{"id":57,"date":"2016-04-23T12:41:44","date_gmt":"2016-04-23T12:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.aquamavericks.com\/?p=57"},"modified":"2020-02-20T06:19:34","modified_gmt":"2020-02-20T06:19:34","slug":"canoe-camping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aquamavericks.com\/gear\/canoeing\/canoe-camping\/","title":{"rendered":"CANOE & KAYAK CAMPING – A Complete Guide to Gear & Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Canoe<\/span><\/p>\n

Canoe & Kayak Camping<\/h1>\n

It is summer time, and canoe camping is one of the most fun excursions you can take this time of year.  You have probably been floating in a canoe and had a blast, right?  You probably love pulling out your tent and sleeping bag to go camping, right?  Why not combine the two?<\/p>\n

However, combining these two activities can add some complications.  The different gear that you bring, keeping it dry, and finding the right places to set up camp add difficulties that you would not have with camping or floating individually.<\/p>\n

There are several questions to ask yourself for this venture.  Will you travel alone or with a group?  How much gear will you have? How many days will you camp?  How rough will the water be?<\/p>\n

I personally love canoe camping, but have made some missteps over the years.  What is intended to be a laid-back trip can turn stressful or even dangerous if you are not prepared.  In this article, I will cover the things you can do to ensure you have a great time on your next canoe camping trip.<\/p>\n

Canoe or Kayak?<\/h2>\n

One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is if you want to take a canoe or a kayak<\/a> on your camping trip.  Kayaks can have an open or a closed design.  You sit low in the kayak and use a paddle with blades on both ends.  Canoes are always an open design, and you sit on a higher seat with a standard paddle.<\/p>\n

Canoes are more stable and spacious, so moving around is much easier.  This makes canoes ideal for children and dogs, plus you have more storage space. Unfortunately, everything is exposed so it is more prone to get wet.<\/p>\n

Kayaks protect your gear using enclosed compartments.  They are more restrictive for movement, but they handle rough water better and are easier to maneuver. This means dry gear and less chance of being capsized.<\/p>\n

I personally prefer the space that I get from a canoe.  I am a big guy and need to be able to move around or stand up to scout whitewater. However, in rough water I am glad to have the kayak to stay off the rocks.  Pick whichever you like the best.<\/p>\n

Best Canoe for Camping<\/h2>\n

There are several variables to consider when selecting a canoe for camping.  The depth, width, length, and materials will all affect your canoes ability to provide a positive camping experience.  Take the time to do your research and find the best fit for your needs.<\/p>\n

For canoe camping, you will want to find a canoe that can handle whitewater but is also deep enough to store plenty of gear.  Generally, the categories you will find in canoes are touring, recreational, multi-purpose, and river models.  Shorter canoes will handle rough water better, and wide canoes are more stable but less maneuverable.<\/p>\n

The materials used to make your canoe will affect the weight, strength, durability, maneuverability, and price.  In the past, the two main materials used were aluminum and fiberglass.  However, we now also have stronger Kevlar canoes and durable Royalex canoes.  These newer materials offer advantages, but they are more expensive as well.<\/p>\n

There are a few other design elements that can affect your canoe\u2019s performance.  The hull shape and water entry line will affect handling as will the rocker or upward curve from the front end.  Side flares can affect how much weight you can take and can also affect your ability to fish.<\/p>\n

As for specific models, the Old Town Saranac 160 is ideal for taking the family.  It can handle plenty of weight while still maneuvering just fine.  The Mad River 156 is versatile and stable as it handles just as well on a calm lake as it does in whitewater.  The Wenonah Argosy Tuf-Weave is a hand-made canoe that is incredibly light and nimble, but a bit more expensive.<\/p>\n

Best Kayak for Camping<\/h2>\n

When selecting a kayak for camping, there are several different types of kayaks to consider.  Whitewater kayaks are designed for rough water, while recreational kayaks are made for lakes and ponds.  Touring kayaks are designed for long distances, while fishing kayaks<\/a> are more stable for casting. <\/p>\n

There are modular kayaks that break down into pieces, folding kayaks that fit in a backpack, and inflatable kayaks that can be deflated for storage.  There are even sit-on-top kayaks for beginners to get more comfortable with the process of kayaking.  For camping, recreational and touring models work best.<\/p>\n

As is with canoes, the dimensions of your kayak affect several factors.  Longer kayaks are faster and keep a straighter line, while shorter ones are more maneuverable.  Wide kayaks are more stable, and deep kayaks have more storage space.<\/p>\n

Again, the materials used in your kayak\u2019s construction will affect weight, strength, durability, cost, and maneuverability.  Plastic kayaks are inexpensive and functional, while inflatable kayaks are made from soft shell material and composite kayaks are lighter.<\/p>\n

There are additional design features that affect the performance of your kayak. Flat hulls are more stable and better for straight tracking, so they are ideal for camping.  Large cockpits are better for fishing and easier to enter and exit.  Foot pegs give you more paddling leverage, and hatches give you more watertight storage.  Skegs work like rudders and help with straight tracking.<\/p>\n

For specific models, the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 has plenty of storage space for camping and is perfectly designed for touring.  The Eddyline Samba has good storage but is better for rough water in the open ocean.  The Riot Polarity Tandem is very stable and can hold one person or two.<\/p>\n

Canoe Camping Gear<\/h2>\n

In addition to the craft itself, there are a few other items that you should pick up.  Obviously, a paddle is going to be needed for both a canoe and a kayak.  For a canoe, a telescoping paddle is very convenient.  For a kayak, a two-bladed two-piece paddle still allows for easy break down and packing.  Both types of paddles should be floating models.<\/p>\n

Life vests<\/a> are needed for this kind of trip, but you should be selective about the model.  The old bulky orange vests are a far cry from the ideal vest for your trip.  There are several models that are form fitting, light, and allow plenty of arm and head movement.  These are ideal for a canoe or kayak camping trip.<\/p>\n

For kayak camping, a spray skirt is a good idea.  This will keep water out of your kayak if you hit rough water.  For transporting your canoe or kayak, a roof rack on your vehicle will keep it from scratching the paint.  It will also make the craft more secure on your drive to the water.<\/p>\n

Pick up some dry bags for your gear.  It you want everything to be in good shape when you get to your site, these are a must.  You can also purchase a trolley to transport your craft from your vehicle to the water.  This will conserve energy and keep you from potentially dropping your craft.<\/p>\n

Planning your Canoe \/ Kayak Camping Trip<\/h2>\n

As a beginner, you should be conservative and deliberate when planning your first trip.  Make sure the forecast has clear skies for your planned dates and stick to just one or two nights on your first trip.  Pick a route with calm waters so you are not stressed out at the end of the day.<\/p>\n

One variable you must consider is the entry and exit point.  If you are on a fast-moving river, you will need a way to get back to your vehicle at the end of your trip.  Plan out a quiet, secluded location for your camp site using local maps with waterproof covers.<\/p>\n

Keep your driving distance reasonable so you are not tired when you get to your location.<\/p>\n

If you are fishing, look at the local fishing reports.  These will tell you the best spots to cast a line, and the species of fish that are biting.  Be sure you check local regulations and purchase required fishing licenses and stamps. <\/p>\n

Canoe Camping Checklist<\/h2>\n

To pack for your canoe\/kayak camping trip, you will need to get a list together.  Look at the amount of storage space you have in your kayak, and plan accordingly.  Consider the weather you expect and the amount of time you will be spending on this trip.  Below is a standard list to get you started:<\/p>\n