Hardened veteran or packraft newbie, gloves may just be your best friend on an extended trip.
You’ll want them to be close-fitting enough that your grip isn’t slipping on the paddle shaft but comfortable enough to wear all day, but before you splash out on a pair of paddling gloves, if you have cycle gloves available give them a try.
For colder climes, full finger neoprene gloves offer added warmth as well as blister protection or for closer paddle contact. If it’s super cold or you know you really feel the cold, pogies would be worth considering for additional protection against the cold.
Oh the joy of sunny days on the water! As well as a trusty pair of sunglasses think about a baseball cap or sun visor for added sun protection. Sailing style options with a clip leash or chin strap will prevent a rogue gust – or an unexpected dip – from stealing your headwear but these are also easy to retrofit using cord.
For colder days, Lycra or neoprene skull caps – specially designed to fit under a helmet – help with heat retention and can also be useful to protect chilly heads in an evening’s wild camp.
You’ll also want to be sure to pack some suncream and lip balm. Full days on the water means a lot of UV radiation from the surface and an increased chance of sunburn.
These are adventure staples almost no matter what you’re up to, but you’ll find cord and carabiners super useful on a packrafting expedition.