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/ ***************************************************************************
> driver's license, a $5-$20 bill, and a key to the truck (in a > zippered > How about a couple of quarters to make a phone call? Since I lost my PFD and my keys a couple hundred miles from home last year, I've been a little paranoid. I now keep a spare set in my wallet which I carry in a dry bag, a set in my 1st aid kit and a set in a magnetized box tucked away under the truck. > Nalgene bottle full of granola bars (always) > I never get tired of them. > 8x10 tarp with 12 ft. lines attached Campmor sells something called an All-Weather Sportsman's Blanket for $12US. It's 5X7 ft and made of polyethelene and has grommets. It's a little thinner and more flexible than a tarp but can serve the same purpose. I also use it for a ground cover when I'm using my tent annex fly. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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