Boundary Waters Overnight Camping & Canoeing Essentials
Planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip? From camping gear to canoeing must-haves, our expert list ensures you’re ready for the BWCA wilderness. Check out the essentials below to pack smart for your overnight BWCA camping trip! If you just want to show up with personal clothing & items and everything is supplied, then Moose Track Adventures has you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable overnight adventure near Ely, MN with our Complete Kevlar Outfitting Package.
Boundary Waters Kevlar Canoe, Tent & Sleeping Gear:
- We-no-nah Kevlar Canoes with comfortable portaging yokes!
- Bent Shaft Paddles
- Life Jackets (vest type)
- Granite Gear/Kondos Equipment Packs with padded backs, waist belts and adjustable straps
- Stuff sacks for personal items
- Crazy Creek Chairs -A necessity for ultimate camp comfort!
- Water Proof Map Case
- Marmot/The North Face/Eureka Tents with ground sheet
- Marmot Sleeping Bags – always freshly laundered
- Lightweight Packable Pillow
- Large Lightweight Tarp/Dining Fly
- ThermaRest Full Length Self-Inflating Sleeping Mattress
- Compression Sacks
Boundary Waters Camping Food, Cooking Gear & Misc:
- Boundary Waters Camping Menu – with Fresh Food!
- Ultra-Light Cook Kit with Utensils
- Lightweight Cooking Stove with Extra Fuel
- Griddle (optional)
- Dish Soap & Scrubber
- Bear Rope System for Hanging Food Pack
- Ultra-Light Aluminum Folding Saw
- Fire Gloves
- Matches & Firestarter
- Trash bags
- Personal Gear Packs (if needed)
- Nalgene Water Bottles (if needed)
- Stuff Sacks for Your Gear & Clothes
- Extra Rope
- Toilet Paper
- Boat Tape (small roll of duct tape)
- Expert Trip Routing and Detailed Maps
- Free Parking in our Private Property
- Free Showers After Your Trip
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Personal Items List:
- Head lamp (provides your both your hands to be free to do things) or flashlight
- Extra batteries for headlamp/flashlight
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Water Purifier/filter
- Sunscreen
- Biodegradable Soap
- Bug dope
- Small pocket knife or Multi-tool
- Sunglasses
- Pack towel
- Paperback book
- Personal hygiene items
- Personal medication
- Playing cards
- Pre packed moistened towels
- Small Mirror
- Dental Floss
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Fishing Gear
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Personal Clothing & Footwear List:
- Wet Shoes: These can range from an old pair of sneakers, high tech water shoes, or boots. Your feet will get wet when you enter/exit the canoe in the water (WE ONLY RENT KEVLAR CANOES WHICH REQUIRE A WET ENTRY/EXIT. THE CANOES ARE NOT TO BE DRAGGED ONTO ROCKS SO THAT YOUR FEET DON’T GET WET!). These shoes will also be used for portaging, therefore you need something that provides good ankle support. A pair of rubber knee-high ankle boots will work just fine. Rubber boats are nice for spring and fall trips when the water is cool.
- Camp shoes: A lightweight pair of hiking boots, sport sandals, or sneakers.
- Comfortable socks: Wool or some type of synthetic fiber works best.
- Synthetic long underwear (Top and bottom): (Fall and Spring Trips May & Sept-Oct).
- Wind jacket: A Gore-Tex rain jacket can double as a wind shell, but sitting around the campfire tends to put burn holes in them. An inexpensive nylon anorak will save that expensive Gore-Tex for when you really need it.
- Wind pants: Quick drying nylon work well.
- 2 pr shorts
- 2-3 T-shirts: This is up to the individual. We bring (2)…one we use for paddling and portaging, and one that stays clean for those days that we relax around camp.
- Fleece jacket or pullover: Wool will also work, but no cotton sweatshirts.
- Rain gear: WATERPROOF!!! We recommend Gore-Tex or a comparable waterproof breathable fabric.
- Hat: Very important item. The hat should have a wide brim to provide ample protection from the sun.
- 3 pr Underwear: Believe it or not, this is not an important item. If you bring shorts that contain inserts, it eliminates the need for underwear. However, if you feel you need to wear them, 3 pr will be sufficient.
- Paddling gloves (not necessary, but some people swear by them)
- Warm gloves: (Fall and Spring Trips May & Sept-Oct)
- Fleece Hat: (Fall and Spring Trips May & Sept-Oct)
- Warm long pants: (Fall Trips and Spring Trips May & Sept-Oct) A pair of fleece pants are great!
NOTE: This may not seem like a lot of clothing for an extended wilderness trip, but all of the items suggested are synthetic and quick drying. Remember if your not wearing it, you have to carry it, and when it is on your back every ounce counts. If you feel you need to include items not mentioned in this list, bring them along with you and we will discuss it at the pre-trip meeting. You can always leave things in your car once your are in Ely, but if you do not bring them, you are out of luck.
