I paddle mostly rivers, creeks, whitewater, and swamps- on outside of the pfd I have just a whistle. I like a pfd without a lot of stuff to snag on tree branches since I frequently go where there are strainers.
Year around, (basic list) inside the pocket of the pfd I carry two granola bars, two extra drain plugs (different sizes for different boats), two extra bulkhead screws (different sizes), and a 5’’ folding knife.
Dryboxes (for cameras), water, and lunch are all kept in the boat. A very basic pin kit (webbing, prussik, beener) and throw rope go on ww trips.
in winter I add paddling gloves to the pocket of my pfd. The gloves are for a rescue situation that could involve rope and cold water. I wear pogies while paddling so the gloves are strictly a back up. I also take drysuit zipper wax in the winter.
The last couple of trips I took some cough drops.
in summer I take my basic list plus sunscreen.
in remote locations or overnight I add ol’ woodsman fly dope, a tiny flashlight, a lighter with firestarter material (in a naglene bottle in the the boat). Also on Inside the boat I make sure someone in the group has a spare paddle, be it me or someone else. Sometimes I carry a map.
At times I stuff a small video camera between my belly and the spray skirt tunnel so it can be accessible while on the water (risky but haven’t lost it yet)
rarely do I carry money, a cell phone, gps, personal identification, or first aid kit but I have done so when a particular situation dictates- need money for the shuttle person, need to call for a pick up, navigational challenged swamp boating, boat alone, or conducting a formal group paddle or clinic
in a ducky or raft I take a pump and some duct tape
The scary stuff! they are “leftovers”- meaning the extra water bottles (full or empty, had as many as 8 one time! ) stashed behind the rear air bags (left from the last trip.). Occasionally I find a lost throw rope, a rotten apple, or a very slimy, very smelly paddling jacket or a shirt from when I decided to peel a layer and just forgot about it! Not uncommon to find slightly moldy orange peels in the pfd pocket.