Essential Gear For Kayak Camping On The New River

Hiking and Camping Gear
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Kayak camping on the New River is an adventure like no other. Picture this: paddling down one of the oldest rivers in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests, all while your gear is neatly packed into your kayak. It’s a blend of adrenaline and tranquility, offering both thrilling rapids and serene camp spots. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and the essential gear that made my trip unforgettable, so you can be fully prepared for your own New River adventure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Versatile Gear: Invest in high-quality, lightweight, and waterproof gear tailored for kayak camping to withstand the river’s elements.

  • Proper Preparation: Packing efficiently with the right essentials, including a reliable kayak and safety equipment, ensures a smooth trip.

  • Experience the Wilderness: The New River offers stunning natural scenery and the opportunity for remote camping, perfect for reconnecting with nature.

 

To have a great kayak camping trip you need to start with a good kayak. For this trip I chose the Brooklyn Kayak Company’s Sit On Top FK285 Fishing Kayak. 9.2 feet long and 50 pounds it’s a good balance of portability and stability with a 32 inch width. The aluminum framed seat is comfortable and adjustable which made long hours on the water more enjoyable. But the adjustable foot pedals were nice but showed wear after one trip.

The FK285 has two storage hatches one in the front and one in the middle. I used the front hatch for quick access to food supplies, keeping snacks dry and the middle hatch for access to the hull where I stored larger items like bottled water. The kayak has three rod holders one adjustable up front and two fixed in the back perfect for fishing on calm waters.

The kayak performed well even on the New River’s rapids not designed for such conditions. It’s durable and good size for multiple uses but the hull takes on water and flimsy foot pedals are downsides. And the bungee strap system in the back could use some work. But overall the FK285 is a good choice for someone looking for a versatile and durable kayak for fishing and general use.

I took a WRSI Current Pro Kayak Helmet since it was my first time kayaking this river. In hindsight, I'd have left it home. In my opinion, class 1 & 2 rapids don't require a helmet. Class 3 is where helmets start to become a little more necessary. However, we never experienced rapids big enough to warrant a helmet on this trip at this time of year. I never wore it; it just got in the way—the same thing for the life vest. You would stand up if you ever fell out of the Kayak. The Werner Camano Straight 2 Piece paddle was a great piece of gear. It was ultra-light and functioned perfectly.

Storage

The Kayak also came with a bungee cord system on the back to store equipment. This is where I kept my Z-Pack Arc Blast backpack with most of my gear. The bottom of the storage area can quickly fill with a couple of inches of water. The Z-Packs Arc Blast is constructed of Dyneema Composite Hybrid Fabric. The fabric is highly water resistant; however, it's not 100% waterproof. The small area in the back hatch that stayed full of water did penetrate the very bottom of my bag and its contents. I didn't anticipate the area having water issues, and I thought the bag would be able to handle splashes with no problem. In hind site, this was a poor choice of gear. The bag is a fundamental bag with a rolled top. The material feels waterproof, and the seams are taped, but the bag is not designed to have parts of it submerged in water. It's designed to shed heavy rain but not sit in a puddle. On the next kayak camping trip, I'll make sure all equipment is inside dry bags.

Shelter & Sleeping bag

I took my Kammock Mantis Ultralight All in One Hammock on this kayaking trip. The temps were predicted to be in the mid-80s F during the day and low 70s at night. I took my hammock setup mainly because the weather forecast called for rain. I like to keep things off the ground when it rains. I also wasn't sure what kind of areas we may have access to for camping. Sometimes finding land suitable for a tent is more challenging than finding two trees. I ended up setting my Hammock up on the edge of the river. Although we got lucky and received no rain and there were places where a tent could have been set up, I'm glad I took the Hammock. 

I took my REI 25 F sleeping bag on the multi day camping trip. This duck-down sleeping bag is a go-to for many of my adventure trips. It packs into a small stuff sack and is comfortable and durable. I knew I would probably end up sleeping on top of the bag since the forecasted temps were going to cause muggy warm weather at night. The sleeping bag did have some damp areas on the bottom of it from being at the bottom of the Z-Packs backpack. I hung it on a line to dry for 4-5 hours, and it was usable but still noticeably damp. I did wash and dry it when I got home to ensure it didn't smell like mildew.

Camp Cooking and Food

My food setup for this kayak camping trip was perfect. I've recently switched from a Jetboil system to a Toaks titanium 900 ml pot and Jetboil MightyMo backpacking stove. I like this setup a little better than the all-in-one Jetboil system, and it's lighter in weight. I went with my go-to meal, Mountain House's Breakfast Skillet for breakfast. I took a couple of options for dinner since weight wasn't a big issue, but I used Peak Refuels Chicken Pesto Pasta. Peak Refuel makes some phenomenal dehydrated meals. I took an assortment of nuts and snacks. Ultimately I think I'll eliminate the extra choices next time to save physical space.

Fishing

One of the more exciting pieces of gear I took was the Sougayilong Telescoping Fishing Rod. It was my first purchase of a telescoping fishing rod, and I didn't want to spend a ton of money on something I wasn't sure how it would hold up or work. It worked well however, we didn't catch a single fish, so I can't say it performed as designed because I didn't get to test it out with a load. It was easy to launch and seemed like a decent rod. I took various kinds of lures, but nothing seemed to do the trick that day. We did topwater, and crankbaits, and we even did plastic drop shots. The main fish to catch on that part of the New River is smallmouth bass. However, we'll have to take the locals word for it because we didn't have any luck.

 

Final Thought

The trip was fantastic, and I plan on making many more kayak camping trips. It is always fun to experiment with gear to see what works and doesn't. I've learned not to be disappointed when equipment doesn't work as designed. It's just part of the process. Eventually, your gear list is refined enough to know exactly what to expect on each trip. This was my first trip with this gear loadout because it was my first kayak camping trip ever. The experience is fantastic. I would highly recommend it and most of the gear on my list. I did find some areas I'll refine, such as the REI Flexlite Camp Chair. It's just too big and sinks into the ground too quickly. It barely holds my 210 lb frame. That's part of the experience as well as part of the fun. Hopefully, my experiences on this trip will help you make gear decisions for the adventures you may be planning.

FAQ:

Q: What type of kayak is best for New River camping?

A: A touring or expedition kayak is ideal due to its stability, ample storage, and ability to handle varying water conditions.

Q: How do I keep my gear dry while kayaking?

A: Use dry bags and waterproof containers to protect your essentials. Ensure they are securely fastened to your kayak to prevent loss during capsizes.

Q: What should I pack for a kayak camping trip?

A: Essentials include a waterproof tent, sleeping bag, portable stove, food supplies, safety gear like a PFD (personal flotation device), and a first-aid kit.

Q: Are there designated campsites along the New River?

A: Yes, there are several established campsites along the New River, but it's also possible to find your own spot in more remote areas, following Leave No Trace principles.

Q: How difficult is the New River for kayaking?

A: The New River offers a range of sections with varying difficulty, from calm stretches suitable for beginners to challenging rapids for more experienced kayakers.

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