Recommended Gear and Safety Equipment for Extended Trips

• A sea kayak with rudder suitable for open water

• Lightweight paddle and spare paddle

• Spray skirt/cockpit cover

• U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (readily accessible)

• Marine whistle, bell or horn within easy reach

• Flares and flare gun

• Marine radio

• Waterproof GPS and extra batteries

• Deck compass

• Pertinent maps, NOAA charts and tide charts

• Cell phone (although some areas may be out of range)

• SPOT Personal satellite tracking system (can give outgoing message where cell phones do not work)

• First aid kit (ace bandage, butterfly bandages, asst. bandaids, snake bite kit, moleskin, eyedrops, tweezer, scissors, cold/hot pads)

• Medication (bi-ox, Tylenol, anti-itch cream, antifungal cream, diarrhea tablets, sinus/cold, antacid, painkiller, antibiotic, vomiting medication, nasal spray, seasick pills, thermometer)

• Towline

• Bilge pump/sponge/paddle float

• Paddle Leash

• Dry bags, deck bag and chart case (for map and GPS)

• Sunscreen, sun hat, waterproof sunscreen, and long-sleeved, light-colored shirts

• Polarized sunglasses.  Ski goggles may be optimal for those with sensitive eyes

• Insect repellent, head net, and net clothing

• Rain gear

• Appropriate clothing for anticipated weather

• Water containers and easily accessible water bottle

• Lightweight camp stove, fuel container and funnel

• Matches or lighter

• Mess kit

• Tent with fine mesh screen and rain fly

• Sleeping bag

• Flashlight and/or head lamp

• Several feet of cord

• Small trowel

• Toilet paper

• Garbage bags

• Pocket multi-tool

• Repair items (duct tape, nails/screws, epoxy putty, super glue, aquaseal)

• Biodegradable soap and scrubbie

• Dish towel

• Ziplock bags

• Sewing kit

• Dental supplies

• Small can of lubricant to spray zippers and other metal parts to prevent corrosion

• Solid brass lock and stainless steel chain or cable (corrosion resistant) for securing kayak

• Small brass brush to clean off corrosion on metal objects

   

• Optional items include binoculars, walkie-talkies, paddling gloves, folding stool, folding toilet seat, sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, battery operated tent fan, camera, small jungle hammock, wheels for transporting kayak, and a tarp for use as a camp rain fly or ground cover.

  
  

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