Here is a long promised video about how I pack all my kit into my Big Pond Kayaks ‘Mannta’ sea kayak. I filmed this on the penultimate day of my year long sea kayaking journey around Scotland.
WOW I’ve never seakayaked. I’m 74 and just getting my “Jump into life attitude” ... a very late bloomer ha ha. Currently kayaking creeks and rivers in my Prijon Marlin. I live opposite the ocean in Australia. YOU are inspiring ... WOW. I loved the whisky and your strength to hoist that kayak onto your shoulder...and your stamina. WOW!
That was fascinating Nick! Like you, I get a huge satisfaction about packing everything away in its place - everything has its place, it’s bag, it’s security - even more important when packing a kayak! Thank you!
Nice one , Packing kayaks is like playing Tetris. I just upgraded my kayaks I love how much stuff i can fit in them now, its like i am cheating at Tetris now 😀
Nice kayak, how much does it weigh? I learned the hard way to leave a tale to kit pushed into the peak. I like to pack tent, pegs and poles separately and last of all. The floppy tent (in or out of it's bag) can then be gently molded around spare volumes in the compartment. This maximizes use of space and prevents stuff rattling around in waves. The tent is then readily at hand to unpack if it's shelter is needed quickly.
Thanks Nick, that was fascinating to see how and where you put all your gear in Rwendo, your kayak is a proverbial Tardis! I am in awe that you packed and unpacked in all weathers for the whole Scotland 365 trip. I exhausted just watching this; I bet some days were not as straightforward as the day of the video.
Thank you Hugo. Yes, there were occasions when it was though to motivate myself to carry everything to and from the boat. Usually at the end of the day when the weather was really challenging.
Just found your channel. Excellent videos. I'm starting to sea kayak in 24. So these videos are fantastic. This one especially. As I was wondering about packing. Look forward to watching all of your others. Cheers Peter.
Hi Nick: Thanks for showing me the ropes! Even though the topic might appear trivial at first glance, it is of course not. So your experience got me important input and inspiration. Very nice video-footage too, by the way, really enjoyed it. Cheers, Andreas
Thank you for leaving a comment and your kind words. Packing a kayak is a personal process - we each have our favoured way of doing things. Like packing for a holiday! All the very best.
Nick thank you for your amazing videos. I have throughly enjoyed them this past year. We’d all love to know what brand suction cup Action Camera mount you used for your 360 view camera. I noticed while you were filming this packing video it appeared you had a pole in some shots that appeared to have a tripod set of legs on it while you were packing your kayak. What brand was that as well. So happy you successfully made your journey home safely. You are an inspiration to all of us kayakers. ❤❤❤❤
Hello Karl. Thank you for your lovely words. I use a GoPro suction mount which I find incredibly secure. The tripod is this Tripod for Smartphone, Lammcou Octopus Flexible Phone Tripod Small Mini Gorrila Pod with 360°Rotary Tilt Ballhead & XL Vertical and Horizontal Phone Tripod Mount for Camera Actioncam Video Recording amzn.eu/d/4UzXOn3. I hope this helps.
Amazed at how much you can gwt in , ihave a Romany sport which has no were near as much space . I would love to know how so many days food could carried ? I would need another kayak lol
Thanks for taking the time to go through your packing routine. Do you always bring your kayak all the way up to your campsite? Was just curious as I'm sure it would be easier to leave the kayak as close to the water without risk of losing it. Suppose it depends on the terrain and proximity to campsite. Would love to hear about this. All the best
Hi David, thank you too. 99% of the time I’ll carry my kayak and place it by my tent for the night. It’s purely for my peace of mind. More prosaically, I feel a deep attachment to her, and I like to know she’s alongside. On a practical note, I use her to sit on, dry kit in the sun, lean my solar panels alongside her and she accentuates any photos I take of my camp. Even if the terrain is steep, I’ll carry her up from and back to the shore. Only rarely will I leave her above the highest tide mark and camp out of sight.
@@NickRayLifeAfloat Thanks Nick, you've made me think about this at a whole new level, that's brilliant. I didn't fully appreciate the connection and relationship a person can have with their kayak, especially in your case with it being your companion for your long adventures. Looking forward to hearing about your next venture 😊
A very impressive amount of kit, you managed to get in or on the kayak. There is something I would like to talk to you about and that's the cameras you use and how control them. Thanks
With the low food supplies affecting the trim of your kayak, would a spare water bladder be useful as water ballast? You could fill it with variable amounts of seawater when packing for the day?
Hi Nick, very inspirational, I am interested in your camera. What make & model is it please. I paddle the North Devon Coast. I’m loving your trips. Nigel
Hello Nigel and thank you. This video was filmed on my Insta360 X3. On other videos I use a GoPro Max, also a 360 degree camera. I also have a GoPro Hero 11. Happy paddling!
Thanks again. Yes, I unloaded the kayaks every night and kept all my kit in my tent. I also carried my kayak to where I camped to ensure peace of mind.
