Canoe Camping 101: Gear, Packing & Loading

I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned about canoe camping gear, packing, and loading into an introductory guide. This post contains a summary. The full version is here.

Canoe camping blends the ease of car camping with the adventure of backcountry hiking, offering access to remote areas without the burden of carrying everything on your back. Unlike car campers, who can pack generously, or hikers, who must focus on weight, canoe campers should prioritize gear that is durable, compact, and multi-functional. Key considerations include:

Durability: Gear must withstand outdoor conditions like storms and rocky rivers. Small damages can cause big problems, so invest in high-quality, long-lasting equipment.
Size: Compact gear saves space, making packing and organization easier.
Minimalism: Bring only essentials, focusing on multi-use items. Fewer items mean less to manage during portages. As few packs as possible.
Weight: While not as crucial as for hikers, managing weight is important. Opt for durable gear that adds comfort and reliability.
Simplicity: Choose easy-to-repair gear with minimal moving parts to reduce failure risk.

Start with a practice trip to a nearby lake campground, ideally within a short paddle from your car. This allows for easy access if gear fails. Afterward, evaluate your setup, and gradually increase trip length and difficulty as you gain experience. For preparation, check out YouTube tutorials on canoe camping gear, like this video. Finally, test waterproofing by tipping your loaded canoe a few weeks before your trip to ensure gear stays dry.

Links below go to the products I’ve chosen. You may find better prices; they are not affiliate links. YMMV!

Camp Set Up

Tent/Hammock: Invest in a high-quality, 3-season tent with a ‘bathtub’ design, ground sheet, and a full fly. Ensure it’s one size larger than needed for comfort. Hammocks work in warmer weather.
Tarp: Useful for protection against weather, but not necessary to splurge on.
Bug Shelter: Permissible luxury, good for trips with children or if bugs are an issue.
Sleeping Bag: Invest in a 3-season, mummy-style sleeping bag filled with goose down.
Sleeping Mat: Essential for insulation and comfort; air mattresses are not recommended.
Pillow: Optional, a wrapped sweater or inflatable pillow suffices.
Chair: Optional for comfort, but not essential.

Clothing – No Cotton!

Shirts: Pack 3 non-cotton shirts; long sleeved, wicking shirts with SPF protection are recommended. Guide shirts for comfort and style.
Shorts: Pack 1 pair made of artificial fabrics.
Pants: Pack 1 pair. Invest in medium-weight, water-resistant pants.
Underwear: Pack 3 pairs, avoiding cotton.
Sweater: Pack 2 wool or fleece sweaters for layering.
Swimsuit: Optional for swimming.
Camp Socks: Pack 2 pairs of non-cotton socks.
Towel: A small, quick-drying camp towel is recommended.
Rain Jacket: Invest in a durable rain jacket with good breathability.
Rain Pants: Optional if pants are already water-resistant.
Camp Shoes: Important for dry comfort at camp; closed-toe sandals recommended.
PJs: Optional, ensure a dry set of clothes for sleeping.
Leather Work Gloves: Handy for various tasks around camp.
Bug Jacket: Optional for bug protection.
Contacts/Glasses: Bring necessary corrective lenses and spares.
Stuffed Toy: Essential for children’s comfort.
Clothing Bags: Useful for organization and waterproofing, not essential.

Paddling Gear

PFD: Invest in a certified Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for safety.
Water Shoes: Essential for protection and comfort during water activities.
Paddling Gloves: Optional for blister protection.
Sun Hat: Essential for sun protection; ensure it has a chin strap.
Helmet: Required for paddling Class II+ rapids.
Sun Glasses: Optional for glare reduction.
Water Bottle: Invest in a durable, large-capacity water bottle.
Paddles: Essential, with a backup in each boat; buy basic and used until you commit. Measure it for fit. Rivers. Lakes. Double blade.
Knee Pads: Important for comfort during kneeling in the canoe.
Bug Spray: Essential; choose products with high levels of DEET.
Sunscreen: Essential; select high-rated sunscreen for protection.
Bailer: Essential for each boat; a DIY option works.
Throw Rope: Important for safety on moving water, not essential on flat water.
Pin Kit: Necessary for river trips, not for flat water.
Whistle: Essential for safety, attach to PFD.
Rescue Knife: Essential, keep it with your PFD.
Carabiners: Useful for attaching gear; ensure they are strong.
Map Case: Optional if maps are waterproof or stored in a dry bag.
Dedicated Paddling Clothing: Optional until committing to the sport.

Packing

Dry Bags: For packing and waterproofing gear inside the larger carrying packs. Cheap for things that could get wet. Good for things that really shouldn’t. Excellent for things that can’t.
Waterproof Barrel: The classic standard.
Portage Pack: Durability and size is a must.
Waterproof Day Pack: Invest in protecting your most valuable things.

Camping Equipment

Paracord: Essential for various tasks; bring multiple lengths.
Repair Kit: Essential for fixing gear; include zip ties, wire, duct tape, and a multitool.
Water Filter: Essential for safe drinking water; consider a gravity filter.
Headlamp: Essential for night activities; choose one with a red light option.
Solar Charger & Cords: Optional for charging devices.
Battery: Optional, better than charging devices directly from solar.
Fishing Rod: Optional for recreation. Useful to extend food supplies
Camp Table: Small. Optional for food prep and keeping stove off the ground; not essential if using picnic tables.
Camp Knife: Essential; invest in a high-quality knife for various tasks.
Saw/Hatchet: Essential for firewood; a handsaw and bushcraft knife combo is ideal.
First Aid Kit: Essential; NOLS kits are recommended. We made our own in this.
Air Pump: Optional luxury for inflating sleeping pads.
Fire Starter Kit: Essential; include matches, lighters, and fire starters.
Camp Shower: Optional for personal hygiene and laundry.
Camera: Optional for capturing memories.
Dirty / Clean Water Bowls: Essential for managing water for various tasks.
Garbage Dry Bag: Essential for packing out waste.
Bear Barrel: Necessary for food storage in areas with bears. Barrels are easier than hanging a bag.

Toiletries

Biodegradable Wipes: Essential. These are faster and more versatile than toilet paper, doubling as a way to wash your face and hands.
Spade: Essential. Needed for digging cat holes when no facilities are available. Research the correct usage and local regulations.
Feminine Hygiene Products: Essential as needed. They can also be useful in first aid.
Camp Soap: Essential. A single container of biodegradable soap for dishes, clothes, and personal hygiene. Keep soapy water 50 feet from shore.
Dish Cloth: Optional. Useful but not necessary; natural alternatives like pine needles or rough bark work, too.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Optional. Based on personal preference.
Non-First Aid Medications: Essential as needed.

Cooking

Stove: Essential. Opt for lightweight, easy-to-use canister stoves or twig stoves for quick and efficient meal preparation.
Grill: Optional. Use for cooking more substantial foods over a campfire after the first, quick meal. Keep it small.
Cooking Utensils: Optional. Consider a plastic spatula or serving spoon if concerned about scratching cookware.
Spork: Essential. The only utensil you’ll need, along with your fingers.
Mug/Plate/Cup/Pots/Pans: Essential. Choose based on your trip—a single lightweight cup for portaging, or a full set for base camping.
Lunch Packaging: Essential. Bring tinfoil or ziplock bags for storing food during boat travel.

The Boat

Choosing the right canoe or kayak is crucial for a successful camping trip. For beginners, it’s best to start with a used, inexpensive option. As you gain experience, you’ll discover which brands and designs suit your needs. While there’s no one-size-fits-all boat, two reliable options stand out for versatility and quality.

Canoes: Canoes are ideal for carrying heavy loads on lakes and rivers, making them perfect for expedition trips. The 16’ tandem Prospector model from NovaCraft or Esquif, made from TuffStuff or T-formex, is a top choice. This canoe offers stability, good tracking, and durability, with the ability to handle both flatwater and river conditions. It’s a versatile and reliable option that can accommodate two adults, a child, and your gear on a multi-day trip.

Kayaks: Kayak camping presents challenges like limited gear space and complicated portages, but kayaks are generally faster and easier to learn. A highly recommended model is the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14.5. This kayak is durable, easy to repair, and well-suited for various water conditions. Its 14.5-foot length strikes a balance between stability and maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Packing & Loading

When packing and carrying gear for a canoe or kayak trip, it’s important to anticipate that your gear will get wet, dropped, and potentially damaged. With this in mind, focus on practical, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant packing strategies.

Waterproofing Gear: Most packs labeled “waterproof” are actually water-resistant, capable of withstanding brief submersion. Fully waterproof gear is often unnecessary and expensive. Instead, use multiple, redundant layers of cheaper, smaller bags for effective waterproofing. Prioritize waterproofing for critical items like sleeping bags, electronics, and first aid supplies, while allowing less essential items to be merely water-resistant. Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure the waterproofing remains effective over time. Proper use, such as correctly sealing packs, is as important as the quality of the gear itself.

Abrasion Resistance: Choose packs that can endure rough handling, including being dragged over rocks. A strong outer layer is essential, and multiple layers offer both waterproofing and protection against abrasions.

Packing & Loading a Canoe: In a canoe, food and equipment should go into a 60L blue canoe barrel, with critical items like electronics and first aid stored in a waterproof backpack. Use an expedition portage pack for the bulk of your gear, adding layers of waterproofing inside it with liners, dry bags, and trash compactor bags. Distribute weight evenly around the center of the canoe to make handling easier. How you secure your gear depends on the water type. For lakes, gear should be tied with a leash to allow it to float nearby if the canoe tips. It’s easier to flip an empty canoe. For rivers, lash everything down tightly to prevent it from drifting away. You’ll be swimming the canoe to shore.

Packing & Loading a Kayak: Use lots of smaller bags. Pack your clothes, sleeping bag, and emergency supplies in waterproof dry bags. Pack your equipment and food in older or repaired dry bags for ease of storage. Use the sealed bulkheads for waterproofing instead of a portage pack liner. Replace the waterproof backpack with a deck bag and ensure bulkheads are sealed before the trip. Take an empty portage pack to hold everything when you’re portaging.