Kayaking or canoeing in Yellowstone gives you a unique vantage point for exploring America’s first national park. Heading out for a day trip or a multiday paddling adventure gets you out of your car and away from the crowds as you explore the park’s abundant wildlife and geothermal features, as well as its numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls. For more information about planning your trip, see our Yellowstone National Park Visitor Guide.
Know before you go: Be sure you’re properly trained and have the appropriate clothing for the conditions, or hire a qualified guide. Even in the middle of summer, the water temperature of Yellowstone’s lakes is cold (typically around 40°F–50°F) and sudden winds can create 4–5 ft. waves, which can make paddling dangerous.
The following list is designed for a non-guided, non-winter trip in Yellowstone. If you’re part of a guided group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide.
Included in this list are the Ten Essential Systems you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire starter; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter. To learn more, see our Ten Essentials article.
Kayaking and Canoeing Equipment
- Kayak or canoe
- Kayak paddle or canoe paddle (1 per paddler), plus spare
- Kayak spray skirt
- Personal flotation device (1 per paddler), plus spare
- Dry bags (for gear organization)
- Spare deck bungee cords
- Weather/VHF radio
- Signaling devices (whistle, mirror, flares)
- Towline/floating throw line (with throw bag)
- Paddle leash
- Paddle float
- Float tubes
- Sea anchor
- Bailer or bilge pump
- Sponges
Kayaking and Canoeing Clothing and Footwear
Note: There may be overlap with clothing for kayaking/canoeing and clothing for camping. Keep this in mind when choosing quantities.
- Paddling jacket and pants (or dry suit)
- Wicking, quick-drying underwear
- Wicking, quick-drying sports bra
- Wicking, quick-drying T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt
- Wicking, quick-drying long underwear
- Rashguard or sun-shielding shirt (long sleeves)
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Shorts or convertible pants
- Synthetic-insulation vest or jacket
- Sun-shielding hat or ball cap
- Wool/synthetic cap or balaclava
- Hat or cap retainer
- Sunglasses
- Sunglass retainer
- Paddling gloves or pogies (optional)
- Neoprene footwear or water sandals
- Bandana or Buff
Camping Equipment
- Tent with poles, stakes, guylines and repair sleeve
- Tent footprint (optional)
- Sleeping bag (15°–29°; suitable for wet weather)
- Sleeping pad
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Knife or multi-tool
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Map(s) and route description or guidebook
- LED headlamp with extra batteries
- Water treatment system and backup
- Stove and fuel
- Matches or lighter
- Cookset, dishes, bowls, utensils, cups (measuring/drinking)
- Bear canister
- Rope (30 ft.; for hanging food)
- Repair kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips
- Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
Additional Clothing and Footwear for Camping
- Fleece pants
- Midweight down or synthetic jacket
- Waterproof/breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof/breathable rain pants
- Gloves or mittens
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters (for added tick protection)
- Sandals (for fording streams and relaxing in camp)
- Change of clothes to leave in car
Personal Items
- Water bottles (3) or hydration reservoirs
- Plastic zip-top bags
- Bear spray
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
- Quick-drying towel
- Waterproof camera or helmet cam and extra memory cards (all optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Cell phone in waterproof case (don’t rely on service)
- Satellite communicator or personal locator beacon (optional)
- Field guide(s); star identifier (optional)
- Outdoor journal and pen (optional)
- Fishing gear and permit(s) (optional)
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat
Toiletries
Many of the following items are optional; tailor the list to suit your personal needs.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Personal wipes
- Women’s hygiene items
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent (effective on ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies)
- Tick-removal tool (optional)
- Biodegradable soap
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Medications
Food
Quantity varies depending on activity and length of trip.
- Breakfast (oatmeal, granola, freeze-dried breakfast, etc.)
- Lunch (bagels, summer sausage, cheese, smoked salmon, etc.)
- Dinner (pasta, couscous, rice, freeze-dried dinner, etc.)
- Snacks (cookies, GORP, jerky, candy bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Energy gels
- Energy bars
- Electrolyte replacement drink mix
- Extra day’s supply of food