Wilderness Canoeing Personal Gear List

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Having the right gear for a trip is important.  This packing list is designed for wilderness canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Ontario's Quetico Provincial Park.  I've spent several years guiding up there for the Boy Scouts of America and we still go back every year.  Hopefully, you will find this list useful.

  • Required
    • 1 set of canoe clothes - season/climate appropriate
      • T-shirts
      • Pants
      • Underwear
      • Sun Shirt
      • Wool Socks
    • 1 set of camping clothes - season/climate appropriate
      • T shirt
      • Pants (I prefer zip-off pants for camp)
      • Warm Jacket
      • Socks
      • Underwear
    • Bowl/plate/fork/spoon/knife/cup
    • Canoeing boots
      • Need boots that will drain.  In the BWCAW, we do wet foot portaging, to prevent damage to the canoes.  You will be getting out in ankle to thigh deep water and carrying the gear to the next lake.  A study boot that will drain is essential to prevent trench foot.  I have used the Chota Quetico Trekker for several years and love these boots.  You can find them at a variety of retailers in and around Ely, Mn or online.
    • Camp shoes/sandals
    • Sleeping Bag - 30 degree bag is recommended
    • Sleeping pad, although I prefer an air mattress
    • Map/compass
      • Not everyone needs a map and compass, we typically take 1 map set per canoe.  My compass stays in my emergency kit unless I need it.
    • Sun Hat
    • Sunglasses
    • Head lamp/extra batteries
    • Toiletries
      • Toothbrush/toothpaste
      • Foot powder (this could be a group item)
      • Deodorant
      • Mirror
      • Body Wipes
      • Personal Medication
    • Rain Jacket/Pants
    • Towel
    • Emergency Kit
    • Bug Repellent
    • Sunscreen
    • Life Jacket, Type III
    • Tent (try and pair with someone else, not everyone needs their own tent)
    • Water Bottle
    • Compression Dry Bags
  • Optional
    • Fishing Pole
    • Camera
    • Journal/pen
    • GPS
      • I have started using the Gaia GPS App, I used to use the Garmin GPS Map 60s.  However, after updating the firmware I wasn't able to use any of the previously purchase digital maps I had or load new maps on to the device.  On the couple of trips I've used the Gaia GPS App I am very happy with it and the maps available
      • If using your phone, you may also want to bring a solar panel to recharge your device.  We suggest the Goal Zero panels. We have used several different panel types and they are now apart of our standard kit.
    • Hammock/Hammock Straps
    • Bandana
    • Swimsuit
    • Book/Tablet
    • Camp Chair
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