GEAR - BON VOYAGE - WHAT TO PACK FOR A ROWING ADVENTURE - Rowing The World
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GEAR
WHAT TO PACK FOR A ROWING ADVENTURE
BON VOYAGE
APRIL 2021
I have been travelling for a lifetime and This guide is not sponsored by anyone, and
rowing for almost 25 years. That is a lot of external links are provided primarily for your
combined kilometres and a lot of opinions convenience and are not affiliated. Please
and experience in what is essential for remember that although these are sincere
rowing travel. I also don’t like to shop. Which recommendations, they are still only my
means I want a clear, concise and reliable list personal opinions, and items mentioned may
of what to pack, both in my luggage and in not work for you depending on your
the boat. I want gear that is useful and will individual circumstances.
last. And maybe a little bit fun too.
Finally give a thought to sustainability and
We always provide our guests on Rowing where the products that you purchase come
The World trips with recommended packing from. Buying quality equipment that gives
lists for our multi-day and often international you satisfaction for a long time is an
rowing trips. This Gear Guide takes things up excellent strategy. Buy local as much as
a notch, with more details and possible. That could include a thoughtful
recommendations on brands and suppliers. purchase while travelling – every time you
Whether you are planning a guest row while use gear that you bought on a trip will bring
on a business trip or packing for a three back wonderful memories along with the
week vacation involving rowing, check out functionality. That is the best kind of rowing
our suggestions and tips. travel gear.
ROWING
ESSENTIALS
Savvy travellers like to pack as lightly as possible and
with careful planning can keep their load to a very
manageable size. But there are rowing essentials that
you should not skip on.
Another option (3) is a neoprene one, that
was gifted to me in Hong Kong, so I am not
sure of its origins. But neoprene seems to a
popular choice for seat covers these days, so
you should have no problem finding one that
will suit you.
I was given another one on a Bavarian trip
(1), but be careful that it is not so thick that
it changes your hand heights.
Most commercial pads have gel. Not sure of
SEAT COVER
the longevity, nor the utility since they seem
awfully thin.
I sometimes travel with two. My absolute
favourite and what I use for longer rows is a
Added feature is a hook to connect it to the
sheepskin one (2) that a friend in Australia
seat itself so a roque wave does not wash it
made.
away, or it falls into the water if you forget
that it is there when you lift the boat up and
Only problem is that it does not do wet very
over your head.
well.
I could not find one for sale anywhere, but
you can easily make it yourself out of a piece
of sheepskin.
On really long rows, vary the time when
you use the pad or don’t. Sometimes a
slight change in position is what is needed
4 to ease the butt pain.
Rigger-jigger was
originally designed
RIGGER JIGGER by Henri Tengvall
for Sons of the
10 mm on one end, 13 mm on the other.
Ring spanner or wrench, such as this,
Thames Rowing
depending on your country of origin. Club in 1991.
Know the boats where you are going, since a
metric wrench won’t work on an imperial
boat.
Put onto a lanyard and never put it down,
plus add a touch of nail polish for easy
recognition
5
Generally airlines will allow you to bring a
self-inflating PFD (with CO2cartridge) in
your carry-on or checked luggage, but check
with the carrier that you are flying with. If
you encounter resistance, point out that
under every seat on the plane is a life vest
with CO2 cartridge. Be sure to check both
the prohibited goods list and allowable
sports equipment list. One traveller suggests
taping a copy of the airlines regulations to
the PFD if it is in your checked bags, since
not all agents and baggage handlers may
know the regulations, and also informing an
agent at check-in.
Note that you can also remove the cartridge
and manually inflate the jacket, if needed.
CALF PROTECTORS
Helpful to avoid boat bites (slide bites).
You can simply use cut off old socks, or step
your game up a bit and buy special
protectors or use tall compression socks.
PFD
I recommend a waist type, often used by
SUP boarders (stand-up paddle board), or
else the narrow around the neck style, both
with CO2 cartridges for inflation. Be wary of
types or settings that inflate automatically
with contact with water.
6
Not something that I use very much
myself. But good to have with you
regardless to not just prevent blisters, but
also to help protect sore hands if blisters
develop. Taping and band aids can only go
so far and bits of loose plaster sloshing
around in the bottom on the boat is not so
great.
People swear by Crew Stop rowing
gloves. I have tried a pair on but not
rowed with them.
Cycling gloves and kayaking gloves do not
always work, but if you are suffering, give
it a try. Must fit very snugly with no
bunching.
This video on the rowing gloves is quite
helpful. Scroll down the page for it.
HAND PROTECTION There is also an ointment that you might
want to try.
Depending on the season, you may or may
not have lots of callouses built up.
Regardless, you will be using a diversity of
blades, which is good (not repeatedly
rubbing those poor blistered hands the same
way) and bad (who knows what your hands
will encounter). Consider bike gloves just for Get to know some European distance
variation. Bring lots of bandaids and blister rowers, especially those from Germany,
packs. These are also useful if the seat rails Austria or Switzerland. They talk in
are hurting your calves. hushed tones about this “stag” cream …
7
CLOTHES & FOOTWEAR
GORE-TEX and others are capable of
letting through SOME water vapor from
the inside, but not much. GT in particular
will also keep you very warm for that
exact reason (no air penetrating). So if you
are rowing or otherwise actively exercising
in warmer weather, or if you are prone to
excess sweating, GT is not your best
friend. When caught in the rain on the
water, opt for a light no fuss waterproof
jacket, preferably with armpit zippers to
let a bit of air though.
TOP LAYERS
Leave GORE-TEX for after landing, when
it is cold and windy, you stop moving and
The most important feature of your jacket
need to quickly warm up and stay safe
is that it be visible. Have at least one
from rain. A cheaper alternative for this
lightweight jacket in a bright, preferably
purpose is Charles River pullover. It is
neon, colour. This is important for rowing
ridiculously warm due to a 100% cotton
in the fog. A good option is a jacket that
flannel lining, while still quite water-
can be converted into a vest by zipping off
resistant on the outside (we tested it in
the sleeves. Though it adds an extra spot
the heavy rain for 30-40 min and it
for the water to get through in case of
performed well). We love the variety of
rain. Bring a jacket that is waterproof, not
colors and unisex fit. Oh, and it is
just water-repellent.
ROWING THEMED :)
We have to make a side comment
As a light rain jacket we can
regarding GORE-TEX and similar
recommend either Marmot PreCip or
waterproof/breathable technical fabrics. In
Patagonia Torrentshell.
essence, saying that something waterproof
Despite also being guilty of those shifty
AND breathable at the same time is quite
'waterproof/breathable' claims, they are
an oxymoron. Moisture either passes
light, packable, feature armpit zippers and
through the fabric or it does not, doesn't
do their rainstopping job just fine.
matter if it's rain or your own sweat. This
is why you find armpit zippers on some
'waterproof/breathable' jackets anyway.
9
Probably everyone has their favourites, but if
you don't, we recommend the Better
Sweater or a warmer more technical Tech
Hoody as good starting points.
If you layer with the base, sweater or fleece,
maybe an extra layer and a top jacket, you
will be dry and comfortable in cool, damp
weather. It is easier to take off layers if you
get warm, than to run out of layers to put on
and be cold.
If you traveling to warmer locations, don't
forget a rashguard. I particularly love Carve
design, especially their shirts with a zipper
BASE & OTHER LAYERS for easy layering.
Temperatures during your rowing outings We also cannot recommend merino
can vary greatly, especially on morning underwear enough. Female rowers, check
rows. out Branwyn, for their performance merino
blend underwear. If it sounds weird, it is only
Depending on where you go, bring lots of until you try it. Their undergarments are
warm layers plus a few things just in case! super comfy, NOT itchy, size chart is
accurate and customer satisfaction policy is
I highly recommend base layer long the best.
underwear, which wicks away moisture
and can also be worn as a top layer. At BOTTOMS
Rowing The World, we are particularly
enamoured with merino wool layers. I mostly just stick with rowing tights.
RegattaSport has a great basic selection.
Smartwool and Icebreaker are well-known
and easy to get your hands on. (they are
also pricey though). We also suggest the
brand called Meriwool. It was an
accidental find on Amazon (just type
'meriwool' in the search bar), and quickly
became some of our team members'
favourite.
Also bring a lightweight, all-wool sweater
or fleece top.
10FOOTWEAR
The boats have foot stretchers which work KEENs and other similar sandals are
best with wearing light shoes. For some of tempting, but I do not recommend them,
the trips, you can expect to use docks. since they do not provide any heel
However, you may be landing on beaches, protection.
so have water shoes or sandals that you This is what I use. You can walk surprising
can use for wet launches or landings. far in them too.
Biggest challenge is finding ones that don’t
start stinking. Some people have water
shoes plus rowing shoes. Definite
advantages in terms of rowing with dry
feet, but also more fussy and for coastal
rowing, not always practical.
Slip on, such as Crocs are a bad idea for
wet launches and landings, although they
are popular with people who row from
docks. MEC Ogopogo watershoes
11FOOTWEAR For city outings, try not to use trail
runners that have prominent soft
Rowing footwear is obviously not the rubber lugs. They will wear down
only pair you will bring with you on a quickly on the pavement.
rowing adventure. Unless you are up for
some hardcore mountaineering, Rowing
The World suggests to swap your hiking
boots for some light trail runners. They
will take you from sightseeing and hiking
to a casual lunch if needed. Perfect if you
like to pack light.
Our team really recommends Merrell
Long Sky. They are light, breathable,
grippy and cushy. And if you can get your
hands on the black/blue model (pictured),
they are super low key and pose as any
old pair of casual runners.
Photo by veggievagabonds.com
12NECKWEAR & HEADWEAR
I suggest to bring a Buff or a similar gaiter
for neck protection in case it gets cold &
windy on the water.
Merino wool is always our favourite, but
regular polyester will do just fine.
Bring a beanie/toque with you. Buff makes
surprisingly warm (for how thin they are)
merino beanies. Pick mid or heavy-weight
wool.
13BAGS & ACCESSORIES
REUSABLE TRAVEL UTENSILS
This may be a bit of an obvious thing Rowing The World team members also
during this day and age, but I will include it love this set (called Quatro). It includes a
anyway. Travel cutlery set is a small functional hard case (just like the previous
enough item that you can keep forgetting set), chopsticks for asian food lovers, and
to bring it into your life. Yet, it is a reusable toothpick. Backed with a
extremely useful in your daily routine and lifetime warranty and does fine in a
even more so when travelling. dishwasher.
I have this one and I LOVE IT.
Goes through airport screening no
questions asked and is super lightweight.
And it is rowing themed :)
15Choosing a perfect water bottle is
essentially finding a compromise between
size, weight, durability and insulation. You
decide what is most important for you.
YETI Rambler are good all around bottles,
they can take a beating and are highly
insulated, but quite heavy, which may not
be suitable for travel. If weight is your
biggest consideration, you can't go wrong
with just a simple Nalgene. They are
cheap, light & sturdy. In other words, they
just work. We also love SIGG bottles, the
non-insulated models share Yeti's
durability and Nalgene's lightness.
Hydration is key when actively exercising,
so whatever water container you bring
make sure it's BIG.
Photo: IG @Stojo
REUSABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
If you are an on the go coffee/tea drinker,
Rowing The World highly recommends
Stojo collapsible mugs. They are made out
of silicone & food grade plastic, are
dishwasher safe, have a hard heatproof
sleeve and fold into a small hockey puck
that literally fits in your pocket. We
suggest the 16 oz size (equals "grande")
though, since the silicone is slightly thicker
on this model, base is wider and they
come with a chunky silicone straw that
easily fits inside of your folded mug. Oh,
and they are surprisingly spillproof. Only
downside is that they tend to retain a bit
of flavour from any highly flavoured
drinks.SUNGLASSES RETAINERS
While on the water, you should try to
strap as many of your beloved
accessories to your body as possible.
Retainers are a MUST for sunglasses.
Rowing The World team recommends
neoprene one-piece retainers from
Chums or Croakies (these are widely
available pretty much anywhere). They
have no segments to break off, do not
cause excessive sweating under the sun
and tolerate moisture well. Just watch
for the thread to stay intact and repair
promptly if you notice it coming apart.
Both companies produce floater
neoprene retainers, so if somehow they
end up sliding off your head in the water,
they will stay afloat waiting to be
retrieved.
17LUGGAGE & PACKING More affordable option are their Black
Hole duffels and similar MEC Outpost
My favourite luggage companies are duffels. While water-resistant (Outpost -
Briggs & Riley (love their lifetime repair waterproof, non-submersible), these do
guarantee and the pieces are rugged) and not have dry/wet compartments, but
Eagle Creek – many clever designs and feature very comfy detachable backpack
packing concepts. style straps to help you on your carry-on
only journey.
If you are a lighter packer, Rowing The
World team also suggests a 65L You can never have too many organizing
Stormsurge from Patagonia. It has two pouches and cloth shopping bags. I love
water-resistant compartments that are the designs and functionality of LOQI.
wonderful for separating your wet & dry
gear. It is definitely on a pricier side, but Patagonia Black Hole packing cubes are
Patagonia backs their every product with another favourite. They come in different
an Ironclad warranty. sizes, and are great for sorting those
pesky socks and undies. Quality is superb
as well.
18DRY STORAGE & ELECTRONICS I use this one from Rowing Canada
PROTECTION Aviron for a small bag. The daypack that I
always have handy is a foldable one from
In the touring boats, there is space to Eagle Creek, or else a small fabric one
bring some things, and since you might from rowing clubs.
be out for as much as six hours, this is a
good idea. We suggest carrying a dry Consider a phone that is waterproof to
sack, in which you can put layers as you be even safer. Keep in a pouch or a case
take them off as well as valuables – what that allows you to take photos without
if the person in the seat in front of you removing it. LifeProof or Hitcase are
splashes with every stroke? A day pack great. Hitcase even allows you to mount
that is waterproof can be used in the additional camera lenses.
boat and for other activities. More, of
various sizes is a good idea. Dunking in water is bad enough but
worse is sinking to the bottom of the
Not all are made equal it seems. canal or lake. Life Jacket for your phone
Test yours at home before
or camera I have one for my waterproof
depending on it on a raining day
camera and also attach one to my phone
in the boat.
bag. They work, I have tested them.
19PACKING SHEET
SUNGLASSES WITH RETAINER DRY BAG
SUNSCREEN COMPACT DAYPACK
SUN HAT AND/OR A BEANIE
WATER SHOES
NECK GAITER TRAIL RUNNERS
ROWING GLOVES AND/OR WATER BOTTLE AND COFFEE
OTHER HAND PROTECTION MUG
SUN SHIRT OR RASHGUARD CALF PROTECTORS OR HIGH
SOCKS
RIGGER JIGGER ROWING TIGHTS
WATERPROOF PHONE CASE OR SEAT COVER
POUCH
PHONE OR CAMERA LIFE BASE LAYER TOP
JACKET
PFD
WOOL OR FLEECE SWEATER
LIGHT RAIN JACKET
WARMER RAIN JACKETrow@rowingtheworld.com
rowingtheworld.com
@rowing_the_world
@rowingtheworld
@rowingtravel
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