Way back in 2010, I wrote this post on what I kept in my Stohlquist kitty PFD while leading sea kayaking expeditions. When I wrote that post, I had led around a thousand miles of trips. Now that mileage has grown significantly, and what I carry in my new Kokatat Hustle PFD has changed a little bit too. Here is a video update, and more info below the video if you would like to read more.
Here is what is in my Kokatat Hustle PFD in the video:
Fox40 Micro Whistle - little and LOUD
NRS Co-Pilot Rescue Knife - the blunt-tipped knife with a quick release sheath designed to integrate into a PFD knife holder
Petzl E+Lite Ultra Compact Headlamp - the tiny waterproof headlamp that lives in my PFD so I always have a light
Black Diamond Storm 500 Lumen Headlamp - I carry this when I plan to be out in the dark. It is VERY bright
Petzl Djinn Bent Gate Carabiner - Totally rust-proof. The bent gate makes it smoother to use.
My favorite reef-safe sunscreens:
Sky & Sol Mineral Tallow Sunscreen - the best sunscreen for your skin
Badger Mineral Sunscreen - clean ingredients, super effective sunscreen
Blue Lizard Face Stick -this fits REALLY well in a PFD pocket
Badger SPF Lip Balm - clean ingredients
But what about your phone?
What I'm adding in 2025
I've always kept my water bottle in my cockpit, which is awful when I'm in choppy conditions and wearing a spray skirt. Leaving my water on the deck of my boat means that it gets really hot in the sun. I've always hesitated to put a hydration bladder on my PFD, but this year I'll be leading 6 weeks of trips and I have decided to try it out.
