A canoe trip is a great way to escape the city and reconnect with the great outdoors. It's also a great way to channel your inner explorer. There are many different types of canoe trips; some are relaxing and laid-back. Others are adventurous and exciting. Whichever type of trip you plan, you should prepare thoroughly to ensure you are safe and healthy during your trip. This packing list will give you everything you need to pack for your canoe trip.
We will break everything up into what we deem essential, non-essential and some just "nice to have" Items. This list will cover the items needed primarily for a Canoe trip during the summer months. If you are looking to take things up a notch and travel during the off-season of spring or Fall, we have an appended list covering what you need for one here.
At the end, we will also have a PDF version available for download so you can print it out and check things off the list as you pack for your next trip.
Essential
Safety:
• PFD (Lifejacket)
• Whistle
• Bailer (Around 500ml)
• 50ft Thow line
• Compass
• GPS
• First aid kit
• Topographical map of the area
• Trip plan (Left with a friend)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Bear spray
• Knife
• Satellite phone and/or SPOT unit
Camping
• Tent
• Tent pegs
• Sleeping bag (Warm enough for current weather)
• Sleeping mat
Cooking and food
• Water treatment (Filter pump/ water treatment tablets)
• Food (Food packing list Here)
• Cooking oil
• Camp stove ( 1 or 2 burners)
• Fuel for stove (depending on the length of trip)
• Lighter
• Waterproof matches
• Water bottle
• Camp mug
• Eating utensils (Spoon/Fork/knife)
• Plates/bowls
• Pots
• Cutting board
• Cooking utensils
• Sharp knife
• Dish sponge
• Biodegradable soap
• Garbage bags
Clothing
• Water shoes or Sandals
• Hiking boots or solid walking shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Baselayer
• Hat (Cap or another kind of brimmed hat)
• T-shirts
• Lightweight pants
• Shorts
• Bathing suit
• Fleece jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Rain pants
• Toque (Bennie)
Personal Items
• Dry bags (Sized to fit and organize all your gear)
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste (Travel size)
• Deodorant
• Cell phone (Bring it but keep it off)
• Wallet and some cash
• Car keys
Non-essential
Camping
• Small pillow
• Hatchett (For chopping wood)
Cooking and food
• Salt/pepper/spices
Clothing
• Paddling gloves
Personal Items
• Small games/ playing cards
• Book
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Camping chair
• Hammock
• Day pack
We hope this helped you plan for your next wilderness adventure! We took into account all areas of packing for a successful canoe trip to give you the best information we can. If you have any other questions about canoeing, please let us know, and we'll do our best to provide you with an answer. Feel free to ask us anything; whether you're looking for information on gear, accessories, or food, we probably have the answers.