Kayaks and camping go together so well

C

CellerDrummer

Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Messages
564
I've been a recreational kayaker for 15-16 yrs..What hooked me at first was my Perception Swifty..Its a 35 lb 9 ft long kayak with a 350 lb weight capacity..It was a perfect for fishing and overnighters along the river..Its about 15 years old and been through tons of abuse..Shortly after I bought that one the wife and daughter realized how much fun kayaking was so I bought a 12 ft sit on top tandom model so they could go as well..Well those were fun play boats until this year..I needed an upgrade..
 
Went out twice so far this year with co-workers..The first time I loaded down the Swifty and realized I needed more room..The second time I went out I tyed everything down on the front of my tandom and sat in the back..That worked out OK until I hit some rapids and all my gear shifted..All I had was a duffle bag with a dry-bag liner,a smaller waterproof bag similiar to a overnight bag and a cooler...I had to paddle to shallow water and reposition things twice on that trip...Well no more this year was upgrade year.
 
If you're needing an upgrade I'd suggest picking up something from Old Town. Since it seems you're a fisherman, I'd go after one of their angler models like a Dirigo Anger (which I currently use) or a Camden Angler. I've owned a couple other brands and nothing has compared to the fit and finish and overall durability of an Old Town kayak. They've also got the most comfortable seats you'll find on the kayak market. Good luck!
 
Thanks Dr.Richalds,,One of the guys actually uses an Old Town canoe...I've had good luck with my lower end models so I decided to go that route..I spent at least a week researching,sitting on differant models and reading tons of reviews.. I bought a 12 ft Future Beach angler SOT model today..I'm pretty stoked..$330 after a 30% off coupon at a large sporting goods store..One of my buddies has a kayak similiar to this one and it is the cats a$$ for fishing , touring and camping..If you guys want to take along tons of gear and camp at remote locations try a kayak or a canoe..I grew up canoeing with the boyscouts and my dad but I prefer the kayaks now..I can easily load it in my truck with all my gear in about 5 minutes..They track through the river and handle the rapids better in my opinion..I had at least a dozen pictures I was going to upload but my phone froze up and I lost everything..Were doing a couple more trips late summer, early fall when its not so hot.. I'll take a bunch of pictures for you guys..
 
Last edited:
You can really spoil yourself kayak camping..We fish and bs while were paddling along..If other campers beat you to one of your favorite spots just paddle down to another one..The river we use has nice camping areas all over including islands...Once we make it to camp out come the machetes..We'll,, actually a ice cold beer comes out first then a little camp area prepping begins..10-15 minutes later were pitching tents,building a fire and unloading the kayaks..When your out in the middle of no where grilling venison tenderloins and steaks, hanging out fishing..The food and beer taste 10X better for some reason..
 
I used to use only canoes, covered and uncovered, until my first trip to Ellesmere Island where I first used a kayak. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but the stability and speed of a kayak are incredible. It's like going from a bus to a sports car.
 
Butt-boats have definately evolved in the last fifty years. I've never tried one, though I do have an open solo canoe that is very kayak-like. I probably would be a kayak enthusiast myself had I had access to today's designs years ago. But now, I am not flexable enough to even try one. And I am just now getting my stable of canoes back after losses and thefts.

And, as an old Codger, I am not too prone to major changes in my paddling habits. I was in a canoe in the middle of the Tennessee River when the news came that the Eagle had landed on the moon (Apollo 11). And had been paddling canoes several years before that. I personally like the volume, weight capacity and stability of canoes. But I am very glad to see more paddlers out on the water, regardless of their vessel choice.
 
You need a stable. BTW, the Swifty was my first 'yak too.

kayaks.jpg
 
I love Kayaks for open water short duration camping. Other than that I'll take a canoe any day. Nicer not having to break all my gear down into small packages, I can carry a lot more stuff - not the least of which is my dog! Also a lot easier to get in and out of tough spots along steep or overgrown banks without getting soaked.
 
HeavyHanded said:
I love Kayaks for open water short duration camping. Other than that I'll take a canoe any day. Nicer not having to break all my gear down into small packages, I can carry a lot more stuff - not the least of which is my dog! Also a lot easier to get in and out of tough spots along steep or overgrown banks without getting soaked.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't be the same for me without Jake!

2jcirzn.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top