Suggested clothing and personal items for your BWCA canoe trip
Some of the following items may be available for purchase in our small but well-appointed outfitting shop.
Clothing
Reliable waterproof rain jacket and rain pants. Ponchos are discouraged.
2 light weight long-sleeved shirts (at least one made of nylon or poly)
1 warm non-cotton long-sleeved top (fleece, poly, or wool). *This also makes a nice pillow.
1 t-shirt
2 pairs of non-cotton (nylon or quick dry) pants. Jeans are discouraged.
1 pair of shorts
Swimsuit
2 pairs of wool socks. Wool keeps your feet warmer and more comfortable than cotton. *For trips longer than three days, add an extra pair or two of wool socks.
Polypropylene or polyester "liner" socks for under your wool socks, unless your wool socks are itch-free (like merino wool socks made by Smartwool).
1 pair of cotton socks for camp
Extra underwear
Footwear
Wet boots. These will be wet while canoeing and portaging. Old sneakers generally work well. Hiking boots with good ankle support for portaging work well, but keep in mind that they will get wet. Do not use flip flops, crocs, or open-toed sandals. During cool conditions, some people prefer to wear rubber boots with an aggressive tread to keep their feet dry.
Dry boots. These are your lightweight camp shoes. Tennis shoes, heavy duty closed toe sandals, boat shoes, or moccasins work well.
Headwear
Hat with wide brim for sun protection
Bandana
Non-cotton knit cap
Accessories
Sunscreen and lip balm
Sunglasses and lanyard
Lanyard for your prescription eyeglasses
Insect repellant. At least 25% DEET is effective against mosquitoes, but not biting flies. Insect repellents containing the ingredients MGK 264 and MGK 326 are effective against biting flies. Bring both. We sell this insect repellent.
Toiletries (personal items, etc.)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Prescription medication
Small hand towel or washcloth
Waterproof camera and film (Optional)
Lightweight reading material, paper, and pencil (Optional)
Equipment
Small flashlight or headlamp with good batteries
First aid kit
Pocketknife or multitool (Optional)
Fishing rods, tackle, fillet knife, and license (If planning to fish). Click here for our suggested fishing tackle list.
Canoe Trip Gear List
Our Complete Quality Outfitting Package Includes All of This.
Ultra-lightweight Wenonah Kevlar Canoes
Water Filter
Paddles
Camp Stove and Fuel
Life Vests
Crazy Creek Chairs
Maps for Your Route
Toilet Paper
Tent
Hand Sanitizer
Vapor Barrier for in Tent
Folding Bucket
Tarp
50' of Utility Cord
Navigation Compass
Matches
BWCAW-Approved Food
Bear Rope
Food Pack
Pack Saw
Duluth Style Portage Packs
Nalgene Water Bottles
Sleeping Bags
Trip Tape (small roll of duct tape)
Self-inflating Therm-A-Rest Sleeping Pads
Therm-A-Rest Pack Pillow
Cook Kit, Fry Pan, and Coffee Pot
Shuttle to/from Entry Point
Utensils
Dish Cleaning Kit Including
Biodegradable Soap and Pot Scrubbers
Cook Grate and Trowel (Quetico Only)
Contact Us!
Perfect Solitude
There is magic in the feel of a paddle and the movement of a canoe, a magic compounded of distance, adventure, solitude and peace. The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness and of a freedom almost forgotten, the open door to waterways of ages past and a way of life with profound and abiding satisfaction. – Sigurd Olson
Boundary Waters Blog
As a Boundary Waters canoe trip outfitter, Quetico outfitter, and guide service, we are always bustling with photos, stories, tips, and naturalist insights. So we try to bundle that up and share it with you on the Boundary Waters Blog. CLICK HERE to check out the latest thoughts and happenings from our Head Guide, Jason Zabokrtsky, or from our Outfitting Manager and Guide, Kate Ford!
