So you're done work for the long weekend and can't wait to get out of town and on the water. Nice, but slow down weekend warrior! Throughout this article, we will discuss the 10 essential tips for backwoods canoeing.
Whether you're a casual on the weekend or a hardcore rapid runner, these are the top things you should keep in mind when planning your canoe adventure.
Plan your trip
Planning your trip is essential for several reasons. The first and most important is that you will most likely be headed to an area with minimal amenities and likely no cell reception. Planning the details of your trip will keep you safe, especially if something goes wrong.
Planning should include
• Getting maps of the area.
• Making and following a gear checklist.
• Studying the area, so you are aware of the kind of environment you're getting into.
• Leaving information about your trip with a trusted contact before you set out.
Have a checklist
Yeah, yeah, we know "just winging it" is fun, but you know what's not? Shivering under a tarp because you forgot your sleeping bag.
Making and following a checklist is a straightforward way to avoid stress and have the best chances of a successful trip.
Just write down everything you will need to bring into the notes app on your phone or on a piece of paper. Then go around collecting all of the items on the list and lay them all out on the floor. As your pack for your trip, go over the list to ensure everything finds a place in your bags.
Always take extra batteries
Okay, sure, this kind of goes along with planning, but I think it deserves its own paragraph because of just how important it is. In the wilderness, there are no lights unless you make a fire. You might like to believe that when it gets dark, you will just get a suitable stick and wave it around like a torch, but trust me, it's definitely does not work like it does in movies and certainly not when it's raining. Do yourself a favour and keep a waterproof container stocked with all of your battery needs!
Make sure not to overpack
It may be tempting to take every piece of gear you can find, especially if you are anxious about being safe and comfortable while you are on your trip.
It's more important to have the correct core pieces of gear than to bring everything you own. Although while you can fit a considerable amount of equipment in a canoe, remember that you will have to load and unload the canoe as well as carry all of this gear over any portages. It adds up!
Be prepared for the weather
This tip might seem like a no-brainer but remember that if it starts to rain while you are out in the bush, you can't just go inside. Make sure you plan on having high-quality rain gear that will keep you dry in the first place. Don't cheap out on this if you can. A yellow poncho is really not at all like a Gortex rain jacket, and in the backcountry, you will find out the difference very quickly.
This issue is exacerbated by travelling during the fringe months of spring and fall. You might be surprised by how cold it can get when you are out without the comforts of home for an extended period of time. At best, being cold is an uncomfortable experience; at worst, it can be very dangerous.
Carry a map
Most likely, you will be going somewhere where the is no or limited cell service. You can't just use google maps to get you to where you need to go. We maps for planning your routes before you go, which you can always print out and bring along for basic navigation. However, for true backwoods expeditions, we would recommend getting a complete topographical map and know how to use it.
Have the proper safety gear
For canoeing, this means always having and wearing a Life jacket or PFD. You can read our current list of best PFDs.
You should also carry a whistle for calling out for help if you get yourself into trouble. A whistle is much louder than the human voice, and unlike your mouth, some can even work when they are full of water.
Make sure you also have a first aid kit and know how to use the equipment inside. If you going canoeing in the backwoods it is also a good idea to carry a sat phone and/or a SPOT bacon. These are both tools that work without cell reception and can safe you are your parties lives in the event of a serious emergency. We will cover both of these tool here.
Leave no trace
This is a common courtesy that anyone looking to explore the backwoods must get accustomed to. You have probably heard this saying before. It simply means anything that you bring into the wilderness; make sure that you bring it back out again. This will ensure the safety of wild animals and preservation of the landscape for future adventures. Nobody wants to stay at a campsite that's covered in garbage. This can actually be a real issue when it comes to some of the most used routes. Pay it forward; even if you see someone else's trash, make sure you grab that too.
Plan for the unexpected
Things can get unpredictable once you leave the beaten path. It's essential to consider this when planning your backwoods experience. Will it realistically take eight hours of paddling instead of six? Will a raccoon get into your food supply and make you have to re-think your meal prep. Whatever it is, make sure that you leave a little extra in the plan and get comfortable rolling with the punches. Exploring nature isn't always just a "walk in the park," but it sure is worth it.