How to pack like a pro for kayaking the Murray River in my 488T folding kayak

As I set my sights on an unforgettable kayaking trip along the scenic Murray River, I quickly grasped how critical effective packing was for my adventure given our limitations with travelling via public transport. With its breathtaking views and diverse wildlife, the river promised an incredible experience, but I wanted to ensure that my trusty 488T folding kayak was packed efficiently. Proper packing means having what I need at hand while avoiding unnecessary weight - I did still post a few items home. Here's my comprehensive packing list and some invaluable tips for a successful journey!

Choosing the Right Gear

The first step in my packing process was selecting the right gear for my kayak and its weight limits. Given the compact size of the 488T, these essentials made it into my bag:

• Paddle: It was important to choose a lightweight paddle. I selected a 4 piece paddle which was easy to fit into the kayak bag for transport. It was also easy to manage during long stretches on the water.

  
  

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Besides being a legal requirement, my PFD is key to my safety and comfort. I ensured it was properly fitted and not overly bulky for enhanced mobility.

  
  

• Dry Bags: Protecting my belongings from water damage was vital. I had a number of different types depending on what it contained. Our bedding and medical supplies were stored in dry bags while my clothes were stored in clear extra large zip lock bags.

  
  

• Waterproof Covers: Essential for navigation, I relied on my iPhone in a waterproof case to allow me to ensure we took the correct turns at junctions along the river. This was especially helpful as the 640 odd kilometers of the Murray we paddled featured many twists and turns.

  
  

Food and Hydration Essentials

Staying fueled and hydrated is crucial for any extended kayak trip. Here’s a detailed look at what I packed for snacks and hydration:

• Water: A decision was made well before we commenced our trip as to the type of filtering system we would use. The Sawyer Squeeze water filter was the one we settled on. We added the Sawyer coupling which allowed us to easily attach a standard 1.5L plastic water bottle. We also purchased a CNOC Vectro 3L water bladder to use in conjunction with the Sawyer Squeeze for quicker and easier filling of our water bottles, this bladder was also used to fill our solar showers. It was a quick 5 minute process to filter and fill our water bottles each morning. These items packed down nicely and took up very little space in our kayaks.

  
  

• Breakfast: Consisted of either muesli bars and fresh fruit or muesli with an Up&Go followed by fruit. We also ensured we kept up with our daily doses of fish oil and multi-vitamins.

  
  

• Lunch: Was mostly tinned fish (sardines, tuna, salmon) with dry crackers, vegetables (carrots, cherry tomatoes, snow peas, beans, celery), a muesli bar and piece of fruit (apple, mandarin, orange, banana). These were all quick and easy to sort each morning and have close at hand for when we stopped for a break.

  
  

• Evening meal: The JetBoil was brought out each night to boil the water. We had packet soups to which we added packets of pasta or tins of stews.

  
  

• Snacks: Usually consisted of fresh fruit and vegetables, jerky, dry crackers and/or muesli bars.

  
  

• Rubbish: It should be noted that you are travelling through an environment with little access to rubbish bins - you take it in, you take it out. It was essential that all our provisions had minimal packaging. Once containers/packets were emptied, they were rinsed out and stored in our kayaks until we could locate a rubbish bin.

  
  

Clothing: Dressing for Success

When kayaking the Murray River, wearing the right clothing ensures comfort and adaptability. Here’s what I chose to wear and packed:

• Quick-Dry Clothing: I wore lightweight, quick-dry pants and a long-sleeve shirt. These not only provided sun protection but also dried quickly after any splashes, making them comfortable throughout the trip. We travelled with very few clothes, enough to cover 3 days is more than sufficient.

  
  

• Shoes: I travelled in my Redback boots and also used them as storage devices for our lunches/snacks. I generally wore croc-like shoes around camp but paddled barefoot. This allowed me to dry my feet off a little bit before placing them in the cockpit.

  
  

• Wide-Brim Hat: A wide-brim legionnaires style hat was essential for sun protection, providing shade and adding to my comfort during sunny conditions, which given we paddled on days when it reached 38C was required.

  
  

• Sunglasses & Sun Protection: Polarized sunglasses were non-negotiable. They protected my eyes from harmful UV rays and reduced glare off the water, allowing for clearer sight while paddling. SPF 50+ sunblock was applied every day, sometimes up to 4 times a day (usually reapplied at each break). Knit gardening gloves with the fingers cut off were essential to prevent the backs of the hands becoming sunburns. We found if the gloves were put on the wrong hands (left on right and right on left) the rubber palm grip provided better sun protection while the knit side allowed the paddle to move freely in your hand when required.

  
  

Safety and Emergency Supplies

Safety is paramount. I made sure to prepare for emergencies by including these crucial items:

• First Aid Kit: My compact first aid kit included band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief, ensuring I was ready for minor injuries.

  
  

• Whistle: This small item is required when paddling on Australian waterways and usually come already affixed to your PFD.

  
  

• Multi-tool: I packed a versatile multi-tool. It served multiple purposes, from opening tins to filing nails.

  
  

Packing Efficiently

Packing was just as critical as my gear selection. These strategies helped me maximize space and accessibility:

1. Weight Distribution: I placed heavier items like our bedding towards the center of my kayak for stability while stowing lighter items at the ends.

   
   

2. Accessibility: Items I used frequently, such as snacks and water, were located near the cockpit. Less frequently used gear or empty food packets, went further back to keep them secure and organized.

   
   

3. Use of Space: I utilized small dry/clear plastic zip-lock bags to compact smaller items. These bags fit neatly in every available nook, minimizing clutter.

   
   

Unpacking my kayak at Yarrawonga

Finish unpacking the bow section of my kayak

Now for the stern storage sections