top of page
Search
Writer's picturenatashasones

Packing and Kit List for a Stand-Up Paddleboard SUP Camping Trip

Updated: Jul 17, 2023

Here are some of the essentials I have found helpful for planning and packing for a multi-day trip on a SUP.

Photo: VIMA Photography


SUP


This article doesn't focus on the type of SUP to take but a longer, touring board with bungees for storage is the best type of board to take. An inflatable is the most versatile as well, in preference to a hard board as you are able to be more flexible with transporting it. I am taking my Red Voyager 12' 6" touring board.


Kit

The picture to the right is all of my kit I am getting ready for Finland. Everything except food and water. It looked an awful lot! I am aiming to get my kit to under 40 pounds, packed into 2-4 drybags.


Below is the kit list I am taking as it might be helpful for anyone else undertaking a similar expedition. I have included some brands in case you want to know.









Kit List


Camping

One-person tent - MSR Elixir

Sleeping bag - Go Outdoors

Sleeping pad - Exped

Inflatable pillow

Sleeping bag liner

Mallet




Safety Gear

Buoyancy aid - Palm

Whistle

Waist leash - Neil Boast

Praddel

First aid kit

Waterproof waist bag

Nautical chart - Stanfords

Rope

Garmin InReach Explorer+

Garmin Instinct Solar watch and charging cable

Extra bungees

Compass

Waterproof mobile case which floats

Bags and Packs

Main dry bag – 70 litre duffel - Osprey Transporter WP Duffel 70

Red Original SUP Deck Bag

LOMO Deck Bag

Carabinas and bungees

SUP

Red Voyager paddleboard and travel bag, pump, repair kit, spare fin bolts, paddle

Food/Drink

Food

Water bottles - water to go

Water container

Water filter tablets

Camp Kitchen

Soap/washing up liquid/shampoo – Campsuds

Cutlery

Mug - Komoot

Two boxes of matches in sealable freezer bag

Mini sponge

Knife/multi-tool

Cook stove and pots

Bin bags

Clothing

Underwear x 3

Socks x 3

Shirts x 3 (1 x short sleeve, 2 x long sleeve) - Eddie Bauer and Proviz

Leggings x 2 - Eddie Bauer and TOG24

Cap - Eddie Bauer

Beanie - Sealskinz

Fleece mid layer - Eddie Bauer

Anti-insect bamboo pyjamas - We Drifters

Hooded down jacket - Eddie Bauer

Snood - Komoot

Sunglasses- Kyloe In The Wild

Swimming costume - Deakin & Blue

Mosquito headnet

Wet shoes - Hot Tuna

Paddle gloves

Hiking trainers – Eddie Bauer

Other

Sun lotion (waterproof)

Microtowel

Insect repellent - Smidge

Bite cream

Lantern

Headtorch - Alpkit

Personal hygiene items and medication

She-wee and trowel, wag bag

Waterproof phone case (floating)

Sleep mask

Powerbanks and cables

Passport and travel insurance docs/GHIC card

Wet wipes

Tweezers

Adaptor for power outlets

Book

Euros

Padlock for case

Lightweight tarp

Notebook/pen

Credit card

Duct tape

Map case

Fold up camping chair



Drybags


You will need 2 -3 dry bags, depending in their size. All your gear needs to be protected from the water as it is likely to get wet from splashes - worst case scenario it might fall in.


I am taking an Osprey Transporter WP Duffel 70 litre as my main drybag, kindly gifted as part of the Adventure Queens Grant.

This unisex expedition duffel has IPX7 waterproof submersible rating. It is perfect for my expedition as it is so roomy but also offers IPX7 protection. This means it has fully-submersible waterproofing up to one metre of water for 30 minutes. It also features multiple lash points and can also be carried as a backpack. It is so roomy that I can fit loads in it. I love it.


I am also taking a Red Deck Bag, which was kindly gifted. Deck Bags provide additional storage for items that you need to hand whilst on the water. The Red Original SUP Deck Bag is made with Armour Tech waterproof material, and has a simple to use luggage tensioning system. It will provide plenty of storage for kit including outer drinks bottle holders, plus help to keep my valuables 100% dry and easy to access whilst on the water.


I will also be taking another deck bag plus a small lightweight backpack for carrying personal items when going through the airport or exploring any islands.




How to pack it on board


Distribute the weight of your gear down your board evenly. Try and keep the front and the back as evenly weighted as possible for the best paddling experience. I'm still playing around with the best configuration before I find the best one. I'm trying to practise with the bags as much as I can.

You need to place your bags close to the centre of the board. Do not place everything on the nose. By placing your bags towards the centre the board will be more stable, will glide better over the water surface and will cut better through the waves if needed.


Gear


What you wear on the water needs to be appropriate for paddling and the weather, and comfortable.


I am planning to wear leggings and a long- sleeved shirt in case of any mosquitoes. Depending on the year, there is räkkä (a time when there are a lot of mosquitos) and the best summer hiking time in Lapland is also the time of räkkä. Proper clothing is the key to enjoy the Finnish summer, especially as I will be camping in forests. I am taking We Drifters bamboo-infused pyjamas (previously gifted) which have been treated to keep 90% of bugs at bay at night. Hopefully that will all do the trick!


I will wear water shoes and have a waist bag for easy to access snacks etc. I will also be wearing my buoyancy aid and quick-release waist leash.


I will have a dry change of clothes handy for off the water and in case I fall in.


Luxury Items


Whilst kit was tight I decided to allow myself some 'luxury' items to keep me going on the trip. So I have packed some tiny bars of white chocolate, one a day. Plus I am also taking a book and a small fold-up camping chair. I do have back problems; I have scoliosis and sciatica, so sitting on the ground as well as sleeping on it will give me a lot of problems. Hopefully having a chair will really help, especially when cooking.



Blog posts about Finland


See blog posts here about the trip.



50 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page