Packing List

What to bring on a Greek Island Sea kayak expedition:

Kayaking equipment - We supply:

  • Single kayak , OR Rainbow Atlantis double (tandem) expedition kayak, with rudder
  • Paddle – Werner Shuna glass paddle (210, 215 and 220cm), OR Greenland paddle (carbon-fibre, 215-225cm)
  • Spray-deck (PVC or Neoprene)
  • Buoyancy-aid (a PFD)
See our equipment page for full details.
 
  • Laminated A4 maps
  • Expedition first aid kit
  • Repair kit
  • Safety gear – Tow lines, hand pumps, spare paddles, spare spray-deck
  • Communication equipment: cell phone, VHF radio, PLB, flares

Personal Items - You bring:

Camping Kit

  • Lightweight tent with sandpegs (available for hire €60/week)
  • Inflatable camping mattress (available for hire €20/week)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Head torch
  • Mug, plate and cutlery (available for loan)
  • Dry bags (2 x 20 litre and 5-7 smaller ones) – we have some available for loan
  • Stove and Pots – Most fuel types are available on Milos.  We have trangia stoves for loan.

Paddling gear:

  • Quick dry shirt (a long sleeve shirt – a “running top” or “rashy” is ideal)
  • Quick dry or neoprene shorts
  • Waterproof paddling jacket (cagoule) – available for hire €20/week
  • Swimming costume
  • Sport sandals, water shoes, neoprene booties or ‘crocs’
  • Hat and sunglasses with retaining straps, sunscreen

Additional paddling gear:

(for late and early season expeditions; Mid-October to April)

  • Neoprene or “Reed” trousers (available for hire €20/week)
  • Extra base layer
  • Warm hat
  • Pogies or gloves

Dry clothes:

  • Pair of trainers or walking shoes
  • 2 t-shirts or similar
  • 1 shorts
  • 1 trousers
  • 1 thermal top base layer
  • 1 fleece
  • Warm hat
  • Underwear and socks

Other

  • Toiletries
  • Pak-towel or similar
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Wet-wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Book
  • Phone, power bank
  • Waterproof camera or camera in a waterproof case/container

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 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 (20 cm diameter) should be the maximum size. We suggest 2 x 20 litre dry-bags and several smaller ones of various sizes and colours.

How to pack!

We recommend you pack everything into dry bags before you leave home. This is a suggested system of packing:

  1. 20lt – Camp clothing
  2. 8lt – Cagoule and neoprene trousers (for when you do not need to wear them; keep this accessible in case you do)
  3. 20lt – Extras.  Things you do not necessarily need on a day-to-day basis and can usually stay in the boat at camp: First-aid kit, repair kit.  Spare items (sunglasses, sun cream, toilet paper, batteries, etc)
  4. 15lt – Sleeping bag
  5. 15lt – Tent
  6. 12lt – Mattress
  7. 12lt – Shoes
  8. 12lt – Food – I use just one for bread, crackers, biscuits, pasta, and small items.  Food, for the most part (fresh fruit and veg, tins, jars and bottles) does not need to go in a dry bag and can stay loose or in shopping bags.
  9. 5lt – toiletries (tooth brush & paste, shampoo, toilet paper, wet wipes, medications, etc)
  10. 5lt – electronics and books – head torch, book, diary, phone, batteries, chargers, passport, money (probably worth double bagging!)
  11. Loose items – water and other drinks, food items, stove and fuel.