Sea Kayaking Personal Equipment List

College Outdoors Breakaway Adventures
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST
Sea Kayaking Waldo Lake

The items listed in the first two sections of this list are essential for any sea kayaking trip, so be sure to bring them or borrow them from us. The third section includes optional items intended for your personal comfort based on the experiences of participants on previous trips. Keep these lists for reference as you pack for your trip, and return the separate Equipment Information Form to College Outdoors as soon as possible so we can prepare equipment for you.
A note about cotton: Cotton kills! Cotton has no place on outdoor trips except as T-shirts, bandannas, underwear, and occasionally shorts (although nylon shorts are better). Cotton robs your body of heat if it gets wet and can cause hypothermia. Never bring cotton long underwear, cotton jeans, cotton fleece jackets, cotton sweats, or similar items. Call us if you’d like more information.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN BORROW FROM COLLEGE OUTDOORS

You do not need to buy any of the equipment listed in this section—we can lend it to you at no charge. Of course, you’re certainly welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it. Please return the separate Equipment Information Form promptly, whether or not you are borrowing equipment from us. We will notify you if any of the equipment you request is not available.

SLEEPING BAGS. A warm sleeping bag is a must, with a “comfort rating” of 0°F or lower. (Not the kind with pheasants or Pokémon adorning the inside!) For the Northwest’s often damp climate, we recommend a sleeping bag with synthetic fibers such as Polarguard. These synthetic fibers will keep you warm even when wet. We don’t recommend down sleeping bags for water trips. If they get wet they won’t keep you warm.
SLEEPING BAG STUFF SACK. Most sleeping bags come with a stuff sack. We recommend you have one for your trip to protect your bag from damage and especially from rain. Line the inside of the sack with a plastic garbage bag before stuffing your sleeping bag inside. This will increase the chances of your sleeping bag staying dry should it rain.
CLOSED CELL FOAM SLEEPING PAD. This type of pad works best because it won’t absorb water. Therm-A-Rests (by Cascade Designs) are good and more comfortable, but more expensive.
RAIN JACKET. Rain can come at any time in the Pacific Northwest—you will need good rain gear when you are living in Portland for the winter! Coated nylon, rubberized fabric, and Gore-Tex all work great (and are listed here from the least to the most expensive). Don’t bring a cheap, fold-up $15 poncho! Also, don’t bring an insulated rain jacket, as you will be too hot if you have to hike in it. Gore-tex and other breathable fabrics are going to keep you the most comfortable if you have to exert yourself in your rain gear. If you choose to buy new rain gear, it helps to talk to a salesperson at a reputable outdoor store. However, we have plenty of good quality rain gear to loan you if you’d rather not buy it yet.
RAIN PANTS. The suggestions for a rain jacket apply here as well. Additionally, for rain pants, zippers at the cuffs that allow you to get your rain pants on and off without removing your hiking boots can be very convenient. If you go this route, make sure the zipper has been waterproofed in some way. We have plenty of rain pants to lend.
LONG UNDERWEAR TOP. Quality polypropylene (synthetic, non-cotton) long underwear usually comes in three weights: light, mid, and expedition. All types can be used in a combination of layers to provide warmth, even when wet. Capilene, Thermax, and Thermostat are common brand names. If you wear long underwear while hiking or doing other fairly active physical pursuits, you should wear light-weight. Mid- and expedition- weight are generally too warm to wear when hiking, but are good to keep you toasty at night. Long underwear serves as an important insulating layer, and it is very important that it isn’t made of cotton, which won’t keep you warm if it gets wet! Lightweight is usually the cheapest and the most versatile. We have plenty to loan!
LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS. See the description of long underwear tops (above) for specific recommendations.
SWEATER or FLEECE JACKET. Wool or synthetic fibers all provide great insulation. If it’s lightweight, bring two. No cotton sweatshirts please!
WARM HAT. Again, wool, polypropylene or fleece hats are best. You lose 25% of your body heat through your head.
WETSUIT, We have these to loan out, but if you have your own bring it since it will fit you better. Don’t buy one! We also have plenty of these to loan
WETSUIT BOOTIES, OLD TENNIS SHOES or SPORT SANDALS with an ankle strap. You’ll wear these paddling and they will get wet. Wetsuit booties keep your feet warmest and we have a bunch to loan out, at no charge. Otherwise, we recommend old nylon tennis shoes, Keen or other brand closed toe sandals, or any water shoes (such as Salomon Amphibians) which are lightweight and provide maximum foot protection. Open toed sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos are acceptable, but we don’t recommend them as they don’t protect your toes or upper foot from injury (such as stubbing toes into rocks).
PADDLE JACKET. This is a specialized waterproof jacket used in water sports. It has neoprene gaskets around the neck and wrists to help keep water out. We have plenty of these to loan.
DRY BAG. This is an extra-thick, sealing, waterproof bag designed to keep clothing and gear dry under wet conditions. We have plenty of these to loan.
WHISTLE (plastic types are best). This is crucial to have if you get lost, or need to signal someone in an emergency.
WATER BOTTLES (at least two 1-quart bottles). Any lightweight plastic bottle that does not leak will be OK. Gatorade bottles are a cheap, easy way to go.
CUP, BOWL, and SILVERWARE. We will supply these for you, as well as pots, pans, and other cooking gear. If you prefer using your own dishes, feel free to bring them. Also, an insulated plastic mug is nice for hot drinks!
DAY PACK, for carrying some warm clothing, food and water on day hikes from the base camp. Your school bookbag will be fine for this as long as you can wear it on your back.
FOUR LARGE GARBAGE BAGS, heavy-duty, 1.4 mm thick or thicker, (25 gal. or more). These help keep your clothes and sleeping bag dry and are used to pack out garbage at the end of the trip. We can provide these at no charge.
FLASHLIGHT or HEAD LAMP. A flashlight will work OK, but a headlamp leaves your hands free for camp tasks.
EXTRA FLASHLIGHT BATTERIES and BULB
SOCKS. No cotton socks—they can’t keep your feet warm when they’re wet. Three pairs of wool, polypro or synthetic fiber socks will ensure dry, warm, happy feet. Three additional pairs of thin, non-cotton, slippery liner socks (such as silk or polypro) to wear under your thick wool will aid in blister prevention on day hikes. Socks that fit well also help prevent blisters.
HIKING BOOTS or HIGH TOP TENNIS SHOES. Comfortable with good ankle support. You will be doing some day hiking. If you bring new hiking boots, make sure they are well broken in: walk in them a lot before your trip. We have hiking boots to loan out, too. However, if you have your own they will likely be more comfortable.
SUNGLASSES with ultraviolet (UV) protection. This is for your own safety! On a bright summer day you can burn your eyes as well as the rest of your skin
“CROAKIES,” “CHUMS” or GLASSES STRAPS to keep your sunglasses on your face or around your neck, not broken. We have these to loan out.
SUN VISOR or BASEBALL CAP to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING FROM HOME
UNDERWEAR BRIEFS/PANTIES. For women especially, changing each day into clean cotton underwear will help prevent urinary tract infection. We recommend synthetic for men.
SHORTS—one or two pairs. These can be cotton, but nylon and similar materials are lighter and dry out quicker.
T-SHIRTS or other light weight cotton shirts (bring two or three). In this case, cotton is acceptable.
SWIMSUIT Quick-dry nylon shorts for guys. A swimsuit or a sports bra combined with quick-dry nylon shorts for women.
SPORT SANDALS or TENNIS SHOES for crossing streams and in-camp wear. Sport sandals may be lighter to carry than tennis shoes, but sandals don’t protect your toes or upper foot.
DUFFEL BAG, LARGE STUFF SACK or LAUNDRY BAG, something soft to pack your gear in. This will make dry bag packing much easier. You may or may not bring this bag in your kayak. Your daypack may fill this role if it is large enough. Please don’t bring frame packs of any kind, internal or external, that you plan to take on your trip. These types of packs will not fit in our dry bags or the kayaks.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES. These items include toothpaste, toothbrush, contact lens supplies, eyeglasses, biodegradable soap, menstrual products and a small amount of toilet paper. Try to find travel-size items and avoid bringing anything in a glass container.
PERSONAL MEDICATIONS. Bring your own ibuprofen, aspirin or other pain relievers, since we don’t usually carry it in our group kits. If you will be on any medication during the trip, please be sure to bring double the amount you need, in two separate containers. Inform your trip leader of what you are taking and give him or her the backup supply in case yours gets lost or wet.
SUNSCREEN AND CHAPSTICK rated at SPF 15 or higher.
PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD. If you do not have insurance through Lewis & Clark College, then it is extremely important to bring your medical insurance card. Don’t leave home without it.

The items listed in the two previous sections are essential. Before your trip leaves, we’ll check to make sure you have the gear listed on this sheet if you have not requested it from us. Don’t forget that you can borrow equipment from friends and relatives as well as from us. Also watch for summer sales and even shop the thrift stores for some of the items. Additionally, please remember to turn in your Equipment Information Form immediately. We need it by July 13th at the latest. You can always call us if your needs change.

OPTIONAL, PERSONAL ITEMS This could be a long list, but remember: space is limited, and you have to carry it on your back!

NON-COTTON PANTS. Combining your long underwear and your rain pants will serve the same purpose. However, you may still want to bring a pair of comfy pants. Don’t bring cotton jeans or sweats; these keep you cold when they get wet. Old army wool pants, fleece, Capilene, or other synthetic fibers will work the best.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT. We carry a group kit, but you may want to bring one of your own that includes Band-Aids, moleskin or second skin (for blister prevention and first aid), and waterproof first aid tape.
MOLESKIN or Spenco’s SECOND SKIN. These are adhesive foot protectants, found in the foot-care department (like “Dr. Scholl’s”) of most large drugstores and at runners’ equipment stores. These help prevent and treat blisters while you’re hiking. We carry it in our first aid kits, but you may want your own supply.
BANDANNA or HANDKERCHIEF—Cotton is OK for this.
BINOCULARS, in a waterproof container.
CAMERA and FILM, in a waterproof container.
INSECT REPELLENT lotion or creams like Muskol, Cutter, etc. Please don’t bring aerosol sprays. They can get too hot and explode.
COMPASS —highly recommended. The kind with adjustable declination setting is best.
EYEGLASSES and one extra set (either another pair of glasses, or a set of contact lenses.)
GAMES (e.g., cards, etc.)
HAND CREAM for dry hands.
JACKET (not cotton) or extra sweater.
MITTENS, a good idea if your hands get cold easily. We can lend you these if you need them.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, not too heavy or bulky. Something like a harmonica or flute packs easily.
NOTEBOOK/JOURNAL and a pencil.
POCKET KNIFE OR MULTI-TOOL
SWIMSUIT. Quick-dry nylon shorts for guys. A swimsuit or a sports bra combined with quick-dry nylon shorts for women.
TOWEL. A small towel or “Pack Towel” is usually enough.
MONEY. Bring money for lunch at the campus cafeteria on the day your trip leaves, and for stops along the way for snacks, etc. Small amounts of cash are fine; you shouldn’t need much money on this trip.
ZIPLOCK BAGS, the freezer type is best. Bring enough of them to keep your smaller things dry.
NOTE: If you prefer to get your own gear but are having difficulty finding a place to shop, give us a call! We’d be happy to recommend vendors and discounted gear dealers.

One last note: Your trip leader may ask that cell phones and electronic music devices, such as iPods, be stored on campus before trip departure or left in the van at the beginning of your adventure, and not brought with the group into the wilderness. This trip is an opportunity for each participant to leave modern technology behind for a few days. (Trip leaders will carry a cell phone for emergency use, although cell phone reception is often not available in wilderness areas or river canyons). Of course, sharing your talents on the trip with your harmonica, flute, guitar or other portable instrument is always encouraged!

The Next Step: Now that you know what you need you can request gear for your trip on-line! Go to the Equipment Information submission form.

Or if you prefer, you can submit this information by mail or fax by following the link below.

Click here for a printer friendly version of this form in Adobe pdf format.

Go Back to your trip description:
Waldo Lake Sea Kayak