Kayak Camping Made Easier

<h1>Kayak Camping Made Easier</h1>Author: <a title="Ian Kurz" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/ian-kurz/107271.htm">Ian Kurz</a> A kayak has at times got advantages over canoes but these same advantages can become disadvantages as well if you don't plan your kayak camping trip properly. Their closed in nature can be a plus when trying to keep your things dry but this can quickly become a real pain if you have to portage at all or remove your gear every time you stop. My personal feeling is that kayaks are best suited for camping trips along the coast of the Great Lakes or the oceans or places where there are really large bodies of water. They can be difficult to get in and out of so if you have a gentle shore to make things easier it's obviously better for you. If you do decide to take your kayak on a trip that is going to involve a couple of portages there a couple of ways to do it. You can buy wheel sets that you rest your kayak on while you pull it through the portage trail. Simply find the balance point of the boat, secure the wheels and start pulling. These wheels are not generally really big so it's a good idea to know before you leave what kind of terrain you will likely be encountering to be sure your wheel set will be adequate. Another option is to pack very light and simply haul the boat up the portage trail with your gear in it. I've done this and although it works it can be quite laborious and generally requires two people to carry the boat. The third option of course is to unpack the boat every time you come to a new portage trail. The beauty of the kayak is that as you paddle along it will cut through waves with relative ease and your things will remain generally dry, unlike using a canoe, that would have a tendency to take on water. You need to use a proper sea kayak really. One with hatches that open into sealed bulkheads where you can keep your gear. They can be somewhat unstable and if you're new to operating a kayak then you should be sure you stay fairly close to shore in the event that you capsize. You really should learn how to brace or even roll, although longer kayaks are harder to roll than shorter ones are. So you can see that it's not simply a matter of jumping in your boat and heading out for your camping trip. You need to be able to foresee the types of problems you may run into and plan accordingly to make it easier. Generally your trip is far more enjoyable when you don't have any problems and standing at the beginning of a portage, wondering how your going to get all of your gear across into the next lake is a sure-fire way to help make your trip go downhill fast. About the Author: Ian Kurz is an enthusiastic camper and is the owner of the website <a href="http://www.everything-about-camping.com"><a href="http://www.everything-about-camping.com" target="_blank">www.everything-about-camping.com</a></a> where you can find all kinds of tips and help related to camping. Be sure to check out his page on <a href="http://www.everything-about-camping.com/kayak_camping.html">kayak camping</a> when you visit!Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/kayak-camping-made-easier-708318.html" title="Kayak Camping Made Easier">Kayak Camping Made Easier</a>

A kayak has at times got advantages over canoes but these same advantages can become disadvantages as well if you don't plan your kayak camping trip properly. Their closed in nature can be a plus when trying to keep your things dry but this can quickly become a real pain if you have to portage at all or remove your gear every time you stop.

My personal feeling is that kayaks are best suited for camping trips along the coast of the Great Lakes or the oceans or places where there are really large bodies of water. They can be difficult to get in and out of so if you have a gentle shore to make things easier it's obviously better for you.

If you do decide to take your kayak on a trip that is going to involve a couple of portages there a couple of ways to do it. You can buy wheel sets that you rest your kayak on while you pull it through the portage trail. Simply find the balance point of the boat, secure the wheels and start pulling. These wheels are not generally really big so it's a good idea to know before you leave what kind of terrain you will likely be encountering to be sure your wheel set will be adequate. Another option is to pack very light and simply haul the boat up the portage trail with your gear in it. I've done this and although it works it can be quite laborious and generally requires two people to carry the boat. The third option of course is to unpack the boat every time you come to a new portage trail. The beauty of the kayak is that as you paddle along it will cut through waves with relative ease and your things will remain generally dry, unlike using a canoe, that would have a tendency to take on water.

You need to use a proper sea kayak really. One with hatches that open into sealed bulkheads where you can keep your gear. They can be somewhat unstable and if you're new to operating a kayak then you should be sure you stay fairly close to shore in the event that you capsize. You really should learn how to brace or even roll, although longer kayaks are harder to roll than shorter ones are.

So you can see that it's not simply a matter of jumping in your boat and heading out for your camping trip. You need to be able to foresee the types of problems you may run into and plan accordingly to make it easier. Generally your trip is far more enjoyable when you don't have any problems and standing at the beginning of a portage, wondering how your going to get all of your gear across into the next lake is a sure-fire way to help make your trip go downhill fast.

Ian Kurz is an enthusiastic camper and is the owner of the website www.everything-about-camping.com where you can find all kinds of tips and help related to camping. Be sure to check out his page on kayak camping when you visit!

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/kayak-camping-made-easier-708318.html

Article Tags: Camping Trip, Kayak Camping. Camping, Camping In A Kayak

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Leaving No Trace While Camping

Play

Entertainment while Camping

Play

Items to Bring on a Camping Trip

Play

Packing for a Camping Trip - Part 2

Play

Packing for a Camping Trip

Latest Camping Articles
More from Ian Kurz

Essential Camping Gear

By: Ryan Frank | 04/01/2010
There are many things that you can take with you for a camping trip, but there are a few items that you really cannot afford to leave behind. While there are plenty of accessories out there, here are a few of the essentials for any camping trip.

Why You Should Choose Inflatable Boats?

By: Outdoor Leisure Direct | 04/01/2010
Basically, there are 2 kinds of boats, hard-sided boats and inflatable boats. Hard-sided boats are built with hard materials and are fixed in features such as aluminum boats. On the other hand, inflatable boats are built with fabrics that could be deflated and inflated at your fancy. Obviously, inflatable boats are more mobile in this case.

10 America’s Most Spectacular Day Hikes

By: Neelima Reddy | 04/01/2010
A current phenomenon in hiking is the availability of trails really close to urban centers. Lots of cities have a big push to bring hiking and other recreational opportunities closer to where people live. For many city-dwellers, a stroll through a nearby park will do just fine.

How to assemble Camping Tent

By: Jorg | 04/01/2010
Before you start to contemplate the views do not forget that you go for a camping tent which will not be completed with out tent. Your camping activities start with setting up your camping tent. Some camping tents are assembled in different ways due to their size and manufacturer characteristics. You can set up a small ten for yourself but for a large one you need help of other persons. You can set your tent in different ways which depend on the type or model of the tent. You have to adjust it f

Using a Power Inverter while Camping – Backup Energy

By: Mark P Hudson | 04/01/2010
While enjoying the splendors of the great outdoors, a family may miss some of the creature comforts of home, or have need for electrical power of some sort. This could be for the benefit of utilizing a light source, camping stove, or other appliance that helps provide some convenience when out there in the dark woods. This is where using a power inverter can be a big help.

Survival Gear: Purchase It Online!

By: Tariq Ghazi | 04/01/2010
A survival kit is not something you figure out when an emergency happens. It's a bug out bag already filled with life saving and sustaining gear and is easily accessible. You can find such packages on our website...

15 Most Adventurous & Thrilling Camping (Outdoor) Activities

By: Neelima Reddy | 31/12/2009
Are you looking for something to do this summer, spring, or even fall? Whether you are looking to do so something independently, with your family, or with your friends, have you ever thought about going camping?

Do You Make A Camping Checklist?

By: Bill Joyce | 31/12/2009
Do you make a camping checklist before you start packing for your trip? Have you ever found yourself out there ready to settle into your camping spot only to have it dawn on you that you have forgotten something, if not many things you need? Maybe you left behind the essential tools to prepare meals or even something to keep you warm at night like a sleeping bag? What can you possibly do about if your camping destination is quite a ways from your home?

Ahhh - A Camping Shower

By: Ian Kurz | 21/02/2009 | Camping
A camping shower is a must have luxury when you're out on the trail for days at a time. For some people the feeling of being dirty and not able to wash is enough to keep them from going camping ever. Well they don't need to worry about that anymore. Now you can wash up no matter how deep in the woods you go, no matter how far from civilization you get.

Thinking About Winter Camping?

By: Ian Kurz | 21/02/2009 | Camping
Have you ever thought winter camping might be an adventure you'll remember forever? I'll bet it will be if you have the guts to try it. You need to take some time and plan just how you're going to go about it but it can and will be all kinds of fun and an experience you'll always remember.

The Self Inflating Air Mattress

By: Ian Kurz | 04/01/2009 | Camping
The self inflating air mattress is one of the greatest comforts you will ever take on a camping trip with you. They do a super job in helping to keep you warm and are surprisingly comfortable as well. I'm a huge fan of this type of bed for camping for several reasons.

The Best Camping Gear for Your Camping Vacation

By: Ian Kurz | 04/01/2009 | Camping
The best camping gear for your trip largely depends on what kind of camping vacation you've planned. You could be car camping, RV camping, back country camping or even canoe camping and each trip has special considerations.

Kayak Camping Made Easier

By: Ian Kurz | 04/01/2009 | Camping
A kayak has at times got advantages over canoes but these same advantages can become disadvantages as well if you don't plan your kayak camping trip properly. Their closed in nature can be a plus when trying to keep your things dry but this can quickly become a real pain if you have to portage at all or remove your gear every time you stop.

Camping Beds to Help Keep Warm

By: Ian Kurz | 01/01/2009 | Camping
Do you know how important camping beds are when you camp? The right choice is going to help you to stay warm all night long and help to make your camping trip more enjoyable overall.