Essential Packing List for Backcountry Canoe Trips

I originally made this list for myself, to make sure I never forgot anything while packing for a backcountry canoe trip. I'm excited to share it with YOU!

A trip plan

Leave a trip plan with a friend who isn't on the trip with you. This is vital. I always leave my trip plans with a parent or a close friend. It includes the whole route: portages, campsites, day-hikes, everything! I also make it clear if and when I'll be able to check in with them, so they know what to expect.

Canoe

• Painters (the ropes tied to the bow and stern of your canoe)
• Yoke pad

I use an ancient Level Six yoke pad that my dad got before I was born! Yoke pads are so important and will save your shoulders on those long days of portaging.

A paddle for each person, plus an extra paddle

Make sure your paddles fit you and are comfortable before you head out! A comfortable paddle could make or break your trip.

Transportation straps and blocks for the car

I recently got some Level Six straps and love them. One thing I learned recently: put a twist in your straps to stop the whirring noise when you're on the road with your canoe.

PFD (1 per person)

A comfy PFD that you like is super important. Because I love my lifejacket so much, I wear it whenever I'm in the boat, and sometimes just to stay comfy and warm on land, lol!

Permit

You must have a copy on you in provincial and national parks. A screenshot on your phone works just fine, but a paper copy is best (in case of a dead phone). I like to keep my permit in my map bag so it's easily accessible!

Bagged toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a trowel

I bring a trowel when routes don't have thunderboxes. Getting stuck without your bathroom kit is the worst! This is often the first thing I pack.

Barrel (and harness)

• Food for each meal, plus snacks
• Extra meal(s)!
• Cook kit (stove, plates, bowls, cups, utensils)
• Fuel for stove
• Water filtration system (my personal favourite is a gravity filter, it's so easy)
• Multi-tool

On my most recent trip, I just grabbed the first barrel I saw in our family's camping closet and brought it into the backcountry. I learned the hard way that testing barrels and bags before you go is so important! The lower-back padding was missing and so was the chest strap. We were able to fix the chest strap with some carabiners, but the lack of padding in the back caused some sore tailbones!

On you while paddling (day bag)

• Daytime paddling clothes
• Rain gear
• Closed-toe shoes for portaging
• Two 1L water bottles per person

I've learned that two 1L Nalgenes is the perfect amount of water to have on hand. It makes sure you won't run out on those long portages and prevents constant refilling and filtering.

Dry bag

• Warm layers (pack for the cold night temps)
• Bathing suit
• Pack towel
• Camp shoes (sandals)
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste (and any other toiletries you need)
• Power bank
• Tarp (for rainy days)

On my last trip I tried out the Algonquin 95 Canoe Pack and loved it. It fits so nicely behind the yoke and has a great strap system, making it my favourite to portage (over the barrel and the canoe).

Sleep system

• Tent or hammock setup
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag

Safety

• Map (1 per canoe)
• Compass
• Satellite communication device (optional, but saves lives!)
• Bear spray
• Boater's kit
  • Heaving line / throw bag
  • Bailer or bilge pump
  • Whistle
  • Flashlight
• First aid kit (designed for your length of trip and number of people)
• Headlamp
• Gear repair kits (or duct tape and zip ties)

I like to make my own first aid kits with everything I could possibly need. First aid and safety gear is something I never skimp on, after having several scary experiences in Algonquin's backcountry.

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bug spray

Vital in blackfly season.

Garbage bag

Leave no trace!

Biodegradable soap

For dishes and people.

Folding saw (optional)

For gathering firewood, never live-growth.

Rope

For clothesline, bear hang, etc.

Never forget an important canoe trip item again! Just refer to this checklist next time you're packing. Remembering the essentials matters whether you're a canoe trip beginner, a vet, or anywhere in between.

Happy paddling!

Eve Harrison