Camping with a kayak is one of our favorite things to do here at Kayak the Colorado. If you haven't done it before, it can be a daunting task because who wants to be caught outside without one of the essential ingredients like a sleeping bag? Who wants to lug a bunch of junk you don't need or won't use? Here we will attempt to get you thinking.
We suggest to Keep it Simple Stupid. Full disclosure, we are into stealth low impact camping. Take our advice with a grain of salt, there is more ways to skin a cat. Add whatever you like to your pack. Below is a picture of our basics. Pack your gear into small drybags so they are easy to stuff into a sit in kayak. OR Get an inflatable for the gear hogs and easy pack.
Watercraft
PFD
Paddle
Pump, repair if inflatable
First your Sleep Kit (1 dry bag):
Sleeping Pad
Tent (if weather), or 6 X 6 Tarp for sleeping under the stars, or Mega Mid Floorless tents for the best of both worlds
Sleeping Bag or Summer Sheet (100 degree +) appropriate to the conditions
Camp Pillow or (use your extra clothes)
Chair Optional
Sustenance and Cooking (dry bag #2):
Small stove like a pocket rocket($69), Jet Boil ($120), Glacier Camp stove($29)
Gas, hook it up before you go if you are not sure you have the right gas container
Lighter X 2
Aluminum pot to boil water
coffee cup
Utensils Needed
Water 1 gallon/day or water filter and 1 Liter Water bottle
Small hand soap
Food is always important on camping trips but to what end? Do I wanna worry about ice, and grease, etc on an overnight in the wilderness? I prefer to keep it simple. If I have to do more than boil water, I am not into it. I'd rather go for a hike with my morning coffee and enjoy the view or crush my book.
Lunch PBJ
Dinner Rice and Tasty Bites, or spaghetti/sauce & veggie sausages
Breakfast Coffee and Oats/Raisins/nuts/brown sugar
Lunch Tuna/Crackers/Cheese
Hearty Snacks like nuts, and dried fruit
Clothing (dry bag #2)
Appropriate to the weather of course. Most folks are going to wear the same items on a simple overnight and do very little changing IMHO.
Hat
Glasses
Fleece upper
Fleece pants
wool socks
shoes, you don't mind getting wet
Woolie Hat (Winter)
Puffer Jacket (Winter)
Rain Pant & Jacket (Inclement weather)
Layers (Winter)
Miscellaneous Things one may want
Book
First Aid
Bocce for you and your partner or group
Firewood (never build your own firepit)
Medications
TP
Headlamp ( I like my headlamp:)
Sunscreen
Fishing Pole
Tackle Box
Stuff Stuffed. How romantic.
Packed and Ready for a night in the Wilderness. The only thing left is to book the trip.