The Ultimate Packing List

As I left for my trip today Jez asked me if he could have my packing list to help him make sure he didn’t forgot anything for his trip to the USA this weekend and it got me thinking. Traveling all over the world as much as I do the number of times I write and rewrite packing lists is insane and every time it seems to be almost identical. So I thought it was time to write it down and post it online so that not only only me and Jez but also anyone everyone else who travels to paddle could also potentially use it to help make traveling that little bit easier.

My Packing List 

Wallet (money, credit card, cash, drivers licence)
Passport
Tickets
Visas (if applicable)
Travel insurance documents
Car rentals paperwork 
Accommodation paperwork and arrival address details (needed when you arrive at customs in a lot of countries)
Pen

Mobile phone and charger
Computer and charger
Camera and charger and sd cards
Go pro and charger
Hard drive and USB stick
Adapter plugs for international countries 

Boat and boat bag
Paddles (1-2) and bag
Helmet, nose clip and earplugs
Cagdecks (or Cags and decks) long sleeve and short sleeve
BA / PFD, whistle and river knife 
Dry trousers
Booties 
Sling and Throw line 
First aid kit 
Duck tape 
Shorts x 2-3
Fleece/paddling tops x2-3
Sports bras / bikini / swimming costumes x2
Ouch Pouch (mini first aid kit)
Roof rack strap

Waterproof jacket
Down jacket
Trainers
Flip flops
T-shirts x5-6
Hoody x1-2
Jeans/trousers/pants x1-2
Shorts x2-3
Pj’s 
Pants x8-12
Socks x3-4
Bras x2
Sports Bra
Towels x1-2

Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel
Razor
Toothbrush and toothpaste 
Hairbrush
Moisturiser
Paracetamol / Ibroprofen
Deodorant 
Other Toiletries 
Any personal medicines 


Cold water paddling additions…
Dry suit 
Skull cap
Extra fleeces 
Gloves / poggies
Extras…
Extra boats – Squirt Boat / Creek Boat / Carbon Playboat
Hand paddles
Extra Pfd – Play boating / river rescue vest
Boat lock and padlock
Yoga mat
Foam Roller
Camp Chair
Tripod
Lacrosse ball for trigger massage, massage lotion 
Repair kit
Pin kit
Googles (squirt boat)
Books, Kindle, iPads
Others…
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Generally I pack it all into a one large lightweight travel bag on wheels and my boat bag. Then I carry a personal small backpack with my computer, camera etc. I also pack a small wet boating kit bag in my boat so I can separate my gear when on the road.

Where possible I travel with just two check in items putting my paddles inside my boat if there splits or if there not taping them in their bag to my boat bag so it counts as just 1 piece. Occasionally an airline will allow you to pack them separately in the paddle bag and as they only weigh a couple of kilos they might let them on for no or little extra charge. Remember to say their ski’s especially if the airlines not kayak friendly see my flying with a kayak blog. I just travelled today with my splits for free as part of my hand luggage, as my personal carry on item.

Top tip 

1. Always travel with a water bottle. All airports have filtered water available for free inside the terminals. So empty your water bottle before you go through security then refill it for free before you airs your plane. Saves money and the oceans.

2. Travel with spare underwear, shorts and a t-shirts in your hand luggage and a toothbrush and toothpaste and baby wipes. This means that if your bags or flights get delayed and you end up with an unexpected night without all your gear your comfy and clean.

3. On long haul flights or massive trips find the airports showers and freshen up between flights. In Singapore airport find and jump in the swimming pool its worth it.

4. If your short on space / weight either wear more layers as you check in and go through customs and carry and extra bag inside your back pack to put it in when your on the plane or try and work out what heavy / bulky items you can easily and reasonably cheaply buy (shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, books) when you arrive at your destination.

Obviously the list will change a little trip to trip and person to person depending on where your going, the weather, length of trip and your paddling goals but I hope that this can be of help as a starting point and general guide.

Enjoy your paddling adventures around the world.

Happy Packing 

Claire O