The Quick List
For a short paddle on calm water, bring:
- A life jacket (PFD) that fits, and that you actually wear
- A paddle (and a spare if you are going somewhere larger or more remote)
- A whistle attached to your PFD
- A bilge pump or sponge, if your kayak is a sit-inside model
- Water and a few snacks
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses with a strap, sunscreen
- A dry bag with your phone, keys and a change of clothes
- Footwear that stays on your feet and can get wet
- A small first-aid kit
For a longer list organized by category, see the full kayaking gear checklist.
If It Is Your First Time Kayaking
If you are paddling with a rental company or a guided tour, they usually supply the kayak, paddle and PFD, and often give a short safety briefing. In that case you mostly need to bring clothing, sun protection, water, a snack and a dry change of clothes for afterward.
Some tips for beginners:
- Choose calm, sheltered water and good weather for your first outings.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Keep items you want to protect in a dry bag, and secure anything you cannot afford to lose.
- Ask the rental staff about local rules, currents and areas to avoid. Our guide to kayaking for the first time covers what to expect.
What to Wear (and What Not to Wear)
Dress for the water temperature, not just the weather, since you may end up in the water.
Good choices
- Quick-drying synthetic shirts and shorts or leggings
- Water shoes, sport sandals with a heel strap, or old sneakers
- A wide-brimmed or secured hat and sunglasses with a retainer
- A light rain jacket or windbreaker, stowed in a dry bag
- In cool conditions, extra layers that insulate when wet, and consider a wetsuit or drysuit
Better to avoid
- Cotton, such as jeans and cotton hoodies, which stays wet and can chill you
- Flip-flops and other loose footwear
- Heavy or bulky clothing that would weigh you down if wet
- Dangling jewelry or items you would hate to lose
Some paddlers use a “120 rule”: if the air temperature plus the water temperature (in Fahrenheit) is about 120 or less, they dress for immersion with thermal protection. It is only a rough guide, and being cautious is sensible. For more on cool-weather clothing, see what to wear kayaking in 60 degree weather. The gear checklist goes into this a little more.
Snacks and Water
Bring more water than you think you need, especially on warm days. Good snacks are easy to eat with one hand, hold up in the heat and do not need refrigeration:
- Trail mix or nuts
- Granola or energy bars
- Fruit, such as apples or oranges
- Sandwiches or wraps in a sealed container
- Dried fruit or jerky
Keep food and drinks in a dry bag or deck bag within reach, and take your trash back with you.
Useful Kayak Accessories
You do not need to buy everything at once. These are commonly considered the most useful:
- A properly fitting PFD
- A dry bag (or several sizes)
- A paddle leash or a spare paddle, depending on your boat and water
- A bilge pump or sponge
- A whistle or other signaling device
- A deck bag or small cooler for items you want handy
- A waterproof phone case
- A seat pad or back support for comfort
- Roof rack pads, straps or a cart for transport
- A hat and sunglasses retainers
Prioritize safety items first, then comfort.
What to Leave at Home or in the Car
- Valuables you do not need on the water
- Extra electronics and anything that cannot get wet
- Cotton towels and dry clothes, which are better kept in the vehicle for after
- Glass bottles
- Anything bulky that cannot be secured in the boat
Adjusting for Your Trip
A short paddle on a pond needs less gear than a coastal outing or a river with current. If you are heading into whitewater (see our whitewater kayaking guide), you will need specialized equipment, including a different kind of life jacket; see choosing a whitewater kayaking PFD.