Kayak/Canoe Trip Gear Weight Calculator
Overloading a kayak or canoe affects stability, freeboard, and safety. Enter your vessel's rated capacity along with paddler, gear, and food weights to see your total load and remaining margin.
About this calculator
Calculate total loaded weight of your kayak or canoe trip including boat, paddler, gear, and food to stay within safe capacity limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts toward rated capacity?
Most manufacturers rate capacity as the total payload the boat can carry, not including the boat's own weight. Check your specific manufacturer's spec sheet to confirm.
How much margin should I leave?
A common rule of thumb is to load a boat to no more than 70-80% of its rated capacity for better handling, freeboard, and safety in rough water.
Does gear placement matter?
Yes, even within capacity limits, distributing weight low and balanced fore-to-aft improves stability and tracking significantly.