Kayaking Gear Checklist: Everything to Pack Before You Paddle

The Short Answer: Basic Equipment for Kayaking

For a typical day trip on calm water, most guides agree on the same core items: a kayak and paddle, a properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD) that you wear, a way to signal for help, a way to bail water, sun protection, drinking water and appropriate clothing. Everything else on this page builds on that foundation.

Use the lists below as a starting point and adjust for your water, the weather and how far from help you will be. If you only want a short beginner version, see what to bring kayaking.

Essential Gear for Every Trip

Kayak, in good condition. Check the hull, hatches, drain plugs, seat and footrests before you go.
Paddle. Sized for you and your boat. On larger or more remote water, many paddlers carry a spare, which can be a split-shaft model stowed on deck or inside.
PFD (life jacket). Choose a Coast Guard-approved model in your size and wear it, rather than stowing it. Fit it snugly and check the straps. Whitewater paddling calls for a more specialized vest, covered in choosing a whitewater kayaking PFD.
Whistle. Attach a pealess whistle to your PFD so you can reach it without searching.
Bilge pump or sponge. Sit-inside kayaks can take on water from splashes, paddle drip or a capsize. A pump is more useful in rough conditions; a sponge may do for calm, sheltered paddling.
First-aid kit. A compact, waterproof kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and any personal medication.
Float plan. Tell someone where you are going, where you will launch and land, and when you expect to be back.

Rules vary by location, so check local requirements for items like lights, sound-signaling devices and PFDs; our kayak and canoe laws by state guide shows how much they differ. Laws differ between states, provinces and countries.

Clothing Checklist

Dress for the water temperature as well as the air temperature, because capsizing is always possible.

Warm weather and water: Quick-drying synthetic or wool layers, such as a shirt and shorts. Cotton holds water and can leave you chilled, so most guides suggest avoiding it.
Footwear: Water shoes, sport sandals with a heel strap, or old sneakers. Avoid flip-flops that can slip off, and avoid going barefoot where there may be sharp rocks, shells or debris.
Sun protection: A wide-brimmed or secured hat, sunglasses with a retainer strap, water-resistant sunscreen and, if you like, a long-sleeve sun shirt.
Rain layer: A paddling jacket or lightweight rain shell.
Cold water or cold weather: Consider a wetsuit or drysuit, insulating layers beneath it, neoprene gloves or pogies, and a warm hat. Paddling magazines and outfitters generally cover this in detail; ask a local paddling shop or club about what suits your water.

The “120 rule”

Some paddlers use a rule of thumb that adds the air temperature and the water temperature (in Fahrenheit). If the total is roughly 120 or lower, they treat it as a sign to wear thermal protection such as a wetsuit or drysuit. Treat it as a rough guide only. Wind, wet skin, how long you may be in the water and how far you are from shore all matter, and some paddlers use a more cautious threshold. When in doubt, dress for immersion. For layering advice, see what to wear kayaking in 60 degree weather.

Food, Water and Personal Items

Drinking water. Bring more than you expect to need. A water bottle or hydration pack that you can reach on the water works well.
Snacks. Heat-tolerant, easy-to-eat foods such as trail mix, fruit, bars or sandwiches. Keep them in a dry bag or deck bag.
Dry bags. For your phone, keys, wallet and spare clothing.
Phone protection. A waterproof case or floating pouch. A phone is useful but should not be your only way to call for help, as coverage can be poor.
Dry clothes and a towel. Leave them in your vehicle for after the paddle.
Medications, glasses and sunscreen. Pack what you personally rely on.

Map or chart of the area, plus a compass if you will be away from familiar shorelines.
Weather and conditions check for wind, tides, currents, water levels and storms before you launch.
Signaling devices. In addition to a whistle, some paddlers carry a small waterproof flashlight or headlamp, a signal mirror or a VHF radio for coastal or large-water trips.
Tow line or throw bag for paddling with a group, especially on moving water, where training matters as much as the gear.

Repair and Spare Items

For short trips close to the launch, a minimal kit may be enough. For longer trips, consider:

Duct tape or repair tape.
Spare paddle or paddle parts.
Small multi-tool or knife.
Cordage, a few spare straps and buckles.
Patch kit if you paddle an inflatable or folding kayak.

Extra Gear for Longer or More Remote Trips

Overnight and multi-day trips add shelter, sleeping gear, cooking equipment, extra food and water treatment on top of the lists above, and require planning for weight and storage space. Also consider a second means of communication, extra insulating layers, and a more thorough first-aid kit. For route and logistics, see planning a multi-day paddling trip.

Gear by Paddling Environment

Calm lakes and slow rivers: The essentials above, plus sun and bug protection.
Coastal and open water: Add a spray skirt where appropriate, a VHF radio, navigation tools and tide information, and a paddle float or other self-rescue gear if you have practiced using it.
Whitewater: Add a helmet, a whitewater PFD, a throw bag and appropriate footwear, and paddle with experienced companions. Start with our whitewater kayaking guide.
Cold conditions: Add thermal protection and spare warm clothing in dry storage.

Before You Launch and After You Paddle

Before launching

Check the weather, water conditions and your float plan.
Pack and secure gear so it will not float away if you capsize.
Put on your PFD and adjust it.
Check that your whistle and other signaling gear are within reach.

After paddling

Rinse the boat and your gear, especially after salt water.
Dry your PFD and clothing before storing them, away from direct sun.
Restock the first-aid kit and replace anything used.

Common Questions

How long does it take to kayak 20 miles?

It depends on the boat, your fitness, wind, current and how many breaks you take. A recreational paddler might cruise at a pace in the range of two to three miles per hour, which would make 20 miles a very long day, while experienced paddlers in longer touring boats can go faster. A current can help or hurt substantially. Plan conservatively, and build up distance gradually.

How do seniors get in and out of a kayak?

The same basic principles apply to everyone. Many paddlers find it easier to launch from a low dock, a beach or a gently sloping bank, keeping the kayak stable and parallel to the shore. Keeping a low center of gravity, holding the paddle across the boat for support and having a helper steady the kayak can all make entry easier. Sit-on-top kayaks and wider, more stable boats are often easier to get into; see kayaking for seniors and how to launch a kayak from a dock. If mobility or balance is a concern, talk to a doctor and consider a lesson or an outfitter that offers assisted launches.