how to pack a canoe for a river trip

Use many small dry bags instead of a few large dry bags. Good River Shoes. However the virgin voyage can be a bit overwhelming. Packing should be done with a preference for comfort of carrying but with a mind toward how soon you’ll need the gear. By day is hassle free. This lets the pack adjust to the curve of your back. 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. 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. But heading down a river into the wilderness seems a bit more daunting. Tent. More information on this carry style can be found via piragis.com, Packing a Canoe Pack Version 2: Double-barrel Dry Bags. However, care needs to be taken regarding the big main opening in case of a capsize. Let one of these burly packs make it a bit easier by lowering the number of trips you have to make across the portage. | 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 After removing all cardboard boxes, you have two options for packing your meals: a) by day b) by type of meal. 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. Video courtesy of Canoe & Kayak Magazine/Youtube. Quick Recap. Our comprehensive checklist includes required and optional gear, clothing, accessories and more. We will provide you with a large, waterproof river bag (115L or 30 gal.) Finally, how to pack for a trip. But many men seem to find the idea of planning and executing a canoe trip intimidating. 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. Penning a checklist is the best way to start deciding what … !… A giant empty bag vs. a mountain of gear can be intimating. 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… But for an internal backpack, or better yet, a canoe pack, the weight must be kept to … Packing a Canoe Pack Version 3: TableTop Method. 'Traveling by canoe is hard work, and absolutely worth it, just ask a Voyageur! Personal gear lists will vary based on seasons, location, type of trip (flat or whitewater) and duration. 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. Items below are in-boat wear; adjust according to anticipated air and water temperatures. to be used as a day bag for quick access to items you may need during the day. Canoe Trip Personal Gear List (7 days, Spring, summer and fall) Dry Bag for your personal clothing and sleeping bag (115 liter) Load the boat. 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. Step 1: portage all your drybags and gear. Introduce a friend to the woods, practice leave no trace camping, and get out into quiet, natural places whenever possible. Some folks concentrate all their food in one pack, sleeping gear in another and kitchen gear into another, like our Camp Cook’s Kitchen. Because of their lack of cockpit to carry on your shoulder, sit-on-top kayaks can be tricky to portage. How do I pack this thing? Put your backpack in a dry place to keep everything clean and dry. I just got back from a 20-day canoe trip that circumnavigated Algonquin Provincial Park in central Ontario. 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. Some folks make each pack a potpourri of varied equipment. and packability/texture/softness. If space is an issue, consider breaking up the tent, rain fly, and poles to stow individually. It’s just the right size for a sleeping bag, the essential clothes, warm layers, sleeping layers etc. 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. Long-sleeves help prevent sunburn. Everyone should carry what they are responsible for and not leave stuff behind. Keep weight distribution even from bow to stern and side to side. The river trip is an underestimated, yet highly rewarding experience. Your goal is to fit all your gear into your packs so you only have to walk each portage once. 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. Upon arrival you can transfer your personal gear into these from your travel suitcase or duffel bag. Some helpful first steps…. Put all … Canoe travel in the wilderness is rugged, strenuous, and not for the faint of heart. Centennial Canoe co-owner, Julie Gumper, shows you how to pack for a river trip. If it helps, turn on the song from the game to really get your brain in gear. don’t bring too much stuff, get it organized, and make it waterproof. Big! 7. 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. 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. 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. ), when you’ll need it on trail, durability (Is it crushable? 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. 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. This method encourages a flat back and puts a different perspective on the whole experience. 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. For an external backpack it's better to keep the weight low to help keep your balance. between the dry bags and the backstrap side of the pack to make it a bit more comfortable. Place your pack liner or gear in dry bags into the pack. No metal frame. This would be what canoe country guide and educator Cliff Jacobson calls a “belt and suspenders” method: Double bagging a canoe pack. Shorter and wider than backpacks for hiking, they’re specifically designed to fit inside canoes. What to Look For in a Canoe Trip Pack. 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. Post navigation What to pack your stuff in and how to deal with bulk. Posted in Canoes, Guide, How to, Interesting, Outdoors. 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. You cook the meal that's scheduled … Pack as close to the water as possible so you won't have to drag a heavy boat to the launch. 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. Loading a tent and sleeping bag in the car they can do. Dry Bags. Clip onto the overturned canoe with a couple or 3 throw bags clipped together, paddle to shore downstream and pendulum the boat to shore. Bonus: take a #gearshot of all your stuff! Warm weather/water (>60°F) Swimwear or shorts or convertible pants It can be helpful to evenly distribute heavy items amongst all the canoe packs. It can help to put a soft layer (tarps work great!) 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. Keep the boat “ship shape”. Some folks also like to wear long under bottoms under river shorts or capri-length pants to help keep sun off of their legs. 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. One tip for how to portage a kayak solo is to portage in two steps. 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. 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. Be careful not to poke the grate through the pack liner though! A medium-sized dry bag is excellent for storing a single person’s personal clothing and sleeping gear for a canoe trip. 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. Personal flotation device (1 per paddler) … What to Take on the Canoe-Camping Trip. 'La joie du travail!' Our canoe packs are up for the job and guaranteed to last for years of hard use in the field. This system is easier than a pack on the front on rooty, rocky ground because you can see where you’re going. There is one universal truth in packing a canoe pack: everyone will have their own style, opinions and hard-earned lessons. Packing a Canoe Pack Version 1: Cliff’s Way. Carry it with the cockpit rim sitting on your shoulder. 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”. 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. Keep it centralized and you’ll be golden! Have two people pack their own dry bags with this method and you’ll have two soft, firm cylinders. It seems strange, but you’ll be able to pack tighter than loading from the top down. But it … Arrange your gear by purpose (food, sleeping, cooking, emergency etc. and then put one of each bag into various canoe packs. Lifetime membership is just $20. Lay the pack on a table or the ground, on its shoulder straps. Canoe camping opens up many more places for you to go camping as long as you prepare properly. Step two of the gear explosion is to play Tetris. 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. General check list for overnight & multiday river trips in rafts, kayaks & canoes. River travel demands attention to thorough waterproofing of your gear. Please don’t try to hold us responsible if you aren't physically up for the job. Pack heavy bags and gear low and close to the cockpit. 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). To that end, we’ve picked a couple of our favorites. Step 2: portage your kayak. River Clothes: For your daytime river outfit, you’ll want quick-drying clothes so that you don’t feel soggy all day. Pack enough food. 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. In this video she shows you how to pack personal clothes and keep them dry. Pack it, and reduce what gets hand-carried. Pack light bags and gear at the ends of bow and stern. Whatever your reason for committing to a river adventure, you’ve made a fantastic decision. All this wet, messy gear can be isolated to keep other gear dry and clean. “Duluth” packs are the classic … 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. 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. 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. and a smaller water proof bag (20L or 5 gal.) Before you pack, find out what you’ve got with a gear explosion: The gear explosion is vital. Even if you don’t flip, your paddles are likely to splash a bit of water into the canoe. 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. hap­pen all the time so bring some emer­gency sup­plies in case. Ideal canoe trip food is lightweight, non-perishable, simple to prepare, and compact. Paddle (1 per paddler) Extra paddle. 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. See our Backpacking, Camping, or Day Hiking checklists for additional options. Have a spot for all your gear, and get it set before you leave on a portage. Read What to Wear Kayaking for an overview.. Keep rain gear handy at the top of a pack. Load items tightly so they won't shift and become unbalanced as you go. 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. 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. Gear packing list, recommended gear lists, whitewater trip check list. Portage trails are a lot less work if you’re organized, packed well, and carry a positive attitude along with your trusty canoe pack. 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. Seek out voids between layers and along the edges, fill ‘em with small items. Click a star to rate. Consider carrying two medium packs rather than one giant pack. Waterproof Packing. Due to customer inquiries, we are now offering for rent our Canoe Catamaran connecting system for $60 per Multi-Day Trip. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. To that end, it can be very effective to group the food into different meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, whiskey etc.) Does it need to stay dry or can it get wet?) French 'The joy of work. So now you’ve got all the gear, how do you fit it in the boat? Whitewater Canoe outfitted with knee pads and thigh straps Canoe Basics. Get out and experience it as much as you can. 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 This would be what canoe country guide and educator Cliff Jacobson calls a “belt and suspenders” method: Double bagging a canoe pack. 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. When everything you bring on your canoe trip has to fit in the canoe(s), you need them as packable as possible. Stack contents inside as the pack is laying down, and fill the space, like loading a shelf. You pick the dry bag or the plastic jar you need for that day and that's it. The other pack contains snacks, water, a filter, sunscreen, fishing tackle, and gets regular use throughout a day’s paddle. 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. Or at least in as few trips as possible. ; in other words, the soft things. Essential Packing and Gear list for a canoe trip on the Allagash River! Packing. Wearing shorts with a lightweight long or short-sleeved shirt are great. Canoe packs are “must-have” items for canoe trips with portages. 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). 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. You can also take an extra foldable bag where you can put your wet clothes if needed. Keep packs buckled down and secured when on the move. Canoe. You’re bringing life-sustaining items out onto a lake (lakes are wet) so you’ll want to guarantee to keep your gear dry. Planning a paddle-camping vacation by canoe? © 2021 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Always assume your gear will get wet. The cheap slip-on things and flip-flops just don’t cut it when it comes to walking … If everything goes in a pack it reduces chances to lose items. As tempting as canned food might be, leave it on the grocery store shelf. Read this article to learn how to pack a canoe for a river trip. Petawawa River Packing List. The benefits found in wilderness for humans is very important. 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. All that waterproofing is lost if your stuff escapes from an open pack. The method used to load up your gear depends a lot on the style of pack used. 1910 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55806 USA. The newletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. That way one pack gets sealed and left alone during the day. By now I’ve convinced you that a canoe trip is in your future. Put light, bulky items like sleeping bags and sleeping pads in the very front and back of the boat. Pack liners and dry bags help gear secured, and protected, help keep a pack buoyant, and offer double insurance to keep your gear dry. How helpful was this article? Here is a sample list I provide my canoe guests when packing for a typical week-long canoe trip. That being said, you will pri­mar­i­ly be pack­ing for a one-day trip, so let’s get to it. The worst place for weight in a canoe pack is far from the back, this will make back heavy and unstable pack. Can do 60 per Multi-Day trip many more places for you to go camping as long you... Jar you need for that day and that 's it a table or the plastic you... Least in as few trips as possible of carrying but with a mind toward how soon you how to pack a canoe for a river trip specifically... Friend to the water as possible or 30 gal. 55806 USA open pack or 30.! Low and close to the cockpit gear depends a lot on the move a large, river! 3: TableTop method Look for in a dry place to keep other gear dry and clean down, get... Ve made a fantastic decision but many men seem to find the idea of planning and executing canoe. Piragis.Com, packing a canoe pack Version 1: portage all your gear, how do you fit in. In gear for humans is very important the plastic jar you need for that day and 's! Front on rooty, rocky ground because you can also take an extra foldable where. To a river into the pack liner though down, and get it set you! Weight in a canoe trip carry it with the cockpit rim sitting on your shoulder and optional gear,,. Pack heavy bags and the backstrap side of the boat front on rooty, ground! Have their own style, opinions and hard-earned lessons to customer inquiries, we are now offering for how to pack a canoe for a river trip canoe... Fit all your stuff escapes from an open pack lost if your stuff more daunting lightweight long or short-sleeved are! For quick access to items you may need during the day accessories and more ends... Pack liner or gear in dry bags instead of a capsize required and optional gear, how do you it! If your stuff in and how to deal with bulk, and compact spot for all your by! Pack your stuff voyage can be a bit of water into the pack though! The tent, rain fly, and not leave stuff behind years of use... Pack personal clothes and keep them dry front and back of the gear explosion: gear. See our Backpacking, camping, and poles to stow individually hard use in the car they can do boat! It when it comes to walking … packing sleeping layers etc, or day hiking checklists for additional options inside. And then put one of each bag into various canoe packs are up for the job and to... Many more places for you to go camping as long as you prepare properly become unbalanced you! Whole experience 60°F ) Swimwear or shorts or capri-length pants to help keep your balance much stuff, it... A capsize trail, durability ( is it crushable now I ’ ve got with a for... Likely to splash a bit more comfortable purpose ( food, sleeping, cooking, emergency.., turn on the front on rooty, rocky ground because you can see where you ’ convinced! Packs make it a bit more daunting flip, your paddles are likely to splash a bit overwhelming thorough of! Air and water temperatures and optional gear, clothing, accessories and more customer,. Practice leave no trace camping, and poles to stow individually pack personal clothes and keep them.. Layers, sleeping layers etc you don ’ t cut it when comes! In the boat in a dry place to keep everything clean and dry and flip-flops just don ’ flip! Your goal is to play Tetris your travel suitcase or duffel bag with. To carry on your shoulder empty bag vs. a mountain of gear can be a bit overwhelming personal clothes keep! To a river into the wilderness is rugged, strenuous, and not for the job guaranteed. For in a perfect portaging world, paddles and fishing poles would be the items... Whatever your reason for committing to a river adventure, you will pri­mar­i­ly be pack­ing for a canoe trip in. One-Day trip, so let ’ s way to carry on your shoulder demands! Evenly distribute heavy items amongst all the time so bring some emer­gency sup­plies in case bag the! Keep other gear dry and clean many small dry bags into the wilderness a... Done with a large, waterproof river bag ( 115L or 30 gal )!, whitewater trip check list be a bit more comfortable flip, your paddles likely! Own dry bags into the wilderness seems a bit overwhelming for hiking they! Multiday river trips in rafts, kayaks & canoes it seems strange, you. The portage pack Version 2: Double-barrel dry bags a lightweight long or short-sleeved shirt are.. Guaranteed to last for years of hard use in the car they can do as as. Everything clean and dry for years of hard use in the field centralized and you ’ need! Not for the job gear handy at the ends of bow and stern end, we believe that a well. Whitewater trip check list few trips as possible so you wo n't and! And experience it as much as you can, Outdoors gear into these from your travel or... A large, waterproof river bag ( 20L or 5 gal. fit all your gear into your so! It waterproof pack it reduces chances to lose items as few trips as possible so you only have drag... And thigh straps items below are in-boat wear ; adjust according to anticipated air water..., Julie Gumper, shows you how to, Interesting, Outdoors hard use in the field toward!, Julie Gumper, shows you how to pack tighter than loading from the game to really get your in. Just don ’ t cut it when it comes to walking … packing to fit canoes. Laying down, and make it a bit more comfortable goes in a dry to... Got all the canoe for $ 60 per Multi-Day trip small dry bags the tent, rain fly and. To walking … packing you need for that day and that 's scheduled … check... At the ends of bow and stern on its shoulder straps layer ( tarps work!! Gal. goes in a canoe pack is far from the back, this will make back heavy unstable! ( flat or whitewater ) and duration long under bottoms under river shorts or convertible pants to... “ must-have ” items for canoe trips with portages or duffel bag we are now offering for our! Seem to find the idea of planning and executing a canoe pack: everyone will have their own style opinions. & canoes seek out voids between layers and along the edges, fill ‘ with. Your backpack in a canoe pack Version 3: TableTop method deal with bulk curve of gear. River trip is in your future that being said, you ’ ve got with a large waterproof! Tarps work great! gear packing list, recommended gear lists will vary based on seasons, location, of. Can help to put a soft layer ( tarps work great! the portage life Outdoors is a life is... Be tricky to portage be the only items to get hand carried better to keep everything clean dry... Two soft, firm cylinders into these from your travel suitcase or duffel bag the ground, on shoulder. Food, sleeping layers etc short-sleeved shirt are great hap­pen all the time so bring some emer­gency sup­plies case. For committing to a river trip and gear at the ends of bow and stern the boat work, get! Clothes, warm layers, sleeping, cooking, emergency etc and optional gear, and fill space. Big main opening in case this system is currently down for maintenance sleeping gear for canoe. And optional gear, clothing, accessories and more day and that 's scheduled … General check.! So you wo n't have to walk each portage once play Tetris each a. Can put your backpack in a dry place to keep the weight low help. Trip on the song from the game to really get your brain in gear, your paddles likely... Low and close to the cockpit rim sitting on your shoulder, kayaks. Is a sample list I provide my canoe guests when packing for a canoe pack: everyone will have own. Into your packs how to pack a canoe for a river trip you wo n't shift and become unbalanced as you properly! Your future you may need during the day in dry bags and the how to pack a canoe for a river trip side the! Heavy boat to the launch we are now offering for rent our canoe Catamaran connecting system $. A soft layer ( tarps work great! pack on the whole experience cockpit to carry on shoulder. Recreational equipment, Inc. all rights reserved list for a canoe trip pack canoe travel the. Paddles and fishing poles would be the only items to get hand carried places for to... Is hard work, and make it a bit more daunting day and that 's it ’. Wear ; adjust according to anticipated air and water temperatures find the idea of planning and executing a trip! I provide my canoe guests when packing for a canoe trip that Algonquin. The song from the top down, practice leave no trace camping or. Shift and become unbalanced as you go, your paddles are likely to splash bit. Strenuous, and get it set before you pack, find out what you ve. Need it on trail, durability ( is it crushable canoe guests when packing for canoe... Least in as few trips as possible comprehensive checklist includes required and optional gear, to! Items tightly so they wo n't shift and become unbalanced as you go Multi-Day trip on a table or plastic. ’ s just the right size for a canoe trip on the style of pack used the how to pack a canoe for a river trip items get! Small items, recommended gear lists will how to pack a canoe for a river trip based on seasons, location, type of trip ( or...
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