Paddle-in camping is the best way to see parts of the world that are out of reach for other campers. Explorer Dan explains everything you need to know for your first foray.

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Paddling somewhere new and landing on a deserted stretch of beach gives you a true sense of exploration. It offers a chance to have the water all to yourself and see parts of the world that are out of reach on a day trip.  Whether you’re an experienced camper or just getting started there are some things to consider that’ll make your first paddle-in camp a success.

This guide is aimed at someone who’s comfortable camping to help them plan their first overnight paddling trip. I’ve been a hiking camper for years but camping from the boat was a new experience.

Read more: Tips for Paddling Adventures

 

This could your POV soon!

Paddle-In Camping Guide

1. Consider Your Boat

The first item to consider is whether to choose a kayak or canoe. Kayaks are enclosed boats that are faster and less stable than a canoe. They have smaller carrying capacity but offer more flexibility in a variety of conditions.

Canoes tend to be heavier but more stable and have a better ability to carry larger loads, but are also slower.  As they’re open it’s also a lot easier to bring a child along with you. Many hire companies will supply a barrel for keeping your equipment dry which makes packing easier.  I prefer kayaking for the speed and flexibility it offers.

The next thing to consider is your boat’s weight limit. Sometimes this is listed as a usable load (you and your gear) other times a displacement (including the boat’s weight.) You’ll want to find this for your vessel and consider how much you can carry.

 

The 4m inflatable on the left has a lot less space to store camping gear below deck than the 5.3m kayak on the right

 

The good news is boats perform better with a little extra weight. It can take more effort to get moving, but that weight increases inertia and makes it push into the wind better. The bad news is that if it’s too heavy or poorly packed it can become unstable.

The last consideration is space. If you have a boat 5m long or more, you’ll likely have more space. In a smaller kayak, you may have to store items on deck.

This will also impact your packing; many kayaks have a smaller front hatch and some gear will only fit in the back hatch.

2. Plan Your Trip

Once you’re happy with your boat, the next step is to find a destination.

Think about how far you normally paddle. If 5km is a big day, planning a 9km trip in a headwind and opposing tide will be challenging, especially if you need to return the next day. Some campgrounds are also inaccessible at low tide.

 

A lot of campsites on the water have limited alternatives so keeping to a schedule is a good idea | Kangaroo Valley, Wodi Wodi Country

 

Having to drag a boat along a muddy riverbed can take the fun out of the trip. You also need the time to reach your destination with enough daylight to set up camp. Unlike hiking, alternate options can be limited if you’re running behind schedule.

My first camp was a short paddle to a campsite on the Great North Walk. This let me test my kayak and packing while still allowing me to walk back to the car in an emergency.

3. Find the Right Equipment

One thing I discovered was the dimensions of my equipment played a big role in packing as some items were too big for the front hatch. Tents with shorter poles are easier to stow, which hadn’t been a consideration for hiking. While I could load my mattress and sleeping bag into a bivvy for hiking, getting that into the kayak and keeping it dry wasn’t practical.

Although weight is a consideration, the next most important gear specs are length and diameter. Having shorter equipment is always a bonus.

 

Remember, it’s gotta fit in these!

 

The Naturehike Cloudup 2P is excellent with short poles which makes it easy to pack. Compact burners like a Jetboil will allow you to heat water and cook on the go. Clothing with Merino wool will also keep its warmth when it’s wet and packs well, as does a down jacket for around camp.

Read more: Packing List for a Canoe Adventure

4. Differences in Packing

I started planning my first trip using the same list as I took hiking. Paddle-in camping needed some adjustments. Even in my smallest kayak, I had a lot of extra space and I didn’t have to carry anything on my shoulders. It meant that I had to figure out how to keep everything together.

Dry bags are great for this and smaller dry bags are better than larger ones, as they pack into gaps more easily.

 

Dry bags keep everything organised, and importantly, dry

 

Hot tip! Attach a string to the first drybag to help you get it back out when its pushed all the way to the front or back of the kayak.

I normally use 5L bags except for my sleeping bag which needs a 10L bag. I pack my tent into a drybag and attach the pole bag to take up less space. This is the bag I normally push right to the front and the poles fill the void at the nose of the kayak. I also label each bag with the contents so I can tell what’s inside each bag.

Everyone has a different idea of what to pack for a camping trip so I’ll share the bags I take to help give you some items to consider.

 

All that stuff packed up nicely into this IKEA bag

5. The Gear I Take Paddle-In Camping

On top of the regular paddling gear, bilge pump, and first aid kit, for overnight trips I take:

  • A sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • A comfortable pillow
  • A tent or hammock
  • Clothes split between a couple of bags;
    • Cold weather and sleeping gear
    • Dry clothes for the campsite
    • Shoes or sandals based on how far I expect to walk
    • Toiletries, pegs, and rope to dry wet items
  • Cooking gear, cutlery, stove, food
  • Water in 5L and 1L containers

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

I also take some firewood and a pool noodle for a lazy float at the end of the day. Finally, an Ikea bag to transport the dry bags to and from camp.

There’s usually space left for luxuries. A camp chair is great after spending a long day in the kayak and there’s always space for a bottle of wine on top of the dry bags in the front hatch.

 

Sunsets on the water are a great wine pairing

6. Loading the Kayak

Once you’re packed, it’s best to try loading before you get to the launch.

Keep the items you need close to the top, but also consider weight distribution. Heavy items should be in the centre of the boat, near the paddler. This helps you stay stable on the water. Pushing lighter items like the tent or sleeping bag to the ends of the boat will free up space for water or cooking gear near the middle.

 

All your pics should have the nose creeping into frame and definitely not underwater

7. Food & Water

Sourcing fresh water while paddle-in camping can be difficult. Packing multiple small water bottles is better than one large one, it spreads the load and means if one is punctured you don’t lose it all. I take 5L bladders and 1L bottles which slide in on top of the dry bags. You can also take advantage of spaces behind your seat and in front of your feet.

Food depends on the length of the expedition. I love steak or sausages over an open fire.

 

A well-earned meal after a day of paddling

 

Another favourite is chilli con-carne which can be precooked and frozen. It’ll thaw over the first day and keep other items cold.

After the first day, foods like packet pasta become easier. A lesson I learned early on was to pack food that I would normally eat. It’s tempting to take a tin of tuna, but if it’s not appetising at home it’s unlikely to appeal after a long day.

You Should Go Paddle-in Camping

If you’d like to up your camping game, paddle-in camping opens possibilities that no other type of camping can provide.

Finding hidden waterfalls or secluded campsites that can’t be reached on foot is an amazing way to explore the country.

My photos showcase several campsites within a couple hours of Sydney, but there are many more exceptional trips around Australia. I hope to see you on the water.

 

Hopefully you’ll see some waterfront views like this soon!

 

Feature photo by @evadavisboermans

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