What to bring on a self catering kayak expedition:

Planning

Sea kayaks can take loads of gear, however, the more you have, the heavier (and slower) your kayak is.  It is also more difficult and time-consuming it is to pack and unpack. The key is to keep everything to a minimum.  Everything should be packed in dry-bags.  Many smaller dry-bags are preferable to a few larger ones.  20 litres (20cm diameter) should be the maximum size.  I suggest 2-3, 20 litre dry-bags and 5-7 smaller ones of various sizes.

Kayaking gear - I supply:

• Rainbow Lazer single expedition kayak (with or without rudder)
• Paddle - Werner glass paddle (Shuna or Corryvrecken, 201, 215and 220cm)
• Spray-deck (PVC or Neoprene)
• Buoyancy-aid (Sea-vest by Peak)
• laminated A4 maps in various scales
• kayak repair equipment
• Expedition first aid kit
• safety gear - flares, tow lines, spare paddles, spare spray-deck
• Communication equipment: 2 cell phones, VHF radio

Personal Items - You bring

Paddling gear:

• Quick dry shirt (a long sleeve lycra shirt - a "rashy" or rash vest - is ideal)
• Waterproof paddling jacket (Cagoule)
• quick dry or neoprene shorts 
• Swimming costume
• Sport sandals or river shoes
• Hat, sunglasses with retaining strap, sunscreen

NB: Cold weather paddling gear (wetsuit, etc) is only required November-March.

Dry clothes:

• Pair of trainers or walking shoes
• 2 T-shirts or similar
• 2 shorts
• 1 pair trousers
• 1 fleece
• warm hat
• Underwear and sox

Camping gear (I have some camping gear available for loan, please ask)

• Sleeping bag
• Karrimat or thermarest
• Lightweight tent
• head torch
• Mug, plate and cutlery
• Stove, pots, pans
• Dry-bags (2 x 20litre and 5-7 smaller ones)

Other

• Toiletries
• Pak-towel or similar
• Wet-tissues for personal hygiene
• Insect repellant, sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Book, mp3 player
• Cell phone
• Camera

Food - all food can be bought in Milos prior to departure and in shops along the way. You are welcome to bring some treats form home if you want.

Sample menus

• Breakfast - Muesli with powdered milk; porridge with dried fruit or honey; bread, butter and marmalade; tea or coffee; orange juice; yogurt
• Lunch - Bread or cracker biscuits with tuna or sardines, ham or salami, cheese, onion, cucumber, feta, marmalade etc; fruit.
• Evening Meal - Pasta with sauce, rice with stir fry vegs or dahl, BBQ, baked potatoes
• Snacks - Fruit (good selection available), muesli, sesame or coconut bars, chocolate, biscuits

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