Paddling The Yukon River Gear List

notes: My faithful companion! Named “Reverie”. I opted for this brand of kayak because it was the only one Kanoe People carried new in stock, haha. Scott described it as “the minivan” of its lineup as the hatches are generously big despite its more compact 15 ft frame. I did not choose a longer kayak (16ft-18ft) because they are less stable, and I travel lightly enough to not need the extra storage space. This size was the perfect in between. The day hatch is convenient, the foam seat is incredibly comfortable and adjustable, and the rudder is a must-have. Repeatedly dragging it onto rocky shores never compromised the hull. Though the grab handle on the bow snapped from excessive use in the last leg of the journey (it lived a fair life considering I would use it to drag my entire 110+ lb rig across the ground often.)

specs:

• thermoformed ABS plastic kayak
• rubber-sealed dry hatches
• foot peg system for rudder
• adjustable foam seat, bungee deck rigging
• retractable grab handles on bow and stern
• length: 15’5″, weight: 49 lbs, capacity: 360 lbs
• day hatch: 6.8 L, bow hatch: 95L, stern hatch: 144 L

notes: At the time of my arrival, Up North Adventures stocked three primary NRS models-the Ambient, which was sleek but didn’t have nearly enough storage space; the Chinook, which had abundant storage space but was excessively bulky; and the Ninja, which I felt was a good compromise between the two. It must be lifted UP over your head and has a clamshell pocket design. I managed to fit my phone, Garmin inReach Mini 2, emergency mylar blanket, lighter, matches, and band-Aids inside. I wish it were slightly roomier but otherwise had no complaints.

specs:

• Type: III
• Design Flotation: 70 N / 15.75 lbs
• Size: M/L
• Weight: 2.15 lbs
• low profile, side entry buckles
• outer fabric: 420 denier ripstop nylon
• clamshell pocket with internal organization

notes: This was the cheapest 2-piece paddle that Kanoe People had in stock. Aqua Bound is a reputable brand so I felt comfortable with the choice. For $100 more, I could have purchased their carbon fiber model, but felt the price wasn’t worth the minuscule weight difference. My blades performed perfectly well while paddling and never broke, even though I routinely used them to push off the bank. However, I have one major complaint: the ferrule-snap button to adjust each blade’s position is incredibly stiff. It made it impossible for me to readily, safely switch between feathering and not on the fly.  I ALWAYS carried a spare paddle; you should too.

specs:

• 2-piece
• blade material-fiberglass reinforced nylon
• shaft-fiberglass
• weight-34 oz
• length-215 in
• ferrule-snap button

notes: Thankfully, I never had to use my paddle float so I can’t speak to how well it performs! I went with this model because NRS is a reputable brand and it was one of two options of comparable price at Up North Adventures

specs:

• dual air chambers
• 2 twist valves
• reflective tape
• webbing with buckle used to secure float to paddle shaft
• both chambers displace 14 liters.
• “This easy to use compact paddle float serves as an outrigger to stabilize your boat in an unassisted re-entry situation.”

notes: I bought this paddle leash from Up North Adventures and then never used it! I thought I had lost it upon departure. (Later, it would appear in a pocket of my backpack, where it would remain indefinitely.) Scott from Kanoe People felt badly enough for me that he gave me a replacement for free. I can’t recall the make or model. It functioned just as well and was an invaluable addition. I would not set off down the river without a paddle leash!

specs:

• a clip
• 4 mm coil system
• a velcro closure–not much more to it!

notes: Up North Adventures had two bilge pumps in stock of a comparable price– this, and a larger model by NRS. I was persuaded into purchasing this one for its smaller size. Turns out, size doesn’t matter when your bilge pump rests on your open deck! This bilge pump was OK.  It worked reasonably enough, but I wish I had opted for the name brand NRS instead as I fear its flow wasn’t the best.

specs:

• 0.4-liter double action pump
• plastic
• length-18″

notes: $38 for a rope? It horrified me to pay this much! I highly suggest purchasing your rope in advance of arrival in White Horse, or maybe check the Walmart in town. Price aside, this works great. I kept it attached to the bow of my boat for whenever I need to tow my kayak on foot (simply grabbing the bow handle sucks when in the water!) or tie my kayak on shore.

specs:

• 50 feet
• polypropylene rope
• weighs a mere 26 oz
• tie-down strap
• reflective tape for high visibility
• nylon mesh for quick draining and drying
• meets Coast Guard regulation as a Buoyant Heaving Line

notes: I chose this whistle because it was the most highly rated one I could find on the market. I love to scour gear review sites and forums before making my choice. Luckily, the consensus online was clear enough to make this an easy yes!

specs:

• sound power-120 dB
• no moving parts
• waterproof

notes: Oh boy! I left the lower-48 with three Walmart brand dry bags, only to feel inadequate upon arrival in White Horse, Canada, at which point I bought two more at a premium price. Still, I had two 2-gallon ziplock bags full of gear that remained exposed until I decided, once again, to bite the bullet and order another set of dry bags, shipped to the post office at Fort Yukon, Alaska. In hindsight, I wish I would have saved myself the headache and bought 7-8 dry bags from the get go.  Honestly, I wouldn’t mind going with the cheapest available options, as I like to keep all my most precious gear in zip lock bags as a backup, and the hatches on a kayak are meant to be waterproof too, but I can’t say I recommend you take the risk I’m willing to to save money, haha.

• My two 40-liter Walmart bags carried my food and thus, being the heaviest, sat closest to my cockpit, one in the bow hatch, one in the stern hatch.
• My one 20-liter Walmart bag carried my clothes, in the stern hatch
• My two 20-liter Blackwater Shoreline bags carried my sleeping bag, and my tent/sleeping bag, the former in the very front of my bow hatch, and the latter in the very back of my stern hatch.
• My two 15-liter Outdoor Research bags carried my miscellaneous items, in thestern hatch

specs:

• The Blackstone and Walmart bags were made of PVC; Outdoor Research bags, coated nylon.
• All had roll tops with buckle closures.
• 2 40 L Walmart at $20.82
• 1 20 L Walmart $8.88
• 2 20-L Blackwater Shoreline $62 CAD
• 2 15 L Outdoor Research $27.55

notes: I wore my spray skirt whenever paddling as one should! Of course you look ridiculous on land, especially if you’ve stepped away from your boat with it still around your waist, haha. This model dries incredibly fast and is sooooo much easier to secure around the rim of your kayak than your standard neoprene models. (Granted, there’s always a trade-off. Bungee-style skirts such as this are more user-friendly but don’t allow for as tight of a seal/implode off the rim easier.) Scott had both types on hand, and when I went to try the other, I couldn’t even attach it, the material (rand rims) is so stiff and resistant! The suspenders are comfortable, you forget that you’re wearing them, and the skirt showed no signs of wear throughout my trip. I can’t say it kept water out 100% as that’s a tall order, but it performed perfectly well for river travel. ( You’d probably want something a bit tougher, neoprene, out on the ocean with really rough surf.)

specs:

• size 1.7
• 3-ply waterproof, breathable nylon fabric
• ballistic nylon wear guards with lash loops
• adjustable neoprene chestband with removable suspenders
• zippered mesh deck pocket
• tensioned deck stay
• rim grip/safety slip technology
• double-stitched and sealed seams
• Sizing guide

notes: My booooots! I am in love with these things. After my kayak, Reverie, they’re my favorite  gear item. They are completely waterproof, stylish, and comfortable. You can’t even feel the cold through them when placing your feet into frigid waters. I continue to wear them as my primary footwear in the months after my trip. I only wish they were knee high, and that they had a more aggressive tread, then they’d be perfect! They also cannot be worn without socks due to their neoprene insoles.

specs:

• Waterproof!
• 15″ height
• 5 mm neoprene upper with taped interior seams
• 7 mm neoprene insole atop a high-traction wrap-up sole
• Quick-lace with cord-lock, adjustable buckle

notes: These are miraculous-so long as you can keep them from getting holes! I marveled in wonder at them for the first two weeks of my journey, and then they got pricked on something and the magic burst. Well, not entirely, haha. They were still great to wear everyday but couldn’t be fully submerged any longer without taking on water. If I had the cash, I would have bought a spare pair.

specs:

• Size L
• Premium nylon-spandex exterior with a DWR coating sheds water without sacrificing dexterity
• 0.5 mm neoprene core for lightweight insulation
• Soft, smooth and hydrophobic interior
• Silicone pattern on the palm and fingers for better grip when wet
• Features a simple, stretchy cuff for easy donning
• pairing snaps to keep the gloves together.
• No taped seams

notes: This jacket was the worst! Ironically, I wore it the majority of the time, but in any sustained rains (as in storms lasting a few hours or all day) it failed epic-ly and I got wet. Nearly crushed my morale and had me give up paddling at Galena, Alaska. The zipper snags often too. Perhaps I received a defective model, I’m not sure. I specifically chose this rain jacket because it ranks at the top of nearly every backpacking gear list, from Outdoor Gear Lab to Switchback Travel.

specs:

• H2No® Performance Standard 3-layer shell, durable water repellent (DWR) finish
• 12 oz, medium, smokey violet color
• pit zips-yes! 

notes: These rain pants performed much better than my rain jacket, ironically, and impressively. They’re the definition of “good for the price.” A budget option indeed!

specs:

• Omni-Tech™ fabric/nylon
• drawcord-adjustable elastic waist–a basic, no frills design

notes: I wore these only 2 or 3 times on the entire trip. They otherwise took up unnecessary space in my dry bag. I considered shipping them home once, but hesitated, fearing, “what if I need them in an emergency, and all my other socks are well?” so I kept them on board. The ample space provided in a kayak or canoe allows for these extra comforts, stowaways, that would otherwise have to be scarified while backpacking, bicycle touring, or long riding.

specs:

• waterproof
• cold water, knee length sock
• Polycolon exterior
• Aquasealz™ hydrophilic membrane
• merino wool interior

notes: Oh boy, is this embarrassing. I bought these butt-ugly keens (if you’re questioning my choice in color, they were the cheapest!) in case I didn’t like my boots enough, only to fall so madly in love with my boots that I never wore these sandals. They sat neglected in my kayak, only put on once, maybe, out of pity more than necessity. Foot wear is such a personal choice. Some people swear by sandals and wouldn’t give boots a second glance. Evidently, they’re not my type!

specs:

• 14.14oz
• foam midsole
• rubber outsole
• polyster webbing upper
• quick-cinch bungee lacing
• quick-drying lining

notes: My first gun, nicknamed “Maverick,” which then became “OTP Maverick” with the OTP standing for “One Trick Pony” as he had a tendency to jam after shooting. I kept him loaded with one buckshot followed by five slugs, with a few extras carried in a ziplock bag. He slept by my side every night and, thankfully, I never had to shoot any men or bears along the way. Only one pesky seagull! A long gun with its slender frame readily fits into the bow or stern hatch of a kayak. The folding stock is invaluable to save space.

specs:

• standard pump-action features include dual extractors, steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, and anti-jam elevator
• 12 gauge
• 18.5″ barrel length
• capacity 5+1
• length 39.5″
• chamber size 3″
• 6 lbs
• stock ATI Shotforce top folding synthetic
• flip flop glued on as recoil pad
• ammunition at $20-30, airport transport case at $24, sling at $7.99, dry bag at $16, plus luggage fees ~$150

notes: I kept my bear spray in the day hatch of my kayak while paddling, in a belt holster while on land, and next to me in my tent.

specs:

• 8 oz bottle
• 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids
• 30ft range

notes: Incredible!! This year, I upgraded from a SPOT Gen 3 to a Garmin inReach Mini 2, and I’m so happy I made the switch. It routinely ranks #1 on lists for the best PLB/satellite messenger. Being able to send unlimited messages to family no matter my location, as well as receive daily weather reports, was priceless! I kept it clipped in the clamshell pocket of my life jacket while paddling.

specs:

• 3.5 oz
• two-way messaging
• SOS alerts
• location sharing
• up to 14 days of battery life at default 10-minute tracking mode
• USB-C charging port
• water-rated to IPX7

notes: I attempted to use a solar panel on my walk across America and thought it useless, forging one ever since. Until my friend, Sea, offered to let me borrow hers for my Yukon paddle. I reluctantly agreed and, boy, am I so glad I did! This thing was epic, it kept my battery pack completely charged for nearly the entire trip so I never had to worry about my phone or Garmin inReach dying! It was invaluable.

specs:

• 28W
• USB output ports: 2.4A / 4.8A total (max)
• 1.41 lbs
• unfolded size- 11.1 x 33.1 x 0.2 inches

notes: My tried and true battery pack. It’s heavy as a brick, but can take a serious beating and still remain operable. I brought two along, but almost never had to use the spare. I only wish it could charge via a USB-C port, so I wouldn’t have to carry so many different types of cords. Refurbished models can often be found on eBay in the $30 range.

specs:

• 26,800mAh of power
• charges most phones over 6 times
• 3 USB output ports
• weighs 1.1 pounds

notes: I was so excited to find this tent practically brand new on Facebook Marketplace for $175! It performed beautifully. 2/3rds of the way I ripped the rainfly, but that was because it caught on a zipper and I tugged impatiently. I sent it in for repairs, and Big Agnes sent me a new replacement for free! I always carry a splint on me in case a tent pole snaps unexpectedly in the field.

specs:

• 3lb 2oz , olive green
• fly and floor-silicone treated proprietary ultralight double ripstop mixed denier nylon with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating
• tent body- breathable proprietary ultralight double ripstop mixed denier nylon
• dual doors with awning style vestibules

notes: This sleeping bag has been with me on every adventure, ever faithful. Its zipper broke long ago, yet I’ve continued to use it with success. This, finally, has been its last voyage. It has been well loved and will remain a cherished keepsake of mine. There is no better budget option for a lightweight 0 degree bag.

specs:

• 3.1 lbs
• 0 degree bag
• 800 fill power
• 400T 20D ripstop nylon liner coated with water repellant DWR

notes: I swear mine has a minuscule hole in it, so when I wake up at random in the night I notice its deflated a bit and reinflate it fully to sleep easy for another few hours. This was a luxury that travelling in a kayak granted me. Normally while travelling, I forgo a sleeping pad to save space/weight. Being young, I can sleep on the ground without one, no problem.

specs:

• R Value- 4.4
• 75D Polyester Material
• 25 oz

notes: I had read online that the Yukon is notorious for clogging water filters, rendering them useless, but I did NOT share that experience! I used my Sawyer throughout the entire river, even at its siltiest on the Run To The Delta, and never had a problem. However, I made sure to backwash it after EVERY liter of water to ensure it continued to flow, otherwise it would slow to a trickle. Thankfully, there are an abundance of clear water mountain springs that meet with the Yukon to lessen the need for a filter, or the chance of having one break, anyway.

specs:

• 4.9 ounces
• 0.1 Micron Absolute Hollow Fiber Membrane

notes: These stoves are cheap as dirt, yet reliable and lightweight. My ignition switched stopped working roughly halfway and I had to use a lighter to get it lit. I carried a spare on me at all times.

specs:

• 3.4 ounces
• stainless steel and alloy