What to wear on a kayak tour? You will always want to wear a life jacket of some kind regardless of the weather or level of difficulty or turbulence. Aside from that, some choice of sun protection may be necessary if you’re going kayaking in the summer. If you’re expecting to run into rapids, waterproof clothes and footwear will certainly help you stay somewhat dry. Though don’t bet on it – you’re going to be in very close proximity to water, after all. For more tips on what to wear when kayaking, read the rest of our guide below!
What Makes Kayak Tours So Appealing?
The simple fact is that spending time in nature is beneficial in all sorts of ways. We tend to live our lives at a very hectic and unforgiving pace. While a traditional family camping trip or leisurely hike through the woods are nothing to scoff at, kayaking offers a different type of exciting adventure while offering varying levels of difficulty.
Additionally, reasons that make kayaking so fun and appealing:
- Adaptable difficulty: No matter if you’re an experienced veteran seeking to paddle through the fiercest whitewater or a Sunday hiker who wants to gently float down a calm stream, you’ll find a spot that matches your skill level.
- Fun bonding activity: Two-person kayaks require a degree of teamwork, which makes kayaking a fantastic choice for couples, families, and friends.
- Accessibility: Unlike some other outdoor sports, kayaking requires little upfront investment aside from some rudimentary waterproof gear.
Why What You Wear for Kayaking Matters
There are several reasons to opt for waterproof gear when kayaking. In chilly conditions, it’s easy to get uncomfortably cold due to too much water exposure. Also, doing anything when soaking wet tends to detract from the fun of it all since waterlogged clothes could hinder your movement and make things unnecessarily difficult.
Lastly, safety is also a concern. Oftentimes, during kayaking, you need to get out and wade through the water to set yourself back on course. In such cases, waterproof gear is critical to keep your body temperature sufficiently high.
What Clothes to Wear Kayaking – Tips to Stay Dry
As we established, appropriate, moisture-proof kayaking gear ensures your safety, optimizes performance, and keeps you comfortable in all weather conditions.
Without further ado, here are the essential tips on what to wear for kayaking to not get yourself soaking wet:
Moisture-wicking Base Layer
Depending on the weather conditions, choose something that won’t retain moisture and/or will keep you sufficiently warm. Polyester or merino wool fabrics are great in cold weather, whereas a quick-dry shirt or t-shirt in the summer will serve you well in the relentless heat.
Waterproof Outer Layer
If you’re expecting rain, a waterproof jacket and pants are imperative to keeping yourself dry. If you need to stock up, we’ve got you covered. Head to our store to pick up men’s waterproof clothing or women’s waterproof clothing and keep yourself comfortable no matter the weather.
Gloves and Footwear
Though often overlooked, waterproof gloves and footwear definitely need to make your list of clothes to wear on a kayak tour. Wearing appropriate gloves helps you maintain a tight grip on the paddles, especially in wet conditions.
Footwear is equally important, as your kayak is bound to pick up some water along the way, for example, during entry or exit. Additionally, sometimes, you’ll need to get out of the kayak altogether if the stream is blocked by felled trees or other vegetation. In these cases, waterproof shoes protect you not just from the water but also from any sharp objects like rocks or other riverbed debris.
Headgear
If kayaking in summer weather, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses are the basic sun protection tips to keep you shielded from the scorching rays. In winter, a fleece beanie to preserve heat is equally necessary.
However, if you’re headed on a kayak tour down some nasty rapids, ditch the light headgear in favor of a solid protective helmet to keep your head safe from any hazards.
Flotation Device
This one is non-negotiable. A personal flotation device (or PFD) is an absolute necessity during any kayaking trip. It guarantees your safety in the event the water takes you by surprise and, as such, is a must-have on any kayaking trip.
Accessories
On a kayak tour, you’ve got to keep yourself safe and dry. The same goes for any valuables you take with you, like a phone or wallet. Investing in a dry storage system ensures your possessions stay safe, even when the stream isn’t too aggressive – water can be unpredictable, and there’s always a chance you tip over.
The Takeaway
What to wear for kayaking? Base and outer layers, a PFD, season-appropriate headgear, and waterproof gloves and footwear form the rudimentary basic list for any boater. Assembling these pieces will help keep you warm, dry, and safe regardless of circumstances so that you may enjoy nature during your kayaking trip to the absolute fullest.
You may also read: Mastering the Elements: Rain Gear Essentials for Wet Weather Camping