Through the years I've run the full gamut of gear selection for overnight kayaking trips, from bare minimalist to a hammock. On a one night out journey, sleep isn't critical, but if you're out for several nights, quality and quantity of sleep will greatly affect paddling ability and decision making. I'm a light sleeper, so my setup is pretty cushy. I use a down bag because good down weighs less, packs smaller and last longer than any synthetic material on the market. It's useless if it gets soaked and it takes a long time to dry too, but this isn't much of a concern when using Watershed Drybags. Good down is expensive, but will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Good gear for overnight trips is not cheap. You can make one big initial investment and have have the right gear, or go cheap and end up buying twice, spending more money and having a cold/uncomfortable night out there too. This is what works for me and why I bring each item.

Mosquitoes, scorpions, ants, ticks and spiders. Not worrying about any of these is priceless. Plus it doubles as a ground cloth.

Honest temperature ratings and hand made in Seattle. Great customer service to backup the product. It's the Kokatat of sleeping bags and they have a cool name.

There are lighter pads out there, but I have not used anything as comfortable as this pad. For an extra 4oz it's worth the weight.

A down coat is nice to have around camp on cool evenings or early in the morning. If temperatures really drop you can put it on and take your sleeping bag a lot lower than it's rated too. 

Also nice to wear around camp. Merino wool doesn't pick up odors like synthetic fabrics. I like to sprawl when I sleep, and this lets me do so without getting cold arms.

See above

Heavy for a drybag, but perfectly dry every time. All my sleeping gear fits in one with no problems. Also the most durable drybag on the market.




   The majority of my good weather setup carries over with a few changes. My bad weather setup has evolved over a few years.

         Sierra Designs Flashlight 1 FL                                         - $300     42oz
Works better than any bivy: it actually is dry in the rain.

When combined with the Daybreak Jacket this can go to lower temperatures than I'd want to be kayaking in.

A down coat is nice to have around camp on cool evenings or early in the morning. If temperatures really drop you can put it on and take your sleeping bag a lot lower than it's rated too. 

Heavy for a drybag, but perfectly dry every time. All my sleeping gear fits in one with no problems. Also the most durable drybag on the market.