How do you pack for a night or two on the river and more specifically what type of tent is best for that. Fishing gear, food , water and such

First, I don't take a tent if the weather is going to be nice. A bag or bed roll and a light weight tarp will do. Second, I have dry bags and water bladders so it is easy to store gear, keep it dry and do it in a balanced manor. If it is a coastal trip (mosquito hell) I just take my two man backpacking tent. And my Thermacell.

The simpler you keep things the less stress you will have! I take a hammock when I know there will be trees to hang it from. Eliminates the need for a chair or an air mattress or cot. When it comes to food I just keep it simple. During cooler months I will freeze soup or chili. Quick and easy to dump it in a pot and heat it. I have found that the more gear that I can do without, the more I enjoy overnighters on the river. Its all about fishing and getting in tune with nature for me. That and getting away from everything that causes any amount of stress!

Makes sense..I am planning a trip with my son sometime in March. Simpler would be better as they are 11.5 ftrs. Probably stay local so any suggestions on the Brazos?

You have several options on the Brazos just depending on how far you want to paddle and how much fishing you want to do. I think the main factor in that would be your sons age and paddling ability.

Son is grown so no issue there, we are taking two trucks so no paddling back to put in . Been reading alot about the Sabine and he likes to fish for sand bass so maybe there somewhere. What stretch of the Brazos might hold them?

We are having a Mariner Sails Kayak Fishing Club meeting on April 7th which is centered around doing an overnight trip on a river. We will have several kayaks setup with all of the essentials for an overnight trip on display. We also have Shane Davies of River Run Guide Service and Tim Birdsong Of TPWD Rivers and Streams coming to speak that night.

This meeting is prior to our overnight trip on the Brazos April 18th & 19th.

I would recommend this. Not many experts better to inform you about kayak river trips and probably no better expert than Shane on the Brazos.

I used to yak a lot up north when I was single. The below are just some suggestions.

Libations: Liquor not beer. Lots of water... Those bottles can add a lot of weight so look into alternatives (treatment tabs or other purification devices).

Food: Few onions, oil and premixed seasonings for the fish you catch. Protein bars, trail mix, jerky or any other foods with a high protein content.

Clothing: Synthetic, light weight options in dry bags. Or you can just wear the same outfit the whole time, which I have done.

Fishing gear: Two poles in case one breaks. I only take one box of plastics/lures fit for the body of water or species I'm after.

Obvious stuff: emergency kit, sunscreen, bug repellent, waterproof matches, etc etc etc.


P.S. I have a Northface Tadpole 23 (2-man, 5 lb tent) and a STERIpen (UV purifier) that I can sell if you have any interest. Won't be using them anytime soon and don't feel like putting up on ebay. (not trying to "sell" you - just offering it out since you're close)

But I would def go to that meeting that was mentioned before. Better from a pro than me.

Another light weight hint - Just take foil as your cooking vessel/plate.

ill recommend at least 1 small tarp, some cheap stakes & plenty of cordage. tarps r handy. 2 pack much easier than a tent & will help keep you warm & your gear dry by keeping the dew off. laying one down will also give you a dry spot to set things on should your area be damp or it storms.

this short video doesnt tell u exactly what to take but is great on how to pack & stow it.

thanks for all the responses guys..the vid very helpful. we will be going before the above mentioned seminar but still might be able to make that. probably will be armed with some data on mistakes made on this trip but that's how ya learn

Hopefully you'll come back and tell us how awesome it was but either way please bring your trip memories and share them with us.