Kayak SW Florida Guided Kayak trips in Everglades / 10,000 Islands 
 

Gear List for Camping/Kayaking Trips in Everglades National Park

You should bring:
Tent  with no see um mesh
Tent footprint, stakes, poles, guy line, repair kit (if you rip your mesh, bugs will be your tentmates)

Tents should be freestanding, stakes are great for holding them down, but remember it is sand, so if you have a tent that won't even stand up unless securely staked, you might have a tent that is falling down.

Crazy Creek or some chair (packable) Remember, it is a sand beach, so it is really nice to have something to sit on. These work much better than "camp chairs" which are big and bulky and don't fit in the kayaks.

TARP (at least one) this is in addition to tent footprint.  Tarps are good to sit on for eating, reading, setting gear on when loading kayaks and can be used as a rain shelter when we are at another island having lunch.  We are in a sandy environment and even an inexpensive tarp gives you a sand free spot to hang out. This is the piece of gear that most people don't think they will use but DO use a lot.  I always hear- "I am so glad you had this tarp listed on the gear sheet"  Those who decide not to bring it usually wish they did...
 

Rope/Line/or Cord- for drying clothing, hanging gear. (optional)

Dry Bags 8 or 10 liters work best for clothing, tents or most sleeping bags that are mummy style.  If you have a really big tent, you can break it up into smaller bags by putting rainfly in one and tent and footprint in another
18-20 liter bags may not fit in the kayak at all, so please, more small bags work the best, a few large bags don't work well at all.  It also keeps you more organized to have things in separate bags rather than a lot crammed into one big one.   I use 8 liter for clothing, 4 or 6 liter or smaller for bathroom items, books, first aid kit etc.  I also like to have one small one that holds wallet, keys, phone and other things I want to have handy upon landing. 

Food  main dishes and snacks.  Our FAQ has some food suggestions

Water Bladders- MSR Dromedary 4 or 6 liter
Water Bottles (Nalgene)16-32 oz for daily drinking while under way (w/water)

Sleeping Bag (>30 degree is ok) OR
Sleeping Pad
Pillow  (or use dry bag with clothing)

Stove- backpacker styles.  Jet Boil, MSR Superfly, check our shop for examples
Pots/pans/pan gripper- we also have those listed at the shop. They should be small and lightweight.  Able to take the heat produced by the backpacking stove.

Fuel (extra fuel bottles)/Lighter
Remember if you are flying, fuel and lighters can't be taken on the plane- you will need to purchase getting to FL

MISC KITCHEN
Bowl/Dish/cup for eating/drinking
Spoon/knife/fork
Camp knife
Cutting Board (optional)
Small cooking table (optional)
Spice Kit (optional)
Hand Sanitizer
Water- Allow for 1 Gallon Per Day

Clothing
Paddling Shoes They should be firmly on your feet, no flip flops. 
Paddling clothing- remember the sun is strong down here. Long sleeves are preferred
Camp Shoes  easy to slip on but also good for a hike on the beach or forest
1-2 pair of synthetic (non cotton) socks
Underwear (as many as you like)
Light weight Shirt/ pants for sun protection
Light weight long underwear
Lightweight Fleece Pants
Lightweight Fleece Jacket
Clothing for sleeping
Rain jacket
Warm hat
Hat with brim (sun protection)


MISC OTHER
Sun screen/lip balm (SPF 30  minimum)
Bandannas
Headlamp
Books/Journal
Batteries for all electronics
Sunglasses (with floating strap)
Camera (optional)
Duct Tape

Personal Hygiene (Trowel/TP, deodorant, antibacterial wipes, etc)

First Aid Kit –(personal) aspirin, blister care , sea sick pills etc.
Whistle
Compass/GPS /Maps/Charts