I would say that the most important piece of gear to bring would be knee-high warm, muck boots. Without them, your feet will be wet and cold all day long. It is nearly impossible to get in and out of your kayak without stepping into water. I always say if your feet are warm and dry then you will feel warm, but if your feet are wet and cold, you will feel cold. And once you buy them, you could use them all the time. You could use them in the winter to shovel snow, and in the summer I use them in the garden. I often say now, how did I ever get by without a pair of muck boots lol !