[Paddlewise] safty equpipment and other gear

    I carry what feels like an amazing amount of gear, most of which I
have never used as it was intended. I am not even sure how to test if it
really will work. The whistle makes my ears ring so I guess it works.
Maybe I should ask others to help me test how far away it can be heard
in different wind conditions. I have a River Shorty knife. I keep it
sharp. I have the signal mirror, flairs-who knows if they really will
work. They are new but still... I haven't spent the money on the strobe.
I guess I should but that is just one more thing on my PFD.
    The question is, how much is necessary and how much is too much.
Just on/in my PFD I have the whistle, a car key, knife, sun screen,
snack bar, nose clip, and bug repellent. I have the first aid kit,
emergency stuff dry bag, extra paddle, water, sponge, pump, paddle
float, paddle leash, deck bag with gloves, extra hat, extra sun glasses,
sometimes compass and NOA radio, and often my lunch. This is just for
day paddles!
    What is necessary and when is it just window dressing? I'm only
addressing summer paddling right now. Cold water paddling adds at least
one more bag of dry cloths and some additions to the emergency kit.

Joan Spinner


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