I'm going on my first kayak camping trip in July and was wonder what everybody packs and how they manage what to pack and if I need to be as limited as what I can take on a backpacking trip. Thanks
The type of boat I'm using generally dictates how I pack. I use a Jackson Kayak Big Tuna or an Ascend hybrid. Both are big boats but pack differently. What kayak are you using?
400 pound capacity you can bring whatever you want, which is how I like to float. I always put my clothes, hammock and sleep stuff in a dry bag and cram it in the hatch. Food and other "camping" gear goes in a pelican case strapped behind the seat. Fishing Tackle I like to put it all in the hatch that's right in between your legs so its easy to get to, but only if the little hatch has a net or something. Some of them are just open to the belly of the boat and your stuff will go all over. You can always cram your food stuff into the hatch and put the beer cooler behind the seat!
I've done several 6-7 day kayak trips. #1 use dry bags, even putting hd trash bags inside of dry bags. If water can get in, it will. #2 carry what you want/need to be comfortable. Especially at night/sleeping. Remember you are on vacation, not a survival excercise. #3 build or buy a small wheeled dolly for your yak. Unless you anticipate rough terrain Portage you can just leave stuff in the boat, pop the wheels under, and la te da away with all your gear rolling instead of carrying it.