[Paddlewise] Re list of basic paddling stuff

George Bergeron asked "So what's on your list of basic paddling stuff?"

Lessee,

Boat gear:
    reserve paddle
    paddle float (if I'm going to be out on open water)
    bilge pump
On person:
    PFD
    Gerber Shorty knife
    pocket compass
    whistle
    driver's license, a $5-$20 bill, and a key to the truck (in a zippered
pocket, usually)
Food and water:
    2.5-liter Platypus bladder of water in the rear hatch plus a CamelBak
on deck
    Nalgene bottle full of granola bars (always)
    more water, up to 20 liters total, if needed on a group or overnight trip
    16 oz. Nalgene bottle of trail mix (if needed)
    packets of soup, cocoa, cider mix
    backpacking stove, fuel bottle, matches, and cooking gear (unless
paddling on
        absolutely civilized waters or a trip in hot weather)

Emergency gear:
    matches, lighter, fire starter
    small first aid kit
    space blanket
    8x10 tarp with 12 ft. lines attached
    Z-Rest foam mattress (3/4 length)
    50 ft. of parachute cord
    rain jacket

I keep a change of clothes in the truck at all times.  I carry a change of
clothes with me in the kayak when I might need them--for major changes in
temperature or conditions, not for being wet.  I'm accustomed to being damp
or wet most of the time that I'm paddling.

My dry bag of stove and cooking gear has accumulated a lot of miles on the
water but very few hours of use.  However, I consider being able to fix
something hot a major advantage in an emergency.

Most of the folks I've paddled with don't carry enough water, especially in
hot weather.  Also, I notice that many would also go hungry on a group trip
if they had a spill before lunchtime.  I make certain that my food supplies
are in waterproof containers.

Bob

--------------------------------------------------
Robert C. Perkins, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Research and Planning
Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC 28311
910-630-7037     rperkins_at_methodist.edu


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************