Should I pack my kayak bow- or stern-heavy?
Last summer, I bought a Shan light touring kayak from Wilderness Systems (based largely on your recommendation, O Great and Wise One). After some great day trips, I'm now planning a multi-night river trip, so I'm looking for some packing advice. The boat has a rear bulkhead and an air bag up front for flotation. Should I pack my gear at the back with extra stuff lashed atop the stern, or can I replace the front flotation bag with a tapered dry bag? Zippo Baltimore, Maryland
Otherwise, sure, get a tapered dry bag and use that up front. That will of course act like an air bag, adding flotation (as will all your sealed stuff sacks). You'll probably want something like the Seattle Sports Cyclone Tapered Dry Sack, in medium or large ($37 or $45; www.seattlesportsco.com). The large will add about 2,000 cubic inches of storage capacity, the medium 1,200. Either way, pack the bow bag with smaller but heavier itemsstove, fuel, cookware, and things for which you don't need ready access. In the back should go clothes, first-aid kit, lunch, water. You can also store some things in a dry bag under the deck webbing, such as your coat, camera, map, and other stuff for which you'll need ready access.
Good luck!
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