Baja Sea Kayaking Clothing and Equipment List
During February, March and April, daytime air temperatures along the Baja coast will range from 75 to 85 degrees, with light afternoon breezes; because of the aridity, nights can drop to the 50's. During mid-day, we may erect shade tarps but light cotton clothing also provides comfort and protection from the strong Baja sun. Water temperature is 70-75 degrees, and we have light wetsuits available for extended snorkeling. Although we expect beautiful balmy weather, stormy winds occasionally intrude into the usually gracious Sea of Cortez.
Follow the list closely and you will be comfortable throughout the trip. Feel free to adapt the list according to previous camping and kayaking experience.
SEA TREK provides: all commissary, kayaking gear(fiberglass doubles and singles, lightweight Werner paddles, Extrasport pfd's, Seal sprayskirts, enough dry bags for all your clothing (1 large, 2 small), a large net bag( for dive gear), 3 mil wetsuits, and a roomy two-person tent. Inflatable sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and snorkeling gear on request at no extra charge.
Packing Guidelines
Extra baggage, clothing, etc., that you don't need during the Baja kayaking trip will be stored securely at the hotel in Loreto.
Here’s an example of how things will be packed for the kayaking portion of the trip. The larger Sea Trek dry bag will hold your sleeping bag, pillow (small one) and some clothes. The medium bag will hold the rest of your clothes and items you wish to keep dry. The smaller dry bag can be used as a deck bag while kayaking (holding sunscreen, camera, windbreaker etc.). Finally, the mesh bag is convenient for carrying your gear from your kayak to your campsite and visa-versa.
Clothing
Tops
__ 2 t-shirts plus 1 thin polypro shirt for paddling
__ 1 long sleeve shirt: light cotton for sun protection
__ warm sweater and pile jacket (the desert gets chilly at night)
__ 1 wind-jacket/paddling jacket (water resistant)
Bottoms
__ 2 pairs shorts: quick-drying nylon for kayaking and hiking
__ 2 pair socks plus 1 lightweight pair for sandals for sun protection
__ 1 pair lightweight pants for daytime sun protection if needed.
(nylon windbreaker type pants work well)
__ 1 pair warm pants(pile pants work great) for nighttime warmth
__ swimsuit
__ underwear
Footwear
__ 1 pair for walking (e.g. running shoes or light hiking shoes)
__ 1 pair for kayaking (e.g. Teva-type sport sandals; neoprene
__ booties or water shoes—sturdy enough to walk over some rocks)
Town Clothes
__ casual clothes for 2 travel days and last evening in Loreto.
Miscellaneous
__ 1 pair paddling gloves (biking gloves OK)
__ 2 one-quart plastic water bottles
__ 1 bandanna to clean sunglasses, etc.
__ sun hat with tie-down strap (for wind) secured via a barrel lock
__ sunglasses with retention strap (e.g. Chums or Croakies)
__ waterproof sun-screen (including lip screen)
__ toiletries: toothbrush, etc.
__ saltwater shampoo and soap (Camp Suds works well)
__ 1 medium size towel
__ personal first aid kit: medications (anti-inflammatory-ibuprofen, anti- allergies, any favorite remedies for stomach/bowel related issues, sea sickness pills), lotions,
vitamins, band-aids, bug repellant (not much to worry about), hand wipes
__ ditty bag to hold your personal toiletries
__ day pack or fanny pack for hikes
__ extra stuff-sacks to help organize clothes and smaller items
__ flashlight, or head lamp + extra batteries
__ pocketknife
__ earplugs (hey, those airplanes are noisy and the dogs are barking in town)
Skin-diving
__ snorkel, mask, fins
Equipment
__ lightweight compactable sleeping bag with stuff sack (Those who "sleep cold" should bring a bag rated to approximately 32° Fahrenheit.)
__ compact sleeping pad (self-inflating Therma-rest or ensolite foam)
Optional
__ compressor sack for sleeping bag
__ camera (in waterproof box or bag and extra batteries)
__ binoculars
__ fishing gear (lightweight collapsible)
__ reading material
__ pen and paper for journal
Additional comments:
Ideally, on the water you are wearing quick drying clothes like a short or long sleeve lightweight polypro(synthetic) shirt. At night it can get chilly so bring layers and don’t forget a windbreaker.