Kayaking is one of my favorite ways to relax. Yet relaxing does not mean being unprepared for what can happen on the water. The “what ifs” range from minor inconveniences like “what if my nose starts to run,” “what if I get hungry” and “what if my lips feel chapped” to potential hazards, such as “what if a tree is blocking my way downriver,” “what if water gets in my kayak” and “what if I need to tie up my kayak alongshore.”
The contents of my watertight bag have grown over the years, thanks to on-the-water experiences and learning from friends. Here’s what I carry in my kayak:
- Cell phone
- Baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Tissues
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Chapstick
- Hand sanitizer
- Granola bars
- Water bottle
- Hair ties
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Towel
- Sponge
- Rope
- Hacksaw
- First Aid Kit
- Toilet paper
- Ziplock bags
- Swiss army knife
- Socks
- Rain poncho
- Notebook and pen
What do you carry in your dry bag?
Two Orange Kayaks 
The list is very comprehensive, but not too heavy. I have personally used all of them (except the hair tie) at one point on the paddling journey. The one thing I also take is a wallet with one credit card, my drivers license and a few dollars.
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Good idea! There have been times when I’ve wanted to pull over to a lakeside restaurant for a drink and some food but didn’t have any money.
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inexpensive glow sticks from dollar store — once got caught out on water and it got too dark before the landing. I carry a headlamp but the batteries were dead (now carry extras of those too) – but glow sticks will certainly make you more visible!
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Great idea! I need to order some glow sticks for emergencies, and I need a few extra for the full moon paddle this summer.
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I recently purchased some water blaster toys to suck water out of the kayak if needed. I haven’t had to do that yet but they also will come in handy for a water fight on the river during hot days.
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Yes, great idea! My friends Bill and Maggie carry a super soaker water gun for that purpose. Very smart. And like you said, could be fun for hot days, too!
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A definite YES to the hand sanitizer but a big NO to the hair tie 😎
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What?! Doesn’t the wind blow your hair in your eyes and drive you crazy? Ha ha! Hope you are staying well and getting out on the water.
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