Hacks for Hiking with a Kayak

If you love the thrill of backcountry hiking and reaching the summit to admire the sunset solo, then have you ever thought about bringing a kayak on your hike? Imagine paddling across hidden lakes and rivers to reach old-growth forests that few people have ever experienced. With an inflatable kayak, you can combine hiking and paddling for the ultimate outdoor experience and take your adventures to a whole new level!

In this guide, we cover hacks for hiking with a kayak so you can make txhe most of your backcountry hiking adventures. We recommend the best backpacking kayaks, how to plan your route, what and how to pack, how to transport your kayak, transitioning between hiking and camping, and conclude with our dream hiking and kayaking trip.

Best Kayaks For Hiking

If you’re looking for the best kayak for backpacking, we recommend lightweight inflatable or foldable kayaks. These are the best options because they are compact, portable, easy to set up plus durable. 

At ISLE, we have 4 inflatable kayak SUP hybrids that would work wonderfully for a backcountry hiking trip. In this video, we go through in detail the pros and cons of inflatable kayaks so that you can see if it’s the right option for you.

• Switch Compact - This is our most lightweight and compact kayak with a 40% smaller pack size. When inflated it measures 10’6” in length. It’s great for beginner paddlers as it’s designed to favor stability over speed. The kayak itself weighs only 17 lb and has a 220 lb capacity
• Switch - If you prefer a standard 11’6” length kayak, then our original Switch is another great lightweight option. With its 35.5” width, it’s stable and great for beginner and intermediate kayakers. It weighs 19 lbs on its own with a 220 lb capacity
• Pioneer 3 - Our best-selling 10’6” kayak comes with a full coverage traction pad so if you want to SUP, you can bring kids or a pet, do SUP yoga, or stretch out and lounge. The kayak itself weighs 19 lb with a 385 lb capacity
• Explorer 3 - Our 11’6” touring kayak is great for advanced paddlers or kayakers who want to go the distance. With its touring shape, it favors speed over stability. The kayak weighs 19 lbs with a 300 lb capacity so that you can easily tandem kayak or pack it with gear for a long day trip

Planning Your Route

When planning your route, figure out if you want to hike to a remote waterway or if you want to kayak to a remote hiking spot. This will impact how you pack and prep all your gear before you set off. 

Check the local or state park websites so that you are aware of water conditions, fire bans, and local wildlife warnings. Look up the best time of year for backcountry hiking and kayaking. Also, we recommend doing some online research and seeing if you can find any locals who can give you additional tips such as where to park or leave your car. Make sure that all necessary park permits are obtained and understand local regulations.

Before your trip, check weather forecasts and water conditions in advance. Make sure you notify a close contact about your trip dates so that if any emergency happens, they can notify local authorities. 

How to Pack For Hiking With A Kayak

To pack your inflatable kayak, we recommend the following backpack kayak systems: 

1. If you’re only hiking short distances, our Switch Compact Backpack which comes with the Switch Compact is designed to fit the Compact kayak plus all the accessories with a 90L capacity. 
2. The Advanced Elements Kayak Pack is designed to carry inflatable kayaks. It has padded straps and a waist belt for comfortable carry and is made of a durable and water-resistant material.
3. The Aquaglide Crossroads Backpack is also designed for hiking to remote lakes as it easily packs inflatable kayaks or SUPs. It’s made of durable 600d polyester with padded straps making it comfortable to carry your board, pump, paddles, and accessories. There are also extra compression straps and bungee cords so that you can store extra gear. 

In terms of other essential gear to pack, don’t forget the following:

• Dry Bag: critical for keeping your food, hiking shoes, and valuables dry as you paddle through remote rivers and lakes 
• Hydration: pack enough hydration or water purifiers to hydrate on the go, such as the LifeStraw
• Food: pack enough food to fuel your journey. Make sure you pack out any garbage so that you leave no trace
• Hygiene/toilet essentials: if you’re backcountry camping over several days, you’ll have to pack everything you need to go to the toilet comfortably while disposing of human waste safely and cleanly. Toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer are a must-have
• If you’re hiking in the heat, don’t forget to keep yourself safe from the sun. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and UPF clothing such as our lightweight SunJoy UV Hoodie
• Waterproof jacket, clothing, and or shoes
• Trail map, GPS, and or compass so you can navigate the backcountry areas
• Headlamp
• First aid kit
• Fire-starting tools are necessary for warmth or cooking
• Collapsible pail or bucket so that you can wash your dishes (washing in local water sources is a no-no)
• Cooking essentials: if you’re planning to cook or wake up to a hot cup of coffee, you’ll need a mini stove or kettle
• Airtight containers to hold food and waste
• Bear bag

Here are a few essential tips for kayak backpacking:

Minimalist packing: pack only the essentials to reduce weight

Balanced Load: distribute weight evenly for comfort and stability

Safety First

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): Emphasize the importance of wearing a lifejacket

 times.

First Aid Kit: Always carry a compact first aid kit.

Communication Devices: Bring a GPS, satellite phone, or a reliable map and compass.

How to Transport Your Kayak

When packing your car, make sure to deflate your kayak entirely. Don’t forget all the essential kayaking gear such as your paddle, seat, foot brace, and pump. After a kayak trip, simply deflate your inflatable kayak, dry it off, and pack it up into your kayak bag. If you’re transporting the kayak a short distance without deflating it, you can carry our inflatable kayaks with the designated nose, tail, and center carrying handles. 

If you’re going backcountry hiking for several days, we suggest going with a small group. That way you can share the load of kayaking and hiking gear. 

Combining Hiking With Kayaking

Whether you’re starting the trip hiking and then transitioning to kayaking or vice versa, here are a few tips when combining hiking with kayaking overall: 

• Time Management: Allow enough time for each activity, considering setup and pack-up times
• Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear like life jackets for kayaking and sturdy footwear for hiking
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans based on weather or unexpected challenges

If you’re planning to hike to your kayak spot, here are some tips for transitioning from hiking to kayaking.

1. Plan Your Route:
• Research and Map Out: Know your hiking trail and the water body you will kayak on. Check access points and distances to ensure a smooth transition. Check that there are no possible barriers
• Weather Check: Confirm favorable weather conditions for both hiking and kayaking.
2. Pack Efficiently:
• Use a Kayak Backpack: Carry your inflatable kayak in a specialized backpack designed for comfort and durability.
• Distribute Weight Evenly: Pack your gear to balance the load and avoid strain during the hike.
3. Hydrate and Refuel: Drink water before, during, and after the hike to stay hydrated. Have a quick, energy-boosting snack to replenish energy levels before paddling.
4. Change of Clothing:
• Wear Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: These help manage sweat during the hike and dry quickly when transitioning to kayaking.
• Pack Dry Clothes: Carry an extra set of dry clothes to change into after the hike.
5. Setup Efficiently:
• Inflate Kayak: Use a portable pump to quickly inflate your kayak. Practice setting it up beforehand to ensure a smooth transition.
• Secure Gear: Ensure all your gear is securely stowed in the kayak, using dry bags for protection.

If you’re planning to kayak to your backcountry hiking spot, then here are a few tips for a smooth and easy transition. 

1. Disassemble and Pack:
• Deflate and Dry: prevent mold and mildew by thoroughly drying your kayak off
• Pack Properly: Fold and pack the kayak into its backpack, ensuring it’s secure and doesn’t move during your hike
2. Change and Clean:
• Rinse Off: If possible, rinse off any salt or debris from your gear and yourself.
• Dry Clothes: Change into dry, comfortable hiking clothes to avoid chafing and discomfort.
3. Hydrate and Refuel:
• Hydrate: Drink water to replace any lost fluids during kayaking.
• Eat a Snack: Consume a light snack to boost your energy before starting the hike.
4. Check Gear and Adjust:
• Adjust Backpack: Ensure your backpack is comfortably adjusted for the hike back.
• Check Footwear: Make sure your hiking shoes are dry and free from sand or debris.

Best Practices for Backcountry Adventures

If you’re setting a base camp for longer hiking and kayak trips, we’ve included some of the most essential tips below. 

1. Shelter: Choose a high spot that is flat, free from vegetation, shaded, and protected from the wind to set up your tent. Also don’t forget to pack a tarp to keep your belongings dry. We recommend camping at least 200 feet from a water source so you have water to drink (after you treat it). Be aware when you choose your space - look up and make sure there isn’t a rotten tree or branch over your tent that could fall during a storm. Or if there is a single tree on a high point, remember that this could be a lightning risk. 
2. Clear boundaries: designate the specific sleeping, lounging, cleaning, cooking, and toilet areas so that it’s clear for everyone on the trip. Also ensure that everyone knows where the lights, rainwear, bug repellent, and cooking utensils are stored.
   
3. Don’t attract wildlife: if you’re camping in bear country make sure you hang your bear bag with all your food and strong-smelling items at least 200 feet from camp, 16 feet off the ground, and 10 feet away from the tree trunk

Finally, before you set out on your trip, we wanted to remind you of the 7 Leave No Trace principles so that as an outdoor enthusiast you can minimize your impact on the environment and keep the backcountry as pristine as possible.

1. Plan and Prepare:
• Know the regulations and concerns for the area 
• Prepare for extreme weather, fire, wildlife, hazards, and emergencies
• Use a map and/or compass so that you can avoid using marking paint, flagging or rock cairns
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
• Stick to established trails and campsites
• Camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when it is wet or muddy
3. Dispose of Waste Properly:
• Pack it in, pack it out. Before leaving inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or food
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails and dug 6-8 inches deep. Pack out toilet paper and other hygiene waste
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap
4. Leave What You Find:
• Preserve the past: admire but do not touch any natural artifacts or fascinating rocks and plants 
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches
5. Minimize Campfire Impact:
• Use a stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light
• Check if there are local fire bans. If fires are allowed, use existing fire rings, pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small and manageable. For example, only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires entirely and then scatter cool ashes
6. Respect Wildlife:
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals as it damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing food and trash securely
• Control your pets at all times, or if that’s not possible, it’s best to leave them at home
7. Be Considerate of Others:
• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. For example, be courteous and give way to other hikers
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors
• Avoid loud voices and noises

Our Recommended Hiking & Kayak Trip

If you’re looking for a dream location for backcountry hiking, camping, and kayaking, then look no further than Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. 
You’ll love it if you feel like kayaking across peaceful, glassy lakes and immersing yourself in pristine, untouched forests, you have to check out the northern third of Superior Forest. This wilderness area is a dream for backcountry campers as there are over a thousand lakes and hundreds of miles of interconnected waterways. The primary mode of travel is through canoe or kayak through the interconnected lakes and rivers Note only backcountry camping is available. 

For more tips on camping with a kayak, read our very detailed guide.

Thanks for reading our very detailed guide on hiking with a kayak. We hope you are excited to pack an inflatable kayak on your next hike. We know you’ll love exploring and fully immersing yourself in untouched forests, rivers, and mountains.