Solo Kayak Camping

A summary of my experience using my home built cedar strip kayak for wilderness camping in Canada's Quetico Provincial Park.

You cram all of your camping gear into the hull or hatches of a kayak and paddle off to a distant remote campsite, then unpack, set up camp and enjoy the solitude. Pretty simple!

for more information: http://jimmar.hubpages.com/_3v4wkz561vqja/hub/Solo-Kayak-Camping

At every portage this loose gear was removed from the forward hull and rear hatch or unstrapped from the deck, then placed in the army duffle. The portage yoke was attached to the kayak combing.

4 man tent – smallest I had – forward hull

Sleeping bag – packed in plastic trash bag and rubberized pack liner bag – forward hull

Light weight foam sleeping pad – forward hull

Clothing – packed in waterproof gear bag – rear hatch

Cook kit – loose in rear hatch

Coleman Dual Fuel 533 camp stove – loose in rear hatch

Small coffee pot – loose in rear hatch

Spare shoes – loose in rear hatch

Food bag – loose in rear hatch

Army surplus duffle bag with shoulder straps – loose in rear hatch

Katadyn Hiker water filter – loose in rear hatch

Rope for hanging food pack – loose in rear hatch

Portage yoke – strapped on top of hull

Fanny pack emergency survival kit – strapped on top of hull

Paddle float – strapped on top of hull

GPS – in deck bag

Camera and mini tripod – in deck bag

Tackle – in deck bag

Fishing rods (2) – strapped on top of hull

Water bottle for drinking – in cockpit

Compass and maps – in deck bag

Rain gear – in deck bag

Sponge – in cockpit

Clean drinking water is essential. For a day trip you can bring along a canteen or a few bottles, but for extended trips bringing your own water is not practical. A water filter with a pore size of no larger than 0.3 micron is needed to remove most common bacteria.

Food is a matter of personal preference, but spoilage is a consideration in warm weather. I usually bring dehydrated or dried food in an effort to minimize weight.

Here are some suggestions:

Instant Oatmeal

Granola bars

Homemade trail mix – nuts, dried fruit, M&Ms,

Powdered milk

Folgers Coffee Singles

Krustaez Pancake mix

Any “just add water” muffin or biscuit mix

Instant Coco

Instant Mashed Potatos

Instant Rice or Pasta, flavored side dishes

Pre-cooked bacon

Spam Singles

Foil Packed Tuna

Foil Packed Chicken

Foil Packed Ham

Hard cheese, Velveeta, or cheese whiz

Hard salami or meat sticks

Jerky

Popcorn for popping on the camp stove

Crackers

Tortillas

Instant Soup mix

Ramen noodles

Clothing can take up a lot of space and the tendency is to over pack. Essentially what you need is one set of clothing to wear and one dry set to change into if you get wet.

For a week long trip I pack:

3 changes of socks and underwear

2 pair of zip off cargo pants

2 cotton t shirt

1 synthetic t shirt

1 long sleeve shirt

1 hat – ball cap

1 extra pair of dry tennis shoes

1 Rain suit

1 fleece jacket

When you are travelling alone in the wilderness you should slow down and travel at a more relaxed pace. Be overly cautious, excessive risk and hasty decisions can lead to trouble. Observe your surroundings and every thing you do should be purposeful and thought out. Take the time you need to make the right decision when you begin to question yourself.

Leave contact information and trip details with a responsible person. Where are you going? When will you return? What is the general itinerary? Where will you start and where will you park? What color is your tent?

Research and plan your route and stick fairly closely to your plan.

Plan ahead. What would you do if you are injured? Do you have adequate supplies for a few extras days if needed? Do you have an emergency medical kit? How would you signal for rescue if needed? Is there cell phone service in the area? What would you do if you become lost?

Pay attention to the weather. Weather forecasts are helpful but often times not entirely reliable.

The solitude you may feel could become a profound experience. The first few nights of being alone, I’ll admit, can make you feel a little distressed. Soon a feeling of calm will fill you due to the relaxed pace and the quiet and the routine of travel and camp life.

for more: http://jimmar.hubpages.com/hub/Solo-Kayak-Camping

Link to a 10 minute video: http://www.divshare.com/download/13063581-e87