SUP Camping Essential Gear
Packing survival essentials when going on any paddling trip important . Even if you’re going on a day trip. SUP camping allows you to go into remote wilderness areas that are hard to access should an emergency occur. You have to be proactive and prepared to take care of yourself.
You never know what mother nature will throw your way. Plus there is always Murphy’s Law. “If something can go wrong it will, and usually at the worst time.”
That being said on a typical SUP camping trip you will only need to use a few of these items. But if something unexpected happens you will be glad you brought them.
These essentials are categories rather than individual items. It’s worth spending a little time thinking about what items in each category you will pack. Of course, you don’t need to take every item on this list on every SUP trip you take.
When deciding what survival essentials to take consider:
- Weather
- Water conditions
- Paddling difficulty
- Duration of trip
- Distance from help
Read: Risks to Avoid When Paddle Boarding
12 SUP Camping Survival Essentials
1. Paddle Board Back Ups
Taking an extra paddle is important for obvious reasons. It is also easy and smart to take an extra board leash. A paddle leash is a good idea to make sure you never lose your paddle. An extra fin (with pins) is lightweight and easy to pack.
If you are paddle board camping with an inflatable you want to take an inflatable repair kit. And I say pack a paddle board pump with you. I take the lightest pump I have with me. If your inflatable springs a slow leak you can repair it with a patch kit.
But if you don’t have a pump with you… well, you will have to paddle with whatever air is left in your paddle board. Inflatables are durable and yes, the odds are remote your board will ever start to leak. But I value the peace of mind I have being prepared.
I am also going to include a small backpack in this category. I always take one for short day hikes. But they make good sense in case you have to hike out for emergency reasons.
- Extra paddle
- Extra board leash
- Paddle leash
- Extra fin with pins
- isup repair kit
- isup pump
- Small backpack
2. PFD
It doesn’t matter what type of personal flotation device you wear. A life jacket vest offers the most safety. An inflatable belt is nonrestrictive and comfortable. You can read more about paddle board PFDs here.
3. Map or GPS Device
Navigation tools for knowing where you are and how to get where you’re going are essential. Starting with a map and compass on every overnight paddling trip in an unfamiliar area. A compass is critical in case you ever become disoriented.
A GPS device will quickly let you know exactly where you are. Rugged waterproof GPS devices are handy and dependable. You can also get a GPS device for your smart phone. I prefer a stand alone device because they are more durable than a cell phone.
PLBs or satellite messengers are a great emergency back up. A personal locator beacon will find your location via GPS and send a signal to local emergency agencies. They work in remote areas where you will not have cell phone service.
- Map
- Compass
- GPS device
- PLB – Personal locator beam or satellite messenger
4. Sun Protection
Sun protection is more then just wearing a sun hat. Of course a hat is critical. But a good pair of sunglasses are important too. Glare off the water can cause eye fatigue and even temporary blindness. Make sure to buy a floatable lanyard to keep them from being lost.
Sunscreen is a good idea. There are natural sunscreens available if you don’t want to lather yourself with chemicals.
And of course a sun hat and proper clothing are necessary. Consider a rash guard if you plan on getting wet. A moisture wicking long sleeve t-shirt with UV protection will come in handy.
- Polarized sunglasses with floatable lanyard
- Sunscreen
- Sun Hat
- UV Protection clothing
5. Headlamp
Headlamps are essential for any type of camping. Make sure your batteries are fresh. It’s not a bad idea to mount a deck light on your paddle board.
- Headlamp
- Deck light
6. First Aid
You can buy pre-made first aid kits or put together your own. It’s important you understand how to use the items in your kit. You can also buy small medical emergency field guides to take with you.
- First aid kit
- Compact medical emergency field book
7. Fire
In case of an emergency you may need to build a fire. A disposable butane lighter is fine. Waterproof matches work well. You also want to carry firestarter. Firestarter is any type of tinder that will help you start and build a fire. Options include: dry tinder in a waterproof bag, candles, priming paste or fire starter nuggets.
- Disposable lighter
- Waterproof matches
- Tinder or firestarter
8. Emergency Shelter
Carry some type of emergency shelter with you besides your tent. This can be as simple as an emergency space blanket. Emergency space blankets are lightweight, pack small and work well. Other options are: a lightweight tarp, bivy sack, even a large trash bag .
- Emergency space blanket
- Lightweight tarp
- Bivy sack
- X-large heavy duty trash bag
9. Multi-Tool
A knife and multi-tool are practical and handy items to take on any camping trip. They have hundreds of uses when camping. They are good for gear repairs, cooking, first aid and have many emergency uses. I own a Swiss Army knife and use the scissors as much as the knife blade.
- Multi-tool
- Paddling knife
- Swiss Army Knife
10. Dry clothes
Extra clothing is a priority on a paddle board camping trip. What clothing you decide to take will depend on the weather. Never pack cotton. Cotton takes forever to dry and will not keep you warm when wet. Make sure to have good dry bags for your clothing. And remember if you throw wet clothes in a dry bag everything in the bag will end up wet.
- Extra clothes
- Dry bags
if you throw wet clothes in a dry bag everything in the bag will end up wet.
11. Extra Food
It’s always a possibility you may not be able to paddle out due to bad weather. You never want to be short on food during an emergency. I like to bring enough extra food for a full day of paddling. If it’s a long trip I will bring two days of extra food.
Most of your extra food should not require cooking. Pack extra energy bars, jerky, trail mix, nuts and dried fruit.
- At least one extra day of food
- Foods that don’t require cooking
12. Water Treatment System
Paddle board campers always have a water source within reach. But you need a water treatment system to drink it safely. I use a Sawyer Filter. It works well and is reasonably priced.
As a backup I take water purification tablets. Safe drinking water is a priority in the wilderness
- Water treatment filter
- Water purification tablets
Dig Deeper:
Comprehensive Packing List for SUP Camping
SUP Camping Tips for a Smooth Trip
What to Wear Paddle Board Camping
Best Inflatable Paddle Boards for Camping
Video: Backcounty SUP Camping Trip
Disclosure
Products I use are purchased with my own funds. I am under no obligation to review any product. This site expresses my own independent opinion.
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