[Roberto Dominguez]

I have just spent a bit of time in the tent search rabbit hole so I can share what I’ve learnt.

For kayak-camping I started using a +25 years Tarn 2, but it was falling apart so two years ago I’ve got a Tarptent Double Rainbow. It’s a great tent, and it has been ok for 4-5 days trips, but after completing a 11 days trip around Cape Scott, I realized it is not the right tent for kayak trips.

It’s fully waterproof, ultra light and compact to pack, but it is hard to set up and it is not self standing so if you have to set it up on sand or rocks or move, it is a pain. So I realized I needed something new.

First thing was looking around and noticed what most experienced paddlers I know love their MRS Hubba Hubba. I think it’s a great tent, pricey but I’ve seen people very happy with their 10+ years tent.

Another tent a guide recommended to me was the Turbat. They are new players but the build quality seems very good.

Now, if you want to go for the high end and are willing to get a second mortgage, there are the Hilleberg tents. I was looking for a long expedition tent so I’ve decided to get a Staika. I’ve used only once but it’s great, however, it is not compact and the ceiling is not as high.

Overall thoughts:

• Packing size is important but not that much, it’s not like you have to carry it on a back pack
• A 2 person tent it’s more appropriate for kayak camping. Most people with 1 person tent I’ve talked to complain about it. In rainy conditions, you will appreciate having the space.
• Good vestibule is also very important to keep to kayak gear covered
• I think a Hubba Hubba is the best option for most, there are different editions and sizes.

Hope this helps.

 

 

[Meridy Black]

Can anyone recommend a one person tent they have used through three seasons? I need a more compact tent that is easily packed in a kayak and that is reliably waterproof ( okay I mean under most conditions).  Thanks for your replies in advance.

Meridy

[Bob Salo]

Immersion Research Men’s dry suit.  Large fits 6 ft 1 inch.  Zippers in good shape.  Original neck and wrist seals replaced.
new $1,600.00.  Sell for $600.00.  Try it on and take it for a paddle

 

If interested pictures can be sent by email

[Kevin Amos]

Photos: Anmore residents prepare to evacuate as wildfire burns nearby

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

Christine, I have both. Feel free to email me.

Katya

[kate goddard]

I do not have the charts, but Im’ heading to Clayoquot Sound on September 5th and would love any suggestions or advice about the area you may have 🙂 (Or to also borrow charts…)

[Christine Baker]

Hi friends,

I was wondering if anyone had charts 3673 and 3674 (Clayoquot Sound, Tofino Inlet to Millar Channel and Clayoquot Sound, Millar Channel to Estevan Point) that I could borrow for a trip from 27 Aug to 3 Sept.

If anything happened to the charts while in my custody, I would replace them for you.

[This is about not wanting more stuff, not about the money to buy charts. Both my partner and I are going on this trip; she’s bought a set of charts but we’d rather not have TWO sets of them in the house.]

All the best,

Christine

[Devi Desabhatla]

I lived in NZ for many years and once did the South Island Doubtful Sound Day trip.

Excellent.

Appears they now have an overnight trip: http://www.doubtfulsoundkayak.com/welcome/overnight

Cheers

[Kapila Jayaweera]

I am planning to go for rolling practice at Sasamat Lake Thursday August 6th afternoon.

I will be at the White Pine beach parking lot F around 2:45pm, then use kayak cart to carry my boat to the beach.

Practice time is about two hours with breaks.

Exact location:-

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cBUKYv7TwRhaUgzK9

Please bring Kayak cart, wet or dry suit, spray skirts etc.

Having goggles, nose plugs and earplugs would be helpful when learning to role.

This is more about rolling though If anyone wanted to come and do their self/assisted rescue practice are welcome to join.

Please not that I am not a qualified instructor when it comes to rolling or rescue but I could help for those who have done some rolling lessons and wanted to improve their skills.

Please posted on this forum or email me if you are planning to attend. My contact information can be found on the member list page.

Thank you.

Kapila

[Eric Kovits]

We were there Nov ‘24 to Feb ‘25.
We did an unguided paddle around the coast of Abel Tasman Park. The company is Golden Bay Kayaks.
It was an awesome trip as we had quite short paddle days and took 5 days. Beautiful beaches for camping. The kayak was a good seaworthy tandem which got us through some rough seas.
Had to book campsites in advance on this popular park.  Great trip!
On Stewart Island we did a one day guided paddle with Phil’s Sea Kayak. It was the best day of paddling of my life. He also does expeditions.
Good luck with planning.
Eric Kovits.

[Cameron Martus]

Hi Will,

I can recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks. I did their Three Day Classic trip (https://www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz/guided-kayak-tours/three-day-classic/) this past November and it was an amazing experience. This trip covers the area in Golden Bay that Charles mentioned. In my research this seemed to be the best option for a multi-day trip. The guided trip was handled very smoothly – they provide all the gear and food, water taxi to the start, and campsites. They’ll put you in double kayaks. Of all the operators and rental companies I called, none were willing to rent single kayaks (there seems to be an insurance issue). At each campsite there are trails through beautiful native forest and if it’s clear, incredibly dark starry skies.

-Cameron

[Charles Maundrell]

Hello Will,

While I do not have a specific recommendation for you with respect to guides/outfitters for your trip I can recommend a couple of destinations that are sure not to disappoint.  Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, which is located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, specifically in the Nelson/Tasman region. It is situated between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay and sure to be a winner. We rented some kayaks and followed the coast and camped at designated sites. Where we were you can’t really get lost as you just follow the coast.

At the South end of the South Island Milford Sound is spectacular and probably one the most amazing places in New Zealand.

I imigrated there in 2008 from Alberta afterbsome traveling abroad and lived their for a few years with my wife. As it has been a while I can’t offer you some specific outfitters. But with some reasearch and a call or two you will be in good shape.

Warmly,

Charles

 

 

[Will Cullen]

Hi Folks!

My wife and I are travelling to NZ Feb. 2027 and we’re interested in finding some multi-day guided kayak trip options.

I was wondering if there are folks here who have been to the south island of NZ who could provide some suggestions of companies thatprovide multi-day tours (flat or open waters)..?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Will

[Kylie Williams]

Hi Nicolas (and anyone else thinking of joining!)

Don, Lynda and I arrived at Bachelor Bay just now and assessed the conditions and decided this morning was not ideal for paddling! We are going to cancel and perhaps regoup this afternoon when conditions improve. Maybe at Cates Park.

I’ll send an update here later today.

 

[Nancy Flexman]

Kevlar kayak 52 lbsand 18’2″ long Ocean Kayak

Large cockpit and storage for Trips

Comes with two Sprayskirts and Hatch cover

Two paddles…one a webber

All Safety Items

Wheels and Tule Roof Rack

 

[Author]

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