So you want to self-support kayak? Kayak camping tips and instructions to make a hobo fire...

A foggy morning on the Rogue - Photo by Megan Kelly

Megan is loving life!

Is there anything better than launching on a multi-day adventure, floating downstream, and living the simple nomadic life, even if it's only for a few days?  For me, few things compare to this kind of experience.

Photo by Megan Kelly

Camp 3 - Photo by Megan Kelly

In October, just after the close of permit season, two friends and I headed to the Rogue River in Oregon.  It was my second year for this particular adventure, and it was even more awesome than the first.  Despite the government shutdown, we were still able to launch on our four day adventure, and we couldn't have asked for better weather at the peak of fall colors (sunny and 70 in October in the PNW - yes, please!!).







I want to share a few of the things I've learned on these adventures.  We live in the great state of Washington, where multi-day river adventures are not far away.  Here are thirteen tips to help YOU get out there and enjoy a successful mission! I've also included directions to make an instant fire - keep reading and happy paddling!

Thirteen tips for a successful self-supported (no rafts) kayaking mission:

- Research and find beta for the run you're doing - know that it is within the skill level of all group members

- Always carry a rope, pin kit, and first aid kit (well, duh) and know how to use them

- Carry a breakdown paddle

- Bring extra layers and food (there's always a chance of delay)

- Know your routes out

- Don't just print off the online float guide. Get a real guidebook and map if one exists for the stretch of river you're doing.

- Be prepared for rain if the forecast is dicey (if you wear a drysuit, I prefer a versatile poncho over an unzipped drysuit to full rain gear. Then i can just wear my river shoes with the drysuit instead of packing additional footwear for a rainy camp.)

- If it's cold, a thermos of hot tea for the middle of the day cannot be beat!

- If fires are prohibited or require a fire pan, make a candle pot for instant fire - directions below.

If it doesn't all fit, then you're bringing too much!
Photo by Megan Kelly

- Do a test pack.  It's nice to have a plan and know that all of year gear fits into your boat. You don't want to realize you need another dry bag once you're already at the put-in.  This is more important than a test paddle - it's easy to adjust to paddling a loaded boat and rolling isn't all that different either.
- Hire a shuttle. It's worth it.
- Avoid bringing too much stuff!  It's easy to do, and chances are good that you probably won't need it.
- Consider purchasing an expedition boat.  While you can definitely pack a creek boat with all the gear you need, a boat made for these kinds of trips can make things easier.  Boats like the Pyranha Fusion, Dagger Katana, and Jackson Rogue not only make packing fast and easy, but also tend to track better and move faster in flatwater (skegs are awesome!).

Hobo Fire

How to Make a Candle Pot (aka Hobo Fire aka Instant Fire):

The candle pot I made for this particular trip was the first one I've ever made. Once the sun had set, the instant flame was warm and comforting.  And it beats staring at an LED lantern.  It burned brighter and longer than my friends ever expected it to.


Materials:
The container:  an empty can (think tuna or chicken and avoid taller cans)
The wick:  cardboard
The fuel:  paraffin wax
If there's wind:  aluminum foil or other wind shield




1. Measure the depth of your can.
2. Cut long strips of cardboard with a width equal to the depth of your can.
3.  Roll up the cardboard strips as tight as possible, until it is about the size of your can.
4.  Insert your roll of cardboard into the can. It should be secure and fit well.
5.  Melt your wax on the stove top.  Use caution to slowly heat the wax!  If it is smoking, remove from heat.  You only need to melt the wax; not set it on fire (it is combustible if it gets too hot!)
6.  Pour the melted wax into the can over the cardboard.

You are now ready to light your candle pot!  Light it in the center - the cardboard acts as a wick. You may need to let some of the wax drip away before it will light.  Bring a small bag of extra wax to feed the pot (just toss it on there after it's been burning a little while), and bring some aluminum foil that you can craft into a wind shield if needed.


See you on the river!

Jen Jakub