Kayaking & Sea Kayaking Kit List
Compulsory items are listed at the top - you must have these items with you to begin your activity with us.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed. Your guide or activity leader makes the final decision in regard to your suitability to complete the activity and can refuse to let you participate if they feel your safety (or the safety of the group) is being put at risk. Please refer to the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK AND APPROPRIATE FITNESS/EQUIPMENT section in our Terms & Conditions.
Underneath these compulsory items we have listed recommended kit that should help make your experience more enjoyable.
If you are unsure about anything, from kit to the expected fitness level for the experience you have booked, please contact us.
COMPULSORY
Swimsuit / Swimming Trunks - Your under-wetsuit layer. Some people also like to bring a rash vest (also known as a rash layer), or a baselayer for extra warmth and comfort. You’ll be provided with a wetsuit, but if you have your own and prefer to use that then feel free to bring it with you.
Footwear - Wetsuit boots are a great option if you have them, but an old pair of trainers or something you don’t mind getting wet is perfectly acceptable. Some of our locations may have slippery or sharp rocks around, so it’s always important to have something on your feet when moving around.
Towel - Don’t forget to pack a large towel in your rucksack/backpack to use once you’re off the water.
Warm Clothes (layers advised) - A t-shirt or technical baselayer/thermal top to wear next to your skin, under your other layers (see below). We advise against cotton as it soaks up water, often rubs, and doesn’t dry easily. A synthetic option is a good idea, or if you get cold easily you may want to try wool. Fleece/Jumper - a couple more layers to keep you warm (you’ll need something on top of your wetsuit but under your cag when you’re kayaking).
Please remember to pack a totally spare set of warm clothes in your rucksack/backpack so you can get changed and warm up once you’re off the water.
Hat & Gloves (waterproof advised) - You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm - a hat paired with a buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal. These items are still essential in the summer months, see FAQs below.
Waterproof Jacket - These can range from very cheap to very expensive but when shopping, make sure you buy items that are ‘waterproof’ rather than ‘water-resistant’ - there’s a big difference in a downpour! You’ll be provided with a cag (kayaking cagoule) for keeping the wind and water out when you’re on the water, but pack your jacket for enjoying time by the shore and general use during the trip.
Rucksack / Backpack - To carry your towel, spare clothing, food, water and other items. 30 litres capacity is a good bet for most people, but the size of your bag will be determined by the amount you personally need and wish to carry.
Food & Lots of Fluid - Don’t forget to pack your lunch* and whatever snacks will help keep you fuelled up. In terms of water, most participants find 1.5 litres of water is suitable for a normal day walk, or 2-3 litres if you’re on a longer walk, i.e. the likes of Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Yorkshire Three Peaks or other challenge walks.
* If you are attending a Large Outdoors Multi-Day Experience we might provide a packed lunch - please check the What’s Included section on the relevant webpage. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag for your packed lunch - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.
Personal First Aid Kit - Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers (hopefully not needed!).
Waterproof Sunscreen - When you’re on the water the sun’s rays are reflecting back at you, so it’s important to wear a waterproof sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Head Torch - An essential piece of kit throughout the year - why?, see FAQs below. Please also bring spare batteries.
Mobile Phone - If you need to leave the group for any reason, we ask that you contact your guide by text message when you have returned to the meeting point or alternative agreed location safely, as a courtesy. Plus, it’s always good practice to have your mobile phone with you when exploring the outdoors, in case of emergency.
Money (mix of card and cash advised) - If for any reason you need to leave the group (e.g. in case of injury or emergency) you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to the meeting location/to your accommodation/for onward travel. Plus, you’ll be grateful to have some pennies with you if we pass a tempting pub, tearoom, or souvenir stop! It’s useful to have both cash and a credit/debit card with you.
RECOMMENDED / OPTIONAL
Waterproof Camera - If you’d like to document your kayaking adventure you could look into bringing a waterproof camera, Go-Pro or similar. We don’t recommend using your mobile phone, even if it’s in a “waterproof” case!
Midge Spray - A bottle in your rucksack can save an activity from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up! See the FAQs below.
Sit Mat - A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break. Top tip alternative: if you pack your lunch in a dry bag, you avoid soggy sandwiches if it rains and you can avoid a soggy bottom by sitting on the bag when you stop for lunch (although it’s not going to be as comfy as a sit mat!).
RECOMMENDED Residential Kit
Wash Bag / Toiletries - The majority of accommodation we stay at does not provide toiletries, so ensure you pack what you need. Don’t forget your toothbrush!
Towel - Depending on the accommodation you’re staying in, a towel may not be included - please check the What’s Included / Accommodation sections on the relevant webpage, but if in doubt bring a towel.
Ear Plugs - These might be useful if you’re sharing a room and/or you’re a light sleeper.
Evening Clothes - Something to change in to after returning from your activity, to relax in the evening (comfy/casual attire is absolutely fine).
FAQs
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We hope you wouldn’t need it on a planned day activity, but we’d advise you always have one with you in case of a situation which leaves you out for longer than expected. If you have to return from an activity in the dark because of an unforeseen delay (e.g. an injury or yourself/a fellow participant requiring assistance or evacuation, which you may have to wait some time for), or you need to signal for help in an emergency, a head torch can be invaluable.
Here’s some additional advice to help you pick something suitable.
Head torches are also extremely helpful for finding your way around unfamiliar accommodation in the dark (so you don’t have to put the ‘big light’ on and disturb anyone you might be sharing a room with). They are also handy for evening walks back from a nearby pub/restaurant - a lot of the places we stay are in rural areas without street lights.
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Please ensure you have warm layers with you in your rucksack/backpack. Weather forecasts are not always correct and weather can rapidly change unexpectedly. The temperature on the water can often be much colder than in land, especially if it’s more windy on the water. The guide leading your activity can help advise what to wear when you arrive - better to have it and not need it.
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Yes - we’d always recommend it. Weather forecasts are not always correct and weather can rapidly change unexpectedly. The temperature on the water can often be much colder than in land, especially if it’s more windy on the water. The guide leading your activity can help advise what to wear when you arrive - better to have it and not need it.
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Midges exist all over the UK, but Scotland has a bad reputation for them and we often get asked if midges will be a problem on our experiences which run in Scotland. Midges tend to be encountered more often in Scotland as the midge favours the damper climate and habitats found there. The usual season for midges is May to September. Certainly for most of our swimming, coastal and Scottish isle trips, there is often enough of a breeze to keep them away (they can't fly once the wind speed is above a few miles per hour).
Overall, midges are generally not a significant issue on our trips, but we'd advise you to be prepared. A bottle of repellant (there are some great natural options) or suitable clothing to cover up stashed in your rucksack can save a great outdoor experience from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up!
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Please check the What’s Included / Accommodation sections on the relevant webpage, as this varies across the range of different accommodation we use.