What’s in Your Drag Bag?
It may depend on what time of the year you are paddling, will determine what you might pack inside your dry bag. Here are few inspirational tips on what I throw into my dry bag in the early fall to when the lake might freeze. I find that I don’t need as much stuff with me in the summer months but a colder paddle is more cautionary. Therefore I like to keep some items with me that are just in case. Maybe even items to use when I’m done paddling. Im also testing out a new dry bag from Goose Hill.
Dry bags can serve has a few options, a go to bag for the beach or strapping down on your board. Allowing items to stay dry, hence the name dry bag. 💦 This one has a nice strap to wrap around your body, easy to carry while launching on the water. Its a 5L bag, the smallest one but still holds enough for a short time out. They do have bigger ones to carry more for longer durations.
Extra Gear: Around the table 1. Headlight (if ending the paddle in sunset) 2. Emergency Blanket 3. Luna Moon Beanie Hat 4. Waterproof socks 5. NRS Waterproof Oven Mitt Glove 6. Luna Moon Neck Gaiter 7. Long Sleeve Hoodie
These are only extra items to keep on board.
Head light might help with taking gear home. Sometimes I like to wait for a perfect sunset show to get some snaps before heading home.
Emergency Blanket - Early fall I start to keep this one with me. Especially if I have others with me who are less experienced. One quick fall off the board and a emergency might come in handy to keep yourself warm. Fairly cheap and small item to have just in case.
Beanie Hat - Usually Im already wearing something to keep my head warm. This one is extra or if the conditions change and it gets cold later.
Waterproof socks - These could be on board for purely just extra. I typically already have my boots on or layer the socks with boots. If its still on the warmer side, above 50 degrees then I might wear these later in the paddle. Helps with warmth and if you need to walk your board in to shore.
Waterproof Oven Mitt Gloves - I would have these with me if I needed an extra glove on top of what I am already wearing on my hands. They come in handy if you need to put you hands in the water for a reason. Maybe to pick up some trash!
Neck Gaiter - I LOVE to have one around my neck. Later the paddle the cooler it gets!
Long Sleeve Hoodie - Great for the walk home or if you do lose balance! Layering up on the way home or if you got wet.
Staying warm is the name of the game. These are few items I like to have on hand in my dry bag. Here are few items that I am already wearing and need keep close to me. The must haves! Pictured below are items already on my waist or around my neck.
