How to pack a dry bag is one of our most frequently asked questions. In this short post we will share some quick tips on how to pack and what to pack for a paddleboard day trip.
First things first, you'll need a dry bag.
What's a dry bag you ask?
It's just a waterproof bag that is 10-20 litre in volume. Like this:
What goes in a dry bag?
Then you need these items to put in the dry bag;
Sunblock & chapstick
Sun hat
Warm fleece/wool sweater or synthetically insulated jacket
Water
Warm soup or tea
Healthy snacks - fruit, berries, nuts, crackers & hummus
Communication device - fully charged cell phone, VHF marine radio, Inreach or other SEND device in a waterproof case
Extra clothes in case you (or your friend) fall in
Rain jacket and rain pants
Map or chart of area and compass
First Aid kit
Emergency blanket or shelter
Firestarter, waterproof matches
Bathroom kit (TP, roll of dog poop bags, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products)
Watertight flashlight
Optional: Camera (waterproof or in a waterproof case)
Buoyant throw line
To ensure you always go prepared, grab a copy of our Day Kit Checklist.
How to pack a Dry Bag
Since dry bags only provide access from the top, we recommend packing things you need often at the top and things you expect to use less or not at all at the bottom.
In the bottom, I put my: Emergency blanket/shelter, flashlight, first aid kit
In the middle I like to keep my: extra clothing layers, food and fire starter
At the top I like to keep my: water, snacks, rain jacket, map and camera!