Kayak bungee storage system.?

Question

I am about to buy a used kayak and I am going to fit a bungee storage net on both front and back gunnells. Can anybody advise how much/little kit I should be able to carry without compromising stability too much?. I want to be able to carry enough kit to camp for a few nights on the riverbank. All advice and guidance welcome.

Answer 1

I don`t think it`s a kayak you should buy if your intention is to carry camping gear on a river.  A canadian canoe is more suitable for this.

Answer 2

The load you could carry on top is too dependent on the kayak, your weight, and your skill for anyone to answer except by trying it.

Usually camping gear is carried inside the kayak in waterproof compartments.  That puts the center of gravity lower and doesn't affect the stability badly.  Kayaks intended for touring usually have a hatch on each end.  The compartments act both as floatation (in case you capsize) and gear carrying space.

If your kayak doesn't have sealed compartments, you may want to buy waterproof bags and stuff most of your gear (in the bags) into the ends of the kayak.  You don't get the floatation like you would from a compartment so you might want to have some empty bags (If you can fit them) for that.  Most kayak stores sell pointed floatation bags that fit way at the ends of kayaks.

The bungees on top are primarily for your safety equipment and gear that you want to get at while paddling.

Answer 3

It depends on the model kayak you have.  I have an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 and can carry about 175 pounds of gear in mine, unless I'm paddling in rough water.  Try looking up your make and model on the internet and they should give you maximum load capacities but keep in mind the type of water you're paddling in.

Answer 4

im with fun skater, try and get it into the canoe! ive done weekend trips and with food/clothes etc the main issue is space - for the tent! Fortunately I buddy up with a canadian canoe so he takes the big stuff! I take a lightwight backpack tent and still couldn't cram it all in my kayak.

Never had problem with volume/buoyancy or stability as long as you pack it right. Enjoy the trip