Planning an overnight paddle? Kayak camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the water, letting you reach remote beaches, quiet coves, and campsites that are impossible to get to any other way. But a successful trip lives and dies on preparation, and with limited space in your kayak, packing the right gear matters more than almost any other sport. This kayak camping gear list covers everything you need for a safe, comfortable trip, from on-water essentials and camping kit to safety and navigation gear. Pack smart, plan for the conditions, and you're set for an adventure that only a kayak can reach.
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Everything has to fit inside your kayak, so the rule is lightweight, minimalist, and compact. Space is your biggest constraint.
Dry bags are essential to keep your gear protected from water. A few smaller dry bags are more practical than one big one, since they fit far more easily into the odd-shaped compartments of a kayak, and let you separate wet gear from dry. Vaikobi's Dry Duffel Bags come in 55L and 75L, with a wet/dry compartment that keeps soaked kit away from your sleeping bag and dry clothes, but aren't 100% waterproof. Whereas the 30L Dry Bag Backpack and 5L Roll Top Dry Bag will keep your contents dry.
Check Your Kayak
Your kayak is your life raft on a camping trip, so give it a careful check before you leave. Look for any damage, cracks, or malfunctions that could leave you stranded somewhere remote. Better to find a problem at home than halfway to your campsite.
Check the Forecast, Prepare for Anything
Check the weather forecast before you pack, so you bring the right gear, then double check it the morning you head out to confirm conditions are safe.
Weather is unpredictable, so one of the basic safety rules is to prepare for all conditions. That means packing sun-protective gear, warm layers or cold-weather gear, and wet weather gear in case it turns cold or wet. Dressing for the water temperature is safest when there's a real chance of getting wet. Read more on how to wear our gear.
Safety First
A remote trip magnifies the consequences of anything going wrong, so safety gear isn't optional:
- PFD: the single most important item. A comfortable, well-fitted, brightly coloured PFD keeps you afloat and visible. All Vaikobi PFDs are ISO 12402-5 (Level 50) certified
- Communication device: a phone or radio in a waterproof pouch, so you can call for help or stay in contact if separated from your group
- First aid kit: packed in a dry bag and easily accessible
- Navigation: map, compass, or GPS, and don't rely solely on a phone battery
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Tell someone your plan: leave your route and expected return time with someone on land
The Complete Kayak Camping Gear List
Adapt this to your own trip, and double check it as you pack.
On-water gear
- Kayak, paddle, and spare paddle
- PFD / life jacket
- Dry bags (several small ones)
- Bilge pump and sponge
- Spray skirt if your kayak takes one
Clothing
- Paddling clothes for the forecast conditions
- Sun protection: rashie, hat, sunglasses
- Warm layers and thermal gear for cold weather
- Wet weather gear for when the conditions change
- Water shoes or booties
- Dry change of clothes for camp (in a dry bag)
Camping gear
- Lightweight tent
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Cooking stove, fuel, and utensils
- Headtorch and spare batteries
- Water filter or purification
Food and water (packed in dry bags)
- Drinking water and/or hydration bladder
- Lunches, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals
- Compact, non-perishable food stored in an accessible compartment
Safety and navigation
- Communication device in a waterproof pouch
- First aid kit
- Map, compass, or GPS
- Repair kit for your kayak
Ready to Explore
With careful planning, the right gear, and respect for the conditions, kayak camping opens up some of the most remote and rewarding places you can reach on the water. Pack well, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure.
Get set up with Vaikobi dry bags and luggage, PFDs, and paddling gear for your next trip.
