8 Essential Items for a Weekend of Kayaking and Camping

There is a unique magic in sliding a loaded kayak into the water at sunrise, knowing everything required for survival and comfort is stowed neatly beneath the decks. Merging the self-reliance of backpacking with the fluid travel of paddling opens up remote shorelines that hikers can never reach. With the right gear and smart packing strategies, a weekend on the water becomes a seamless transition from active exploration to peaceful wilderness nights.

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Planning a Seamless Weekend of Kayak Camping

Kayak camping offers the ultimate freedom of movement, but it requires a different mindset than traditional backpacking. While a kayak can carry more weight than a backpack, space is divided into odd, curved compartments accessible only through tight hatch openings. Successful planning depends on matching gear choices to the vessel’s storage capacity while ensuring the kayak remains balanced and agile on open water.

Before launching, study the route’s geography, noting potential landing zones, tide changes, and wind patterns. Unlike backpacking, where a slow pace simply means a later arrival, paddling against unexpected headwinds or strong currents can exhaust even fit paddlers before they reach camp. Plan for shorter daily distances than a normal walking trip—typically eight to twelve miles per day—to allow ample time for setup, relaxation, and unexpected weather delays.

Touring Kayak – Wilderness Systems Tempest 165

A proper touring kayak acts as both the transport vehicle and the gear closet for the weekend. The Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 is a benchmark choice for multi-day coastal and lake adventures, offering a perfect blend of tracking, maneuverability, and cargo space. Its fiberglass-reinforced polyethylene hull handles rocky shorelines with ease, while the adjustable TruTrak Skeg system keeps the boat straight in crosswinds.

For mature or active paddlers, comfort during long hours in the cockpit is non-negotiable. The Tempest features the highly adjustable Phase 3 AirPro seating system, which provides crucial under-thigh support and lumbar pressure relief. Three separate hatch compartments—bow, stern, and a small midship day hatch—keep gear organized and structurally isolated in case of a wet exit or hatch cover failure.

• Length: 16 feet 6 inches
• Width: 21.5 inches
• Weight: 55 lbs
• Max Capacity: 290 lbs
• Hatch Configuration: Bow, Stern, and Midship Day Hatch

When buying a touring kayak, cockpit fit is the most critical factor. The Tempest 165 is scaled perfectly for small-to-medium-frame paddlers; larger individuals should look to the Tempest 170 for a more comfortable fit. This boat is ideal for paddlers looking to develop their skills on open water, but it is not suited for shallow, rocky rivers where short, blunt recreational boats perform better.

Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Standard backpacking dry sacks are too fragile to survive the constant friction of being shoved into kayak hatches. The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag solves this problem with heavy-duty 420-denier ripstop nylon and a TPU-laminated interior. These bags withstand rough fiberglass interiors, sand abrasion, and the inevitable squeeze through tight hatch rims without losing their waterproof integrity.

Using multiple mid-sized dry bags (typically 8-to-20 liters) is far more effective than trying to pack one giant bag. The Big River bags feature low-profile, streamlined shapes that slide easily into the narrow bow and stern cavities of a touring kayak. Built-in lash loops allow for secure tethering on deck if quick-access gear must be kept topside during a crossing.

• Material: 420D TPU-laminated nylon
• Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm hydrostatic head (roll-top closure)
• Available Sizes: 5L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L, 65L
• Key Feature: Hypalon lash loops for secure attachment

Do not overfill these bags, as a minimum of three rolls is required to guarantee a watertight seal. These are excellent for protecting sleeping bags, spare clothing, and electronics from hatch condensation and minor leaks. However, they are not designed for submersion during scuba diving or whitewater rafting where gear remains underwater for extended periods.

Kayak Paddle – Werner Camano Fiberglass Paddle

A heavy, poorly balanced paddle can turn a dream weekend into a painful ordeal of shoulder fatigue and wrist strain. The Werner Camano Fiberglass Paddle is the industry standard for low-angle, relaxed touring strokes. Its mid-sized fiberglass blades provide gentle, consistent power with minimal water resistance, allowing paddlers to maintain a steady cadence over long distances.

The Camano features Werner’s patented Smart View Adjustable Ferrule, which allows for precise feathering adjustments in 15-degree increments. This two-piece design splits easily for transport and serves as a reliable backup paddle on the deck. The carbon-blend shaft keeps the overall weight incredibly low without sacrificing the structural durability needed for bracing against sudden waves.

• Weight: 27.75 oz (two-piece)
• Blade Design: Mid-size, low-angle
• Shaft Material: Carbon-fiber blend
• Blade Material: Compression-molded fiberglass

Selecting the correct paddle length requires matching the paddler’s height to the width of the kayak. A boat like the Tempest 165 pairs best with a 220cm to 230cm paddle for most average-height adults. This paddle is perfect for touring and coastal exploration, though aggressive, high-angle paddlers or whitewater enthusiasts will want a blade with a wider, more vertical profile.

Personal Flotation Device – Astral BlueJacket PFD

A life jacket only works if it is comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time without chafing or restricting movement. The Astral BlueJacket PFD is designed specifically for active touring, featuring a high-back flotation panel that sits comfortably above the tall backrests of modern kayak seats. This prevents the life jacket from riding up or pushing the paddler’s head forward while paddling.

The BlueJacket utilizes a two-panel design that allows the torso to twist freely, reducing friction under the arms during long paddling sessions. A large, zipper-secured front pocket keeps safety gear, snacks, and a whistle close at hand. The durable ripstop nylon shell resists saltwater degradation and holds up to years of sun exposure.

• USCG Rating: Type III PFD
• Design Flotation: 16 lbs of buoyancy
• Shell Material: 200 x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon
• Weight: 2.02 lbs

Ensure the PFD is fitted over the layers of clothing that will actually be worn on the water. Adjust the side straps first, followed by the shoulder straps, to keep the vest anchored low on the torso. This PFD is ideal for intermediate to advanced sea kayakers, but recreational paddlers who prefer a simple, front-entry zipper may find the side-entry buckle system takes some getting used to.

Backpacking Tent – Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

When camping along shorelines, space is at a premium and the ground can range from soft sand to solid rock. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a freestanding backpacking tent that can be pitched anywhere without relying on perfect stake placement. Its steep wall architecture maximizes interior headroom, offering a comfortable space to change out of damp paddling gear at the end of the day.

The double-wall design keeps condensation away from sleeping gear—a critical feature when camping near high-humidity coastal zones or lakeshores. Two large vestibules provide dry storage for wet booties, spray skirts, and empty dry bags. Its packed size is small enough to slide easily into the main hatches of a touring kayak.

• Trail Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
• Packed Size: 19.5 x 6 inches
• Floor Area: 29 square feet
• Pole Material: DAC Featherlite NFL/NSL

Ultra-lightweight fabrics require careful handling, especially around sand and gravel. Always use a matching footprint to protect the delicate floor from sharp beach rocks or hidden pine needles. This tent is perfect for solo paddlers who want extra room or couples traveling light, but it is not designed to withstand heavy winter snow loads or gale-force coastal winds.

Sleeping Bag – REI Co-op Down Time 25 Down Bag

Rest is the foundation of any successful outdoor adventure, and a damp, cold night can ruin the experience. The REI Co-op Down Time 25 Down Bag offers the compressible warmth of down with a relaxed mummy cut that appeals to active adults who dislike feeling restricted. It features 650-fill-power water-resistant down, which retains its loft and insulating properties even in damp, foggy coastal conditions.

The bag’s ripstop nylon shell is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to shed morning condensation inside the tent. An adjustable hood and insulated draft collar lock in body heat on chilly shoulder-season nights. When packed into a compression dry bag, it shrinks down to the size of a small watermelon, leaving plenty of room in the kayak’s bow hatch.

• Temperature Rating: 25°F (comfort rating near 30°F)
• Insulation: 650-fill-power water-resistant duck down
• Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz (Regular size)
• Packed Volume: 5.6 liters

Down bags must be protected inside a reliable dry bag during transit, as saturated down loses all insulating ability. Give the bag a few minutes to loft up after pulling it from the dry bag before crawling in for the night. This bag is an exceptional value for spring-through-fall adventures, but true cold-weather winter paddlers will need a bag rated to 0°F or lower.

Backpacking Stove – MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove Kit

A hot meal at the end of a long day on the water is more than just nutrition—it is a major morale boost. The MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove Kit nests an ultra-compact canister stove inside a hard-anodized aluminum pot, saving precious space in the kayak’s gear hatches. The kit also includes a deep bowl and a clear, strainer-equipped lid, creating an all-in-one kitchen solution that weighs under ten ounces.

The stove itself boils a liter of water in just three and a half minutes, featuring a wind clip windshield that keeps the flame steady in stiff coastal breezes. The pot is sized perfectly to prepare dehydrated meals or simple pasta dishes for one or two people. The robust burner control allows for precise simmering, so food does not scorch on the bottom of the pot.

• Total Kit Weight: 9.9 oz
• Boil Time: 3.5 minutes for 1 liter of water
• Included Items: PocketRocket 2 stove, 2L pot, deep bowl, lid, pot lifter
• Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane canister fuel

Always store canister fuel upright in the dry hatch, and pack a small rag inside the pot to prevent the metal components from rattling during transit. This stove is ideal for minimalist camp cooking, but larger groups preparing complex, multi-course meals will want a larger, more stable group camp stove.

Water Filter – Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Filter Bottle

Water is the heaviest gear item on any kayak trip, weighing over eight pounds per gallon. The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Filter Bottle eliminates the need to haul heavy water reserves by allowing paddlers to safely filter fresh water from streams, lakes, or springs along the route. The collapsible Hydrapak flask folds down to almost nothing when empty, saving valuable hatch space.

The BeFree utilizes a hollow-fiber membrane that filters out bacteria, cysts, and sediment with an incredibly fast flow rate. Cleaning the filter is simple: just shake or swish the flask in clean water to clear debris from the membrane—no backflushing syringes required. The wide-mouth opening makes filling the flask easy, even from shallow, slow-moving shoreline seeps.

• Filter Type: 0.1-micron hollow-fiber membrane
• Flow Rate: Up to 2 liters per minute
• Lifespan: Up to 1,000 liters (depending on water quality)
• Weight: 2.3 oz (empty)

Note that this filter does not remove salt, chemicals, or viruses. If paddling in saltwater coastal environments, fresh water must be packed in or sourced from reliable inland freshwater streams along the route. This filter is perfect for quick, reliable filtration on freshwater lakes and rivers, but is not suitable for ocean use without an inland freshwater source.

How to Pack Your Kayak for Optimal Stability

Packing a kayak is an exercise in physics. Heavy items like water bladders, stoves, and fuel canisters should be packed low and close to the cockpit bulkhead to maintain a low center of gravity. Placing too much weight in the far ends of the bow or stern will cause the kayak to plow through waves rather than rise over them, reducing efficiency and making steering difficult in choppy waters.

Lightweight, high-volume items like sleeping bags, tents, and spare clothing should be packed into the outer extremities of the bow and stern. Fill empty spaces with small, soft items like camp shoes or rain gear to prevent larger dry bags from shifting during transit. Never strap heavy dry bags to the top of the kayak deck; this raises the center of gravity, making the boat unstable and increasing the risk of capsizing.

Essential Safety Measures for Open Water Paddling

Open water environments can change rapidly, turning a calm afternoon into a challenging survival situation within minutes. Always wear a PFD at all times on the water—not stored on the deck. Carry a reliable signaling device, such as a whistle attached to the PFD zipper, and a marine VHF radio or satellite messenger to call for help if things go wrong.

Before launching, file a detailed float plan with a family member or friend back home, outlining the exact route, planned campsites, and expected return time. Check the local marine weather forecast, paying close attention to offshore wind warnings and tidal current directions. If paddling in cold water (below 60°F), dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature by wearing a wetsuit or drysuit to prevent cold shock in the event of an accidental capsize.

Finalizing Your Route and Leave No Trace Plan

The fragile shorelines and remote islands accessible by kayak are often highly sensitive ecosystems. When planning camp locations, prioritize established campsites or durable surfaces like gravel bars, sand beach zones, or rock slabs. Avoid trampling delicate coastal grasses or dunes, which hold sand beaches together and provide critical nesting habitat for coastal birds.

Practice strict Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, including food scraps and organic waste. In remote areas where soil depth is minimal or composting is slow, carry a portable waste bag system to pack out human waste safely. By leaving each campsite pristine, paddlers preserve the wild character of these coastal waterways for the next generation of adventurers.

With the right preparation and reliable gear, kayak camping is a rewarding way to experience the outdoors at an active, engaging pace. Investing in a solid touring kayak, dependable dry bags, and reliable safety gear ensures every weekend trip is both safe and comfortable. The horizon is waiting—pack the hatches, check the tides, and head out for an unforgettable weekend on the water.