Whether you’re wearing sunglasses or ordinary glasses, you might find a glasses strap handy to keep them on your face. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes too.
What about accessories? A hat will protect your head and face from the sun – preferably one that won’t get blown away by the wind. Just no flip-flops! You might want a different pair of shoes for walking around in. If you have some sandals or other shoes that you’re happy to get wet, give them ago. It’s easy to get a cheap pair (although I can’t guarantee they’ll last long), but you don’t have to buy them. They’ll protect your feet and you won’t ruin them when you get in the water. It’s a good idea to pack some extra layers, including a waterproof one – even if you’re not expecting rain.Īs for your feet, neoprene shoes are a great option. A rashguard top or a moisture-wicking one is good to wear on top and can help to protect you from the sun too. Even if they get soaked, they don’t take long to dry. To wear on the bottom, quick-drying shorts or trousers will…well, dry quickly. You can pick up affordable ones from several places – even Lidl or Aldi on occasion! If you do decide you want to take one, don’t bother spending lots of money for your first trip. Your tour operator might provide you with one or you can take your own. You might want to consider wearing a short wetsuit (or longer one in cooler weather) as part of your paddle gear but it’s definitely not a necessity. And remember to pack some underwear, for those occasions when you’re not in your swimsuit. Even if you don’t wear it while you paddle, you’ll probably want to take a dip at some point. It’s not essential, but you might find it more practical. Start with a swimsuit, which you may or may not want to wear while paddling. Practical clothes for your paddle trip will keep you comfortable – and as dry as possible. Even a rough idea will help you to avoid overpacking. Remember to check how much space you’re going to have to take things with you. Top tip: Close your dry bag by rolling the top down a few times, then turning it back on itself to clip it together, so it doesn’t just unroll. If you want to cut down on weight, I suggest something like the Osprey Ultralight DrySack, which is thin and light but still waterproof to protect your paddle gear. Get a small bag to keep on you, which you can use for your phone, money or anything important. I’ve even managed to get one at the last minute in an airport. In the UK, they’re available in places like Sports Direct, Go Outdoors, and even Clas Ohlson. You can pick up dry bags from most outdoor stores, and many other places. Packing your things into dry bags and dry boxes is likely to be the best way forward. When it comes to packing for your paddle trip, you need to think about keeping things light, compact, and dry. A suitcase is sometimes workable, but a backpack or duffel bag can be more practical. You might also be packing for other activities, like some time spent in a city. Start with your main bag, the contents of which you may or may not be taking on your paddling trip. Some will even do your food shopping for you, or provide meals.īefore you begin to pack, think about what you’re going to pack everything into. Many operators will give you camping gear, such as tents or sleeping bags, although they can sometimes incur an extra charge. You’re unlikely to have to bring your own kayak or raft! They can also provide you with some other paddling essentials, such as buoyancy aids, paddles, and perhaps wetsuits, maps and compasses. Rather than just a bullet-pointed list, I’ve tried to go in-depth to help you make the right packing choices.ĭon’t buy or pack any paddle gear until you’ve checked what your tour operator will be providing you. Use this post to make sure you have some of the most important bits and pieces for safety, comfort, and fun.
The question is, what sort of paddle gear do you need? Your holiday or tour provider will often help you out with some of the essential gear, but you’ll still be expected to bring your own stuff. You’ve booked a paddling holiday and you’re excited to go – but first, you have to pack.