Quick Tips to Help Flying with a Freestyle Kayak Part 2: Paddle and Clothes bag

Below is a description of the paddle bag I use and the backpack duffel bag I use that is a game changer for my when I am traveling with my kayak and paddles on an adventure.

1. When I fly I always bring 2 paddles since I paddle freestyle with a 0 degree offset. I wrap them up with my extra heavier clothes that would go in my duffel bag to protect them in case they are tossing them around. I use the NRS Kayak paddle bag. I have used this for the last 6 years and it is still solid. There are different brands out there but that’s the one I went with. You can find this bag here:
https://www.nrs.com/nrs-kayak-paddle-bag/p39n?utm_campaign=shop_comp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=buy_now&utm_term=goog_product_50021.02&utm_campaign=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwpbi4BhByEiwAMC8JnclpyNGPvdE7tV6gDfItYQ9Zn1Ex8jIMrwJ0cSq-McQTq6fRa6p-2RoC3FAQAvD_BwE

NRS Kayak Paddle Bag

When I am at the counter I have my boat on the scale and I keep my paddle bag off to the side but in view. They will group the paddle together with the boat as one oversized item instead of 2 separate ones… I just say it goes with the boat. Also the paddle bag isn’t a lot of weight so usually doesn’t make a difference to them.

Boat, paddle bag, duffel backpack

On my paddle bag, I write the same information I do on my kayak boat bag. Name, email, phone, etc. I also attached a strap that pairs nicely with the boat bag strap when I am lugging it around.

2. For my clothes bag and everything else belongings, I have found that the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack Duffel bag to be a game changer when I am traveling. There are some key things I was looking for in a backpack duffel bag for my adventures like size, durability, and functionality to free up my hands to carry the kayak and paddle around. These key features are what sold me on the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack Duffel bag:

1. Durable Material
2. Size and Capacity: This duffel fits as a carry on and I never have to check this bag. It is also super easy to maneuver into the overhead storage bins on the plane or under the seat in front of you.
3. Multiple Compartments: Pockets for organization—like a shoe compartment, tech pockets, and quick-access pockets for travel documents—are essential.
4. Comfortable Carrying
5. Stowable Features: A bag that can be compressed or packed into itself is great for saving space.
This is a game changer for me when I am traveling with my kayak and paddle. I don’t even notice that part and takes a load off and frees up my hands while trying to maneuver through the airports, planes, and destinations. This is the model I have: Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 40L. There are tons of options out there for these backpack duffels but those are the key things to look for when purchasing one.

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 40L

Sitting in airport with duffel.

Everything all together

That is how I travel with my freestyle kayak, paddle, and clothes bag. I hope this helps you out when choosing these things and make traveling easier for you!

Catch you on the river!

Emily