Here are some of the essentials I have found helpful for planning and packing for a multi-day trip on a SUP.
Photo: VIMA Photography
SUP
This article doesn't focus on the type of SUP to take but a longer, touring board with bungees for storage is the best type of board to take. An inflatable is the most versatile as well, in preference to a hard board as you are able to be more flexible with transporting it. I am taking my Red Voyager 12' 6" touring board.
Kit
The picture to the right is all of my kit I am getting ready for Finland. Everything except food and water. It looked an awful lot! I am aiming to get my kit to under 40 pounds, packed into 2-4 drybags.
Below is the kit list I am taking as it might be helpful for anyone else undertaking a similar expedition. I have included some brands in case you want to know.
Kit List
Camping
One-person tent - MSR Elixir
Sleeping bag - Go Outdoors
Sleeping pad - Exped
Inflatable pillow
Sleeping bag liner
Mallet
Safety Gear
Buoyancy aid - Palm
Whistle
Waist leash - Neil Boast
Praddel
First aid kit
Waterproof waist bag
Nautical chart - Stanfords
Rope
Garmin InReach Explorer+
Garmin Instinct Solar watch and charging cable
Extra bungees
Compass
Waterproof mobile case which floats
Bags and Packs
Main dry bag – 70 litre duffel - Osprey Transporter WP Duffel 70
Red Original SUP Deck Bag
LOMO Deck Bag
Carabinas and bungees
SUP
Red Voyager paddleboard and travel bag, pump, repair kit, spare fin bolts, paddle
Food/Drink
Food
Water bottles - water to go
Water container
Water filter tablets
Camp Kitchen
Soap/washing up liquid/shampoo – Campsuds
Cutlery
Mug - Komoot
Two boxes of matches in sealable freezer bag
Mini sponge
Knife/multi-tool
Cook stove and pots
Bin bags
Clothing
Underwear x 3
Socks x 3
Shirts x 3 (1 x short sleeve, 2 x long sleeve) - Eddie Bauer and Proviz
Leggings x 2 - Eddie Bauer and TOG24
Cap - Eddie Bauer
Beanie - Sealskinz
Fleece mid layer - Eddie Bauer
Anti-insect bamboo pyjamas - We Drifters
Hooded down jacket - Eddie Bauer
Snood - Komoot
Sunglasses- Kyloe In The Wild
Swimming costume - Deakin & Blue
Mosquito headnet
Wet shoes - Hot Tuna
Paddle gloves
Hiking trainers – Eddie Bauer
Other
Sun lotion (waterproof)
Microtowel
Insect repellent - Smidge
Bite cream
Lantern
Headtorch - Alpkit
Personal hygiene items and medication
She-wee and trowel, wag bag
Waterproof phone case (floating)
Sleep mask
Powerbanks and cables
Passport and travel insurance docs/GHIC card
Wet wipes
Tweezers
Adaptor for power outlets
Book
Euros
Padlock for case
Lightweight tarp
Notebook/pen
Credit card
Duct tape
Map case
Fold up camping chair
Drybags
You will need 2 -3 dry bags, depending in their size. All your gear needs to be protected from the water as it is likely to get wet from splashes - worst case scenario it might fall in.
I am taking an Osprey Transporter WP Duffel 70 litre as my main drybag, kindly gifted as part of the Adventure Queens Grant.
This unisex expedition duffel has IPX7 waterproof submersible rating. It is perfect for my expedition as it is so roomy but also offers IPX7 protection. This means it has fully-submersible waterproofing up to one metre of water for 30 minutes. It also features multiple lash points and can also be carried as a backpack. It is so roomy that I can fit loads in it. I love it.
I am also taking a Red Deck Bag, which was kindly gifted. Deck Bags provide additional storage for items that you need to hand whilst on the water. The Red Original SUP Deck Bag is made with Armour Tech waterproof material, and has a simple to use luggage tensioning system. It will provide plenty of storage for kit including outer drinks bottle holders, plus help to keep my valuables 100% dry and easy to access whilst on the water.
I will also be taking another deck bag plus a small lightweight backpack for carrying personal items when going through the airport or exploring any islands.
How to pack it on board
Distribute the weight of your gear down your board evenly. Try and keep the front and the back as evenly weighted as possible for the best paddling experience. I'm still playing around with the best configuration before I find the best one. I'm trying to practise with the bags as much as I can.
You need to place your bags close to the centre of the board. Do not place everything on the nose. By placing your bags towards the centre the board will be more stable, will glide better over the water surface and will cut better through the waves if needed.
Gear
What you wear on the water needs to be appropriate for paddling and the weather, and comfortable.
I am planning to wear leggings and a long- sleeved shirt in case of any mosquitoes. Depending on the year, there is räkkä (a time when there are a lot of mosquitos) and the best summer hiking time in Lapland is also the time of räkkä. Proper clothing is the key to enjoy the Finnish summer, especially as I will be camping in forests. I am taking We Drifters bamboo-infused pyjamas (previously gifted) which have been treated to keep 90% of bugs at bay at night. Hopefully that will all do the trick!
I will wear water shoes and have a waist bag for easy to access snacks etc. I will also be wearing my buoyancy aid and quick-release waist leash.
I will have a dry change of clothes handy for off the water and in case I fall in.
Luxury Items
Whilst kit was tight I decided to allow myself some 'luxury' items to keep me going on the trip. So I have packed some tiny bars of white chocolate, one a day. Plus I am also taking a book and a small fold-up camping chair. I do have back problems; I have scoliosis and sciatica, so sitting on the ground as well as sleeping on it will give me a lot of problems. Hopefully having a chair will really help, especially when cooking.
Blog posts about Finland
See blog posts here about the trip.