How to Tie Down Loose Loads While Kayaking & Camping

Proper packing can make a backcountry kayak camping trip more enjoyable.

Kayak camping involves a large amount of gear in need of proper storage in a relatively small space. Gear and equipment need to be lashed down to the kayak when heading out on a long trip. In many ways, packing for a kayak camping trip is akin to old-fashioned horse packing in that the gear needs to be secured to prevent swaying and balance issues as well as distributing the load symmetrically.

Things You'll Need

• Dry bags
• Bungee cords
• Mesh cargo nets
• 5 millimeter nylon cord

Instructions

1. Pack loose gear into watertight dry bags. Break the gear into smaller loads of equal or near equal weight. For example, instead of packing 10 pounds of loose gear into one large bag, pack two medium-size bags with five pounds of gear each.

2. Hook the bags to the kayak's deck bungee cord fasteners. Use small bungee cords to secure the bags to the deck. Give the bags a push to check if they sway or move. Check that the weight is evenly distributed on the deck hull.

3. Cover large bags or odd shaped gear such as folding tables or kitchen items on the kayak deck with a mesh cargo net. Lash the cargo net to the deck using several bungee cords. If necessary, wrap the bungee all the way around the bottom of the kayak.

4. Sit in the kayak and test the stability and how the gear affects the tilt and lean of the kayak. If the kayak leans to one side or the other, get out and redistribute the weight so the kayak sits in the water without tilt or lean.

Tips & Warnings

• Use marine nylon cord and marine bungees available at outdoor outfitters and canoe/kayak stores. Marine cords do not absorb water, making them easier to knot and untie.

References

• Folding Kayak Adventures: Trip Planning

Resources

• Canoe and Kayak: Camp From Your Kayak in Style With Gear; Bob Lyon