Backpacking is an excellent way to take a break from work to explore nature. But a regular camping trip is often tiring because you have to walk from place to place. If you're looking for a relaxing way to go camping, consider canoe camping. Don't worry if you don't know anything about it. In this post, we talk about how to pack for a canoe camping trip. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the article.
What Is Canoe Camping?
Canoe camping is canoeing and camping combined. Canoe camping is the best option for you if you want to explore nature through river trails. It can save you time on your trip and get you to places faster than on a regular camping trip on foot.
How To Pack For a Canoe Camping Trip?
You have to create a proper plan before you can go on your first canoe camping trip. Because you are going out in the wilderness, you have to ensure your safety at every step. We are sharing some tips that help you pack for your trip.
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Choose a route: Choose a river route that has a calm water flow. Avoid river courses that have steep cuts or are known for violent water flow. Make sure the place you are visiting is a tourist attraction.
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Inform your family: Before leaving for the journey, inform your family about the route you are going on. Also, let them know how many days you will be enjoying the trip.
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Inspect the canoe. Your canoe should be in working condition. The canoe load must be balanced, and it should be free from cracks and holes.
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Check the weather: Always go for a canoe camping trip on a sunny day. If the weather forecast shows a chance of rain during your trip, avoid it.
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Have an emergency plan: Be prepared with an emergency plan. You may need it at any point during your trip. This emergency plan includes instructions on what to do if you get lost, become ill, are injured, or don't get home in time.
Checklist For Canoe Camping
If you are now ready to go on a canoe camping trip, start packing things. Below is a detailed canoe camping checklist that you will need during the trip.
Clothes Needed For Canoe Camping
Don’t pack too many clothes as they will claim more space in your canoe. The list of clothes is as follows.
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Comfortable pants, track pants, or jeans.
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Swimwear.
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Bras, sleepwear, and underwear.
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Shorts and tank tops.
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Cotton socks (summer) and woolen socks (winter).
Shoes Needed For Canoe Camping
The forest surrounding the camp may have rocky or rough paths. So make sure you have the right shoes for each type of trail.
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Hiking or trekking boots.
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Flip flops and slippers.
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Sports shoes for comfortability.
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Water shoes.
Food Needed For Canoe Camping
Here is a list of foods that you can take along on your canoe camping trip. Choose the right foods and pack them in plenty as you do not want to suffer from hunger during the journey.
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Clean water in bottles or containers.
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Roasted dry fruits (almonds, cashew nuts, and pistachios).
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Walnuts.
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Ready to eat snacks.
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Packaged foods – canned meat, noodles, or pasta, if you want to cook using the campfire.
Entertainment Needed For Canoe Camping
Do not forget to include the means of your entertainment before going on a canoe camping trip. The checklist for this may include the following.
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Board games.
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Books and comics.
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Telescope for stargazing.
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Music player.
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Art and craft stuff.
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Movies on a 10-inch tablet such as iPad.
Personal Hygiene Items Needed For Canoe Camping
During your canoe trip, you will not be having the comfort of a private washroom. However, this is not a valid reason to overlook your personal hygiene while you are on the trip. See the list of items for personal care below.
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Soaps and shampoos.
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Intimate wash and sanitary pads for women.
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Toothbrush and toothpaste.
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Towels, a hairbrush, and a comb.
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Hand sanitizer
Power Backup Needed For Canoe Camping
There will be no electricity during the canoe camping trips. Therefore, you have to carry your own portable power solution with you. See the two portable power solutions below.
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Anker 757 Powerhouse: You can use the Anker 757 powerhouse for this purpose. This powerhouse is enough to power all your equipment during your 2 to 3 days of travel. You can even run a coffee maker from this power station.
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Anker 625 Solar Panel: If the trip lasts for more than 2 to 3 days then you may need the Anker 625 Solar Panel. This solar panel can charge the Anker 757 powerhouse during the day. The solar panel can also charge your smartphones and tablets directly.
Safety Gear For Canoe Camping Trip
It would help if you were carrying the next canoe camping gear for safety with you.
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Personal floatation devices (PFD) with a whistle.
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Sturdy sleeping bags
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Emergency flares
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First aid kit
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Cellular phone
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Satellite phone if permitted by law in your country.
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Utility knife
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Safety gloves
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GPS
Conclusions
Even if you are a beginner, canoe camping will be an engaging experience for you. To do this you only need to collect the right things. If you're just trying it out, start with a path that's familiar to others also. If you still feel confused, you can hire professionals who provide canoe camping services. Don't worry about how to pack for a canoe camping trip as we have already guided you through this post.
FAQ On How To Pack For a Canoe Camping Trip
How Do You Pack a Sleeping Bag For a Canoe Trip?
To ensure your sleeping bag remains dry, the most reliable and efficient way to pack it is in a waterproof compression drybag inside of a kayak. Roll the sleeping bag up a bit tight to make a bundle. Rolling it up tight is important so it takes up as little space as possible in your canoe. Stuff the sleeping bag with the rest of your clothing and put it securely on the canoe.
Where Should You Pack The Heaviest Items In a Canoe?
We recommend not carrying heavy items in the canoe unless necessary. Heavy items can cause the canoe to wobble and capsize. If heavy goods are to be kept, keep them in the middle of the canoe and tie them with ropes so that they do not move.
How Do You Pack Water On a Canoe Trip?
We suggest packing water in a metal container or bottle. You will have to carry 4 liters of water per person per day for drinking and cooking. Clean drinking water should be a top priority on your checklist. If you have to leave something else for water, leave it.
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