Touring

[robcmullins]

I'm a bit new to the sport. Just recently bought a Wilderness Systems Palmico 120. I was thinking about putting in below the dam in Ozark and paddling around. Are there any laws that I need to be aware of?

-thanks in advance want to do some serious touring/packing.

[AR-Nimrod]

You are required to have a PFD, a floating cozy for beverages, and a mesh bag for your trash. Glass containers of any kind are PROHIBITED . I think that covers the basics. There may be some location specific laws that I am not familiar with as I have never paddled there. For touring and packing I'd look at the islands on the north side of Lake Ouachita and the middle and lower sections of the Buffalo River. Both offer great canoe/kayak camping oportunities. There are other lakes that also offer camping/touring opportunities. But Lake Ouachita is the one I see mentioned the most.

[robcmullins]

Hey! thanks for the info, must definitely check out Ouchita! Island hopping sounds like a ton of fun. Iv'e already had the kayak down the Mulberry at 3.0 earlier in the year, but I went again last week at 1.65 and it was brutal! So I'm looking at some touring stuff.

thanks again!

[Paddlegal]

Hey! thanks for the info, must definitely check out Ouchita! Island hopping sounds like a ton of fun. Iv'e already had the kayak down the Mulberry at 3.0 earlier in the year, but I went again last week at 1.65 and it was brutal! So I'm looking at some touring stuff.

thanks again!

I met a guy once on Lake Ouachita who had started at one end of the lake and ended at the other end days later. he's done it a handful of times. You'll love it i know.

[robcmullins]

Got any advice on a good single-person tent for a kayak? I will be taking a 12'.

[okieboater]

sierra designs clip flashlight is one of several that rolls up small and keeps the rain off.

[AR-Nimrod]

Check out these links. There are several on there that are "Hot Deals". Personally I'd go ahead and get a 2 person tent. Then you'll have room to stash some gear inside as well. Free-standing is better IMO as are Aluminum poles. And I would definitely get one with a vestibule that way nasty shoes can stay outside and still be in the dry. I'd stick with brands like Sierra Designs, Kelty (I own 2), North Face, and Big Agnes. Some people like Eureka also. Make sure you get a dry bag for your tent just in case. We take the poles out and pack them separate so that the tent will go in a smaller dry bag.

1-person tents

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Sub ... lorFilter=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2-person tents

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Sub ... rson%20(65" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)&ip_constrain=&pageSize=24&catType=&searchCategory=browsefilter&manNameFilter=&sizeFilter=&ip_state=&priceFilter=&currentPage=0&colorFilter=

[robcmullins]

Thanks guys for the GREAT advice. Can't wait to do my first camp and yak.

[Richard]

In the fall thru spring a group of us do river camping on the Buffalo. You are welcome to join us.

[Deuce]

Richard, I've been meaning to ask. Are any of those Buffalo floats suitable for an aluminum canoe with a keel? I'd love to tag along, but not if I'd be doing a lot of flipping. I can get a more suitable one if necessary, but would rather avoid the disapproving glances from Mrs. Deuce if possible. I also have a 14' gear pig of a raft that I haven't really learned how to handle yet.