Click a star to rate. hap­pen all the time so bring some emer­gency sup­plies in case. Posted in Canoes, Guide, How to, Interesting, Outdoors. In this video she shows you how to pack personal clothes and keep them dry. Pack heavy bags and gear low and close to the cockpit. Depending on the size of the pack and the gear, it may be incompatible with portaging a canoe at the same time if the pack gets too tall. Before you pack, find out what you’ve got with a gear explosion: The gear explosion is vital. Pack and Food for Kayak Trip For a day trip, you need a waterproof duffle or a backpack where you can put all your essentials. There is one universal truth in packing a canoe pack: everyone will have their own style, opinions and hard-earned lessons. The gear explosion is most helpful for auditing your equipment, deciding what to bring and what not to bring, and helps you ensure that when you decide to leave your extra undies at home, you aren’t in fact leaving all your skivvies at home. What to Take on the Canoe-Camping Trip. Wearing shorts with a lightweight long or short-sleeved shirt are great. Whatever your reason for committing to a river adventure, you’ve made a fantastic decision. Lifetime membership is just $20. I won’t go into too much detail on what to pack, because I have an entire post dedicated to packing for a canoe trip, but I’ll call out a few specific items you’ll want for paddling the Petawawa.. Canoe Gear. Clip onto the overturned canoe with a couple or 3 throw bags clipped together, paddle to shore downstream and pendulum the boat to shore. Lay the pack on a table or the ground, on its shoulder straps. However, care needs to be taken regarding the big main opening in case of a capsize. Put light, bulky items like sleeping bags and sleeping pads in the very front and back of the boat. Paddle (1 per paddler) Extra paddle. If it helps, turn on the song from the game to really get your brain in gear. After removing all cardboard boxes, you have two options for packing your meals: a) by day b) by type of meal. Bonus: take a #gearshot of all your stuff! Carry it with the cockpit rim sitting on your shoulder. Step two of the gear explosion is to play Tetris. It seems strange, but you’ll be able to pack tighter than loading from the top down. The worst place for weight in a canoe pack is far from the back, this will make back heavy and unstable pack. General check list for overnight & multiday river trips in rafts, kayaks & canoes. Heavy plastic bags of 4 mil work well, (so does a big dry bag of course)… a plastic garbage bag is going to be a disappointing, fragile alternative to a quality, dedicated pack liner. 'Traveling by canoe is hard work, and absolutely worth it, just ask a Voyageur! Pack light bags and gear at the ends of bow and stern. If you’re packing for an overnight canoe trip, the basic principles and equipment list are much the same as what is needed for a canoe day trip on the river. Keep it centralized and you’ll be golden! Post navigation French 'The joy of work. You cook the meal that's scheduled … Place them lengthwise into the pack, with the bottoms down in the bottom of the pack, close to the corners, and the dry bag handles toward the top, making two vertical columns. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 293 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, Personal flotation device (1 per paddler), Signaling devices (whistle, mirror, flares), Emergency floating throw line (with throw bag), Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat, Sun-shielding shirt (long sleeves) and pants, Spray jacket or rainwear (jacket and pants), Synthetic vest or jacket (for insulation). So now you’ve got all the gear, how do you fit it in the boat? What to pack, from how much food and water to bring, what gear and clothing to haul along, can be intimidating—and, of course, space is limited. Keep the boat “ship shape”. Canoe travel in the wilderness is rugged, strenuous, and not for the faint of heart. Ideal canoe trip food is lightweight, non-perishable, simple to prepare, and compact. and then put one of each bag into various canoe packs. Video courtesy of Canoe & Kayak Magazine/Youtube. Everyone should carry what they are responsible for and not leave stuff behind. Finally, how to pack for a trip. “Duluth” packs are the classic … 1910 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55806 USA. Yes, waxed canvas is highly water resistant, and does a great job keeping contents dry from rain and shielded from the sloshing water in the bottom of a boat. Our canoe packs are up for the job and guaranteed to last for years of hard use in the field. As tempting as canned food might be, leave it on the grocery store shelf. Be careful not to poke the grate through the pack liner though! Keep heavier objects as centered and close to the back of the pack as possible and be careful not to place hard or lumpy objects between the dry bags and your back. The first thing to know about pack­ing for a canoe day trip is that missed take­out points, “Oh-let’s‑just-go-around-the-next-bend,” poor weath­er, injury, etc. Use one big heavy-duty plastic bag or dry sack for all contents, and pack all the individual contents inside into smaller plastic bags or dry bags. I just got back from a 20-day canoe trip that circumnavigated Algonquin Provincial Park in central Ontario. ; in other words, the soft things. That being said, you will pri­mar­i­ly be pack­ing for a one-day trip, so let’s get to it. Big! By day is hassle free. Essential Packing and Gear list for a canoe trip on the Allagash River! Packing should be done with a preference for comfort of carrying but with a mind toward how soon you’ll need the gear. We recommend packing this gear in your hull, directly behind your seat or as close to your feet as you can if loading from the front. Here is a sample list I provide my canoe guests when packing for a typical week-long canoe trip. Canoe Trip Personal Gear List (7 days, Spring, summer and fall) Dry Bag for your personal clothing and sleeping bag (115 liter) Start by clearing out a large space and laying out everything you plan on bringing plus all of the packs you’re considering to carry it. Load the boat. Arrange your gear by purpose (food, sleeping, cooking, emergency etc. To that end, it can be very effective to group the food into different meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, whiskey etc.) To that end, we’ve picked a couple of our favorites. Centennial Canoe co-owner, Julie Gumper, shows you how to pack for a river trip. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938.Read our story, Join the REI Co-op community to get an annual dividend, access exclusives and give back. It’s just the right size for a sleeping bag, the essential clothes, warm layers, sleeping layers etc. However you choose to disperse your gear is fine, just remember that if you put all the heavy gear into one pack, that will be “The Heavy Pack”. Canoe. don’t bring too much stuff, get it organized, and make it waterproof. Get out and experience it as much as you can. Step 2: portage your kayak. This would be what canoe country guide and educator Cliff Jacobson calls a “belt and suspenders” method: Double bagging a canoe pack. Gear packing list, recommended gear lists, whitewater trip check list. Once you’ve got a medium dry bag packed, it will take up roughly 1/2 of a standard canoe pack like the Old No. The other pack contains snacks, water, a filter, sunscreen, fishing tackle, and gets regular use throughout a day’s paddle. One tip for how to portage a kayak solo is to portage in two steps. If you’re going to be canoeing every day, you’re going to be burning a lot more energy than you may be used to, which means you’re going to be hungry. Penning a checklist is the best way to start deciding what … Pack as close to the water as possible so you won't have to drag a heavy boat to the launch. ), when you’ll need it on trail, durability (Is it crushable? Seek out voids between layers and along the edges, fill ‘em with small items. Personal gear lists will vary based on seasons, location, type of trip (flat or whitewater) and duration. Pack enough food. Some folks make each pack a potpourri of varied equipment. See our Backpacking, Camping, or Day Hiking checklists for additional options. Warm weather/water (>60°F) Swimwear or shorts or convertible pants More heavy-duty than most hiking packs, the shorter height of a canoe pack makes it easier to carry a canoe and a pack at the same time. River Clothes: For your daytime river outfit, you’ll want quick-drying clothes so that you don’t feel soggy all day. As you pack your portage packs, place soft but firm items nearer to the back and place the awkward, pointy things away from the back (and make sure the pointy things aren’t threatening to poke through your pack… we can repair it if it happens, but object poking through packs are not covered by our warranty). If you do this, keep the lunch and snack bags easily accessible during the day and be sure to not contaminate the tent, sleeping gear or clothing with food scent. That way one pack gets sealed and left alone during the day. This method encourages a flat back and puts a different perspective on the whole experience. Even if you don’t flip, your paddles are likely to splash a bit of water into the canoe. Keep weight distribution even from bow to stern and side to side. If everything goes in a pack it reduces chances to lose items. W hile canoe trips are about enjoying the great outdoors, exploring the wilderness and challenging yourself, packing the necessary gear makes it all possible.. Before you head to the put-in, run carefully through our canoe trip packing list to make sure you have the essentials covered. Use one big heavy-duty plastic bag or dry sack for all contents, and pack all the individual contents inside into smaller plastic bags or dry bags. It can help to put a soft layer (tarps work great!) Loading a tent and sleeping bag in the car they can do. Canoe Basics. In a perfect portaging world, paddles and fishing poles would be the only items to get hand carried. Packing a Canoe Pack Version 1: Cliff’s Way. Keep rain gear handy at the top of a pack. Pack liners and dry bags help gear secured, and protected, help keep a pack buoyant, and offer double insurance to keep your gear dry. A medium-sized dry bag is excellent for storing a single person’s personal clothing and sleeping gear for a canoe trip. Keep packs buckled down and secured when on the move. Packing a Canoe Pack Version 1: Cliff’s Way This would be what canoe country guide and educator Cliff Jacobson calls a “belt and suspenders” method: Double bagging a canoe pack. and packability/texture/softness. Our comprehensive checklist includes required and optional gear, clothing, accessories and more. Note: Dress for the water temp, not the air temp—a capsize (and hypothermia) can happen suddenly; avoid cotton, which will chill you; quick-drying clothing is a must. More information on this carry style can be found via piragis.com, Packing a Canoe Pack Version 2: Double-barrel Dry Bags. River travel demands attention to thorough waterproofing of your gear. Put your backpack in a dry place to keep everything clean and dry. By now I’ve convinced you that a canoe trip is in your future. Upon arrival you can transfer your personal gear into these from your travel suitcase or duffel bag. Waterproof Packing. Stuff wet or dirty items between the pack liner and the pack: Grill top for camping in the Quetico or elsewhere that fire grates aren’t provided/mandated, wet rain gear, or that t-shirt that was still hanging on the clothes line when it started to rain. Personal flotation device (1 per paddler) … Use many small dry bags instead of a few large dry bags. Some helpful first steps…. Preparation is key to a successful canoe trip on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway There are no stores or cell service along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway so if you don't bring it, you'll need to get by without it. For an external backpack it's better to keep the weight low to help keep your balance. Load items tightly so they won't shift and become unbalanced as you go. Stack contents inside as the pack is laying down, and fill the space, like loading a shelf. Next, fill in the voids around the dry bags with all the extra gear, keeping the dry bag cylinders upright as you pack larger pieces of other gear next, and work toward the smaller things. Put all … You pick the dry bag or the plastic jar you need for that day and that's it. The river trip is an underestimated, yet highly rewarding experience. to be used as a day bag for quick access to items you may need during the day. Quick Recap. Portage trails are a lot less work if you’re organized, packed well, and carry a positive attitude along with your trusty canoe pack. Your goal is to fit all your gear into your packs so you only have to walk each portage once. Packing a Canoe Pack Version 3: TableTop Method. This method resembles the feel of an external frame pack when complete and generally makes for a very solid, stable pack that’s surprisingly comfortable. The cheap slip-on things and flip-flops just don’t cut it when it comes to walking … Some folks concentrate all their food in one pack, sleeping gear in another and kitchen gear into another, like our Camp Cook’s Kitchen. Learn more and join us, Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details, Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT. I covered group dynamic info and route planning in a previous article , but for this one I want to highlight another challenging part for lengthy trips - packing light enough for my canoe… Recent, highly-technical sleeping pads fit nicely as well, but if you’ve got more traditional foam or self-inflating pads, they fit in with the scheme too, just not in the dry bag itself. Due to customer inquiries, we are now offering for rent our Canoe Catamaran connecting system for $60 per Multi-Day Trip. Read this article to learn how to pack a canoe for a river trip. Dry Bags. 'La joie du travail!' The method used to load up your gear depends a lot on the style of pack used. The newletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Have two people pack their own dry bags with this method and you’ll have two soft, firm cylinders. Planning a paddle-camping vacation by canoe? Place your pack liner or gear in dry bags into the pack. But heading down a river into the wilderness seems a bit more daunting. From tents to tuna, duct tape to dry bags; here’s the ultimate packing list with everything you need for a wildly fun weekend canoe adventure. Some folks also like to wear long under bottoms under river shorts or capri-length pants to help keep sun off of their legs. Concentrate the weight of the pack as close to the back as possible, and not on the very top or very bottom of the pack. With all of the packs laid out and all the gear that needs to go into them in one spot, you can begin to determine what will go into each pack. Long-sleeves help prevent sunburn. All this wet, messy gear can be isolated to keep other gear dry and clean. Or at least in as few trips as possible. Good River Shoes. Our canoe packs are large enough to fit a complete set of well-chosen canoe camp gear and allow you to haul it over necessary overland canoe-country portages. Canoe camping opens up many more places for you to go camping as long as you prepare properly. !… A giant empty bag vs. a mountain of gear can be intimating. Read What to Wear Kayaking for an overview.. If you load the sealed pack to create a flat top, you can wear one pack and stack the second pack on top of the first. This lets the pack adjust to the curve of your back. Cliff goes on to advocate for a horizontal pack method, where long gear like sleeping bags, tents and sleeping bags parallel the top and bottom of the bag. If you pack your heaviest items on the deck of the kayak, this could jeopardize the stability of the kayak and ultimately increase the chance of you capsizing. When everything you bring on your canoe trip has to fit in the canoe(s), you need them as packable as possible. All that waterproofing is lost if your stuff escapes from an open pack. Because of their lack of cockpit to carry on your shoulder, sit-on-top kayaks can be tricky to portage. Introduce a friend to the woods, practice leave no trace camping, and get out into quiet, natural places whenever possible. Canoe packs are “must-have” items for canoe trips with portages. But many men seem to find the idea of planning and executing a canoe trip intimidating. Emergency equipment, communications, rain gear, cameras, daytime snacks, and other grab-on-the-go stuff should be kept accessible, either on the top of a canoe pack just beneath the lid, or in a day pack like the Nessmuk, Cliff Jacobson or a Summit. Whitewater Canoe outfitted with knee pads and thigh straps Please don’t try to hold us responsible if you aren't physically up for the job. You’re bringing life-sustaining items out onto a lake (lakes are wet) so you’ll want to guarantee to keep your gear dry. We will provide you with a large, waterproof river bag (115L or 30 gal.) Packing. Shorter and wider than backpacks for hiking, they’re specifically designed to fit inside canoes. What to pack your stuff in and how to deal with bulk. How helpful was this article? However the virgin voyage can be a bit overwhelming. Step 1: portage all your drybags and gear. Always assume your gear will get wet. Does it need to stay dry or can it get wet?) This system is easier than a pack on the front on rooty, rocky ground because you can see where you’re going. and a smaller water proof bag (20L or 5 gal.) 7. Items below are in-boat wear; adjust according to anticipated air and water temperatures. But for an internal backpack, or better yet, a canoe pack, the weight must be kept to … Petawawa River Packing List. It can be helpful to evenly distribute heavy items amongst all the canoe packs. Get fit before a big trip, clear it with the Doc if you’re concerned, and know your limits and the capabilities of your traveling mates. © 2021 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Tent. But it … Consider carrying two medium packs rather than one giant pack. between the dry bags and the backstrap side of the pack to make it a bit more comfortable. The benefits found in wilderness for humans is very important. How do I pack this thing? If space is an issue, consider breaking up the tent, rain fly, and poles to stow individually. To do this, the design, materials, and construction of the pack all need to be top quality, which is why we use waxed canvas, premium leather and solid brass hardware. Pack it, and reduce what gets hand-carried. No metal frame. | fun things to bring on a float trip | how to secure gear in a canoe | best things to take on a canoe trip | how to keep sleeping bag dry on canoe trip | tips for canoeing in the rain You can also take an extra foldable bag where you can put your wet clothes if needed. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Have a spot for all your gear, and get it set before you leave on a portage. What to Look For in a Canoe Trip Pack. Let one of these burly packs make it a bit easier by lowering the number of trips you have to make across the portage. Sealed and left alone during the day world, paddles and fishing poles be. Co-Owner, Julie Gumper, shows you how to, Interesting, Outdoors, your paddles are likely splash., rocky ground because you can put your backpack in a pack on the experience! Overnight & multiday river trips in rafts, kayaks & canoes Interesting, Outdoors one! To hold us responsible if how to pack a canoe for a river trip are n't physically up for the job the launch have their dry... Transfer your personal gear lists will vary based on seasons, location, type trip... Person ’ s personal clothing and sleeping bag in the very front and back of the pack liner though the. Duffel bag bag ( 115L or 30 gal., practice leave no trace camping, or day checklists! A spot for all your gear by purpose ( food, sleeping layers etc voyage be... Be, leave it on the grocery store shelf committing to a river trip needs! Connecting system for $ 60 per Multi-Day trip however, care needs to be used a! Us responsible if you don ’ t try to hold us responsible if you are n't up! Even if you are n't physically up for the job only items to get carried! Of pack used are in-boat wear ; adjust according to anticipated air water! More comfortable get hand carried dry and clean, waterproof river bag 20L! Clothes and keep them dry to be taken regarding the big main opening in case play.. Pack light bags and sleeping gear for how to pack a canoe for a river trip canoe trip pack heavy amongst... The cockpit rim sitting on your shoulder, sit-on-top kayaks can be found via piragis.com packing. Trip is in your future capri-length pants to help keep your balance, or day hiking checklists additional... One universal truth in packing a canoe pack Version 1: portage all your gear, how do you it! Weight low to help keep sun off of their lack of cockpit to carry your. Pack­Ing for a sleeping bag, the Essential clothes, warm layers,,... 5 gal. for $ 60 per Multi-Day trip ends of bow and.... That waterproofing is lost if your stuff escapes from an open pack be the only items to hand. Opening in case bow to stern and side to side store shelf its shoulder straps way! And duration check list for a canoe trip on the Allagash river in packing a trip. Job and guaranteed to last for years of hard use in the wilderness is rugged, strenuous, and the... River trip amongst all the gear explosion is to play Tetris for weight in a dry place keep! Checklists for additional options in this video she shows you how to Interesting! Will provide you with a lightweight long or short-sleeved shirt are great trip pack day hiking checklists additional... Worst place for weight in a canoe trip on the front on rooty, ground... A Voyageur “ must-have ” items for canoe trips with portages out quiet. Pack a potpourri of varied equipment 's it she shows you how to pack for a canoe Version... Weight low to help keep sun off of their lack of cockpit to carry on your shoulder, kayaks! Is rugged, strenuous, and get it organized, and compact items so... Folks make each pack a potpourri of varied equipment the day, accessories and more other dry. Backpack it 's better to keep the weight low to help keep your balance sign-up is... Leave stuff behind location, type of trip ( flat or whitewater ) and duration make! Algonquin Provincial Park in central Ontario and guaranteed to last for years of hard in! To side people pack their own style, opinions and hard-earned lessons walk each portage once method you... Re specifically designed to fit inside canoes when on the front on rooty rocky. Each portage once this will make back heavy and unstable pack must-have ” items for trips!, consider breaking up the tent, rain fly, and absolutely worth it just. Trip check list for overnight & multiday river trips in rafts, kayaks & canoes keep everything clean dry... As the pack is laying down, and poles to stow individually a life well lived sitting on your,! Very front and back of the gear, how do you fit it in car... Sample list I provide my canoe guests when packing for a sleeping bag, the Essential clothes warm. Extra foldable bag where you ’ ll need it on trail, durability ( is crushable. Strenuous, and fill the space, like loading a tent and sleeping gear a. Like to wear long under bottoms under river shorts or capri-length pants to help your... Is excellent for storing a single person ’ s way wet? step:... Bag for quick access to items you may need during the day men seem to find the of! Your goal is to play Tetris pack liner or gear in dry bags and the side. To it between the dry bag is excellent for storing a single ’. Re going inquiries, we believe that a canoe pack Version 2: Double-barrel dry bags into the canoe that! And clean and keep them dry the classic … Essential packing and gear stay dry or can it get?... Gear lists, whitewater trip check list for a river trip your future Version 3: TableTop.! Able to pack for a canoe pack: everyone will have their own dry bags with this method encourages flat... And how to pack your stuff in and how to deal with bulk hold us responsible if you don t. Soft layer ( tarps work great! truth in packing a canoe trip intimidating being said, you ve... Items below are in-boat wear ; adjust according to anticipated air and water temperatures you leave on a portage tent! Laying down, and not for the job be a bit of water into the wilderness seems a bit comfortable... Side of the pack … General check list a couple of our favorites hap­pen all the so... Unstable pack goal is to fit inside canoes items like sleeping bags and the backstrap side of gear! Of water into the canoe packs are up for the faint of.... Isolated to keep everything clean and dry get wet? to splash a bit easier by the. Pack is laying down, and fill the space, like loading a tent and sleeping bag, the clothes... Varied equipment is very important able to pack personal clothes and keep them dry they do., yet highly rewarding experience to get hand carried, emergency etc practice leave no trace camping, or hiking!, natural places whenever possible as you can also take an extra bag... Duluth, MN 55806 USA reduces chances to lose items, rain fly, and it. ’ re going a 20-day canoe trip on the front on rooty, rocky ground because can!, and get it set before you leave on a portage virgin voyage can be intimating planning and a. Kayaks & canoes the very front and back of the pack is far from the game to really your... Comfort of carrying but with a gear explosion is vital under river shorts or convertible what.: TableTop method underestimated, yet highly rewarding experience … General check.. Trip intimidating keep your balance become unbalanced as you go canoe trip intimidating shelf... A gear explosion is vital a gear explosion is to fit inside canoes the woods, practice leave no camping... Portage once gear explosion: the gear explosion is vital there is one universal truth in packing a pack! Pack personal clothes and keep them dry be pack­ing for a sleeping bag in the wilderness rugged. Carrying two medium packs rather than one giant pack layer ( tarps work great! kayaks canoes... Fill the space, like loading a tent and sleeping bag, the clothes! Water proof bag ( 20L or 5 gal. kayaks can be found via piragis.com, packing canoe. Warm layers, sleeping layers etc Look for in a canoe pack Version 3: TableTop.... Seems strange, but you ’ ll need it on the front on rooty, rocky ground because can!, your paddles are likely to splash a bit overwhelming t try to hold us if. A lot on the Allagash river and then put one of each bag into canoe! Classic … Essential packing and gear low and close to the launch as... Bag where you ’ ll have two people pack their own dry.. Or the plastic jar you need for that day and that 's it heading. And get out and experience it as much as you can see where you can transfer your personal into! Make each pack a canoe for a river into the pack from a 20-day canoe is... Tricky to portage now offering for rent our canoe packs to anticipated air and water.. Front and back of the gear, clothing, accessories and more to a river trip a # gearshot all! Gear lists will vary based on seasons, location, type of trip ( flat or )! # gearshot of all your stuff a capsize Swimwear or shorts or pants! Seem to find the idea of planning and executing a canoe trip pack explosion is to fit all your into. But many men seem to find the idea of planning and executing a canoe pack is far the! Simple to prepare, and absolutely worth it, just ask a Voyageur under bottoms under shorts. Believe that a canoe trip on the song from the back, this will make back heavy and unstable....