Canoe Trip Packing List

If you are looking for an exciting adventure, then a canoe trip can be the one for you. However, like any other trips, the success of this trip too depends on proper planning. In fact, many are of the opinion that the planning should start at least one year before the adventure. Planning involves everything that can help to make the trip systematic and enjoyable. This includes, proper research about the basics of canoe camping. You also have to find out the best time of the year for such a trip, and do some preliminary studies about the various routes, so as to find out the one that is well-traveled by other canoeist. If you are going on a canoe trip for the first time, it is advisable to look for a good travel agent. The next important part of your preparation is packing, which is however, the most confusing part.

What to Pack for a Canoe Trip?

While packing for a trip, it should be kept in mind that it is better to include only the essential things that are usually needed in a trip or camping. Weight is a major consideration while packing for a trip and so is the available space. Only, careful and systematic packing can help you include all the necessary things, while minimizing the weight and size of your luggage. For this, you have to spend some time to figure out the most important things to be included, and while doing so, it is quite normal to get confused at times.

Clothes List
While packing your clothes, take into consideration the duration of the trip, as well as the weather conditions.

• Light weight long sleeve T-shirt
• Short sleeve T-shirt (one for each day and two additional)
• Long and short pants (quick drying)
• Bathing suits
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Wool or quick drying socks
• Bandana
• Fleece jacket
• Bathing suit
• Lightweight sneakers
• Lightweight hiking boots
• Slippers
• Undergarments, (one for each day and two extra)
• Rain suit or hooded rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Paddling gloves
• Bug shirt

Equipment List
Following are the most important equipment that you will need, if you are going on a canoe trip for a couple of days:

• Tent
• Camping gear
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Vinyl ground sheet or ground cloth
• Trowel
• Zip-lock plastic bags
• Water filter
• Flashlight
• Mini binoculars
• Carabiner
• Camera
• Spare paddle
• Personal flotation device
• Throwable flotation device
• Matches or waterproof lighter
• Maps and charts
• Compass
• Whistle
• Canoe float bags
• Dry bags
• Bailer with lanyard
• Bungee cords or net
• Knee pads
• Rope bag
• Canoe cart
• Yoke pads
• Camp stove and fuel
• Cup, plate, spoon and fork
• Pots and pot lifter
• Spatula
• Coffee pot or tea kettle
• Paper towels
• Kitchen knife
• Dish washing items
• Strainer
• Water bucket (Collapsible)
• Water containers
• Feminine hygiene items

Other Items of the Packing list
In a canoe trip, you will also need toiletries and other personal items, which are enlisted below

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Brush or comb
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Skin lotion
• Nail clipper
• Dental floss
• Soap (biodegradable)
• Small notebook, journal (optional)
• First aid kit
• Deodorant
• Contact lens fluid
• Shaving kit

Along with all these items, make sure that you have permit and reservation confirmation, driver's license, identity proof, mobile, cash, fishing license and other important documents and their copies with you before leaving for the trip.

In addition to the listed items in this article, you may need a few other things while going on a canoe trip. You may also contact your local canoeing association to get a better idea about the dos and don'ts of this trip.