Paddling Checklist

Checklists are a good habit to get into when you prepare for an outing. Print this one out, make your own additions, and maybe you can avoid that, "Oh, no, I forgot..." scenario.
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The Essentials
Don’t hit the water – even for a day trip – without these items:
1  Compass and map
2  Rain gear
3  Light jacket
4  Water bottle and water
5  First aid kit
6  Ropes at the ends of the boat
7  Sunblock
8  Brimmed hat and sunglasses
9  Complete extra set of clothes in waterproof bag
10  Flashlight, headlamp or lantern
11  Pocketknife
12  Personal flotation device (PFD) for everyone on board
13  Waterproof bags for everything


Whenever you head out for longer than a few hours, you’ll need to gear up. Base your equipment selection on the season, region, water temperature and length of your trip. And remember, weather can change quickly and dramatically, so be prepared for the worst.

Clothes
Two pair of quick-drying nylon pants or shorts
Short-sleeved T-shirt
Lightweight, long-sleeve wool or synthetic shirt
Synthetic or wool turtleneck
Fleece or wool pants
Fleece or wool sweater
Two pair of underwear
A complete set of dry clothes, left in the car

Outerwear
A poncho or other rain gear
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Stocking cap
Neoprene gloves
Fleece gloves and liners (for camp)
Bandanna

Footwear
Wool or synthetic socks
Old tie-on shoes
A pair of camp shoes
A pair of dry socks for camp

Camping Gear
Waterproof, soft-sided pack
Cooler for food
Tent and rainfly
Ground cloth
Sleeping bag inside a waterproof garbage bag
Sleeping pad
Assorted waterproof dry bags for clothes, food and other items
Stove and fuel
Cook set
Drinking cup
Plastic garbage bags
Plastic freezer bags (Tip: wrap around socks before putting on your boots to keep feet warm and dry.)
Biodegradable soap
Pot scrubber
Water filter or purification tablets
Repair and spare-parts kit
Tarp and rope for a dining awning
Trowel
Sponge and bailer

Personal Items
Toilet paper
Shovel
Toothbrush and paste
Small bath towel
Brush or comb
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Head net
Whistle and signal mirror
Pocketknife or multitool
100 feet of parachute cord
Watch

If you're kayaking
Wet or dry suit
Spray skirt
Buoyancy bags
Neoprene booties (also useful for canoeists)
VHF marine-band radio
Bilge pump

Other Stuff
Journal
Camera and film
Camp chair
Binoculars
Fishing license and tackle
Global positioning system (GPS) receiver
Emergency strobe light
Weather radio