If you’re looking to hit the lakes, oceans, or rivers inside your kayak, there’s quite a bit of gear that can improve your experience. Not to mention, figuring out all the things you may need is a tricky process.
Paddling around in your kayak in the open water can be unsafe if you’re not mindful of what you bring. Some items can also be a real help to improve your control over rough waters, places you can go, and enjoyment to stay safe in your kayak.
Here are 15 kayaking essentials you’ll want to bring along no matter where your travels and adventures take you!
1. Kayak
This one’s a no brainer. Of course, you need a kayak to go kayaking! There’s a wide range of options to choose from including inflatables, hard-shell, single, double, or sit on top vs sit in. The type of kayak you choose may impact how much storage you have and things you can bring on your kayak.
2. Dry Bag
Dry bags are one of the best things to bring along on your kayak for waterproof storage. These roll top sacks prevent water from getting in and keep your gear dry for kayaking. My favorite items to put in a dry bag include extra clothes, keys, cell phone, wallet, bandages, water, and sunscreen. Overall they’re not meant to be submerged but work great for the typical rain and splashes you’d experience in a kayak.
3. Water Shoes
As the name implies, anytime you’re going to be around water and rocks, you’ll want all the protection you can get on your feet. You don’t want to slip and fall! These water shoes provide plenty of padding for entering and exiting your kayak safely. They’re functional and excellent for walking on hot beaches or other difficult outdoor terrains.
4. Waterproof Waist Pouch
In contrast to a dry bag, if you only need a smaller space, then this waterproof waist pouch may be perfect for you. On a kayak, you have limited room to place things. This is an excellent way to keep your phone and small valuables safe on the water.
It also straps to your body, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out or floating away. Not to mention, you can still use your phone or tablet with its touch screen friendly design.
5. Waterproof Phone Pouch
If you want to be able to take pictures and use your phone aboard your kayak, then a waterproof phone pouch is a great option. These waterproof pouches come with a lanyard to keep your phone around your neck for quick and easy access. You can also use the touchscreen through the waterproof case.
6. PFD Life Vest
When going kayaking, you’ll want to wear a PFD to stay safe on the water. This will keep your body afloat in case you capsize your kayak, whether you’re conscious or unconscious. Kayak PFDs are specifically designed with kayaking in mind to leave extra room for your arms to move around when paddling. You can read about the best kayak PFDs to learn more about all your available options.
7. Safety Whistle
In case you need help and rescue on your kayak, it’s smart to have a quick and easy to access whistle on hand. This one is lightweight, loud, clips onto belts, has a lanyard, and is durable. In comparison to using a metal vs plastic safety whistle, a plastic one won’t rust from the water exposure out on a kayak.
8. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit can be that extra layer of preparation for if you need to treat minor injuries or abrasions. With lots of time spent outside on the kayak, it’s smart to carry along with these supplies in case of an emergency. This kit includes a waterproof case to keep it dry from splashes, rain, and outdoor exposure.
9. Microfiber Towel
Getting dry is important to save time when you exit your kayak at your destination. Use a microfiber towel, as it will dry much faster than a traditional cotton towel. This helps a whole lot when adventuring outdoors since they can dry in under 30 minutes. It also comes with a small carrying bag to keep it handy when you need it.
10. Paddle
Any good kayaker needs a solid paddle to go with their kayak. Kayak paddles feature dual-blades on each side of the shaft to propel you in the water. This one is firm and fantastic for a budget recreational paddle. You can read about the best kayak paddles to learn more about all your available options.
11. Bilge Hand Pump
As you’re kayaking, there are times when your kayak will fill up with water from rain or splashes. By using a small hand bilge pump, you can easily remove excess water. Maybe you’re out on the ocean and get hit with some waves? In any situation, it helps to have a backup plan in place to get your kayak back on the water. It’s an excellent emergency backup tool to keep on your kayak.
12. Small Cooler
No matter what time of the year you’re on your kayak, having a small cooler is a great place to keep your food and drinks cool. It’s best to go for an outdoor cooler that you can tow with your kayak in the water, or store on board. This is a great place to store your lunch when you’re out on the water! You’ll build up an appetite when paddling.
13. Polarized Sunglasses
To keep your eyes protected from the sun reflecting off the water, and reduce glare for kayaking, it’s a good idea to wear some polarized sunglasses. These will help you see better when you’re paddling and increase your overall visibility of the area around you.
14. Wide-Brim Hat
Another sun protection item, a wide brim hat gives you more shade for your head, ears, face, and neck. This hat from Columbia has 50 UFB sun protection technology for a shield from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. All in all, it’s a great hat to keep your skin safe from the bright sunlight in the outdoors on your kayaking adventures.
15. Paddling Gloves
A solid pair of paddling gloves are a great kayaking essential to include in your packing list for kayak fishing. If you want to improve your grip on your paddle, keep your hands shielded from the sun, and secure fish, these will do just that. They dry out quickly in the sun as well without hindering your ability to tie knots or handle gear.
Conclusion
These kayaking essentials and must-have accessories for your kayak have been sourced from a variety of kayakers to create the ultimate compiled list. This way, you get a diversified viewpoint of what you may need for your kayak. There are many different ways to get prepared for kayaking and how you plan to use it.
Hope this list helps you with your adventures and journeys on the open water!