Kayak camping

[BuddhaBrian]

So far, I've kayaked to an island and just hung out with a hammock and a campfire. This weekend I was hoping to camp overnight for the first time, but Tropical Storm Joaquin has me holding off. :-/

[BuddhaBrian]

These days most of my kayak camping is on the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, though I'm headed to the Boundary Waters and Quetico Wilderness this fall. I've been canoe camping for over fifty years and kayak camping over twenty-five years.

So you have a list of things you normally take on a trip? I'm trying to figure out what I need and can take in a kayak. I've considered towing something that floats for extra capacity.

[OBXh2o]

Nice OBX! I haven't done much sand camping (used to use a jet-ski for the odd overnight out of Tampa Bay. How do you keep all the sand out?

My hammock is under the tarp in the upper left corner of the picture.  How to keep sand out?  Take off your shoes before climbing in the hammock.

[OBXh2o]

So you have a list of things you normally take on a trip? I'm trying to figure out what I need and can take in a kayak. I've considered towing something that floats for extra capacity.

I'll try to attach a list I used for a Maine trip a few years ago.  It all fits inside my Looksha IV kayak.  I certainly would not tow anything.  Instead, cut back on unnecessary gear.

Here's the list:

Summer Gear Checklist

 

 

 

Item	Cliff Ritt
Group Gear:  (shared group items)
waterproof maps (at least 1 set per boat)
extra kayak paddle	1
first aid kit	1
small wood saw	1
cooking tarp (one/group)	1
Fire permits (p/u @ ranger or fire warden)	1
Canoeing Gear:
kayak	1
life jacket	2
paddle	3
Paddle float	2
pump	2
portage backpack	1
compass	1
Clothing (summer)
dry bag(s) for clothing	1
1 pr. Convertible long/short pants	1
2 T-shirts (quick dry)	2
Merino wool socks	1
1 hat with visor	1
1 pr. Gloves	1
1 long underwear shirt	1
1 mid-weight shirt	1
1 fleece pullover	1
1 set rain gear (top & pants)	1
1 pr water shoes	1
stocking cap	1
Shelter & Sleeping Gear
Down top quilt	1
dry bag for sleeping quilts	1
underquilt	1
Hammock	2
ground cloth	1
tarp	1
Tent	1
footprint	1
Cooking & Food Preparation
food pack (Urasack)	1
cooking kit containing at least:
1 cup	2
1 plate	2
silverware	2
water filter (gravity style base camp)	1
one pot	1
one spatula/spoon	3
Leatherman tool or pliers	1
backpacking burner	2
stove fuel	2
waterproof matches	1
spare lighter	1
Biodegradable dish soap	1
Nalgene water bottle	1
garbage bags (6 lg.; 14 gal. zip locks)	1
Dish cleaning sponge	1
Food Supplies
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
GORP/snacks
Personal Hygiene and Safety
toilet paper	1
toothbrush	1
toothpaste	1
sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)	1
Insect Protection
mosquito repellant	1
Miscellaneous
pocket knife	1
flashlight	1
spare batteries	1
compass	1
Duct tape (6 ft.)	1
latrine trowel	1
Optional
collapsible chair	1
head lamp	1
fishing gear	1
Fishing license
pole and reel	2
lures	Too many
filet knife	1
stringer	1
camera	1
50’ parachute cord	1

         

 

[BuddhaBrian]

Wow, that's great!! I'm going to save this list in my google docs. Some things I never thought of. Thanks for sharing?

[OBXh2o]

Good luck.  Have fun!

[J-Squared]

Anyone know of canoe/kayak camping destinations in Michigan?  I've been canoeing and kayaking for many years but have never done an overnight.

[Aaron Zagrodnick]

Anyone know of canoe/kayak camping destinations in Michigan?  I've been canoeing and kayaking for many years but have never done an overnight.

No personal experience, but from backpacking the MRT / NCT loop several years ago the Manistee River looked as though it could be promising, although there might be a couple dams to contend with. If I were in the area and looking for a canoe trip I'd check out Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada which should be an easy day's drive - many established canoe routes lake to lake and perfect for canoeing from what I've seen on a few backpacking trips out that way.

[J-Squared]

Thanks Aaron!  I'm actually in northern Indiana but there's not a lot of wilderness in my part of the state.  I was thinking Manistee would be a possibility but I'll definitely check out Algonquin in Canada.  I doubt kayaking will ever replace hiking/backpacking for me but I thought it might be fun change of pace.  I've enjoyed the day trips I've done close to home.

[Aaron Zagrodnick]

Thanks Aaron!  I'm actually in northern Indiana but there's not a lot of wilderness in my part of the state.  I was thinking Manistee would be a possibility but I'll definitely check out Algonquin in Canada.  I doubt kayaking will ever replace hiking/backpacking for me but I thought it might be fun change of pace.  I've enjoyed the day trips I've done close to home.

I've been meaning to head back to Algonquin one of these days - have been on 3 backpacking trips there and it's a pretty unique place. There is so much water that a canoe / kayak may make more sense than hitting the backcountry on foot.