What Do I Pack?

Things to bring on a Burnham Guides Multi-Day Kayak Trip

Note: This list is primarily for Florida and Virginia trips. Costa Rica is much warmer and has a separate list that we will email you.

We supply sea kayaks, life jackets, paddles, sprayskirts, tents, sleeping bag, pad, all kitchen gear, food and water. Let us know if you'd like to bring any of your own gear (see guidelines below). Your kayak must be approved by BurnhamGuides as capable of multi-day expeditions, carrying the necessary gear and performing in potentially rough seas. Camping gear you choose to bring should be backpacking-style so that it can fit into kayak hatches.

We will give you a 20-liter dry bag for your clothing and a 5-liter drybag for personal items. Please do not put bug spray or sunscreen in the drybags as it can ruin them. Put them in a Ziplock bag.

Required Personal Gear to Bring

  • Two refillable water bottles (sturdy, wide-mouthed like Nalgene) +/or a personal hydration system like Camelbak, totalling at least 2 liters

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Sun protection is very important:

  • Wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap

  • A “buff” is recommended for protecting neck and lower face from the sun.

  • Sunglasses & retainer (polarized aids in seeing things in the water)

  • Sunscreen & lip balm w/SPF

  • Insect repellant

  • Bug head-net rated for no-see-ums, not just mosquitoes (the holes are smaller). We can supply if you do not have one.

  • Small, quick dry camp towel

  • Personal toiletries and medications, powder or anti-chafing cream, ear plugs recommended

  • Waterproof watch

  • A roll of toilet paper in a Ziplock bag (we will have extra as well).

  • A small tote bag is handy for carrying miscellaneous items between kayak and camp.

Clothing

Wet set for paddling: Plan on wearing your paddling clothes for 2-3 days. So for a 3-day trip, you only need one, for longer trips, bring 2 sets.

  • Paddling jacket and pants if you have them (contact us to see if it’s necessary for your particular trip/season)

  • Swim trunks or quick-dry shorts

  • Long-sleeved synthetic top, rash guard or nylon fisherman's shirt (NOT cotton)

  • Footwear: Crocs, water shoes or sandals. NO flip-flops

  • Paddling gloves highly recommended. 3/4 length fingers are best for warm weather.

Dry set for camp/sleeping:

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket

  • Lightweight fleece or wool sweater

  • Knit cap

  • Long pants or leggings

  • A t-shirt or two

  • Dry shoes or sandals and socks

  • Non-cotton synthetic base layer, top and bottom. Long underwear or leggings are good.

  • Something comfortable to sleep in: Cotton T-shirt and shorts, or the long underwear if it’s cold.

Note: Cotton sucks heat from the body and dries very slowly. Anything made of synthetic or nylon will do the opposite.

Optional items

  • Small blow-up or stuffable camp pillow

  • Camp chair (such as "Crazy Creek") if you have one. If not, we can supply.

  • Binoculars

  • Cell phone in a waterproof case or drybag

  • Waterproof Camera

  • Marine radio

  • Mask and snorkel (only for Florida Keys and Costa Rica trips)

  • Fishing gear: Florida saltwater license is required. 3-day, 7-day or annual licenses can be purchased online

  • Reading or writing material

  • Favorite snacks (we'll have plenty)

  • Alcohol, to enjoy at the end of the paddlling day if you so choose. Box wine travels well (take the bladder out of the box)

if bringing your own kayak and/or gear:

Regular trip costs includes all these items, but if you choose to bring your own for a discount, they must meet these requirements:

Paddling Gear:

  • Sea Kayak at least 16 feet long, with double bulkheads and dry hatches, capable of potentially rough water and multi-day expeditions. Please send us the model if you’re not sure.

  • Type III Coast Guard approved PFD (not inflatable)

  • Paddle

  • Sprayskirt

  • Bilge pump and sponge

  • Tether

  • Cockpit cover

Camping Gear:

Every kayak, whether your own or supplied by Burnham Guides, carries its own gear, in addition to some food, water bladders and communal kitchen gear for the group. Space is very crucial, especially on longer trips. Therefore, your gear must adhere to these guidelines:

  • Drybags for your tent, sleeping bag and clothes.

  • Tent must be lightweight, backpacking style, able to fit in a 10 or 15L drybag.

  • TENT STAKES: If you are going on a Florida Keys trips, you will need coral stakes, which are long spikes, as well as sand stakes. For most other trips you will need sand stakes, longer than regular ones. If you’re not sure, ask us.

  • Sleeping bag should also be lightweight and packable, able to fit into a 10 or 15L drybag.

  • Sleeping pad does not need to go into a drybag, but should be very compact, about the size of a 10L bag or gallon of water when rolled up (we use Thermarest Trail Pro as an example).

  • Your personal gear (clothes, etc.) must fit into one 15 or 20L drybag or less. Two 10L bags pack easier. A 5L bag holds items you want handy while paddling. Bulky items like shoes can be packed separately.

Packing: as a general rule of thumb, all your gear should fit into one hatch, reserving the other for food, water and communal gear. You probably WON’T end up packing all your gear in one hatch (your guide will have suggestions), but this is just a guideline for how much to bring and how compact your gear should be.

If you are not sure your gear meets these guidelines, feel free to email us the style/brands, photos or questions (mary@burnhamguides.com or call 305-240-0650).

If it turns out you want to use all or some of our gear to augment yours, there’s no problem as long as we know in advance and not at the launch!