If you can afford it get a Miller digital infinity helmet. The display is true color which is like comparing an old tv to a 4K UHD tv. You can see everything the screen is the largest and it has X-Mode which allows it to be used in direct sunlight because it turns of the arc sensors and uses an...
As far as the life jacket goes try them on and get what's feels comfortable to you. And as far as what the other guy mentioned about not wearing it, disregard that comment, best to keep it on at all times because it may never happen but you never know, your sugar could drop or hydration get low...
Also check out the kayak kaddy. It's a trailer that you can tow behind the kayak or canoe and pack it full of gear. And it's dry storage. You could get a couple of them and tie them to each other and to the canoe.
Don't get the ENO junglenest, the mosquito will bite you through the bottom as it is only a single layer. Best to get a clark jungle hammock or a warbonnet blackbird as they are double layer hammocks and have bugnets. Cost a little more but way more comfortable. Eno hammocks you end up laying...