Unforgettable Adventures: Our Trusty Camping Gear on the Murray River Kayak Trip
- Rohan Holtkamp
- Jan 24
- 6 min read
Embarking on a kayaking trip along the Murray River was more than just a leisurely getaway; it was a chance to reconnect with nature and challenge ourselves physically. Picture this: paddling through waters surrounded by the most diverse native flora and funa south of the tropic line, all vying for a snippet on my soundtrack. The journey was unsupported and unforgettable but what truly enhanced this adventure was our trusty camping gear. In this post, I will share the essential equipment we used, its importance, and how it transformed our kayak trip along the Murray River into an extraordinary experience.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Equipment
Selecting the right camping gear was critical for our kayaking journey. I was aware that our choice could determine whether we enjoyed the trip or faced unnecessary challenges. Given the demands of life on the water without a support crew, we needed gear that was functional, durable, reliable and convenient.
Weight was a major factor selecting what to take and what to leave behind, as we thought it best to comply with V-line luggage guidelines so when required we could just pack up and get public transport home. Once on the water, weight was not an issue as we paddled downstream, but for the journey to and from the river we needed lightweight items that would pack as compactly as our BakPakYaks could. Comfort at night hinged on the quality of our camping gear, never skimp on matress or bedding. An excellent nights rest cannot be overstated, it makes the next day safer and more enjoyable as you are alert and comfortable.
My Pack List: Essential Gear
Tent
A sturdy, lightweight tent was the foundation of our camping experience. I packed a three-person Mont Moondance tent that was quick to set up, it also had the added benefit of being able to pack the tent itself while the fly remains in place - a handy thing when packing up in the rain.
We encountered a couple of stormy nights but our tent kept us completely dry. The design also allowed for good ventilation, which meant we could relax without feeling stuffy inside.
Bedding
After a full day of kayaking, a good night's sleep was essential. We chose the Monstamat from Zempire which can self inflate to around 10cm thick, providing the perfect base for comfort. This mat has a 180 degree valve allowing inflation & deflation without any hassles.
We prefer not to use sleeping bags as we find them too restrictive while trying to sleep, so we packed our trusty flanny sheets along with a polar fleece blanket and a lightweight comforter. Having multiple layers was great as we could be comfortable throughout the whole night, pulling on an extra layer when needed. Despite being bulkier than most bedding available on the market today, we were very comfortable every night, ensuring we woke up refreshed and eager to tackle each day.
Shower
There's nothing better than having a shower at the end of every day. There are many options available out there. We chose the ever faithful solar shower as it packs down to nothing for travel but can hold a significant amount of water for a luxurious finish to a day of paddling. Initially we packed three solar showers but ended up sending one home along with our cool weather clothes which weren't needed.
Our solar showers served two purposes, firstly as a shower. We would put about 10L of water in each shower every morning, this would provide more than enough warm water for showering. Secondly, the showers offered a body cooling effect when stowed so we could rest our legs over them in the cockpit. Eventually our body heat would warm the water and this was often sufficient temperature for showering, if we needed them a little warmer a quick top-up from the JetBoil was all that was required. On the hotter days we would empty the showers back into the river during our lunch break and refill them with cool river water and the'd still be warm by evening.
Cooking Gear
Meal preparation was a vital part of our day. We used a JetBoil system that was both efficient and easy to pack. For cooking, we focused on simple meals that provided the sustenance we needed after long hours on the water. Most of our daytime meals required no heating like fresh fruit and veg, aged cheeses, canned meals, dried meats, crackers, muesli bars, nuts and canned fish.
Our cooking set-up didn't require a lot as the pot in the JetBoil system was capable of holding 2L so was more than sufficient in size to heat the water for our soup, pasta and even for making porridge some mornings.
We took a plastic bowl and dessert spoon each along with a multi-tool which was used for cutting foods and opening tin cans.
Water Filtration System
Staying hydrated was critical, especially with the Murray River being our only water source and no support personnel. We chose a Sawyer Squeeze water filtering system that could filter out 99.99999% of bacteria and viruses within minutes. This gave us peace of mind while we paddled, knowing we had access to hygienically and visually clean drinking water whenever we needed it.
This system not only saved us from carrying heavy bottles but also allowed us to refill our water bottles quickly any time we wished, keeping us hydrated throughout our journey. Keeping sufficiently hyrated dissolves aches and pains away, the only downside is finding a landing spot every few hours to pee.
Solar Charging System
Charging phones and tablets along the way is impossible unless you have a solar charging system. We purchased ours from Aldi months prior to our trip when they were available during their weekly specials. The system is very compact, folding in on itself to pack down to a size equivalent to our iPads. When in use they folded out with four solar panels and a fifth flap with storage pockets.
We installed extra velcro patches to the bow and stern of our kayaks where we could securely attach the solar panels. We could leave them in place throughout the day to fully charge battery banks and/or our telephones. For the duration of our trip we never had a flat battery/phone.
Chairs
Our choice of chairs were from Helinox. These chairs are extremely robust, pack down small and are lightweight and despite sitting all day in our kayaks it was lovely to sit in these at the end of the day.
Setting Up Camp
Each day of kayaking down the Murray River reached its peak when it was time to set up camp. We searched for the perfect spot along the riverbank, ensuring we were always clear of any large overhead branches/trees, redgums are renowned for dropping limbs overnight. Setting up our tent, preparing dinner, and soaking in the sunset scenery and sounds made every evening special. There were so many wonderful camping spots along the way, many of which were sandy beaches with shady trees and fantastic night sky views. Wouldn't be dead for quids.
Not once did we have or need a camp fire. The ease of our gear made setting up camp fuss free, smooth and enjoyable, allowing us to blend with the surrounds and absorb those magical moments when nature perhaps thought no one was watching.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back on our kayaking trip along the Murray River, I feel incredibly thankful for the camping gear we chose, for its reliability and fuctionality. Each item contributed to our comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment of this unique adventure. The right equipment made it easy to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the environment.
As I reminisce about the stunning scenery and the thrill of paddling, I realize that our trusty camping gear was just as vital as the journey itself. I encourage every outdoor enthusiast to carefully consider and test their equipment to enhance their experiences and create unforgettable memories.
Review, gather and test your expedition gear and start planning your own BakPakYak adventure! You won’t regret it.
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