Planning a summertime river trip on the scenic Hocking River? Whether you’re a seasoned canoeing veteran or a first-time kayaking enthusiast, packing the right gear is crucial for a safe, comfortable, and fun experience. At Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, we provide top-tier supplies, but there are a few personal items you’ll want to bring along. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from dry bags and water shoes to camera-friendly binoculars and waterproof speakers. Strap in (or strap on your life jacket) and let’s dive into the packing essentials that will elevate your next river adventure.
Waterproof Gear & Dry Bags: Protect Your Valuables
Nothing ruins a day on the water faster than soggy electronics or soaked snacks. Prioritize waterproof storage:
- Dry Bags:
- Sizes: Pack a small (5L) for wallets and phones, a medium (10–20L) for clothes, and a large (30–40L) if you’re bringing a cooler.
- Material: Choose heavy-duty PVC or TPU with roll-top closures for maximum seal.
- Usage Tip: Double-bag fragile items and stow dry bags under your seat or in bow lockers.
- Sizes: Pack a small (5L) for wallets and phones, a medium (10–20L) for clothes, and a large (30–40L) if you’re bringing a cooler.
- Waterproof Phone Case:
- Ideal for quick access to GPS, emergency calls, or snapping river snapshots without risking damage.
- Ideal for quick access to GPS, emergency calls, or snapping river snapshots without risking damage.
- Ziplock Bags:
- Versatile for snacks, spare batteries, or first-aid supplies, an extra layer of protection.
- Versatile for snacks, spare batteries, or first-aid supplies, an extra layer of protection.
With proper waterproof gear, you’ll never have to worry about soggy memories.
Footwear Fundamentals: Water Shoes & Secure Sandals
Traction and comfort are key when stepping in and out of your canoe or kayak:
- Water Shoes:
- Grip: Look for non-marking rubber soles with multidirectional treads for slippery river rocks.
- Drainage: Mesh panels or perforations allow water to flow out, preventing drag.
- Fit: A snug fit prevents chafing; avoid oversized styles that trap debris.
- Grip: Look for non-marking rubber soles with multidirectional treads for slippery river rocks.
- Secure Sandals (Optional):
- Brands like Teva or Chaco offer adjustable straps and arch support—great for portages or beachside breaks.
- Brands like Teva or Chaco offer adjustable straps and arch support—great for portages or beachside breaks.
- Dry Socks:
- Pack a pair of wool or synthetic socks to swap in after paddling; nothing beats dry feet for post-trip comfort.
- Pack a pair of wool or synthetic socks to swap in after paddling; nothing beats dry feet for post-trip comfort.
Proper footwear protects your toes and ensures solid footing on uneven riverbanks.
Personal Safety & Life Jackets: Stay Secure on the Water
At Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, we supply Coast Guard–approved PFDs, but make sure you’re comfortable:
- Type III PFDs:
- Ideal for paddling, unrestrictive, lightweight, and available in multiple sizes.
- Fit Check: The jacket should sit high on your chest when you lift your arms; if it rides up, it’s too loose.
- Ideal for paddling, unrestrictive, lightweight, and available in multiple sizes.
- Whistle & Safety Kit:
- Attach a whistle to your life jacket; bring a mini first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptic wipes in your dry bag.
- Attach a whistle to your life jacket; bring a mini first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptic wipes in your dry bag.
- Sun Protection:
- Water reflects UV rays, so pack a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses with retainers, and reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+).
- Water reflects UV rays, so pack a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses with retainers, and reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+).
Staying safe and sun-smart keeps the focus on fun rather than first-aid.
Hydration & Nutrition: Cooling Drinks & Energizing Snacks
A day on the river burns calories and dehydrates fast. Plan accordingly:
- Reusable Water Bottles:
- Insulated stainless steel bottles keep water cool for hours.
- Consider a hydration bladder for hands-free sipping.
- Insulated stainless steel bottles keep water cool for hours.
- High-Energy Snacks:
- Trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit provide sustained energy without sticky messes.
- Pack sandwiches in reusable containers or freezable packs to keep them fresh.
- Trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit provide sustained energy without sticky messes.
- Portable Cooler (Optional):
- If you’re on a longer river trip, use a small, insulated cooler with ice packs to store drinks and perishables.
- If you’re on a longer river trip, use a small, insulated cooler with ice packs to store drinks and perishables.
Eating well and hydrating often ensures you have the stamina for every paddle stroke.
Navigation & Observation: Binoculars & River Maps
From bird watching to route planning, these items enhance your adventure:
- Compact Binoculars:
- A lightweight 8×25 pair helps you spy kingfishers, herons, and hidden river bends.
- Waterproof and fog-proof models handle river mist and changing temperatures.
- A lightweight 8×25 pair helps you spy kingfishers, herons, and hidden river bends.
- River Map or Guidebook:
- Even if you know the route, a physical map provides backup if your phone dies.
- Mark put-in/take-out points, rapids, and picnic areas for quick reference.
- Even if you know the route, a physical map provides backup if your phone dies.
- Compass or GPS Device:
- While the Hocking River is well-marked, a compass ensures orientation on foggy mornings or unfamiliar tributaries.
- While the Hocking River is well-marked, a compass ensures orientation on foggy mornings or unfamiliar tributaries.
With proper navigation tools, you’ll paddle with confidence rather than trepidation.
Comfort & Convenience: Portable Speakers & Seating Pads
Enhance downtime on sandbars and lunch breaks:
- Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker:
- Bring a compact speaker to share tunes, just be mindful of other paddlers and wildlife.
- Look for 10+ hour battery life and rugged, clip-on designs.
- Bring a compact speaker to share tunes, just be mindful of other paddlers and wildlife.
- Seat Cushions or Paddling Seats:
- Thin foam seat pads reduce pressure points; adjustable paddling seats add back support for long trips.
- Thin foam seat pads reduce pressure points; adjustable paddling seats add back support for long trips.
- Lightweight Towels:
- Quick-drying microfiber towels are essential for drying off and sitting on.
- Quick-drying microfiber towels are essential for drying off and sitting on.
A few comfort items make breaks feel luxurious without bogging you down.
Essential Tools & Supplies: Repair Kits & Multi-Tools
Even with top-notch gear, occasional repairs are part of river trips:
- Paddle Repair Kit:
- Waterproof tape, epoxy patches, and spare rivets keep you paddling through minor damage.
- Waterproof tape, epoxy patches, and spare rivets keep you paddling through minor damage.
- Multi-Tool:
- Include pliers, screwdrivers, and knives for versatile on-the-spot fixes.
- Include pliers, screwdrivers, and knives for versatile on-the-spot fixes.
- Spare Paddle (Optional):
- Splitting a group between two canoes? A third paddle doubles as an emergency backup.
- Splitting a group between two canoes? A third paddle doubles as an emergency backup.
Carrying basic repair supplies prevents minor issues from turning into major delays.
Photo & Documentation: Waterproof Cameras & Journals
Capture memories and log your journey:
- Action Cameras:
- Mount a GoPro or similar waterproof camera to record rapids and wildlife encounters.
- Mount a GoPro or similar waterproof camera to record rapids and wildlife encounters.
- Waterproof Notebooks:
- Jot down wildlife sightings, currents, or personal reflections, great for sharing stories later.
- Jot down wildlife sightings, currents, or personal reflections, great for sharing stories later.
- Power Bank:
- A solar or high-capacity power bank ensures your devices stay charged even on extended outings.
- A solar or high-capacity power bank ensures your devices stay charged even on extended outings.
Documenting your adventure lets you relive, and share, every exciting moment.
What Hocking Hills Canoe Livery Supplies
To simplify your packing, we provide:
- Quality Canoes & Kayaks: Stable, well-maintained vessels for all skill levels.
- Paddles & PFDs: Adjustable paddles and USCG-approved life jackets in every size.
- Dry Bags & Coolers: Rental dry bags and coolers for added convenience.
- Shuttle Service: We’ll transport you back to your vehicle, no need to paddle upstream!
Check out our full list of services and answers in our FAQ to plan your perfect day on the river.
Conclusion: Pack Smart, Paddle Happy
A successful river trip hinges on thoughtful packing. By combining your personal packing essentials, from waterproof storage and proper footwear to binoculars and portable speakers, with the high-quality supplies we provide, you’ll experience a hassle-free adventure on the Hocking River.
Reach out to us: Have questions or need custom gear recommendations? Call 740-385-0523 or visit our website. At Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, we’re committed to making your paddling experience safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Pack smart, paddle happy, and let the river adventures begin!
