For your canoe-kayak bivouac trip, there's no need to carry more than necessary ! On our routes, you'll find stopover villages with all the amenities such as markets, mini-markets, or even pharmacies at the end of each day.
Although you don't need to carry food, it is still necessary to bring your camping gear as well as food and drink for the day.
To help you prepare for your trip, we have prepared our top 5 things to plan for your bivouac adventure.
➜ Read also “The short guide to canoe camping on the Dordogne”
No. 1: Lightweight tent, hammock or tarp
For your cozy evening retreat, several options are available:
- The tent: easy and essential, it's the all-purpose item for canoe and kayak camping. Ideally, choose a rectangular tent that folds up so you can store it dry in your dry bag.
- The hammock: a lighter and more practical option, the hammock only requires a few trees to be set up! Be careful, however, if it rains during your stay.
- The tarp: it is halfway between the two options, as it allows you to stay dry in case of rain while being easy to set up and lightweight to carry!
No. 2: Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
To sleep nice and warm, because yes the nights are still chilly at times, bring a sleeping bag per person, as well as sleeping mats to protect your back!
There are different types of sleeping bags depending on the minimum temperatures. In summer, there's no need to buy the highest-performance ones if you don't already own them. The same goes for sleeping mats and sleeping pads! If you're not a serious adventurer, a standard sleeping pad or a small self-inflating mattress may suffice. If you want more comfort, you'll need to bring your own sleeping mats and an air pump.
No. 3: Stove with a suitable gas cylinder
Since fires are prohibited on the banks of the Dordogne, we recommend bringing a small, portable camping stove! This will allow you to cook delicious meals for your campsite. You can also bring a small, portable barbecue that can be set above ground.
Important : Make sure you have a gas canister compatible with your stove. There are many different models available.
No. 4: Eco-friendly sunscreen and first aid kit
To protect yourself from the sun's rays while preserving biodiversity, pack a UV-protective t-shirt or a mineral-based, eco-friendly sunscreen like the one from Laboratoires de Biarritz. These are available for purchase at our bases. A good mosquito repellent is also essential for peaceful evenings.
In case of a minor accident, pack a small first aid kit with essentials (paracetamol, sunburn cream, bandages, disinfectant, etc.).
No. 5: Essential Accessories
For your evenings camping at the end of your canoeing and kayaking trips, we feel it's important that you plan for:
- A lamp or headlamps
- Essential camping cooking equipment (pots, pans, cutlery, etc.)
- A Swiss Army knife
Recap
In summary, here is a short checklist of essential things to prepare for your canoe camping trip:
- Sportswear adapted to the activity
- A change of clothes and something for the evening
- A raincoat
- Closed shoes for walks
- Spare shoes
- A toiletry kit and a first aid kit
- Your camping equipment
- Water and your picnic lunch for Day 1
We hope that with all these tips it will be easier for you to pack for your canoe-kayak camping trip! If you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
