Backcountry canoe trips are an incredible way to explore the wilderness and connect with nature. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of paddling, proper preparation and packing can make all the difference in ensuring a successful and enjoyable trip. In this blog, we will cover the essential items to bring along on a backcountry canoe trip.

First: How much portaging are you doing?

This question decides a lot of what follows. A route with several portages means every pound gets carried by, you guessed it, YOU! In this case, you'll want to look at lighter, more packable versions of your gear where you can. A trip with one or two portages (or none at all) gives you room to bring a few extra comforts without paying for it in back pain.

Canoeing Stuff

Check your canoe's rated capacity against how many people and how much gear you're loading in. A boat that fits everything isn't automatically a safe load. Sitting too low in the water makes it more likely you'll take on water, or worse, feed the fish with your all your gear.

• Canoe
• Paddles x2
• PFD x2
• Bailer & boat safety kit
• Canoe pack and/or dry bags
• Map or GPS in a watertight case

Safety gear

Things won't always go to plan. Weather turns, you're delayed, someone gets hurt, or you end up off course. Having these items on hand means you can stay warm, fed and get help if you need it.

• First aid kit
• Knife
• GPS or compass, and a map as backup
• Trip plan left with someone at home
• Headlamp or flashlight
• An extra backpacker meal or two
• Waterproof matches or a lighter

Camping stuff

Shelter

Sleeping gear is the one thing you really don't want to get wet. A soaked sleeping bag ruins a trip fast, so dry bags (or garbage bag liners) are non-negotiable here. If your portage situation is minimal, this is a good category to pack in some extra luxuries, like a bigger pad or proper pillow rather than a stuff sack full of clothes.

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Tarp

Kitchen

• Food barrel
• Stove & fuel
• Cookset
• Dishes, bowls, mugs utensils
• Bathroom kit (hand sanitizer, trowel, toilet paper or Kula cloth)
• Water filter
• Water bottles

Clothing

Quick-dry fabric earns its keep here. You know you'll have a few splashes over the gunwhale no matter how smooth your paddling is, and cotton that gets wet stays wet. And warm layers are a necessity when warm days turn to cool nights.

• Rain jacket and pants
• Quick dry tops
• Quick dry bottoms
• Underpants (optional)
• Hiking shoes
• Sandals
• Sun hat
• Bug shirt
• Sweater / puffy
• Down boots
• Sunglasses

Wildlife Precautions

Learn how to do a bear hang before you go, or use a bear canister if the route calls for it. Keep your tasty-smelling personal items packed with your food, you don't want to hear grunting and snuffling outside your tent at 3 AM just because you left that coconut-scented sunscreen in your pack!

Everything Else

• Fire kit
• Repair kit
• Cord
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Cell phone

In conclusion, a backcountry canoe trip requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Bringing the essential items mentioned above will help you have a successful trip and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.