How much you need to prepare before a kayak trip depends on how long you will be out – and on the weather and wind. Here is a practical checklist, from a short evening paddle to a trip with nights in the tent.

Always bring

• Life jacket – worn, not packed. See our life jackets.
• Paddle – and on longer trips, a spare paddle in the group. See our kayak paddles.
• Spray skirt for a sit-in kayak, which keeps waves and rain out of the cockpit. See our spray skirts.
• Map or chart – and the knowledge to use it. Read our guide to navigation for kayakers.
• Dry bag for phone, keys and spare clothes – for example our drybag 3-pack.

Short trips (0–2 hours)

• Clothing – dress as lightly as you can without getting cold; you warm up quickly when you paddle. Sports clothing in synthetic materials works well – breathable and quick-drying if it gets wet. Bring a windproof jacket if it is windy, and swimwear if you fancy a dip.
• Water bottle – always a good idea, especially on warm summer days.
• Planned route – decide on a route before you set off, and choose a sheltered one if it is windy.
• Sunscreen – the sun reflects off the water, so it is easy to get sunburnt.
• Keep it light – on a short paddle, bring as little extra gear as possible.

Longer trips (4 hours to a full day)

In addition to the above, bring:

• A change of clothes – nice to have if you get wet. In cold water, consider a dry suit.
• Rain gear – useful if the weather looks unsettled.
• Food and snacks – fruit and snacks you can eat on the water. On a day trip there is plenty of room for food, so bring whatever you like.

Overnight trips

If you are staying out one or more nights, packing space matters more, so choose meals that take up little room. Warm clothing is a must. Useful gear to bring:

• Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag
• Camping stove and matches or a lighter
• Water – about 3 litres per person per day
• Kayak pump
• Spare paddle
• Tow line
• Paddle float for self-rescue – read about kayak rescue techniques

How to pack your kayak

Always pack the heaviest items in the middle of the kayak, close to the cockpit, so it handles as well as possible. Use the whole storage volume – you can pack all the way into the bow and stern, and in front of your feet in the cockpit. Pack everything that must stay dry in dry bags; several small bags are easier to fit through the hatches than one big one.

Not sure which kayak suits longer trips? A sea kayak with large hatches holds the most gear, while an inflatable kayak is easiest to bring by car, train or plane. See our sea kayaks, inflatable kayaks and all our kayak accessories. Questions? Contact us – we are happy to help.