5 Things Kayakers Should Keep In Their Life Jackets

We've all heard about carrying a watch, a whistle, and a knife with you down the river, but what about items to store inside your personal floatation device? Besides sunscreen, chapstick, and extra snacks, what else should kayakers pack in their lifejacket?

Here are our team's top recommendations: 3 Carabiners + 2 Prusik Cord + 1 Webbing
You shouldn’t keep a pin kit for
your kayak in your kayak - if
your kayak gets pinned, well,
you then can’t get your pin kit.
Also, familiarize yourself with
knowing how to use your pin kit.
If you are a visual learner, we
recommend learning from the
Z-Drag Crib Sheet.
3 Carabiners + 2 Prusik Cords + 1
10' Length of Webbing
Extra Noseplugs
 
You won’t know that you’ll need
these until you need these, so
go ahead and grab an extra pair.
It’s great to carry an extra pair of
noseplugs in your pfd in case
the pair on my helmet gets
pulled off. 
Earplugs

As a kayaker, protecting your ears is really important. Earplugs are great to store and hold inside your PFD until you need to use them - usually when you begin playboating/surfing or if you’re in big water where swimming is a possibility.

 
Honorable Mention: Tow Tether

Tow tethers are a great addition for any paddle under Class III. It's worth bringing along if you are teaching someone new how to paddle and can handle the added bulk in your PFD. 

 

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