Must Haves

[Shoeless]

What kinds of stuff do you just have to take with you on a day trip?

I carry a few trail mix bars, some water, a sweat shirt, some toilet paper and a mesh hammock for the lunch time nap.

[rcurry]

Naturally I have the basic items … lifejacket, boat, paddle, rope, knife.

Then I have a dry bag that stays packed and stored inside the boat that contains some "just in case" stuff (I replenish the contents if needed) ...tiny first aid kit, lighter, emergency blanket, paper, pen, duct tape, towel, change of clothes, grocery sack, TP, flashlight)

Lastly I collect the following items when I go out depending on the weather, length of trip, what mood I’m in and if legally permitted… snacks, small cooler with ice/refreshments, cell phone, personal protection, camera, small binoculars, towel, music & extra batteries, grocery sack for trash.

[Nutkins]

Everything stated above + Whistle. I carry a small manual bilge pump just incase bad weather should happen. GPS (Or compass and map).

I have been thinking lately that I want to take a nice weekend adventure or week long one and have been looking around at a lot of hiking and backpack camping gear. Like a small burner to warm water with for a soup or tea.

One of the more pleasant items I have bought was a personal mosquito net with a large brim hat.

I leaving a written itinerary is always a good idea. In the case that a search and rescue may need to be involved. Me myself would personally never wonder to the extreme that someone would have to come looking for me.

Hahaha, another thing I always bring is a fishing pole ;) But... I have been watching a lot of programs on TV that show people making a spear out of a stick of wood.

[rcurry]

One other thing that always goes with me is a sponge. I have thought about getting a manual bilge pump but so far my sponge and drain plug have served me well. The times I have screwed up and gotten my boat swamped I've always been close to shore and capable of draining and sponging out the water. Sponges are great for also keeping a tidy boat.:cool: