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Camping gear suggestions for kayaking/backpacking

2119 Views 32 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  mxlmer89, 
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Ok I used to backpack and camp as a kid/teen. That was a few decades ago. My budget was much tighter back then and I know technology and development have had some time to improve. The last couple decades, most of my “camping gear” was government issued and while durable, was not necessarily the lightest or most compact.

I’ve recently gotten into kayaking with one of the goals being to do some camping using the kayak as my vehicle for waterborne travel from campsite to campsite. (Yak packing, if you will).

Since I’ve been out of backpacking for a while, I’d like suggestions on good gear that can fit in kayak hatch/watertight compartments. While weight is a consideration for ability to portage the boat if needed, size is probably a larger concern.

Considering alcohol stoves vs. gas stoves, mess kits, to do more than just boil water. A decent two person three season tent that is compact And waterproof. Sleep system that can accommodate night temps in the 40s to 20s.
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paratrooper
When I was in the military in the mid 70's, I recall eating C-Rations that were older than me at the time.

Yuuummmmmm............:p
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paratrooper said:
When I was in the military in the mid 70's, I recall eating C-Rations that were older than me at the time.

Yuuummmmmm............:p
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I remember as a kid getting to try part of a C-ration that one of my friends Dad had brought on a camping trip. I thought it was neat, but not that good. When I got my first MRE on deployment I approached it with memories of that C-Ration, but was pleasantly surprised at how much better the Chili-Mac was with regard to texture. It was bland and needed all the Tobasco in the little accessory pack, but it wasn't bad.

I found out there are definitely worse MRE meals (hotdogs are just not what you would hope for). I still, to this day, don't know how you screw up hotdogs that bad.
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SSGN_Doc said:
I remember as a kid getting to try part of a C-ration that one of my friends Dad had brought on a camping trip. I thought it was neat, but not that good. When I got my first MRE on deployment I approached it with memories of that C-Ration, but was pleasantly surprised at how much better the Chili-Mac was with regard to texture. It was bland and needed all the Tobasco in the little accessory pack, but it wasn't bad.

I found out there are definitely worse MRE meals (hotdogs are just not what you would hope for). I still, to this day, don't know how you screw up hotdogs that bad.
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Lol, I haven't researched it yet, but I think Heinz ketchup was a condiment developed to mask some Terrible tastes. Lol .
Very good,
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paratrooper
In our C-Rations, there was a pack of three cigarettes. I wasn't a smoker, so I'd trade them off to someone who was.

I recall having favorites when it came to the C-Rats. The chunky tuna wasn't bad, nor was the beef stews bits. Most of the fruit was good to go.

I left the service long before MRE's made their appearance.
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paratrooper said:
In our C-Rations, there was a pack of three cigarettes. I wasn't a smoker, so I'd trade them off to someone who was.

I recall having favorites when it came to the C-Rats. The chunky tuna wasn't bad, nor was the beef stews bits. Most of the fruit was good to go.

I left the service long before MRE's made their appearance.
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How about coffee?
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paratrooper
pic said:
How about coffee?
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Yes, we got some kind of freeze dried coffee in a packet.

But, I never used it. I've never had a cup of Joe in my entire life.
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paratrooper said:
Yes, we got some kind of freeze dried coffee in a packet.

But, I never used it. I've never had a cup of Joe in my entire life.
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Wow. Coffee has been a staple for me. I've even become a bit of a coffee snob after having lived in Washington for a while, as well as having tried coffee in every port I visited. Some of the best Coffee I've had was in Italy, and France. Turkish coffee was an experience. My favorite method at home is using a Moka pot and fresh ground beans that are roasted not far from my house. Freshness of beans, roast and grind makes a huge difference if you drink coffee regularly.
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For the trail, Starbucks instant coffee packets are actually pretty good, as much as I try to avoid Starbucks on most other occasions, just because of market saturation. If I buy a cup of coffee (Which is rare) I usually visit a local business. Little barista stands are all over the place around here.
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SSGN_Doc said:
For the trail, Starbucks instant coffee packets are actually pretty good, as much as I try to avoid Starbucks on most other occasions, just because of market saturation. If I buy a cup of coffee (Which is rare) I usually visit a local business. Little barista stands are all over the place around here.
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There are many decent coffee makers out there, my wife got me hooked on the Italian made GIAGGA SYSTEM.
I know LaVazza is a popular Italian brand. Used Lavazza for awhile , fully satisfied but we experimented with other beans as well.
+1
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paratrooper said:
Yes, we got some kind of freeze dried coffee in a packet.

But, I never used it. I've never had a cup of Joe in my entire life.
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Never having a cup of coffee in your entire life is very unusual.
Do you have a medical, allergic consequence toward coffee ?
It's really hard to imagine, your entire life, no coffee.
It's different then never smoking, you may get an atta boy. Lol
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paratrooper
pic said:
Never having a cup of coffee in your entire life is very unusual.
Do you have a medical, allergic consequence toward coffee ?
It's really hard to imagine, your entire life, no coffee.
It's different then never smoking, you may get an atta boy. Lol
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No medical malady in regards to coffee. It's just something that I never drank and acquired a taste for.

Not a fan of hot drinks. It could be -40 degrees out, and I'd be fine with a Pepsi on the rocks.
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Minorcan said:
I wish you well on your travels and adventures. Kayaking can be great fun. I can't believe no one has recommended these in order of importance;
  1. Training
  2. Life vest
  3. Spare paddle
  4. W tight bags for storage
  5. Water filter
  6. Flint and Steel
  7. First Aid Kit (a good one not from Walmart)
  8. Down sleeping bag
  9. Light weight shelter (I use a hammock tent)
  10. Communications (Cell phone, flares, mirror, etc.)
  11. 'Smith & Wesson K Frame snubby or other defensive weapon
and the list goes on ....
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This has been updated on my to-do-list. Thanks, bud.
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mxlmer89
When it comes to camping gear suggestions for kayaking and backpacking, it's important to prioritize lightweight and compact items that won't take up too much space or weigh you down. These camping equipment are essential like a lightweight backpacking tent, Sleeping bag, pad, Cookware, Backpack, Trekking poles, First aid kit etc.
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