We had a crazy idea: let’s road trip down Highway 395 in our self-converted van (watch the video tour of our dodge promaster 2500) with kayaks and explore as many bodies of water as possible.
We only had a week, so how much could we cram into a single outing? We were not sure, but we did know that we wanted to try. So, would five bodies of water be too many? What about ten?
But, there was one problem, how could we fit a kayak in the van? Then we found out there are foldable kayaks and we were off to the races.
To ensure our kayaking adventures along the scenic Eastern Sierra Highway were both safe and enjoyable, we made sure to bring along a carefully curated selection of kayaking gear.
This gear not only enabled us to explore the stunning bodies of water in the region but also provided us with the necessary tools to embrace the great outdoors. Here's a list of the kayaking gear we packed for our journey:
Oru Lake Kayak: The heart of our adventure, our trusty Oru Lake kayaks, was the vessel that carried us across the pristine waters of the Eastern Sierra's lakes and rivers. We picked these kayak because they fold up and can be stored easily under the bed in the back of the van.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device) - aka Life Jacket: Safety was a top priority on our road trip. Each of us had a PFD, ensuring that we were well-prepared for any unexpected situations on the water.
Paddle: A reliable paddle was an essential tool for navigating the waterways and propelling our kayaks forward with precision.
Clothes That Can Get Wet: We packed clothing items specifically chosen for their quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties. These clothes kept us comfortable and protected during our kayaking excursions, even when we got splashed or encountered a light drizzle.
Bottom: Surenow running shorts
Wind and Rain Jacket: Marmot jacket (a great all around shell)
Sunscreen: The Eastern Sierra region is known for its abundant sunshine, so sunscreen was a must. We applied it generously to shield ourselves from the high-altitude sun while paddling.
Sandals: Comfortable and water-resistant sandals allowed us to easily transition from land to water without the worry of getting our shoes wet or slipping on rocky shores. My go-to sandals are the Merrell Hydro Moc or the plastic Birkenstock sandals.
With these essential foldable kayaking items in tow, we embarked on our Eastern Sierra road trip fully prepared to make the most of every moment on the water, surrounded by the region's breathtaking natural beauty.
