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)
Spray-deck (PVC or Neoprene)
Buoyancy-aid (a PFD)
Laminated A4 maps
Expedition first aid kit
Safety gear – EPIRB, flares, tow lines, spare paddles, spare spray-deck
Communication equipment: cell phones, VHF radio

Personal Items - You bring:

Camping Kit

Lightweight tent with sandpegs
Foam or inflatable mattress
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
NB: All cooking equipment is provided – stove and pots.

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
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 7-9 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:

20lt – Camp clothing
8lt – Cagoule and neoprene trousers (for when you do not need to wear them; keep this accessible in case you do)
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 clothes, sunglasses, sun cream, toilet paper, batteries, etc
12lt – Sleeping bag
12lt – Tent
12lt – Mattress
12lt – Shoes
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.
5lt – toiletries (tooth brush & paste, shampoo, toilet paper, wet wipes, medications, etc)
5lt – electronics and books – head torch, book, diary, phone, batteries, chargers, passport, money (probably worth double bagging!)
Loose items – water and other drinks, stove and fuel, food items.