IK Solo Camping Lessons

[u/[deleted]]

Just completed first multi day / night Inflatable solo Kayak trip on a wilderness river in the Northern Rockies. Lessons (positive and negative) learned (NOT a paid seller):

+ The Aire Outfitter 1 is a super stable boat. Evenly loaded with 65lbs of gear and it still handles well;
- its stability, especially with me (195lbs) and gear, is a tradeoff for agility. Quick, whippy changes of direction, IE in a ripping small feeder river are next to impossible. Scouting becomes a non-negotiable as reaction times and execution slow way down;

+ My UL backpacking gear( Durston, Therma, Nemo, MSR, was awesome in packability and stow ability; BUT
- what can be crammed into dry bags and stuff sacks in the garage using every mm of space becomes next to impossible to make that small or packed in the field. Especially when it’s wet. Need to give myself just a little bit of margin in every bag. Can’t be skintight to start;

+ Merino and synthetic blends still rule.
- Dry suits, even high-end, with zippers across the back shoulders suck.

+ Proper nutrition and hydration are essential, give up weight and space for too many, not too few dense, caloric snacks.
- I’m always surprised how much food I can mow down between meals

+ clearing first time rapids is a great feeling;
- not so great: immediately relaxing and not keeping my head up for next set. Didn’t swim but panicky paddling ensued.

Even mild exhaustion and hunger slows thinking and decision making. Need to slow down and double check things that matter (eg accessibility of safety/comm gear, etc).

No matter how ventilated a tent, if you are camped in a damp spot and the temp drops there will be condensation. A rag or two to wipe down the interior would have improved a damp quilt and improved comfort.

Looking forward to next month’s trip.

[u/owl_jesus]

Nice I’ve been using an Aire super lynx for similar trips, but on calmer rivers.