the bivvy for a hammock tent and add in a bit of fishing gear.

[@dannyroberts5056]

In my youth I got into backpacking thanks to my uncle. He showed me the best gear to buy at the time. I have updated allot of my gear over the years as things have gotten smaller and lighter. One thing Ive yet to upgrade is my tent. I bought a Sierra Design Clip Flashlight back in 1987. I reasealed the rain fly five years ago for the first time. This tent never leaked on me until then. Ive always rolled my tent poles inside my tent and rain fly. Ive never broke any of my poles. I also use it bike packing and in my kayaking when touring. It rolls up in one tight little bundle. Most of the newer tents have two or three bags and the poles are longer. Never hammocked camped.

[@potatokitty]

What a niche and interesting hobby. Sounds cool.

[@McGriddle5000]

Great video! My buddy and I just did our first kayak camping trip last weekend. It's easy to overthink, because you don't actually need a ton of gear to last 2 days/1 night. 1 important thing we did learn is to get creative when packing your kayak and try your best to keep the weight balanced and low (if your kayak allows it). He had most of his gear strapped to the top and bumped an underwater rock, it was almost enough to flip him over!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks! It's always a learning experience no matter how many times ya do it.

[@LarryTC2000]

I include a wool blanket now for kayak trips, two actually. A bit bulky, but very versatile and you can stuff them all the way up in the bow or stern where it narrows down. I've used them for ground cloths, wind breaks, tarp for light rain, underlayer beneath the thermarest. Can't recommend them enough. Summer time I'll forgo a sleeping back and just use the wool blanket.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Love a good kayak camping excursion. Thanks for sharing your loadout!

[@johnmichaels4330]

Thank you, i thought I'd need all this special gear other youtubers hock. Mostly just my camping gear and drybags. subbed.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad I could help. Thanks for the sub!

[@elijahmccormick1166]

Have you tried using hammocks? I use one for backpacking and it's great. Sleeps well and everything; tarp, mosquito netting, straps, all end up being smaller than a tent. Really comfortable and can find good ones for less than $60

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve tried it, but I have some back issues that get irritated by sleeping in a hammock sometimes. Definitely a great option for folks that are comfortable with it though!

[@elijahmccormick1166]

It's definitely something that's not meant for everyone. But it's great for me. I'm glad that you've tried it though, not a whole lot of people have tried hammock camping.

[@austinkennedy1815]

Great video, thanks for going through how the gear would pack into two very different boats. Flotation was my main concern about converting my backpacking gear for kayak camping, and it was helpful to hear your take on it as well

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Happy it helped!

[@ikaray1775]

Thank youuuu rick❤🎉

[@BDiHaze]

This was amazing to watch. Please share link to a Throw rope. Thanks.

[@scottplumer3668]

I'm planning canoe trip for this fall, and even though I don't have to watch my space quite as much, this was still really helpful!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LeeBottomley]

Excellent video.

[@nancystrickland1623]

Thanks for the info. 🙂☮️💚

[@ernest795]

I was a white water guide and we always had the throw rope that went around your waist so it was with you if you got separated from the boat or needed to save someone in a hurry.

[@loricollins3163]

Toiletries? Beanies? Sunglasses.? Coffee? Looks like fun! Thank you!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Toiletries! Duh! Thanks for the add.

[@ktownc936]

The stow float I've never heard of 👍. There's a lot of other things I do differently. I know how to pack all my different packs almost blind. I guess it's just how many times you've gone out with different gear.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Stow float has become pretty much a necessity for whitewater trips for me!

[@sallypeters909]

Could you cram the stow float and a bunch of gear in the Bow ahead of the foot pegs? Or ahead of the foot board that’s positioned for your feet to brace against?? In my 10 foot kayak, I have an air bag in the area ahead of my feet.

[@StoneE4]

Great information... Thank you. 👍 If you have any advice for what gear to use for portaging (where you wouldn't use a trolley) that would be great. I'm sure a lot of canoe gear for portaging would work with a kayak, but if there's more kayak-centric or kayak-specialized gear for portaging I'd love to hear about it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Hmm.. it would depend a lot on the size of the kayak. For whitewater boats people will often use what’s called a kayak sherpa for long portages - it’s kind of like a backpack that you mount the boat on. If it’s a bigger sit on top, a cart is really your only bet - or having a friend help you carry it. Other than that it’s just gonna be putting the boat on your shoulder and going for a stroll..

[@michaelbrown4420]

Have y'all ever done a video of top 5 or 10 kayaks for camping?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

We have not

[@mackjenkins7721]

This was a nice video of how to pack a kayak. I do a lot of kayak camping. I had the same type of kayak too the tarpon. I really like the dry bag that you put in the back of the tarpon. I really like to get me one of those. I also like your Chaco sandals you have for camp shoes. I need to get me a pair of them too. Are your Chaco Sandals the one with the Toe Loop? I have to kayak Barefooted 👣style because i have big very very extremely wide feet that are sz15 6 E wide with chubby fat wide toes that are equally straight across making my foot very very wide at 6 1/2 inches wide from my big toe to my lil toe. My foot outgrew shoes , socks , & boots when i was 18 years old & flip flops is the only footwear that will barely and i mean barely fit me because my toes are wider than the flip flops straps. This was a good video man. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks! They are the chacos with the loop, but I think I’m gonna switch to a pair without it. The loop has just been irritating me the past couple of years.

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@HeadwatersKayak oh okay I was getting ready to ask have you had any issues with the Toe Loop cuz I heard a lot of people having issues with the toe loop. So I take it I need to stay away from the toe loop. I just hope I can find a pair that is wide enough for my wide feet that are 6 1/2 inches wide. Thank you so much for replying back I really appreciate that.

[@ClayCodrey-pj7bv]

I always bring a Cornish hen for my first meal with a potato and carrots & a onion.

[@jacobpetersen4038]

Thanks for this great video. You packed a recreational kayak in this video. Do you think it’s possible to do multi-day trips with a short recreational kayak like that? A lot of people on the internet say that you absolutely HAVE to have a touring kayak or something longer, more stable, with more storage space.

[@johnmichaels4330]

I've seen guys do it here in Texas. Usually around lakes and rivers. He had enough stuff for multiple days in what he packed. So I'd so go for it and let people know where you are.

[@TK-oe1xm]

Go with other people so you can get assistance or help along the way. Whether safety help, or just help Carrying your surplus. Do an overnight try stay locally. Get an idea of true needs. If in Western NC or that area. We could ride together. My wife doesn't care to join so we can have each other's back.

[@TK-oe1xm]

Other than the storage he showed. There's a product that is " kayak Caddy"think it's called. You can fit a ton in and tie to your yak. Probably could get 2,3 or even 4 of them. If you can't fit everything on all on board storage, and 4 caddys ... you don't want want to realistically to kayak camp lol check them out

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The Tarpon 140 in the video is 14 feet which could be considered touring length, but I’ve lived out of a 9 foot whitewater kayak for five days with no issue. You can make it work in smaller boats, it’s just going to be a lot more effort to paddle all your gear as opposed to a longer touring kayak that will slice through the water and of course make packing and unpacking easier. TLDR; where there’s a will there’s a way, but it doesn’t hurt to have the right tool for the job.

[@gatorbyte5254]

6:25 the o-meals sound like they took inspiration from MREs

[@matthewblainefilms]

The Titanium light my fire is the only way to go!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It just keeps on truckin’

[@normanrogers8057]

Hi how long is the kayak I have a tarpon 120

[@manuelwebe]

Why put the shoes (plastic sandals) in a dry bag? Aren't they waterproof?

[@zebravideo1]

Okay i absolutely LOVED the video but I’m trying to figure out how to pack my gear into a pelican kayak. i have a well in the back and that’s it. There is styrofoam under the seat that i have been advised not to take out so i don’t have that storage in the back. Should i stuff it all in the front? Help please

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks Taylor! Which model of Pelican is it? I’ve actually done some multi day trips out of a small pelican in the past and had to get a bit creative with strapping dry bags to bungee I put on the deck as well as putting some inside of the boat, but it worked pretty well.

[@zebravideo1]

@@HeadwatersKayak it’s a rise angler 100x i believe. I have been paddling and camping all of my life but I’m ready to put the two together. I’m looking at floating the ruby-horsethief canyons and trying to figure out the logistics.

[@chrispaine2265]

So skipping a spare paddle. Maybe 1 out of 2 or 3 people depending on the river difficulty should have one in my mind. Main thing I see missing is a “toilet” system. WAG bags or other? Everywhere I’d go we’d have to pack that out. Do you have a solution for this?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Wag bag! Missed that one.

[@parkerfortune8313]

Does the tarpon 120 do pretty good for kayak camping? Recently bought one and noticed it rides a little wet

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That all depends on your weight. Look at the max capacity. You should take no more that 2/3rds that. If your close to it with your weight, the kayak may loose stability with camping gear. Usually if you’re under max capacity with you and your gear, the boat feels even more stable because a larger percentage of the weight is below the waterline acting as ballast.

[@parkerfortune8313]

@@HeadwatersKayak yeah man I’m 180lbs I just noticed that is the 140 I have the newer 120 I have taken it camping a few times and I’m so far really pleased with it.

[@krakhare7111]

Water quality much better on the west coast? I’d be hesitant to sip from my local skinny creek!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Not everywhere, but in most of the places I’m going the quality is good.

[@perrytrierweiler8008]

What brand of water bottle is the one with all the stickers?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Hydrapeak

[@kennethsmith5685]

I’ve been trying to find a system for keeping feet and legs warm and dry on winter kayaking trips with out using a dry suit, does anyone have any tips?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Kokatat Tempest pants are my go to for that.

[@jonathantoepper8880]

A spray skirt would help

[@rickquist3992]

Does all of that weight aft make the creek boat handle squirrelly?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It definitely feels a little different, but it's not too unruly. This is a video of me paddling a multi day with pretty much the exact same kit from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3jEqnmFpNaKe5o

[@rickquist3992]

@@HeadwatersKayak Awesome. Thanks!

[@jdarms27]

@@HeadwatersKayak Great video. Great music selection too. Thanks.

[@johnfilce9236]

Why not put the bow floatation bag in the front?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

There are a few reasons - in a whitewater boat there is a foot rest that takes a decent amount of effort to remove, so it would be a pain to deal with every time you needed to access the stowfloat. There’s also a lot more space in the stern than in the bow. In whitewater it also makes more sense to have your weight in the stern as you don’t want to weigh the bow down and make maneuvering through features more difficult. If you were in a recreational or touring sit inside that just had footpegs in the front, it would totally make sense to put gear in the bow.

[@BladePressure]

Spare paddle?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Not a bad idea if there's room!

[@richardjohnson4052]

It would be nice for the camera to back up a bit so I can see the gear and not the partial shots when you hold them up.

[@maxboo1]

Why would you not want a sponge shaped like a fish?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Agreed!

[@richardjohnson4052]

I see a lot of people who buy the cheapest stove they can find. I spend the money and buy a MSR and a JetBoil because a) any stove is an explosion waiting to happen and I KNOW that MSR and JetBoil and other Anerican & W.European stoves have strict quality control. b) If there is a problem, getting customer support from MSR or Jetboil is easy. Getting customer Service from some chinese company is impossible.

[@richardjohnson4052]

I like to color-code my bags. I bought a bunch of 8-l & 10-l cheap bags, waterproofed them inside and out with silicon spray, then code them: purple is ONLY food. Orange is tent gear and sleeping gear. Blue is my clothes, etc. Red is loaner for any female who goes with so I do not accidently grab her bra.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great advice. It can get confusing when you're living out of dry bags and packing and unpacking twice a day.

[@richardjohnson4052]

@@HeadwatersKayak even moreso when I am looking for my toothbrush or tent stakes and find her panties or chocolate stash.

[@israelolvera558]

💗💖⭐♥️❣️❤️😇🌞💝

[@OoavastoO]

You forgot one very, very important thing…..toilet paper!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Well crap!💩

[@flushot6513]

Think it probably easy to want to take everything and kitchen sink when ya don't need half of it

[@esanchezp]

Great video, but I have quite a few questions however looks like you are either not watching this thread or ignoring the comments so I’ll pass.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

🥲

[@andrewcash9951]

he has literally replyed to almost all comments

[@alanianfintan]

​@@andrewcash9951 agreed-- he has 👍