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#1
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I have been reading about gear needed for a touring expedition. I have
seen some of these waterproof bags that mount to the deck areas of kayaks. they seem like a good idea. I realize that you should not have to much gear on the deck for this would raise the center of gravity and possibly cause a capsize. But what are some opinions of list members when packing for a touring trip? What are the best items for leaving topside. I have done extended canoe trips. And also many Backpacking miles on the AT. Always lived by the rule of, "If you do not use it every day, you do not need it." But it seems logical to keep most often used items topside? |
#2
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#3
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#4
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Hi Paddlers
On 5 Oct 2003 02:12:46 -0700, Carl Buehler wrote: [...] But what are some opinions of list members when packing for a touring trip? What are the best items for leaving topside. I have done extended canoe trips. And also many Backpacking miles on the AT. Always lived by the rule of, "If you do not use it every day, you do not need it." But it seems logical to keep most often used items topside? I have a couple of times been forced to store items on the deck, since I'm paddling a low volume kayak. This has been in connection with wintertrips, where my sleepingbag and warm clothes was eating up a lot of space. These times I've put my tent in a heavy duty dryback on the aftdeck. This arrangement has been quite handy, as in the winter I prefer to put up my tent the moment I hit land. Likewise in the morning, I pull down the tent as the last thing before leaving. I never felt the increased windage was a problem. I have since then become better at packing my kayak, so even during wintertrips I can now keep all my gear below deck. Good packing techniques seems to come harder than good paddling techniques... regards Peter at 56°10.18'N 10°12.00'E |
#5
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![]() I really don't like anything on my deck except my water bottle, and occasionally a chart and a compass. That said, these days I paddle a very low volume kayak in which I can fit pretty much nothing inside the cockpit besides myself. So I have a deck bag in which I carry my water bottle, pump, throw/tow rope, a webbing loop for loop rescues, a baggie for on the water bladder relief, a paddling jacket (if I'm not wearing it) and snacks and such. I no longer carry a paddlefloat as I find it overly redundant for my own particular case. I suppose technically having a deck bag can raise the center of gravity of the boat some, but I sure haven't felt it. And while the bag is waterproof, I never think of it as such and don't put anything in it that I am concerned about getting wet unless it is in a separate waterproof bag within the deckbag. Scott So.Cal. |
#6
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Thanks for the comments guys. I am asking because I am planning a 5 to
6 day tour through the Everglades Wilderness Waterway at Christmas this year. So I am trying to get some ideas on how to pack for this trip. I have a Perception Eclipse 14.5, so I have to make good use of the dry storage areas that I have (7050 cubic inches). So I am sure I will have a few things topside, but want to keep it to a minimum. I agree with keeping the deck from getting to cluttered. Seems to be a fair amount of room behind the seat. I would like to take advantage of that space. Is there away to attach a strap to secure a dry box and maybe a small standing dry bag or two? CB |
#7
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Major issue on this trip will be fresh water. There is none available
after you leave either Chockoloskee or Flamingo. Figuring at least a gallon per day (I've seen recommendations as high as 2 gallons per day), this will chew up a lot of space. You want the water close to the center of the boat and low to keep center of grav low. With that much ballast, don't worry too much about whats on the deck (within reason). Have done 3 one-week trips through the Everglades (prefer the north end of Park, but there is much to see everywhere, you'll want your binoculars on deck or close at hand), and have found that my boat is stuffed full and that I literally eat and drink my way down into the boat through the course of the week. Suggest getting all your gear together, including water and a guess at the food, and packing it in the boat on your living room (or garage) floor. A glass or two of wine and a little bit of time may help you see ways to pack and spaced you are not fully utilizing (.e.g., the area between your legs high up beneath the deck...a custom bag can be fitted here to hold charts, etc). Try using bladders from box wine to hold water. These are remarkably tough and you can even sit on one as a replacement seat. If weather is good, I like the beach area better than the "inside". 60+ miles of whitesand beach and warm water for camping and you can't see the next campfire. Clearly, don't swim in fresh water (the aligators love the Watson Place). One last tip. Since fresh water is rare in the 'Glades, but probing mammals are not, you should bring your water into the tent at night. Otherwise, the water bags may be chewed into by rats or possums or whatever that are looking for water. Two days out and no water to drink is no fun. Its a great trip! Have fun! doug m Carl Buehler wrote: Thanks for the comments guys. I am asking because I am planning a 5 to 6 day tour through the Everglades Wilderness Waterway at Christmas this year. |
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