Canoe Camping Checklist
From OutdoorWiki
This checklist outlines the basic needs, or essentials, for a fairly standard canoe camping trip. It assumes that the trip is for at least two days and one night, or more.
Items in italics are considered additional items that one might bring along in the case of a short trip with no portages. These items are considered luxurious, or almost frivolous.
Contents |
Individual Equipment
Sleep and Shelter
- Sleeping bag [Rated for at least 0°]
- Foam bed roll [Either closed cell foam or inflatable. Closed cell foam recommended for cost and reliability]
- Pillow or bag with which to make a pillow
- One man tent [Only required if no group tent being taken]
Food and Drink
- Plate or bowl [Plastic or enamel. From the military surplus store.]
- At least a fork, knife, spoon or spork [Also cheap from the military surplus store. Titanium if you're rich.]
- Mug for drinking [Insulted mugs are the best, keeps the coffe warm. You can substitute a mug for a plate.]
- Drinking water vessels [Bring at least 2 litres worth of drinking water storage.]
- Water purification equipment [Drops and pumps both work well]
Clothing
- Underwear [If they are easily washed, then two pairs. Otherwise, one pair for every two days.]
- Upper body base layer [Light long-sleeve under shirt. Something that protects from the sun.]
- T-Shirt [Something light and easily dried.]
- Pants [Preferably something quick-dry and convertable.]
- Shorts [Preferably something quick-dry and convertable.]
- Waterproof shell and pants [Gore-Tex jacket or equivalent rain-jacket.]
- Hat [Optional]
Footwear
- Socks [A couple pairs of quick-dry, technical socks.]
- Hiking boots or insulated rubber boots
- One additional pair of shoes or sandals for around camp [Also acts as backups.]
Additional for Cold Weather
- Lower body base layer [Technical long underwear.]
- Upper body insulating layer [Fleece jacket.]
- Toque
- Gloves or Mittens [Preferably can handle rain and snow.]
- Extra warm socks
Miscellaneous
- Headlamp [Petzl Tikka is still perfect]
Group Equipment
Transportation
- One canoe for every two people
Food and Drink
- Pot set [For groups, you want about two pots for every four people.]
- Camp stove [Many varieties available. One should be good for groups up to 4.]
- Cast iron fry pan [Makes some of the best fire-cooked meals.]
Sleep and Shelter
- Group tent [Three season is best for all around canoe camping.]
- Tarps [A few good tarps are always handy.]
Miscellaneous
- Rope [Parachute cord for tying up food, boats, gear, shelter, tarps.]
- Bow Saw
- Hatchet
Safety
- Bail buckets for each canoe
- Throw ropes for each canoe
- Whistles for all boaters
- PFD (Personal Floatation Devices) for each boater.
- First aid kit
- Flares
- Bear spray
- Bear bangers
Additional Equipment Based on Conditions
- Winter footwear
- Winter jackets
- Shovel for breaking ice on water
