Kayak Expedition and 3-Day Kayak Gear
What to plan for…
We’ll be out in Prince William Sound for 3-days to an entire week with no chance for re-supply. It may be hot and sunny or cold and rainy for the whole time. Plan for cold and wet and anything other than that is a bonus. We like to face challenges, but no one really likes being miserable. That’s where good gear makes a difference.
The best advice that we can give is “Bring what’s on this list!” You might not use it all, and that would be great.
We may be paddling in rain for extended periods of time, even with the best gear we’ll eventually get a little wet. But the day usually ends with a comfortable camp, a hot meal, and dry clothes.
We would like you to have enough clothes to get soaking wet during the day and still have a complete, dry set of clothes to put on at night. Otherwise, you’re lying in your tent in a dry sleeping bag (because everything else is wet), while the rest of the group is having dinner. Now you’re cold AND hungry because you can’t have food in your tent!
Gear List:
Clothing
*Warm hat (wool or fleece)
Ball cap
Bandana
*2 sets thermal underwear, light to mid-weight. NO COTTON.
*3-5 pair wool or synthetic socks
Underwear
*Gloves, lightweight, no cotton
*Fleece or Puffy synthetic jacket (no down)
*Wool or fleece sweater or vest
Synthetic t-shirt
Shorts and/or swimsuit
Lightweight, quick drying pants, for wearing at night.
*1 set quality rain gear, jacket and pants. We provide heavy duty Helly Hansen rubber rain gear but your lightweight outerwear would be more comfortable while paddling. A poncho is not acceptable.
Cycling/sailing gloves
Footwear
We provide rubber boots unless you want to bring your own.
Sports sandals, running shoes, etc. for wearing at night.
Hiking boots are not needed.
Important Gear
*Sleeping bag – a 20 degree synthetic bag would be ideal.
*Compression stuff sack for your sleeping bag. It should pack down to smaller than a basketball.
*Sleeping pad – ensolite foam or thermarest
*Water bottles, at least 2 liter capacity. Camelback type systems are not recommended.
*Sunglasses (with strap)
Extra glasses or contacts
Prescription meds if needed
Small personal first-aid kit
Pocket knife
Flashlight or headlamp for trips in late August & September.
Other Gear
Alarm to wake you up (your phone battery may not be enough for longer trips).
Small waterproof bags to organize your clothes, plastic or nylon.
Camera, batteries, include waterproof case or bags.
Binoculars
Sunscreen, fits in a quart size ziplock
Insect repellent, fits in a quart size ziplock
Small towel
Personal toiletries, travel size
Your Guide will check your Critical Gear* as indicated above. What you do not have, you will need to purchase; this could delay the start of the trip for your entire group. Don’t be “that guy”.
