Sandwiches, Sunscreen & Layers: The Ultimate Narrowboat Day Hire Packing List
- Steve Biddick
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
So, you’ve done it. You’ve booked a day on the Grand Union Canal with Narrowboat Day Hire. You have visions of cruising into the sunset, sipping tea, and waving at ducks like royalty.
But then, the practical questions hit you.
What do I wear?
Is it cold on the water?
Do I need to bring my own toilet roll?
(Answer: No, we’ve got you covered on the loo front).
Packing for a boat is an art form. You need to be prepared for the Great British Weather (which means expecting four seasons in one afternoon) while fitting everything into a confined space.
To save you from shivering in a T-shirt or realising you forgot the corkscrew, here is our detailed, slightly humorous guide on what to bring on a narrowboat day hire.
What to Wear Canal Boating: The "Onion" Strategy
If you search for what to wear for canal boating, you’ll see pictures of people in shorts and sunglasses. That’s great, but let’s be real: this is England.
The water temperature is always a few degrees cooler than the air temperature, especially when the wind picks up. The secret is to dress like an onion: layer by layer.
The Shoes (Crucial)
Leave the flip-flops and high heels at home. Seriously. You need flat, non-slip trainers or deck shoes. The towpath can be muddy, the decks can be wet, and nobody looks graceful slipping over while trying to tie a rope.
The "Just in Case" Waterproof
Even if the weatherman promises glorious sunshine, bring a waterproof jacket. It doubles as a windbreaker, which is a lifesaver when you’re standing still at the helm for an hour.
Gardening Gloves
This is our top pro tip. If your route involves locks, handling the heavy lock gates and rough ropes can be tough on soft city hands. A cheap pair of gardening gloves will save you from rope burn and blisters.
The "Canal Hairdo" Hat
It’s breezy out there. Unless you want to spend the day brushing hair out of your eyes while trying to steer, bring a cap or a beanie.
The Narrowboat Packing List or the Galley
A huge part of the day hire experience is the food. While our boats have little galleys (kitchens) with hobs and kettles, you don’t want to spend your day trapped inside cooking a three-course roast.
Finger Food is King: Think sandwiches, pork pies, sausage rolls, and crisps. Anything you can eat with one hand while steering with the other is a winner.
Don't Forget the Milk: We provide the kettle, but the tragedy of having tea bags and no milk is a sad one. Bring a small pint of milk, sugar, and your favourite biscuits.
Hydration: The wind and sun can dehydrate you faster than you realise. Bring plenty of water.
The "Sober Skipper" Rule: Feel free to bring wine or beer for the crew (don't forget the bottle opener!), but remember: the person driving the boat must stay sober. Treat it like driving a car.
Canal Boat Essentials (The Stuff You Might Forget)
These are the items that separate the rookies from the pros. Add these canal boat essentials to your bag:
Sunglasses: Even on a cloudy day, the glare off the water can be blinding. Plus, they make you look cool in the photos.
Sunscreen: You are standing in the shade when you are outside. Don't end up looking like a lobster by 3 PM.
Binoculars: The Grand Union Canal is full of wildlife. If you want to distinguish a heron from a plastic bag stuck in a tree, binoculars are handy.
What to Leave in the Car
Space on a narrowboat is... narrow (clues in the name). To keep things comfortable:
Leave the Stress: This is the most important one. The boat only goes 4mph. You can’t rush it – and that’s the point. If you’re late for lunch, you’re late for lunch. Embrace the slow lane.
Bringing the Pets?
At Narrowboat Day Hire, we’re happy to welcome your pets on your Grand Union Canal adventure. We know they’re part of the family, and we want everyone — including your four-legged companions — to enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
If you’re bringing a pet, please remember to pack their essentials, such as a lead, water bowl, bedding, and any favourite toys to help them feel at home on board. We kindly ask that pets be kept under control at all times and behave considerately around other guests and marina users.
If you plan to bring a pet, please let us know when making your booking so we can ensure everything is ready for your visit.
Packed and Ready?
Now that you know exactly what to put in your backpack (and what to leave behind), you’re ready for a stress-free day on the water.
Book your trip today and start counting down to your day afloat — we can’t wait to welcome you on board! 🚤
Comments