So you’re off on your first canoe trip. The great outdoors can be a haven of adventure or disaster depending on how you fare while traversing it. Canoe trips are a fun way to see nature’s beauty as it is. And knowing the basics, including what to bring, is a must to ensure survival and to enjoy every minute of it.
Compared to other camping options, canoe trips require far more versatility and handiness. Due to the relatively slow movement of the canoe, a small, pointed boat that is usually powered by human paddling and resembles a kayak, many campers prefer canoe trips as they allow them to take on nature’s survival challenges like a thrilling whitewater canoe ride.
Preparing yourself mentally and physically, along with gathering all the essential stuff to pack, guarantees a successful and enjoyable adventure. These are things to bring on a canoe trip:
- Hiking boots that can keep your feet dry and warm, especially during portaging
- Comfortable, yet sturdy sneakers for in-camp use
- Long sleeved shirt & pants that can withstand heat or cold
- A pair of shorts and a t-shirt
- Wind proof jacket
- Tent or sleeping bag
- Gloves
- Rain ponchos
- Cap with visor
- Extra pair of socks
- Portable handsaw or a machete for wood gathering (optional)
- Towel, wash cloth & toiletry items
- Fishing equipment
- Flashlight and new batteries
- Compass
- First Aid kit
- Water-proof wristwatch
- Sunglasses
- Camera and film in a water proof inflatable bag
- Insect repellent
- Kitchen supplies and nutritious, imperishable food
- Of course, a canoe
It is important to consider the season when planning to head out on a canoe trip, as different seasons require different clothing and accessories. As with any other camping trip, bugs are a definite annoyance, so forgetting to bring your insect repellent is a mortal sin. There are online forums and websites that can help you regarding the best food items to bring on a canoe trip. The basic rule is to eat the heaviest food item first to lighten up your load and consume the frozen food when it is thawed.
While it is most advisable to pack all necessary gear on such a trip, considering the weight of your pack matters unless you have the strength of a bear. This allows you to save your strength for better use. To help you further, below is a list of the things that may be left at home.
- Pillows. Just imagine an outdoors guy with a pillow! It may seem a comfortable choice when sleeping, but it’s additional baggage, and a very bulky item at that.
- Bottles or cans. Most wildlife preserves prohibit campers to bring such items, to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area.
- Alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Cellular phone. Unless you’re planning to use the phone’s other features such as the clock, built-in alarm, or camera, mobile signals are usually unavailable in such locations.
Now that you know what and what not to bring to canoe trips, all that is left to do is pack your stuff and enjoy the paddling!
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