Getting ready to start packing socks and shirts into a duffel bag? Remember, this trip includes backcountry paddling as well as frontcountry camping and kayaking. You’ll have time before we enter the backcountry to repack your gear into provided dry bags. Anything you only plan to use in the frontcountry can stay behind in our trailer. We lock the van and trailer up, but it is abandoned while we are paddling so plan to bring any valuables along with you.
In anticipation for your trip, we recommend checking the weather forecast for Everglades National Park and making any necessary packing adjustments.
We recommend arriving with all clothing and personal gear packed into 1-2 medium sized duffel bags. It is okay to pack your gear into a hard-sided suitcase instead, but most adventurers find more ease in working out of duffel bags during the trip.
These will help keep your clothing and gear organized.
T-shirts or tops made for running or working out are good choices. Stick to moisture-wicking fabrics. A long-sleeve, light-color, vented sun shirt may also work well.
Bring shorts designed for running or working out. Loose or compression fit. Look for moisture-wicking nylon, polyester, nylon/spandex, or polyester/spandex fabrics. Nylon hiking pants or lightweight running tights can be substituted to provided sun protection.
Look for wool, Capilene, or polyester fabrics. No cotton. Don’t plan to wear this while paddling, you’ll want it to stay dry to wear at camp.
Moisture-wicking long underwear bottoms or ankle-length tights made for training/running. Look for wool, Capilene, nylon/spandex, or polyester/spandex. No cotton. Don't plan to wear these when paddling; the seats of our sit-on-top kayaks are a bit too wet to expect these to stay dry.
Stick to moisture-wicking fabrics. No cotton. If you pack shorts with built-in liners, you can pack fewer pairs of underwear.
Stick to synthetic or wool fabrics. No cotton.
A polyester fleece jacket or synthetic "puffy" jacket. This should be able to be worn under your rain jacket. No cotton.
A lightweight hard shell you can wear over your other upper body layers. This can be worn for bug protection instead of bug spray.
These provide obvious protection from precipitation but can also be worn for bug protection instead of bug spray.
Keep those blisters at bay!
A wool, synthetic knit, or fleece hat for cool nights.
Pack fleece, Power Stretch, or other gloves made for running or for use as a medium-weight liner
Use for warmth, or to keep the sun off your neck, weather depending
Footwear is required while kayaking. Bring either sport sandals with ankle straps (like Chacos or Tevas) or water shoes (like KEENs). Flip flops are not acceptable.
It's nice to be able to change your shoes at the end of the day at camp! Sneakers, running shoes, trail runners, or light hiking shoes all work well.
Socks may make cool nights more comfortable in your sleeping bag, or can be worn with camp shoes.
Bring a mummy-cut, backpacking-style sleeping bag rated for 30-degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a sleeping bag that's highly compressible. Avoid large, heavy, roll-up-only sleeping bags because they may be too bulky to fit in the dry bags we use on the water.
A compressible or inflatable camping pillow makes nights more comfortable.
Headlamps with an optional red light won't blind your fellow adventurers or ruin your night vision.
Minimum of 1 liter carrying capacity. Pick bottles with a screw-top lid that covers the areas your mouth contacts. A Nalgene-brand bottle is a good choice.
We recommend taking a stripped-down version of your personal care/toiletry items, especially on the backcountry paddling portion of the trip. Shoot for travel-sized items and repack liquids into anti-leak small containers. Our guides recommended the Nalgene travel bottles. While showers are available on days 3-5 of the trip, leave the shampoo and conditioner behind while we are in the backcountry.
Pack at least 4oz of sunscreen. Guides recommend at least SPF 30 Small containers work better than larger ones. No aerosol spray cans, please.
It's handy to have your own personal hand sanitizer that can either live in your tent, coat pocket, or PFD pocket.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, moisturizer with SPF, brush/comb, ear plugs etc.
To dry off after your shower. We recommend a small to medium-sized towel that won't take up too much packing space. Leave those beach towels at home!
Tampons, Diva Cup, or pads. Pack 50% more supplies than you expect to need.
Look for the active ingredient DEET. Ben's brand is packaged well for backcountry travel. No aerosol sprays.
For lunch on day 3 and dinner on day 4.
Please consider rewarding hard work and excellent service with a guide gratuity at the end of the adventure.
Kayak & Paddle
15 to 16-foot sit-on-top touring kayak.
Personal Flotation Device
Our life jackets (PFDs) have pockets. Ooh la la!
Dry Bags
These help keep your personal gear and clothing dry while we paddle.
Tent
Sturdy, dome-style backpacking tent. Prefer to share a tent? Contact us.
Camping Mattress
A comfy, inflatable camping mattress makes nights restful.
Stove & Cookware
We'll pack all the necessary backcountry cooking gear.
Dinnerware
Bowls, plates, utensils, and mugs. You can leave that rusty old spork at home!
Camp Chair
Our camp furniture is comfy, collapsible, and fire engine red.
Group Gear
Medical kit, satellite phone, navigation supplies, emergency equipment, and more.
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