What to buy and bring for a kayak trip

A kayak trip needs more than kayaks and paddles. Plan food and drinks that can be packed securely, plus waterproof storage for phones, maps and spare clothing. Each paddler needs a correctly sized life jacket, while the group should carry communication, first-aid and rescue equipment. Use the participant list, route length and weather forecast to set quantities before shopping, and leave time to cool drinks and assemble lunch packs before departure.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Single kayaksqty 20
Spare kayaksqty 2
Kayak paddlesqty 22
Spare paddlesqty 4
Life jacketsqty 24
Splash tarpsqty 20
Paddle oarsqty 24

Safety

Throw linesqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Whistlesqty 24
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 4
Waterproof phone casesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Equipment

Waterproof route mapsqty 4
Compassqty 3
Power banksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Waterproof barrelsqty 24
Luggage netsqty 20
Ratchet strapsqty 12
Transport cartqty 2
Kayak trailer

Catering

Folding tablesqty 4
Foldable chairsqty 24
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Groceries
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 24 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 600 grams
- Hummus - 800 grams
- Turkey breast - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 600 gram
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Nut mix - 1 kilogram
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Feta - 600 gram
- Olives - 2 jars
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sports drink - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 1 pack
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 24
Reusable cupsqty 48
Reusable cutleryqty 30
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Kitchen

Portable gas burnersqty 2
Gas canistersqty 4
Cooking potsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 3

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 8

Tips

Pack at least 1.5 to 2 litres of drinking water per person for a full-day trip, using water jugs or refillable containers that can be secured in the kayaks. Add extra water for hot weather or a route without refill points.
Prepare one lunch pack per participant, with food in waterproof barrels or dry storage. Add 1 to 2 compact snacks per person because paddling often takes longer than the planned route time.
Give every paddler a life jacket and whistle, then keep spare paddles, throw lines and first aid kits accessible rather than buried under luggage. Check the equipment before loading the trailer.
Put phones, route maps, power banks and emergency contact details in waterproof phone cases or barrels. Bring waterproof radios when the group will spread out or the route has poor mobile coverage.
Secure kayaks and equipment with the trailer, straps and luggage nets before leaving for the start point. Bring a transport cart if the launch area requires a longer walk from the parking area.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a kayak trip?: Plan 1.5 to 2 litres of drinking water per person for a full day on the water. Pack extra on hot days or when there are no reliable refill points along the route.
What food should I pack for a kayak trip?: Prepare one lunch pack and at least 1 to 2 snacks per person. Choose compact food that can be eaten without cooking and keep it in waterproof barrels or other sealed storage.
Do I need a spare paddle for every kayak?: Bring at least 1 spare paddle for a small group and increase this for longer or remote routes. Keep spare paddles secured but reachable, rather than packed beneath heavy luggage.
How should I keep my phone dry while kayaking?: Use one waterproof phone case per person carrying a phone, and store power banks and route information in waterproof storage as well. Test every case before launch and charge devices the night before.

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