Read the individual pages regarding specific equipment choice and comments on how they performed in the field. Here’s a summary of basic equipment (*required only for cold water paddling) to consider:
Spray Jacket Paddle Pants Dry Suit* Thermal Undergarments* Booties Helmet -- don't go in the surf without one Paddles -- seems obvious, but gotta list them Paddle Gloves* Headliner* -- for cold water, with or without helmet PFD (personal flotation device) -- class III Deck Rigging -- see Deck Rigging - this is a life saver Dry Bags Camera Case or waterproof camera Whistle -- mandatory Coast Guard item Fishing Gear Fishing License -- don't carry fishing gear without one Sunscreen Total: ~$2,300 -- half for cold water items
For touring, where you’ll be some distance from shore, possibly at night or in fog, you might consider:
Compass
GPS
Flashlight and navigation beacon
Air Horn
GMRS radio(s)
VHF marine two-way radio - remote touring or near sea lanes
SPOT locator - remote touring
Sea rescue dye
Charts and waterproof map case
Tide Tables -- keep them up to date, really!
Hydration gear -- something on deck
Total: ~$800 -- 35% of the total for remote touring
If you’re really touring, e.g., camping from your kayak, you need the obvious camping stuff and maybe some not-so-obvious gear. Add:
Spare Batteries or solar charger Fire pan --required in many BLM and Forest Service campsites Sleeping Bag Changes of clothing Additional dry bags Tent -- will the poles fit through your hatches? Ground cloth Water -- one gallon per day First Aid Kit -- some BLM areas require specified quality Dry Suit repair kit Stove and fuel Dehydrated food, spices, etc. Flare(s)
Yes, this totals about 4 times what your kayak kit cost!