Kayaking and Canoeing are two of the most popular outdoor sports all over the world. However, depending on the type of Kayaking or Canoeing that you are doing the list of items that you need to take along can vary greatly. For example, if you are planning to spend an afternoon paddling down a designated river, you will need very different items from someone that is planning to take a multi-day trip that will camp each night. Fortunately, we have taken the time to put together this extensive Kayaking/Canoeing Checklist for you to use as a reference.
Why do I need a Kayaking/Canoeing Checklist?
There is no worse feeling than getting a few miles down the river and realizing you forgot a crucial item. Having the necessary supplies and equipment can make a significant difference in your overall enjoyment and experience while Kayaking or Canoeing and checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. To help you relax during a day on the water, we have put together a fairly extensive Kayaking/Canoeing Checklist. You can add or remove items to build out a custom list that will suit your individual needs.
What are the different types of Kayaking and Canoeing?
If you are looking for a list that outlines the various types of Kayaking and Canoeing, then feel free to follow the links below and check out the lists we have put together. Some of them you may or may not have heard of, and others you may just know by a different name. While our lists are certainly not definitive, we feel they are a good guide and starting place to help Kayakers and Canoers (and future Kayakers and Canoers) understand the full breadth of Kayaking and Canoeing scenes and settings that are available to them.
Types of Kayaking
Types of Canoeing
Could I possibly need anything other than what is listed here?
That is certainly a possibility. We have tried to put together a comprehensive list that will cover anything you could potentially need regardless of the environment, conditions, or duration. However, we cannot predict everything. There may also be a piece of gear that you use that we have not come across before. We are constantly learning just like you, and we promise to keep this list as up-to-date and relevant as possible. If you have something that always finds its way into your pack that you cannot find listed below, then please Contact us so that we can add it for future readers.
Table of Contents
This list outlines the various categories of items that you may or may not need when preparing for a Kayaking/Canoeing trip. You obviously do not need everything on this list. Every trip will have its own challenges and require its own items. However, hopefully, this list contains everything that you could potentially need. If you do end up needing something that is not on this list feel free to Contact us and let us know so that we can update this list for others in the future.
Kayaking/Canoeing Checklist Categories:
- Kayaking/Canoeing Basics
- Kayaking/Canoeing Gear
- Shelter & Sleep
- Backcountry Kitchen
- Food & Water
- Clothing & Footwear
- Health & Hygiene
- Emergency & First-Aid Kit
- Navigation
- Tools & Repair Kit Items
- Personal Items
- Additional Items
- Entertainment & Activities
- Bag in the Car
Note:
While using each of the sections below, you will notice that some of them have been divided into “Single-Day Trip” and “Multi-Day Trip.” Alternatively, others will just say “Multi-Day Trip.” However, if you do not see a designation at all, then that section is applicable to both single-day and multi-day trips.
Kayaking/Canoeing Basics
This is what we like to think of as the TLDR Kayaking/Canoeing Checklist. You will see all the items here listed again in the other sections down below, but most of these will go into more detail. However, if you just need a quick, peace-of-mind check, then this section is a good reference. For more information about some of these items, continue down to the other sections or navigate directly to one of them using the Table of Contents.
Single-Day Trip
- Kayak or Canoe
- Paddle (1 per passenger)
- Personal flotation device (PFD) aka life jacket
- Weather appropriate clothes
- Neoprene footwear, water shoes, or sandals (i.e. Chacos or Keens)
- Quick-drying towel
- Bilge pump
- Spray skirt (for a kayak in white water)
- Dry bag
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Signaling whistle
- Portable light (for night time paddling in kayak or canoe)
- Plenty of food
- Plenty of water
- Navigation (i.e. map & compass)
- First-aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
Multi-Day Trip
- Kayak or Canoe
- Paddle (1 per passenger)
- Personal flotation device (PFD) aka life jacket
- Weather appropriate clothes
- Neoprene footwear, water shoes, or sandals (i.e. Chacos or Keens)
- Quick-drying towel
- Bilge pump
- Spray skirt (for a kayak in white water)
- Dry bag
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Signaling whistle
- Portable light (for night time paddling in kayak or canoe)
- Navigation (i.e. map & compass)
- First-aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Stove and fuel
- Kitchen supplies
- Food (with one extra day’s worth)
- Water treatment supplies (primary and backup)
- Fire Starter
Kayaking/Canoeing Gear
This is the most basic gear that you are going to need when you set out for a paddle. You may feel the need to snag a few items for your single-day trip from the multi-day list, which is totally fine. However, we tried to divide this up in the way that made the most sense.
Single-Day Trip
- Kayak or canoe
- Paddle (1 per passenger)
- Personal flotation device (PFD) aka life jacket
- Spray skirt (for a kayak in white water)
- Dry bag
Nice to haves:
- Paddle float or paddle leash
- Paddling/River knife (attached to PFD)
- Waterproof fanny pack
- Float bags
Multi-Day Trip
- Kayak or canoe
- Paddle (1 per passenger)
- Personal flotation device (PFD) aka life jacket
- Spray skirt (for a kayak in white water)
- Dry bags
- Bear canister or bear bag (i.e. Ursack)
- Bear bag hanging kit (50 feet of nylon cord and a carabiner)
Nice to haves:
- Paddle float or paddle leash
- Paddling/River knife (attached to PFD)
- Waterproof fanny pack
- Float bags
- Towline
- Large sponge and bailer
- Anchor
Shelter & Sleep
This section mainly applies to overnight or multi-day trips. However, depending on your plans for the day, taking something like a hammock or a bivy sack for an emergency situation may make sense.
Multi-Day Trip
- Backpacking tent
- Footprint/Tarp for tent
- Rainfly for tent
- Tent poles
- Stakes
- Guylines with tarp
- Sleeping bag or quilt/blanket
- Sleeping pad
Nice to haves:
- Clothes line (for drying wet clothes)
- Bivy sack
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pump sack
- Backpacking pillow or stuff sack
- Lightweight hammock
- A bug screen for insects and ventilation
Backcountry Kitchen
This is an item that can become very elaborate or be incredibly minimal. There are some kayakers/canoers that cannot fathom eating a meal that has not been perfectly seasoned using their spice kit. Whereas there are others that will cook their meal by boiling water in a mug over the fire and then pour that into their ramen and sausage in a Ziploc bag. This is definitely one area where your skill level will either add a lot of weight or cut out a decent amount.
While you likely will not want to take much more than what is listed here, we have put together a fairly comprehensive list of items to complete any Campsite Kitchen. Feel free to follow the link below to view the full list.
Campsite Cooking Checklist
Multi-Day Trip
- Backpacking stove
- Fuel
- Cooking pot with lid
- Pot grabber
- Dishes and/or bowls
- Eating utensil(s) (spoon/fork/spork)
- Mug and/or cup
- Biodegradable soap
- Small quick-drying towel or handkerchief
Nice to haves:
- Collapsible water container
- Spice kit
Food & Water
For most single-day kayak or canoe trips, a few snacks and a full water bottle will be enough. In the event of longer paddles, you may need to pack a single meal, and energy foods and drink mix come in handy for trips with a lot of flat water. Finally, things like extra food and water treatment supplies are recommended for the worst-case scenario (getting lost). If you always plan for the worst, you will never be surprised.
For multi-day trips, when it comes to food you need to make sure you have enough, plus a little extra. On average you will want to carry about two pounds worth for each day. This includes meals, snacks, and any energy gels, chews, etc. Additionally, you will want to make sure you research foods that will provide you with a calorie-rich diet. You will likely be burning thousands of calories more than usual while kayaking or canoeing. So, you will need to make sure you are replacing these calories for your body.
Single-Day Trip
- Water bottles and/or bladder (reservoir)
- Water filter/purifier or chemical treatment
- Trail snacks
- Extra food
Nice to haves:
- Energy food and drinks (bars, gels, chews, trail mix, drink mix)
- Meal (breakfast/lunch/supper)
Multi-Day Trip
- Water bottles and/or bladder (need to carry 2L-6L depending on the climate)
- Water filter, purifier, or chemical treatment
- Pre-filter for water treatment
- Backup water treatment (in case the first one fails/breaks)
- Planned provisions (estimated between 2500-3500 calories)
- Meals and snacks (approximately 2lbs per day)
- Energy food and drinks (bars, gels, chews, trail mix, drink mix)
- Extra day’s supplies of food
Nice to haves:
- Collapsible water containers
- Liquor (in plastic bottle or flask)
Clothing & Footwear
The clothing that you will need for a single-day trip is usually minimal and fairly straightforward. Additionally, if you do forget something, you only have to manage for the day. So, under most circumstances, your life is not going to be altered from forgetting something. All the same, do try to find a way to conveniently pack anything that you think you will need that you are not immediately wearing.
For your multi-day trips, when picking your clothing just remember that you are always better off having too much than not enough. Always do your best to make sure you pack the right gear to match against the type of conditions you are going to be facing. If there is going to be rain, then pack a rain suit and gaiters. If there is going to be snow, then make sure you pack all your layers.
The saying I was taught growing up is, “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
Single-Day Trip
- Swimwear, shorts, or convertible pants
- Moisture-wicking T-shirt, rashguard, or long-sleeve shirt
- Neoprene footwear, water shoes, or sandals (i.e. Chacos or Keens)
- Ballcap or sun hat
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Spray jacket or rain jacket and pants
Nice to haves:
- Bandana or buff
- Cap retainer leash
- Paddling gloves
Multi-Day Trip
- Swimwear, shorts, or convertible pants
- Moisture-wicking T-shirt, rashguard, or long-sleeve shirt
- Neoprene footwear, water shoes, or sandals (i.e. Chacos or Keens)
- Ballcap or sun hat
- Fleece jacket or vest
- Spray jacket or rain jacket and pants
- Drysuit or top (very cold water) or wetsuit or top (cold water)
- Long underwear (do not use with a wetsuit)
- Synthetic or wool socks (to wear under booties)
- Pogies (coverage for hands)
- Wool/synthetic cap
Nice to haves:
- Bandana or buff
- Cap retainer leash
- Paddling gloves
Health & Hygiene
This is definitely not a section you want to skip on. Depending upon how remote of an area your trip will take you to and the people in the group, you may need to have every item in this section in your daypack.
Furthermore for your multi-day trips, just because you venture out into the wilderness, that does not mean you turn into Bigfoot or a neanderthal. Make sure you take the items that you need to take care of yourself. However, one takeaway is that if you are going to an area that could potentially have bears, the general recommendation is to not wear deodorant. It smells sweet to a bear and they come investigating thinking that it could be food. If you are curious how well a bear can actually smell, they do not just smell food from far away. A bear can smell that Yoo-Hoo that got busted in the bottom of your cooler three years ago from far away. Or in other words, they can smell really well. So, if you are going to be in bear country, embrace the special aroma that being in the great outdoors for a few days can offer. Alternatively, smell a few more flowers than usual.
Single-Day Trip
- Quick-drying towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Prescription medications
- Feminine products
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (with strap)
- Ballcap or sun hat
- Insect repellent
Nice to haves:
- SPF lip balm
- Toilet paper or baby wipes
- Urinary products
- Sanitation trowel
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Earplugs and/or nose plug (for swimming)
- Goggles
Multi-Day Trip
- Quick-drying towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper and/or baby wipes (in a waterproof bag)
- Feminine products
- Prescription medications
- Over the counter (OTC) medications
- Vitamins
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Eye drops
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Urinary products
- Hair ties
- Fingernail clippers
Nice to haves:
- Digging trowel
- Dental floss
- Sanitation trowel
- Sunglasses (with strap)
- SPF lip balm
- Lotion
- Small comb
- Earplugs and/or nose plug (for swimming)
- Goggles
Emergency & First-Aid Kit
For a quick reference, we have listed some of the First-Aid Supplies that you need while Kayaking or Canoeing. However, for the full list of items that we recommend please feel free to check out our comprehensive list of First-Aid Supplies by following the link below.
First-Aid Supplies Checklist
- Band-aids of various sizes
- Anti-biotic ointment
- Gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Latex gloves
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Moleskin (blister prevention)
- Antihistamines
- Antidiarrheal
- Blister treatment supplies
- Whistle
- Lighter, matches, or fire starter (in a waterproof container)
- Two trip itineraries (one for you and the other left with your emergency contact)
- Personal and emergency contact info on your person
Nice to haves:
- Emergency shelter
- Emergency blanket or bivy
- Weather/VHF radio (along with local emergency channel list)
- Emergency flares and/or strobe
Navigation
Always try to do your due diligence for a trip and have as many tools as you can to ensure you stay on the right path. I personally try to have a printed map of the area or part of the river I plan to be in, and then I have a Garmin Fenix series watch that I am able to use to cross-reference the map and track the distance that I have traveled. This has proven to work quite well to help me know where I am at all times.
Before you set out on a multi-day trip, you should always spec out your route. Not only so you can leave it with your emergency contact, but also so you can have an idea of where you want to camp each night and be able to identify various landmarks along the way, which you can use to have a better idea of where you are.
Single-Day Trip
- Topographical map
- Waterproof map bag (or Ziploc bag)
- Compass
- Guidebook/Route description
- Check the weather before the trip
- Call the ranger station or office before your trip to check river (or other body of water) conditions and regulations
Nice to haves:
- Altimeter watch
- GPS (phone/watch/dedicated device)
- Satellite messenger/PLB (personal locator beacon)
Multi-Day Trip
- Topographical map
- Waterproof map bag (or Ziploc bag)
- Compass
- Guidebook/Route description
- GPS (phone/watch/dedicated device)
- Check the weather before the trip
- Call the ranger station or office before your trip to check river (or other body of water) conditions and regulations
Nice to haves:
- Altimeter watch
- Satellite messenger/PLB (personal locator beacon)
Tools & Repair Kit Items
When heading out for a single-day trip, you really just need the basics. You do not have to over think these items. However, we definitely recommend taking the first few items on the list to be safe.
For multi-day trips, you are definitely going to need a few more items. Make sure you fully understand the climate and conditions that you are going to be in, as well as the items that you are going to need to be successful during your trip.
Single-Day Trip
- River knife or multi-tool
- Bilge pump
- Stormproof matches and/or fire starter
Nice to haves:
- Small repair kit (i.e. duct tape, super glue, zip ties, etc.)
- Kayak/Canoe leash (two carabiners and paracord)
Multi-Day Trip
- River knife or multi-tool
- Bilge pump
- Sealant (such as Aquaseal)
- Static deck line
- Bungee cords
- Replacement rudder parts
- Bailing wire (copper, small roll)
- Duct tape or Tenacious tape
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Stormproof matches and/or fire starter
- Power bank (plus charging cords)
Nice to haves:
- Kayak/Canoe leash (two carabiners and paracord)
- Sleeping pad repair kit
- Cooking stove repair kit
- Tent repair kit
- Superglue
- Needle and thread or sewing kit
- Small Sharpie
- Wall plug with multiple USB ports
- Assorted Ziploc bags
Personal Items
Hopefully, you will not need any of these items while you are Kayaking or Canoeing. However, you always need to plan for the worst, and in the worst-case scenario, you are going to need some or all of these items.
- Kayaking/Canoeing permits and/or licenses (if applicable)
- Credit card(s) and/or cash
- Personal identification
- Health insurance card
- Car keys
- Cell phone
Additional Items
These are items that do not necessarily fit anywhere else. However, depending on the trip and the conditions you could potentially need some or many of the items in this section. As mentioned previously, make sure you do your due diligence before your trip and understand the situation that you are paddling into. That research will dictate the additional items that you may need to take.
Single-Day Trip
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Fishing gear (poles/bait and tackle)
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Extra batteries
- Backpacking stool/chair
Nice to haves:
- Interpretive field guides
- Cameras or action cameras (with extra memory cards)
- Compact Binoculars
- Two-way radios
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof camera case
Multi-Day Trip
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Fishing gear (poles/bait and tackle)
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Packable lantern
- Bear spray
- Extra batteries
- Backpacking stool/chair
- Interpretive field guides
Nice to haves:
- Daypack (for day trips away from base camp)
- Z-seat pad
- Cameras or action cameras (with extra memory cards)
- Compact Binoculars
- Two-way radios
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof camera case
- Umbrella
Entertainment & Activities
Really all of these things are nice to have items that are meant for multi-day trips. Other than a journal for the sake of remembering the trip more clearly, we have personally never needed any of these items. However, that may simply be due to the type of trips we usually take. Every person and every trip is different, and this is the list of items that we put together that were the most practical to carry along.
Single-Day Trip
- Fishing gear (poles/bait and tackle)
- Musical instruments (guitar, harmonica, etc.)
Multi-Day Trip
- Night-sky identifier (star chart)
- Outdoor journal (with pen/pencil)
- Book/Reading material
- Deck of cards or games
- Crossword puzzles
- Cribbage or dice
- Headphones
- Frisbee
- Musical instruments (guitar, harmonica, etc.)
Bag in the Car
This is for once you get back to your car after you have completed your kayaking/canoeing trip. While you still will not smell great, being able to put on clean clothes, a little deodorant, and wipe yourself off will make the drive home far more enjoyable than if you are still in any of your clothes from the trip.
- Parking pass if applicable (left in the windshield)
- Clean clothes
- Clean shoes/sandals
- Fresh hat
- Deodorant (and cologne if you are feeling extra)
- Water and snacks
- Bag for wet clothes
Nice to haves:
- Gallon of water for trailhead shower
- Towel
Conclusion
If you are new to Kayaking/Canoeing or it has been a while since your last trip, a checklist like this is a great way to make sure you have everything you need to be prepared. Alternatively, even if you are an experienced kayaker/canoer, we are only human and we all forget things. Going through and checking boxes on a checklist is a great way to make sure you have packed everything on your list. Furthermore, different items are needed depending on the duration of the trip. So, once again a checklist comes through in the clutch to make sure you have everything you need.
As we mentioned at the beginning, if there is anything that you think we may have missed, then please Contact us. We would be happy to add it to this checklist to help other kayakers and canoers in the future, as well as you the next time you use this Kayaking/Canoeing Checklist for reference.