How much preparation you need before your kayak trip naturally depends on how long you will be paddling, as well as weather and wind conditions. At Northkayak, a life jacket, paddle, spray skirt, map, and dry bag are always included in the price when you rent a kayak. We are happy to help with tips on suitable paddle routes depending on the day's weather conditions. Here are some things to keep in mind, depending on how long you will be paddling.

For shorter trips (0–2 hours):
Clothing – It is best to dress as lightly as possible without getting cold. Keep in mind that you warm up when paddling. Workout clothes (synthetic materials) are great – clothing should preferably be breathable and dry quickly if it gets wet. A windbreaker can be useful if it is windy. Swimwear if you want to take a dip!
Water bottle – Always good to bring a water bottle, especially during summer when it is warm!

Planned route – It is a good idea to decide on a paddle route in advance. Usually you can easily paddle one of the routes that we recommend here. If it is very windy, our on-site staff can recommend a suitable route based on the day's wind conditions.
Sunscreen – Apply sunscreen on sunny days, as it is easy to get sunburned when the sun is beating down on the water.
Other equipment – We recommend bringing as little extra equipment as possible if you are only paddling for 2 hours.

For longer trips (4 hours – Full day):
In addition to the above recommendations, we also suggest bringing:
Change of clothes – If you get wet, it is nice to have the option of changing clothes. Warm clothing is a must if you plan to stay overnight.
Rain gear – Can be good to have for protection against rain if the weather seems unstable.

Food – Bring fruit/snacks that can be eaten while paddling. When it comes to food, it is mostly a question of packing space. If you are out for a day trip, there is plenty of room for food and you can bring pretty much whatever you like. If you are staying overnight for one or more nights, it becomes more important to pack the kayak carefully and therefore choose meals that take up limited space.

Packing – Always pack the heaviest items in the middle of the kayak so it handles as well as possible in the water. Remember to make use of the kayak's full storage volume – you can pack items all the way to the front and back of the kayak, as well as in front of your feet in the cockpit.
Other useful equipment to bring:
Tent
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Trangia stove
Matches
Water (approx. 3 liters per day/person)
Pump
Spare paddle
Tow line

If you have any questions, you can always send us an email or ask our staff on-site if you have any concerns about your upcoming kayak trip!