This is a general guide on what to wear and pack for kayaking. We know every trip and every paddler is unique, so let us know if you have questions. Remember: pack light and small where you can… whatever you pack you have to paddle!
What to Wear on the Water
- Sun, wind, and air temperature can vary quite a bit on our trips. You will want to have the option of a waterproof shell as your most outer layer with flexibility for your remaining layers. We recommend a fleece layer to keep you warm but that can be removed (putting your shell back on if needed) when you get warm. We give you a 10L dry bag to roll up and place unneeded layers and keep them accessible.
- As far as a base layer, you’ll want something synthetic (not cotton) and it’s up to the you if that should be a long or short sleeve
- For your legs, we recommend a bathing suit, shorts, or cropped pants that can get wet and that are quick drying. leggings are fine as well as long as they are synthetic
- For your feet you should wear secure footwear that can get wet
- Some people do add waterproof socks or wool socks as a way of adding some warmth
- You’ll be sealed in your cockpit with a sprayskirt that keeps your lower half out of the elements and fairly warm.
Gear We Provide
Dry Bags
For all of our trips, guests are provided with 10 liter SealLine dry bags for personal items to go in the kayak with you. For our multi-day camping trips, in addition to the 10 liter bag, guests are also issued a 30 liter SealLine dry bag for clothing, toiletries, and other items. Note: While you’re on your trip, Outdoor Odysseys will hold your luggage and any excess items that you’re not bringing with you. On the morning of your trip, we work with you to sort everything accordingly.
Kayaks
We have been purchasing our fiberglass double kayaks from Northwest Kayaks, a local kayak manufacturer in the Seattle area since we opened our doors in 1987. Our plastic doubles which are used for our day trips are Boreal Esperantos.
Paddling Gear
All paddling gear is provided. We use NRS lifejackets, Snap Dragon spray skirts and Werner paddles.
Camping Gear
We will provide dry bags for all of your personal belongings on both day and overnight tours. We will provide you with one tent per every two people in your group. Solo travellers will receive their own tent. You may bring your own tent if it is small in packing size (6-7 lbs). If you own or can borrow a smaller sleeping bag and sleep pad, you should consider bringing these. The roll up Coleman-style sleeping bag is usually too big to fit in our double sea kayaks. Sleeping bags and inflatable pads are available for a marginal fee through Outdoor Odysseys (please reserve in advance).
Food & Cooking Gear
We take care of all food and provide all cooking gear. Guests may choose to bring their own snacks or specialty items.
Suggested Packing List
All trips
- Water bottle (potable water is available at launch sites and campsites. Your guide will carry additional water to refill throughout the day.)
- Sun protection (any or all)
- Hat: baseball or wide-brim
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bandana/Gaitor
- Footwear that can get wet
- Warm layer (preferably long sleeved)
- Wind/rain layer (just in case)
- Optional Items
- Knit hat/beanie
- Change of clothes
- Binoculars (preferably waterproof)
- Camera/Camera gear
- Eyeglass tether
- Any personal medications
- Gloves: Bicycling or paddling type
Gear and Clothing for Multi-Day Trips
Most camping gear is provided, but you may choose to bring personal items, provided they fit in the boats. Your shoes, clothing, and personal care items must fit in a 30L dry bag that we provide you.
The following is the list of what we recommend you pack:
- Sleeping bag & pad (as compact as possible). Rental bags and pads are available through us online while making your trip reservation. If you would like to reserve these items after your reservation has been made, please email us or call (360) 378-3533 before your trip.
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Personal care items
- Prescription medications
- Synthetic/wool layers for paddling and damp weather
- Undershorts or swim trunks
- Long-sleeve top
- T-Shirt
- Socks (wool or poly is best)
- Underwear
- Long underwear: Top & bottom
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof-breathable rain jacket (shell)
- Clothes for hiking and camping
- Shirt
- Pants
- Shorts
- Socks
- Dry shoes or sandals for hiking/camp
- Optional Items
- Rain pants
- Sleeping socks