Sea Kayaking Gear List for Multi-Day Trips in Lofoten
Packing for a multi-day kayak trip in Lofoten is all about balance. You want enough gear to stay warm, dry, and safe in unpredictable Arctic conditions — but not so much that loading and unloading your boat becomes a daily workout.
Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to what really matters out here. This list isn’t about every tiny item you could bring — it’s a practical overview of the essentials that make long days on the water comfortable and camp life easy.
If you’re joining one of my guided trips, I’ll provide all essential kayaking and safety equipment — you just need to bring your personal clothing, sleeping gear, food, and basic cooking equipment.
Included in Guided Trips
(Provided by me — you don’t need to bring these)
Kayak Gear:
Sea Kayak
Paddle
Spray deck
Personal flotation device (PFD) / buoyancy aid
Drysuit
Neoprene paddling pogies
Group Equipment
Safety equipment (first aid, repair kit, VHF)
Shore shelter – Tarp and lines
Local charts – Maps of the area
What you bring
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The weather here can turn from calm and sunny to wet and windy in an hour. Layering is key.
Base layers: Quick-dry tops and bottoms (preferably merino wool)
Mid layers: Fleece or light insulated jacket
Insulating layers: Down jacket or wooly pullover
Outer layers for in camp:: Waterproof jacket and pants.
Headwear: Beanie, cap, buff
Footwear:
Neoprene boots (need to have enough room for warm socks AND drysuit socks - so size up!)
If they just fit barefoot, they are too small!Waterproof shoes for on the islands
Camp shoes - Cheap Crocs or similar
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Tent (3-season, wind-stable) - My No. 1 recommendation: MSR Hubba Hubba.
Sleeping bag - At least 0° comfort rating. I recommend synthetics as stuff can get dry, if you have good dry bags a down sleeping bag is also fine and smaller to pack
Sleeping pad – Inflatable, with an R-value of at least 2
Inflatable pillow
Dry Bags - I usually carry:
35L for sleeping bag, inflatable pillow + at night outfit
20l for clothing
13l for camera gear
8l for camp essentials (knife, cutlery, fire starter, etc.)
8l for in tent (hygiene, multi-vitamins / recovery, small towel, soap, cream for dry skin)
Two ikea style plastic bags - to carry stuff around
Sitting pad
Headlamp
Optional: Mini folding chair
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(You can coordinate shared cooking gear with other guests)
Lightweight stove & gas (screw on)
Pot, mug/bowl
Utensils
Food storage - dry bags or sealed containers
Water bottle 1L
Water cell 6l+
No water filter is needed on our trips - if you are very sensitive you can bring chlorine tablets as backup
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Sunglasses with strap
Cleaning spray for sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Camera or phone (waterproofed)
Small repair items (tape, cord)
Fishing gear: Handlines make most sense and work very well, also available in Svolvær
Ready to put this gear list to use? Join me for a guided multi-day kayaking trip in Lofoten and paddle with the right equipment, local knowledge, and a small group of adventurers.
