Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a beginner looking for a peaceful getaway, a Georgian Bay kayak touring trip offers an unforgettable combination of natural beauty, exploration, and freedom. I hope this Georgian Bay Kayak Touring and Camping Guide helps you to plan your perfect paddling adventure.

Why the Georgian Bay Trip is So Special

Often called the “Sixth Great Lake,” Georgian Bay is massive—nearly 190 kilometers long and 90 kilometers wide. What makes a Georgian Bay paddling trip truly unique is its maze of islands that protect paddlers from wind and waves. These islands not only create calm and accessible waters but also provide countless opportunities for wild camping.

Much of the land here is Crown land, meaning paddlers can camp almost anywhere, while Provincial Parks like French River offer designated sites for those who prefer a bit more structure.

Planning Your Kayak Touring Trip for the Georgian Bay

The best section for a Georgian Bay kayak touring trip stretches about 120 kilometers between Killarney and Parry Sound. Along this route, you’ll find highlights like Philip Edward Island, French River Provincial Park, and the Mink Islands. There are plenty of launch points—Killarney, Key River, Britt, Bayfield Inlet, and Snug Harbour—so you can plan day trips or multi-day journeys.

Sea kayaks and touring kayaks are the ideal craft for Georgian Bay’s open water conditions. While canoes can be used, they’re better suited for calm weather and protected channels. Outfitters like Killarney Outfitters and White Squall make planning simple, offering rentals, shuttles, and gear to support your adventure.

Georgian Bay Kayak Camping and Safety

Camping on a Georgian Bay kayak touring trip means sleeping on smooth granite rock under the stars. Because soil is scarce, bring a thick sleeping pad and use guy lines to secure your tent on windy nights. There are no pit toilets on most islands, so plan to dig cat holes responsibly and stay at least 60 meters from the water.

Safety is key because the wind in Georgian Bay can shift suddenly and the water remains cold throughout the summer. Even in July, water temperatures hover around 18°C (65°F). Paddlers should dress for immersion and always prepare to spend an unexpected night on the islands if conditions change.

If you plan to camp within the provincial park, you’ll need to reserve a designated campsite in advance. There’s also plenty of Crown land available for free camping, as well as private land to avoid. Use the Crown Land Atlas to identify where you can stay and map out your campsite plan ahead of time.

When to Go and What to Expect

The best time for a Georgian Bay kayak touring trip is between June and August, when the water is warmest and the winds are lightest. Shoulder seasons in spring or fall can be rewarding for experienced paddlers but require proper gear for cold water.

Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty of excitement, with species like lake trout, pike, and bass thriving in the bay’s clear waters. And when you’re done paddling, small towns like Killarney and Parry Sound offer cozy lodges, bakeries, and cafes to refuel before heading home.

Endless Possibilities of Kayaking Georgian Bay

No matter where you launch from or how long you stay, every Georgian Bay paddling trip feels like an exploration of something wild and untouched. The combination of rugged beauty, accessible camping, and serene paddling routes makes it one of North America’s most rewarding destinations for kayakers and canoeists alike.

Whether you’re out for a weekend or two full weeks, Georgian Bay will leave you in awe—and ready to plan your next paddling adventure before you’ve even left the shore.

Ready to plan your own Georgian Bay paddling trip? Check out my related guides: Packing List for a 5-Day Kayak Touring Georgian Bay for everything you’ll need on the water. Read more about a A Kayak Journey from Killarney to Britt for inspiration from one of the bay’s most scenic routes, Part 1 of the Georgian Bay Kayak Touring Trip and Part 2 of the Georgian Bay Kayak Touring Trip. Interested in kayak I used on this trip? The review for the Boreal Designs Storm 17 Ultralight Kayak helps you decide if this is the right kayak for touring the Georgian Bay area.

The post Georgian Bay Kayak Touring and Camping Guide appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Few things to know about the packing list provided

• This packing list is designed as a guide only. Every trip and every paddler has unique needs. To make it your own, it’s important to think your trip through, and add or remove gear from the list as necessary. 
• This packing list was designed for a trip on Georgian Bay during mid-summer. The air and water temperatures are warmest. Your packing list should be adapted to accommodate the time of year of your trip and the weather you’ll experience.
• The list should account for your own multi-day paddling experience. 
• The water is never warm on Georgian Bay. Dress in a way that you can comfortably survive an unexpected swim. Select clothing and gear that insulates when it’s wet. Avoid hypothermia with careful planning.
• Stay within a comfortable swimming distance from shore. unless you are absolutely confident in your ability to reenter your kayak from the water.

Packing List for a 5 Day Trip

View the Kayak Touring Packing List for the Georgian Bay.

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For paddlers, Georgian Bay is among the greatest destinations in the world. It rewards preparation and patience with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Watch more paddling adventures by subscribing to Ken Whiting Adventures.

Watch the Adventure on YouTube

Special Thanks

Destination Ontario: https://www.destinationontario.com  

The Seven: https://www.northeasternontario.com

Explorer's Edge http://explorersedge.ca

Ontario Creates, Boreal Design Kayaks, NRS, Aqua Bound, Killarney Outfitters

The post Packing List for 5 Day Kayak Touring Georgian Bay appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Georgian Bay isn’t technically one of the Great Lakes, but anyone who has paddled it will tell you it deserves the title. This northeastern arm of Lake Huron stretches 190 kilometers long and 80 kilometers wide, holding over 30,000 islands carved smooth by glaciers and dotted with windswept pines. It’s a place of staggering beauty—and unforgiving power.

I’ve kayaked parts of Georgian Bay before, especially around Philip Edward Island, but this trip was different. Over five days, I set out to paddle nearly 100 kilometers, traveling from Chikanishing Creek in Killarney Provincial Park to the small town of Britt. It was a true expedition, an A-to-B journey across one of the most spectacular paddling destinations in the world.

Stormy Start

The Bay wasted no time reminding me who was in charge. On day one, howling winds and torrential rain pinned me down at Killarney Outfitters. Georgian Bay demands patience; you don’t just go when you want—you go when it allows.

By late afternoon, the storm relented enough for me to launch. Paddling out of Chikanishing Creek, I quickly felt the Bay’s immensity. That night I made camp on the Fox Islands, a collection of exposed granite outcrops. They’re breathtaking, but dangerous if the wind shifts—launching from them in rough seas can be treacherous. As rain pattered against my tent, I cooked fajitas under the vestibule, grateful for hot food and a dry place to wait out the weather.

The Calm After the Storm

The next morning dawned calm and clear, the water a sheet of glass stretching to the horizon. These are the moments that lure paddlers into a false sense of security. Out here, conditions can shift in minutes.

Sure enough, by mid-day the wind returned. Whitecaps rolled across the open stretches, and progress slowed to a crawl. Paddling Georgian Bay is a constant dance between beauty and beast. One moment serene and inviting, the next raw and unforgiving.

But tucked into its countless coves, I discovered timeless campsites framed by glacier-scarred granite and twisted pines. Each evening, I was rewarded with fiery sunsets spilling across the endless horizon—a reminder of why this place captures the heart of every paddler who ventures here.

Lessons From the Water

By the final day, I was tired but settled into a rhythm: paddle, rest, paddle, camp. The Bay had pushed me with strong headwinds, tested my judgment on exposed crossings, and reminded me of the importance of humility on the water.

Reaching Britt, I felt more than a sense of accomplishment. I felt a deeper respect for this wild coastline. Georgian Bay isn’t an easy place to paddle—but that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Read a more in depth article about Exploring Georgian Bay.

Subscribe to Ken Whiting Adventures YouTube

For paddlers, Georgian Bay is among the greatest destinations in the world. It rewards preparation and patience with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Out there, every paddle stroke feels like a step back in time, into a wilderness that refuses to be tamed. Watch more paddling adventures by subscribing to Ken Whiting Adventures.

Special Thanks

Destination Ontario https://www.destinationontario.com  

The Seven https://www.northeasternontario.com

Explorer's Edge http://explorersedge.ca

Ontario Creates, Boreal Design Kayaks, NRS, Aqua Bound, Killarney Outfitters

The post Sea Kayaking Georgian Bay | Part 1 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Philip Edward Island and the Kayaking Route

My trips to Georgian Bay had long been limited to the Philip Edward Island area, just outside Killarney Provincial Park. You can do a day trip, a multi-day expedition, or spend four or five days circumnavigating the island. This year, I finally had the opportunity to explore a larger section of the bay. My plan was to paddle from Chikanishing Creek, just outside the town of Killarney, to the small town of Britt on the eastern shore – a path that would take me across Philip Edward Island and through the French River Provincial Park.  One of the joys of paddling Georgian Bay is the 30,000 islands that offer endless route options and protection from wind and waves. These islands are what make the bay one of the world’s best sea kayaking destinations.

Subscribe and follow Ken Whiting Adventures YouTube to watch the full Georgian Bay Adventure.

Day 1 – Delays and a Late Start

A major storm made the 4-hour drive from the Ottawa Valley to Britt a slow one. When I arrived, the shuttle driver from Killarney Outfitters was ready to take me to Chikanishing Creek, about 90 minutes away. But with rain pouring down, I headed to Killarney Outfitters instead to wait out the weather. I love visiting the shop—but I also hate it, because they have an incredible selection of paddling and camping gear, and I always find something I want to buy. Still, I'm happy to support them. They've done so much to support paddling in the region, and they offer services like gear rentals, boat shuttles, and meal planning that make paddling in Killarney Provincial Park and Georgian Bay accessible to countless visitors every year.

After picking up a few “essentials” and waiting out the storm on Killarney Outfitter’s porch, the rain finally slowed at 5:30 PM. I made my way to the boat launch, packed up, and hit the water just after 6 PM. With the summer solstice approaching, I still had light until after 9 PM. The winds were calm, and I made good time toward West Fox Island, a popular campsite off the shore of Philip Edward Island. After setting up camp and enjoying chicken fajitas for dinner, the rain returned just after sunset, and I called it a night.

Day 2 – Kayaking Into New Waters

The morning was clear and calm—perfect paddling conditions. I used the calm conditions to cross the open water in front of Philip Edward Island into waters I had never seen before. My route would take me through a cluster of rocky islands known as The Chickens, which I had always wanted to explore. My goal was to continue around Point Grondine and find a campsite in Horseshoe Bay.

The day began with glassy water as I paddled through the Hawk Islands. But as I continued on my way to The Chickens, the wind had picked up and the water turned choppy. The Chickens provided great shelter from the waves, and they were everything I imagined: a maze of beautiful, smooth islands with narrow channels that could keep a paddler exploring for hours. It was tempting to stop there for the night, but with a storm forecasted for the next day, I pushed on to find a more protected site.

Paddling along the Hawk Islands

Paddling through ‘The Chickens’

Day 3 – Beating the Storm

With nasty weather expected after noon, I was up early and on the water by 7:45 AM. Headwinds and choppy water made for tough paddling. Though I could’ve hugged the shoreline and traveled more protected waters, I chose a more direct line through open water. After three exhausting hours, I finally veered inshore to find refuge among the islands.

The islands offered much-needed protection from the wind, but navigating them required close attention. Around noon, I arrived at my planned campsite – and just in time. The rain began, and soon after, thunderstorms rolled through one after the other. I quickly set up my tarp and tent and hunkered down for the rest of the day.

Rough Seas on the morning of Day 3

Day 4 – Bustards and Glass Calm

One of the highlights of paddling through French River Provincial Park is the opportunity to explore the Bustard Islands, an archipelago located 2 km offshore. The weather had calmed overnight, and I took advantage of the conditions to paddle out and visit the Bustard Islands Lighthouse. I spent the morning exploring the area. From the Bustards, I made a direct crossing to the eastern shore, saving a few kilometers by traveling the open water. It’s not a place you want to be caught if the wind turns, but I made it safely to the Churchill Islands by late afternoon, having paddled about 22 km.

The Bustard Island Lighthouse, which is still active to this day, although it’s now automated. 

Weaving through the outer islands of the Bustards.

Camp 4 on Churchill Island

Day 5 – Final Stretch to Britt

Until this point, I’d been traveling mostly east. On Day 5, I turned southeast toward Byng Inlet, and eventually entered the Britt River, reaching my truck at Wright’s Marina. It marked the end of an incredible adventure through one of the best sea kayaking destinations in the world.  This was a trip that I had been looking forward to for a number of years, and I had very high expectations for it.  It’s fair to say that my expectations were exceeded, as they usually are when I visit Georgian Bay.  But what’s really exciting is the fact that there’s so much more Georgian Bay to explore.

Things to Know

Camping

The first part of the trip is on Crown land with no reservations required until you reach French River Provincial Park. There are no designated campsites, but the best spots are marked on paddling maps. Expect to camp on granite, so make sure your tent has guy lines to tie to rocks, because tent pegs won’t work. The majority of sites don’t have pit toilets/ thunderboxes, and so expect to need to dig a cat hole. When doing so, choose a location far from water and camp, and with enough soil so that you can dig a hole between 6”-9” deep.

Through French River Provincial Park, designated campsites require reservations. Once you’re through the Park, you’re back onto Crown land with plenty of good camping options.

Communication

I had better cell service than expected throughout the trip, but it’s not something you can rely on. I carried a satellite communicator for safety and to receive weather forecasts.

Weather

Weather on Georgian Bay changes quickly. I made a habit of checking forecasts twice daily and constantly adjusted my plans based on wind.

Maps

There’s no single map covering the whole route. I used a Philip Edward Island paddling map, a French River Provincial Park map, and a nautical chart from the Canadian Hydrographic Service.

Subscribe to Ken Whiting Adventures YouTube

For paddlers, Georgian Bay is among the greatest destinations in the world. It rewards preparation and patience with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Out there, every paddle stroke feels like a step back in time, into a wilderness that refuses to be tamed. Watch more paddling adventures by subscribing to Ken Whiting Adventures.

SPECIAL THANKS

Destination Ontario https://www.destinationontario.com  

The Seven https://www.northeasternontario.com

Explorer's Edge http://explorersedge.ca

Ontario Creates, Boreal Design Kayaks, NRS, Aqua Bound, Killarney Outfitters

The post Exploring Georgian Bay: A Kayak Journey from Killarney to Britt appeared first on Hazeadventure.

#1 Be Flexible with Your Plans

Flexibility is key when planning a kayak camping trip and avoiding fatal kayaking mistakes. Forcing a trip in poor conditions—like high winds or extreme river levels—can lead to safety risks and frustration. Build buffer days into your schedule and always have a backup plan or alternate route in case weather or water conditions don’t cooperate.

#2 Bring a Satellite Communication Device

For kayak camping trips, reliable communication is essential. A recent development is the ability to use some cell phones for satellite communication when you can't get a cell signal. I recently tested this feature and was surprised how well it worked on my iPhone 14 in the middle of nowhere. I was able to reliably send and receive texts. That being said, there are still some real benefits to bringing a dedicated satellite communicator like the Zoleo. In particular, it has MUCH better battery life than a cell phone, and it provides the option to do more than texting. In particular, you can check weather forecasts, and you can leave a bread crumb trail, which allows people to follow your progress. With a pauseable $20/month plan and a $200 device cost, a dedicated satellite communicator is a relatively affordable safety tool for remote adventures.

#3 Practice Packing Your Kayak

Packing a kayak is like solving a puzzle—tight hatches mean your gear needs to be divided into multiple dry bags, often in varying sizes to fit the limited space. Practice packing at home before your trip to avoid frustration at the launch.

When loading, keep heavy items low and centered to maintain stability and control. Save the ends of the kayak or on-deck space for lighter, bulkier items like sleeping bags or clothes. Proper packing makes a big difference on multi-day kayak camping trips.

#3 – Part 2: Carry a Lightweight Mesh Bag

Because you'll be breaking down all your gear into small dry bags, carrying them around can be a hassle. A super lightweight mesh bag or backpack is a game-changer.

This simple addition allows you to easily consolidate multiple dry bags and smaller items into one manageable load. This is especially useful when dealing with portages, or simply moving your gear from the water's edge to your campsite. It makes the tedious task of moving gear much more efficient.

#4 Create and Use a Kayak Camping Pack List

A solid packing list is key to avoiding forgotten gear. Keep it somewhere easy to access—an app like Evernote works well—and update it regularly. Before each trip, use it to check off essentials. During and after your trip, note what you didn’t use, what you missed, or what needs replacing. Creating separate lists for different kinds of trips helps too. The more you refine your list(s), the smoother your kayak camping adventures will be.

#5 Load Your Kayak in (or Very Close to) the Water

It's tempting to load your kayak on shore, especially on a cold morning, to avoid getting your feet wet. However, a fully loaded kayak is incredibly heavy and difficult to move, and dragging it across land can cause damage, particularly to thermoformed or composite kayaks.

#6 Pull Your Kayak Up High Enough

Regardless of whether you're on a river, lake, or the ocean, water levels can change. Always pull your kayak up far enough on the bank so it won't get swept away by rising water.

Waking up in the middle of the night wondering if your kayak has floated away is a terrible feeling. It's far better to overcompensate and drag your kayak further up the bank than you think you need to. If possible, tie it off to a tree for extra security and peace of mind.

#7 Do Refresher Courses

Just like first aid and CPR certifications require refreshers, it's beneficial to revisit your paddling and safety skills. In the backcountry, knowing what to do in a tricky situation can be critical.

Consider taking an actual paddling course, or explore online resources. The ACA offers a free online safety course, and onlinekayaking.com and onlinewhitewater.com provide more in-depth, well-produced courses (though not free).

#8 Quick Kayak Camping Gear Tips

• Smaller Paddle Blades: For long days of flatwater paddling, a paddle with smaller blades or a Greenland paddle can reduce strain on your shoulders and body. Read an article about kayak paddles sizing and length.
• Folding Saw vs. Axe: A good folding saw is generally safer, lighter, and more effective for cutting firewood than an axe, which can be dangerous to swing around on a trip.

• Try a Hammock: Hammocks pack down into smaller, more manageable pieces, making them easier to fit in a kayak than a tent. They can also be very comfortable for sleeping, and are easier on the back to get into and out of. I recently tested the Haven XL Tent Hammock, which is designed to provide a flat sleeping position, and I was highly impressed.

#9 Double-Check the Weather (Especially Wind)

During your kayak camping trip, regularly check the weather—not just before heading out, but throughout the day. While temperature and rain affect comfort, wind has the biggest impact on safety and paddling ability. Strong winds can quickly turn calm water dangerous or make progress nearly impossible. Always monitor the forecast a few hours ahead to make smart decisions, especially when paddling stretches with limited landing options.

#10 Embrace Dry Bags for Kayak Camping

Even if your kayak has watertight hatches, they’re not fully waterproof—anything that absolutely needs to stay dry should go in a dry bag. Opt for heavy-duty dry bags over ultralight ones, as they’re less likely to be compromised. While they may be a bit heavier, the added durability is worth it for multi-day kayak camping trips.

It’s also better to use several smaller dry bags instead of a few large ones. A mix of 5, 10, 15, and 25-liter bags usually covers all your needs, with larger ones ideal for storing lightweight, bulky items like sleeping bags or clothing that can be strapped to your deck if needed.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to planning and enjoying a fantastic multi-day kayaking adventure. Check out my top gear picks he wishes he’d purchased sooner. I give advice about gear additions to consider for your next kayak camping trip.

The post Top 10 Tips for Kayak Camping appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The standard kayak camping setup

In the wake of these trips, and some of the reviews I post, I'm often asked about the full extent of my gear. So today I thought I would give you a snapshot of a typical setup I go with when paddling for a couple days on the river. This one will put particular emphasis on colder conditions. 

Choosing a kayak for camping

Let's start with the obvious, what kayak did I use? Even though this was a river trip, I decided on the 16-foot P&H Sea Kayaks Leo. Don't let the name fool you, sea kayaks are great in a whole host of conditions. For this reason, I refer to them simply as touring kayaks. I had previously tried (and loved) the 14-foot P&H Virgo, and so I was curious how the longer version would fare. I just posted an in-depth review of the Leo, so I'll stick to a brief synopsis for now. 

I thought the Leo struck a nice balance between speed and maneuverability (the rocker helped compensate for the length). The High-Volume (HV) offering was also great for my size (6′ 2″, 195 lbs). And even though there were some redundancies when it came to storage, I appreciated having several waterproof hatches to work with on this trip. As I expected, the Leo performed beautifully on the Class 1 and very gentle Class 2 whitewater that we encountered. 

Paddle for kayak touring

When touring with the Paddling Kings you gotta have a worthy saber. I chose the Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle. The full carbon blade/shaft design made this a super light package, which is clutch on longer trips.

Backup paddle

My backup paddle (that's right folks, gotta expect the unexpected) was the Aqua Bound Manta Ray hybrid paddle (carbon shaft/reinforced nylon blades). I often use this as my primary paddle too. It has the advantages of being extra-durable and much more affordable than full-carbon paddles.

Bonus note

The weather was so Canadian-esque on this trip that I opted for some pogies. They attach directly onto the paddle, keeping your hands protected. They aren't quite as warm or dry as full-on paddling gloves, but they have the added advantage of improved feel and performance. When it comes to gloves, I don't love the disconnect that comes from having a layer of neoprene between my hand and the paddle shaft. I'll take the slight trade-off of pogies to boost that proprioception any day. 

Kayak camping clothes

Well, for this special outing I went with my 15-year old polypropylene long sleeve. I think these are really gonna make a comeback this season. For my base layer, I opted for a more modern NRS neoprene top that has a soft, fuzzy layer underneath. I appreciate the utility of neoprene but I don't love the feel of it directly against my skin. This piece solves that problem. 

Layering for colder weather

Even though we were south of the border, I still had to layer up…south of the border. I started with some thick fleece long johns, popped a pair of surf shorts over top, and then capped it all off with a solid pair of dry pants. The latter has built-in socks and a tunnel portion that extends up from the waistband and tucks under my skirt and shirts. This whole gown keeps me warm and dry, even when splashing around in the rapids.  

Kayak touring paddle jacket

I'm a big fan of anorak style jackets. That's why I went with the NRS Riptide Splash Jacket. It has latex gaskets on the wrists, which stops the infamous paddle drip from leaking down my sleeves. At the neck, it has a neoprene gasket. This isn't as waterproof as latex, but it is much more comfortable on this chaffe-prone area.

I knew we weren't going into conditions that would involve much flipping, and I certainly wasn't planning on doing any show-off rolls, so I knew this would be the right blend for the trip. Neoprene gets the job done just fine for rain and basic splashing around. The Riptide also has a built-in hood, which again is handy for when the rain kicks in. And finally, there's another built-in tunnel, which doubles up with the one on my pants. So while not a full-on drysuit, it was pretty darn close. 

Kayaking shoes for camping

On my feet, I went with NRS Boundary Boots. These are absolutely my go-to cold-weather kicks. They're waterproof below the boot-cuff, they have neoprene insulation, they have a flexible sole (but still enough integrity for any terrain), and they are just all-around comfortable boots.  

Kayaking spray skirt

NRS has me outfitted from nearly top to bottom. In this case, the Drylander Sprayskirt got me through comfortably. It has a tight rand, which gives it a nice seal on the kayak. This thing is designed to take some hits and really stays on when you need it to. That said, it also has a built in rip-cord so it's easy enough to take off when the time comes. 

Kayaking PFD

The Zen Rescue PFD (personal flotation device) by (you guessed it) NRS, is another classic go-to of mine. I love the big central pocket for my sunscreen, snacks, and my chapstick (don't discount this little guy on cold, wet outings). It also has an even bigger, fleece-lined pocket for occasional hand-warming breaks. 

How to pack for an overnight kayak trip

Keep in mind that the P&H Sea Kayaks Leo came with three hatches (one in the front, two in the back), plus I opted for an additional day-hatch, which sits right in front of the cockpit. In the larger back hatch, I packed my water-proof trail runners/end of the day camp-shoes (which I strategically wrapped in an old grocery bag).

Sleeping bag and tent storage

I also stuffed my Big Agnes, heavy-duty sleeping bag, along with my tent and some cooking fuel, in the back hatch. These were all individually dry-bagged. A quick note, even when hatches are labeled as waterproof, I wouldn't ever bank on this being perfectly accurate. Anything that you need to keep dry, put it in a dry bag. However, I know these can add bulk, and so I'll skip this sometimes for things that are fine to get wet, or will dry out quickly when I get to camp. Something worth considering. 

Snack storage

In the standard-issue back day-hatch, I kept some extra snacks. As I mentioned in my full-review, I would have preferred just one big hatch in the back. I find that a smaller day-hatch, if it's behind you, is hard to reach while paddling. 

Throw rope storage behind the back-band

Rounding out the back section, I stashed a throw-bag behind my back-band. This is a must-have for any river adventure, and it needs to be somewhere immediately accessible. 

First-aid kit and more snack storage

Moving up front, the add-on day-hatch made a lot more sense to me. I put yet more snacks, a first-aid kit, and my trustee GoPro so that I could capture lots of spontaneous footage. In-between the day-hatch and the main-hatch I anchored my Gearlab Deck Pod V2, which is great for more quick-access goodies. It's compatible with a hydration pack, in case you prefer sucking on a bladder versus fumbling with water bottles. I was happy to see that the new version came with some clips that easily attached to my kayak's deck bungees. 

Finally, in the front-hatch, I stashed a couple more dry bags with all of my clothes, cooking gear, and a sleeping pad. I like to pack lighter gear in the ends of the kayak and shift heavier stuff to the middle, whenever feasible. 

Extra Tip on Kayak Camping

I had extra space in front of the footpegs, which is a rarity for me (shout-out to P&H and their High-Volume kayaks), so I hid one more dry bag full of extra cold-weather clothes. It's one thing to stay warm when you're paddling up a storm, but it's quite another when you're just sitting around camp. I highly recommend down-booties! 

Enjoy the water!

So that's how I packed for my two-day, river-running trip. The conditions weren't exactly the respite from the Canadian climate I was hoping for, but when it comes to paddling, it isn't so much bad conditions as it is inadequate gear. Thankfully, I had what I needed to keep me in good spirits, and that's the main thing. 

I hope you enjoyed this run-down. For more tips, reviews, and adventures, check out PaddleTV.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links where Ken Whiting earns a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!

Other paddling gear I use and recommend

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!     

FOOTWEAR  

NRS Kicker Remix Shoe  

NRS Boundary Boot  

PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS  

NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt

NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt  

NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt    

NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt  

NRS Riptide Splash Jacket    

NRS Flux Dry Top      

PFD’S – LIFE JACKETS

NRS Odyssey PFD   

NRS Zen PFD    

NRS Chinook PFD      

OTHER PADDLING GEAR  

Zoleo Communicator  

NRS Drylander Sprayskirt    

WRSI Current Helmet      

PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS  

NRS Benny Board Short   

NRS Hydroskin Shorts      

SUNGLASSES

WileyX

The post How To Pack for a Kayak Camping Trip appeared first on Hazeadventure.