Sea Kayak Expedition Kit List

Tent

Variety of pegs needed as ground variable, long thick ones for sand. A freestanding design may be beneficial if you need to pitch on rock.

Sleeping mat

Therm-a-rest mattress are best, blow-up airbeds do not insulate you from cold ground.

Sleeping bag

Put in a dry bag if possible; pack in a thick plastic bag inside stuff sac if not.

Sleeping bag liner

Not essential, but it saves having to clean bag regularly. Rab make one from Pertex (£19.95 from Snow & Rock) these are good, as they dry quickly & are easy to move around in.

Pillow

A pillowcase can be used to hold some of your clothes in a neat pile; fleece is good as it is soft.

Stove

One large (500) or two small (250) gas canisters should last a week depending on the number of hot drinks. I managed on one very small (100) last year on a weeklong trip.

Stove windshield

Reduces the amount of gas needed, as it keeps the heat close to the pan.

Matches or Lighter

Both are useful

Cooking & Pots/Pans

One large pan big enough for total contents of a meal & one small pan big enough for water for drinks or part of a two-part meal. Can also be used to eat out of., bowls are better than plates. A small chopping board for fresh veg.

Mugs

Insulated with lids if possible. Lids help to reduce mess if knocked over in tent.

Cutlery

Depends on personal choice but I don't bother with a fork. Short wooden spoon for stirring pot. Sharp knife for cutting fresh veg etc.

Head torch

More useful than hand torch. LED type (Petzl Tikka) provides a very diffuse even light and very long battery life.

Condiments

As required either a small travel set with screw lids or sachets pinched from a café. Small qty of Olive oil in a screw top container depending on what you are going to cook.

Fresh Food

Cherry tomatoes, Sugar-snap peas, onions, pre-washed lettuce and peppers keep quite well.

Dried Food

Small pasta shapes cook quicker, Uncle Bens One minute rice, Thick cup-a-soup can be used as a sauce base for pasta, Packets of Tuna in water (not oil) are lighter on weight & waste than a can and don't need draining (good if you're in the tent), Oat cakes are not as dry as crackers when the fresh bread runs out, Tubes of vegetarian pate (various flavours) from health food shops are good for lunch, squeeze straight onto oat cakes. I pre-pack each days breakfast into a bag with dried milk added so I don't have to guess how much to take, I found if you use more than the suggested qty of milk powder it's less watery and more creamy.

Snacks

Dried fruit & nuts, moist energy bars are easier to eat in the boat.

First aid kit

Include anti-histamine for insect bites and Ibuprofen anti-inflammatory for muscle/joint/tendon problems.

Sun cream & lip salve

Waterproof / sweatproof sport type.

Soap

The gel type that don't need water are good. Moist baby wipes are useful for an in-tent clean-up.

Water

Soft bag types of carrier are more flexible for locating in the boat. Behind the seat in the cockpit is a good spot as the weight is central and it doesn't matter if it gets wet. Make sure that it is tied in place. Qty is variable but fresh supplies may not be available for several days, at least 2 litres a day each as a guide.

Midge net

Midge proof clothing, high necks, long sleeves, thin gloves. (Scotland)

Large Bags

Use for transferring contents of boat up to campsite. Nylon or plastic foldable/roll-up shopping bags are good. Unloading the boat near the water means a lighter boat to carry up the beach, and a reduced chance of injury to those carrying it, especially if it's over seaweed covered rocks.

Carry straps

A pair of wide webbing straps with hand loops at each end can make carrying a kayak between 4 people much more comfortable. Can be bought from Scottish Paddler Supplies.