I bought my girlfriend a sea kayak so she can go with me.

I equipped her life jacket with a full complement of basic survival gear including a strobe, knife, hand and aerial flares, smoke, rescue streamer, mirror, whistle, flashlight, pocket survival pack plus.

In each of our boats is a dry flotation bag tethered in the stern compartment with additional, duplicate, and more bulky gear.

Even on short day trips on the local little lake we carry everything and are self sufficient. Practice the same way every time.

If only I carried gear how would she fend for herself if I get taken out? I need to know she can take care of herself if I'm not around any longer or we get separated!