Pack the life-preserving items first.
Begin with properly fitted life jackets, a suitable boat and paddle, drinking water, essential medicine, communication, identification and a float plan. Convenience gear cannot make up for a missing essential.
Protect the items that get everyone home.
Place the vehicle keys and each phone in separate waterproof closures rather than trusting one bag. Keep the takeout keys with the paddling group and secure closures where they cannot float away unnoticed.
Choose food that survives the day.
Whole fruit, peanut-butter crackers, trail mix, jerky and sturdy bars are simpler than a meal that depends on cooking. Carry enough water for the expected time plus delay, and use an inexpensive small cooler or dry bag that can be secured to the boat.
Add only what your group actually needs.
Children need correctly fitted equipment, dry clothing and closer supervision. Fishing adds licenses, limits, tools and line control. Sun, insects, rain and cooler weather each change the list. The free builder keeps these additions separate.
Pack the takeout, not just the launch.
Leave dry clothes, towels, water and a trash bag in the takeout vehicle. Bring wipes and an appropriate waste system where facilities are uncertain. Carry out every wipe, wrapper, line clipping and food scrap.