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Don’t hit
the water - even for a day trip - without these items: |
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Personal
flotation device (PFD) for everyone on board |
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Compass and
maps |
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First aid
kit |
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Whistle or
signal mirror |
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Emergency
strobe light |
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Pocketknife
or multi-tool |
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Sponge and
bailer |
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Ropes at the
ends of the boat |
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Pocketknife |
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Trowel or shovel |
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Repair and
spare-parts kit |
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Flashlight,
headlamp or lantern |
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Extra
batteries - make sure they are new |
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Sunscreen - use a high SPF for optimum
protection |
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Insect repellent – one with DEET works best |
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Weather
radio |
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Watch |
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Water bottles
and water |
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Waterproof matches |
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Waterproof
bags for everything |
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Whenever
you head out for longer than a few hours, you’ll need to gear up. Base
your equipment selection on the season, region, water temperature and
length of your trip. And remember, weather can change quickly and
dramatically, so be prepared for the worst. |
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Clothing |
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Short-sleeved T-shirt |
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Lightweight,
long-sleeve wool or synthetic shirt |
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Synthetic or
wool turtleneck |
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Fleece or
wool sweater |
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Fleece or
wool pants |
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Two pair of
quick-drying nylon pants or shorts |
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Complete set of extra clothes in waterproof
bag |
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Two pair of
underwear |
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Outerwear |
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Brimmed hat
and sunglasses |
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Bandanna |
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Stocking cap |
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A poncho or
other rain gear |
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Light jacket |
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Neoprene
gloves |
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Fleece
gloves and liners (for camp) |
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Footwear |
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Old tie-on
shoes |
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A pair of
camp shoes |
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Wool or
synthetic socks |
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A pair of
dry socks for camp |
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Plastic
freezer bags (Tip: wrap around socks before putting on your boots to keep
feet warm and dry) |
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Camping Gear |
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Tent, rainfly, poles and stakes |
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Ground cover or tarp – keeps everything
cleaner |
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Sleeping bag
inside a waterproof garbage bag |
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Air mattress with pump or a camp pad – This
will smooth out the ground and let you sleep better |
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Cook stove
and fuel |
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Cooking and
eating utensils |
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Waterproof,
soft-sided pack |
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Cooler(s) with ice |
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Bottle and
can openers |
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Water
bottles and water |
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Thermal
containers for hot and cold beverages |
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Plates, cups, bowls |
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Pot scrubber |
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Water filter
or purification tablets |
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Tarp and
rope for a dining awning |
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Plastic
garbage bags |
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Assorted
waterproof dry bags for clothes, food and other items |
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String or parachute cord |
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Personal Items |
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Biodegradable soap |
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Toothbrush
and paste |
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Bath
towel |
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Brush or
comb |
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Toilet paper |
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Lip balm |
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If you're kayaking |
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Wet or dry
suit |
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Spray skirt |
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Sea sock |
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Paddle float |
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Buoyancy
bags |
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Neoprene
booties (also useful for canoeists) |
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VHF
marine-band radio |
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Bilge pump |
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Other stuff |
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Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver |
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Binoculars |
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Fishing
license and tackle |
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Camp chair |
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Camera and
film |
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Field guide |
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Journal |
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Book |
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Playing
cards or other games |
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Additional Items |
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