Ten Thousand Islands Kayaking
Packing List

Getting ready to start packing socks and shirts into a duffel bag? Remember, this trip is entirely backcountry paddling. On the morning of day 1, you'll have time to reorganize your gear into provided dry bags. You are welcome to leave anything behind in the trailer, but we will not have access to it again until the end of day 5. 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 City, FL and making any necessary packing adjustments.

Bags & Packing

  • Small Packing Cubes or Stuff Sacks
    Optional

    These will help keep your clothing and gear organized.

Clothing

  • (3-4) Synthetic T-Shirts, Tanks, or Athletic Tops

    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.

  • (2-3) Pairs of Shorts or Pants

    Bring shorts designed for running or working out. Look for moisture-wicking nylon, polyester, nylon/spandex, or polyester/spandex fabrics. Nylon hiking pants can be substituted to provided sun protection.

  • Long Sleeve Baselayer Top

    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.

  • Pair of Baselayer Bottoms

    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.

  • (3-4) Pairs Athletic Underwear

    Stick to moisture-wicking fabrics. No cotton. If you pack shorts with built-in liners, you can pack fewer pairs of underwear.

  • (2-3) Sports Bras

    Stick to synthetic or wool fabrics. No cotton.

  • Upper Body Insulation Layer

    A polyester fleece jacket or synthetic "puffy" jacket. This should be able to be worn under your rain jacket. No cotton.

  • Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jacket

    A lightweight hard shell you can wear over your other upper body layers. This can be worn for bug protection instead of bug spray.

  • Casual Clothing for Travel
  • Waterproof/Breathable Rain Pants
    Optional

    These provide obvious protection from precipitation but can also be worn for bug protection instead of bug spray.

Hand, Neck, and Headwear

  • Hat with Brim
  • Paddling Gloves
    Optional, But Recommended

    Keep those blisters at bay!

  • Knit Hat
    Optional

    A wool, synthetic knit, or fleece hat for cool nights.

  • Lightweight Gloves
    Optional

    Pack fleece, Power Stretch, or other gloves made for running or for use as a medium-weight liner

  • Mosquito Head Net
    Optional
  • Buff
    Optional

    Use for warmth, or to keep the sun off your neck, weather depending

Footwear

  • River Sandals or Water Shoes

    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.

  • Camp Shoes
    Optional, But Recommended

    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
    Optional, But Recommended

    Socks may make cool nights more comfortable in your sleeping bag, or can be worn with camp shoes.

Gear

  • Sleeping Bag

    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.

  • Camping/Travel Pillow

    A compressible or inflatable camping pillow makes nights more comfortable.

  • LED Headlamp and Spare Set of Batteries

    Headlamps with an optional red light won't blind your fellow adventurers or ruin your night vision.

  • (1-2) Water Bottles

    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.

  • Compact Binoculars
    Optional

Personal Care

We recommend taking a stripped-down version of your personal care/toiletry items. Shoot for travel-sized items and repack liquids into anti-leak small containers. Our guides recommended the Nalgene travel bottles.

  • Sunglasses with Strap
  • Sunscreen

    Pack at least 4oz of sunscreen. Guides recommend at least SPF 30 Small containers work better than larger ones. No aerosol spray cans, please.

  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • 2oz Bottle Hand Sanitizer

    It's handy to have your own personal hand sanitizer that can either live in your tent, coat pocket, or PFD pocket.

  • Toiletries

    Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, moisturizer with SPF, brush/comb, ear plugs, etc.

  • Any Medications You Take
  • Menstrual Hygiene Supplies

    Menstrual Hygiene Supplies Tampons, Diva Cup, or pads. Pack 50% more supplies than you expect to need.

  • Spare Glasses or Contact Lenses
  • Bathing Body/Face Wipes
  • Insect Repellent
    Optional, But Recommended

    Look for the active ingredient DEET. Ben's brand is packaged well for backcountry travel. No aerosol sprays.

  • Small Microfiber Towel
    Optional

Other

  • $20-$30 Cash

    For lunch on day 5

  • Guide Gratuity

    Please consider rewarding hard work and excellent service with a guide gratuity at the end of the adventure.

  • Personal Reading Materials
    Optional
  • Notebook and Pen
    Optional
  • Portable Charger Battery Pack
    Optional
  • Phone Charging Cord
    Optional

Provided by Bad Adventures

  • 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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