15 things you should have on your kayak for the unexpected.

I'm a little surprised that nobody has (yet) connected the axe and potential usage in halibut fishing...  Some of the tales told around these parts, I was *sure* it'd happen sooner!

 

This is my thing. I believe that you should always be prepared.  I have a separate bag I take for every activity. Mtb bag, hiking bag, kayaking bag, car bag, etc. They go no matter what. Then I gear up like they don't exist. The contents are very redundant with varying items geared for the activities.  I also use a module style. A fire bag, a clothing bag, a food bag, a tool bag etc.
If I'm alive and Mobil I can survive with any of these bags. I also got it down to being pretty light.
One of the best ideas on how to do a modular system is the Urban Prepper on you tube.
one thing I didn't see mentioned is fresh water on hand. A lot of times it takes awhile to filter water. So it's good to have some for cleaning, hydrating etc.
I ramble because this is one of my favorite subjects

I enjoy reading these list of "survival items" they always include a big old knife of some sort. I suppose it's to be held in a menacing fashion in the likely event that you'll need to look mean when presented by a wilderness threat.

I don't call it surviving in the wilderness to me it's a vacation, but I've been solo kayak camping for weeks at a time for most of my life and all I've ever needed was a 7" bait knife with a 2" pocket knife as a back up blade. It comes in handy to cut cheese and salami even does a rough job of gutting a fish. If I need to scare off a bear I toss a rock and yell.

I only had three of the fifteen items. Guess I'm screwed.

some things on my gear lists I use every trip, or at least frequently.  Things like water, food, sunscreen, toilet paper, knife, headlamp.  Other things on my gear lists I very rarely use, like kayak rescue gear, first aid supplies, fire starter, and kayak repair equipment and supplies.  In either case, when you need an item, it's nice to have it.

 That is quite a list of items. Do you carry all that stuff every time you take your kayak out ? How much does all of that weigh ?
  While I can certainly agree that it is good to be prepared (I was a Boy Scout many years ago) that seems to me like an aweful lot of "stuff".

  Call me a minimalist if you want--- but I prefer to travel as light as possible. It's my opinion that most of us carry way too much "stuff" on our fishing expeditions. Think of all the tackle that you carry and never use while fishing. Is it better or worse to be able to use a minimum of "stuff" correctly ? Can't really say for sure. But that is the approach that I use.

  If I were taking an remote trip -- say in SE Alaska I would take a whole bunch of "stuff" similar to this proposed list. Because most of my fishing is what I'd call fairly urban I believe that I will be able to "survive" any situation that comes up in my fishing trips. And I probably won't be too far from help if that is needed at all.

  It is my belief that knowledge goes a long way when you are in a desperate situation. That and a calm head . Being prepared isn't about taking the kitchen sink with you. Having a mind set to deal with emergencies in an effective, efficient , and safe way will get most of us through the dangerous fishing trips that most of us take most of the time.

  I know that I may be a minority with my thinking--- but I see so many folks carrying so much "stuff" when doing a simple thing like fishing---- it boggles my mind. Isn't life already complicated enough  ? I try to keep it simple even if that is stupid.

 By the way---great list. If folks feel they need to pack all that "stuff" with you every time you hit the water---power to you. Someone had to be the "devils advocate" .....and I will be that voice.

       Mark

I have a few quarters and a few paper dollars in a zip lock that stays in the 1st aid kit.
Anyone mention cell phone?

It sounds like a lot but I carry everything I need including tools and 3 liters of water in a camelback. 17 lbs total. If I leave the tools it's under 14lbs.
That's shelter, fire, food, first aid weapons and Xtra clothing and rain gear.
I live in Ak and am often solo in the middle of know where so I always try to be prepared and it has taken over my urban life as well.
I feel I am a minimalist as well. But a prepared one. I skimp on things like tackle and luxury food. Lol 

I remember packing for a 2 week backpacking trip with a friend years ago.  We were stripping out every last ounce of unnecessary weight for the trek.  When we were done, he questioned my fishing rod and frying pan but was still packing 7lbs of sidearm and ammo?!?!
I guess everyone has their own idea of what's a necessity.

-Mark-

I remember packing for a 2 week backpacking trip with a friend years ago.  We were stripping out every last ounce of unnecessary weight for the trek.  When we were done, he questioned my fishing rod and frying pan but was still packing 7lbs of sidearm and ammo?!?!
I guess everyone has their own idea of what's a necessity.

-Mark-

Would you rather get a quarter pounder and a coke, or the quarter pounder and fries with a diet coke ?

  It is my belief that knowledge goes a long way when you are in a desperate situation. That and a calm head . Being prepared isn't about taking the kitchen sink with you. Having a mind set to deal with emergencies in an effective, efficient , and safe way will get most of us through the dangerous fishing trips that most of us take most of the time.

This is golden!  Yes the extra stuff is great to have now and again, but I honestly feel more comfortable fishing with someone that confidently relies on his knowledge and experience much more than the stuff.  The stuff is worthless if you have poor judgement or capabilities.

  It is my belief that knowledge goes a long way when you are in a desperate situation. That and a calm head . Being prepared isn't about taking the kitchen sink with you. Having a mind set to deal with emergencies in an effective, efficient , and safe way will get most of us through the dangerous fishing trips that most of us take most of the time.

This is golden!  Yes the extra stuff is great to have now and again, but I honestly feel more comfortable fishing with someone that confidently relies on his knowledge and experience much more than the stuff.  The stuff is worthless if you have poor judgement or capabilities.

  I guess I should say thanks Kyle. I'm taking that as a compliment.
  I do confess to carrying a few "tools" with me at times. And I know many ways to use what ever I carry.  I was taught to adapt and overcome with whatever is available. That has worked well in some gnarly situations in my past.

  Not wanting to ramble here----- so I'll end by saying whatever floats your boat. Make it happen !!!

Wow!  That is WAY too much stuff.  Ridiculously too much stuff.

If a 17 pound kit sinks in the ocean or you are washed ashore separated from your  kayak, what do you do without all that stuff?

Military survival school for pilots put us out there with a liter of water, a compass and a knife.  For a week.  And you learn something about what you really need to stay alive.

If you can't stuff it in a pocket and carry it with you, it's not going to help you.

  They gave you a liter of water......

  You Air Force guys are spoiled rotten 

Naval Air Crew Arctic survival school was just about the same
we got c-rats, 1-ltr pot for water boil, big survival knife, fire starter, orange smoke flare  and a complete parachute all for a week.

Then again I was 19 and nothing much bothered me.