"What I realized as I was reading this thread is I had the "solution" right behind me the whole trip.  One great find for canoeing gear I made a few years back is a clear vinyl Eureka Cloudburst waterproof backpack (no longer made).  It holds about 2500 cu in, enough for some dry clothes, first aid kit, and other survival equipment.  That pack was always behind the stern seat, clipped to the rear canoe handle.  It is small enough that unclipping it and swimming with it to shore would be no problem.  A lesson learned for future trips."


commonly referred to as a "ditch kit" - numerous threads on Paddling.net cover this.   Almost a requirement for sea kayaking where you might have to abandon your boat and swim to shore.

I'd think it goes without saying that everone should have a set of dry clothes for such an emergency -  I include a microfiber towel in my clothes bag - a quick wipe down and change into dry clothes is probably more effective than staying in your wet clothes and trying to build a big enough fire to warm up at.

 Whenever I am solo I carry a small fanny pack strapped to the back of my PFD - its one of those cheapo fanny packs you get at a XC ski race, or for subscribing to a magazine, which is how I got this one - just a simple zippered nylon pouch that weighs nothing empty - but loaded, it is a survival kit, and includes a space blanket type of sleeping bag, fire starter, etc.

I ain't half as dumb as I sound some times - and sometimes, I like to give an alternative view to a thread - not much point in saying what everyone else is gonna say is there?