Packing for a Canoe Trip
Packing for a canoe trip, especially for younger campers, can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re new to Camp Temagami or canoe tripping in general, figuring out exactly what your camper needs can be tricky. Canoe tripping isn’t your typical camping experience—gear needs to be functional, durable, and easy to pack!
In this guide, I’ll share some personal tips and tricks from my years of experience as both a camper and trip leader. My goal? To make the packing process as stress-free as possible, so your camper is well-prepared for their adventure.
Things to Consider When Packing:
1. What Will the Item Be Used For?
Since campers at Camp Temagami spend time on both trip and at base camp, I highly suggest separating items into base camp and trip categories. Base camp clothes will stay cleaner and can be everyday items from your child’s current wardrobe. Trip clothes, on the other hand, will get DIRTY and likely stay that way for the entire trip. Plan accordingly!
2. Durability:
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider. Once your camper is out on trip, there’s no easy way to replace broken or torn gear. Make sure the items you buy are built to last and can withstand the rigors of canoe tripping—especially for clothing and footwear that take the most abuse.
3. Materials:
Canoe trips are wet and dirty by nature—paddling on the water, portaging through mud, and hiking rugged terrain. Choose items made from materials that dry quickly and keep your camper warm. AVOID COTTON! When cotton gets wet, it stays wet and cold. Instead, opt for wool or synthetic options that dry fast and stay warm, even when damp.
4. Size and Weight:
Your camper will need to pack and carry their key trip items, so keeping an eye on size and weight is crucial. Lighter, more compact items are easier to portage and fit into their pack, saving your camper hassle during the trip. While there’s no need to go ultralight, balance comfort with practicality when selecting gear.
5. Cost:
While outdoor brands make incredible gear, they often come with a hefty price tag. When your camper is young, growing quickly, or might forget something at a campsite, it’s not always worth investing in high-end gear. Budget-friendly options are a great choice, especially for fast-growing campers. Consider whether the brand name is worth the extra cost or if a cheaper option will do just as well.
6. Return Policy/Warranty:
Some outdoor brands offer excellent return policies or lifetime warranties. While these items may cost more upfront, investing in gear that can be replaced or repaired without extra cost might be worthwhile, especially for core items like shoes, rain gear, or ground pads.
Camp Provided Equipment
Please note that Camp Temagami provides all trippers with a duffel and dry bag for use during canoe trips. The bags you use to pack your camper’s belongings will stay at basecamp, keeping them clean and dry. The personal bag listed in the packing guide (we recommend a small backpack or fanny pack) is optional for the trip, but keep in mind it may get very dirty.
Sleeping Items: Key to a Good Night’s Rest on Trip
When it comes to sleeping on trip, comfort and warmth are top priorities. Here are some tips for packing the essential sleeping items:
Sleeping Bag:
Your camper’s sleeping bag is perhaps the most important item for staying warm at night. For the Temagami region, we recommend a bag rated for 10-20°C, which is perfect for summer trips. While there are more expensive, high-end options available, this basic sleeping bag offers good insulation without breaking the bank. You can check out this affordable option on Amazon here.
Camping Pillow:
I personally didn’t use a camping pillow for years, opting instead to roll up clothes. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the comfort that a proper camping pillow brings. These days, compact, lightweight pillows are readily available and can make a big difference in your camper’s sleep quality. Here’s a great option here.
Therm-a-Rest (or Sleeping Pad):
A sleeping pad isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about staying warm. By creating a barrier between your camper and the cold ground, a sleeping pad can make a huge difference in both temperature regulation and sleep quality. Some even double as a floaty for those warm, lazy afternoons on the water! While “Therm-a-Rest” is technically a brand name, any inflatable or foam ground pad will do the job (although we like inflatables because they pack down better!). Here’s a solid choice.
Blanket:
A blanket can be a versatile, space-saving addition to your camper’s gear, serving multiple purposes. If you’re trying to save space and skip packing a pillow, a blanket makes a great alternative. Your camper can roll their clothes inside it to create a makeshift pillow or use it to level out their sleeping surface by stuffing it under the pad if the tent site is uneven. It also adds an extra layer of warmth on colder nights. I especially like this blanket/poncho combo for its hands-free feature—perfect for staying warm while roasting marshmallows! Check it out here.
Shirts and Pants: Comfort Meets Durability
When it comes to trip clothes, flexibility is key. This section is where your camper can show off their personality. However, when choosing clothes, there’s one golden rule: Cotton is NOT your friend. Cotton takes a long time to dry when wet and gets cold quickly. Instead, focus on gear made from wool (which retains warmth even when wet) or synthetics (which dry quickly).
Shirts:
For shirts, a great cost-saving tip is to shop for inexpensive athletic shirts, like those you’d find in the gym section of stores like Walmart. Especially for younger campers who are constantly growing, investing in brand-name gear doesn’t always make sense. These synthetic shirts dry quickly and don’t need to be high-end to perform well. This is where your camper can choose bright colors or fun patterns, and they’ll still be practical.
Pants:
When it comes to pants, durability is more important. Your camper’s pants will be their first line of defense against bugs and harsh brush on portages, so you’ll want a sturdier material. The terrain in Temagami can be tough, and pants will take a beating. While durability is key, keep in mind that trip pants will get dirty—really dirty. My mom wouldn’t even let our trip clothes inside the house after a summer at camp! They’ll accumulate what we called a “trip stink” that doesn’t come out, so plan for those pants to end up in the recycling after the summer.
I also recommend packing clean, comfortable base camp clothes (cotton is fine here). Base camp clothes will stay much cleaner and can be everyday items your child already wears at home. By keeping clean outfits for base camp and tougher clothes for trip, you’ll keep things organized and your camper prepared.
Outerwear: Stay Dry, Stay Warm
Rain Suit:
I’ll admit—I have a bit of an obsession with rain gear. Even when I’m in the city and it rains, I pull out all the stops: rain gear for me, my bag, everything. There’s nothing worse than being cold and wet, especially on a canoe trip! As a camper for seven years before becoming a guide, I learned the hard way that good rain gear can make or break your experience.
It took me six years to perfect my rain gear setup. I tried cheaper options, knowing I’d outgrow them, but they never quite did the job. Eventually, in my last year as a camper, I splurged on top-of-the-line rain gear. It was the most expensive thing in my closet (until I bought my wedding dress), but it lasted me 15 years. The company I bought it from even offers a lifetime warranty—I just replaced it last month!
That said, your first-year canoe tripper doesn’t need a $500+ rain suit. There are great affordable options available now. A few things to look for:
- Big Hood: Helps keep rain out of your eyes.
- Sealed or Covered Zippers: Sealed zippers are pricier, but covered zippers do the trick for Temagami weather.
- Zippered Pants: I prefer pants with a zipper at the bottom so you can slip them on without taking off shoes, but this is a luxury.
One important thing to note is that with rain gear, you’re always trading off between waterproofing and breathability. The more waterproof the item (like plastic rain gear), the less breathable it will be. This means that while a plastic rain jacket will keep water out, your sweat won’t evaporate, leaving you wet from the inside. On the other hand, high-end materials like GORE-TEX are designed to keep water out while allowing your sweat to evaporate. It’s a balance you’ll want to consider, especially for longer trips.
Tip: Buy the rain gear one size larger than your camper usually wears so they can layer it over their lifejacket, keeping them dry and warm!
Check out some affordable rain gear options here: boys, girls, non-gendered.
Wool or Fleece Jacket:
This is another item I’m willing to spend a bit more on. I’ve had my wool jacket for over a decade, and it’s still going strong. While I don’t think new campers need to splurge here, it’s worth checking out second-hand stores for a sturdy wool or fleece jacket. The linked options are fleece, which is much softer than wool—something younger campers may prefer for comfort.
Shop fleece jackets here, and here.
Vest (Optional):
While technically optional, I always bring a vest. It’s a versatile layer that can double as a tank top in warmer weather and provides extra warmth on cold or rainy days.
Find vests here: boys, girls, non-gendered.
Toque (Hat):
A toque is an absolute must for chilly mornings and nights. My strongest recommendation? Avoid pom-poms or anything on top of the hat! This way, your camper can wear a baseball cap over their toque to keep the rain out of their eyes.
Shop toques here: boys, non-gendered.
Footwear: Comfort and Protection for Happy Feet
Socks:
I’m a huge fan of wool socks—they’re a game-changer on trip! In the canoe, your feet are almost guaranteed to get wet, and wool socks will help keep your toes warm even when they’re damp. Wool is also more durable, standing up to the wear and tear of shoes rubbing on your feet during portages. I recommend packing wool socks in sets of three for day wear on trip: one pair that you wore yesterday (which is wet and drying), one pair to wear today (which starts dry but will likely be wet by day’s end), and one pair from two days ago that is completely dry and ready to rotate in. Additionally, pack two pairs for the campsite, because there’s no better feeling than changing into a fresh, dry pair of socks after a long day paddling.
Check out some great hiking socks here: boys, girls.
Boots:
This is an essential item—do not send your camper with sandals or sneakers as trip boots. For the Temagami region, light hiking boots are perfect. When choosing boots, focus on support for the feet and ankles and good tread. The boots should grip wet rocks, helping to prevent slips. Personally, I wear heavy-duty hiking boots, but that’s because I’ve adapted over the years to different climates, from Temagami to Hudson’s Bay. For first-year campers, lightweight boots that provide ankle support are the best option.
I also don’t worry too much about trying to keep my feet dry while tripping. I’ve accepted the reality of wet feet, so quick-drying boots aren’t a priority for me anymore—I just make sure my boots provide good support and grip, and I embrace the wet toe life!
Sneakers:
A pair of comfortable sneakers is great to have for campsite wear. Close-toed shoes offer protection around the fire and help prevent injuries. Personally, I’ve switched to ankle-height rubber boots for campsite shoes because they keep my feet dry even if it rains, and they offer extra protection when using tools like an axe (although young campers won’t have to worry about that just yet). However, sneakers work perfectly fine for relaxing at the campsite after a day of paddling.
Water Sandals:
Walking on sharp rocks or sticks while swimming at a campsite is never fun, and it’s important to keep your feet protected while in the water. Water sandals are a great option, but make sure they strap securely to your feet. Many campers have lost flip-flop-style sandals to the current! Having a good pair of sandals that stay on your feet while you swim or walk in water will save you from painful stubs and cuts.
Toiletries: Staying Clean in the Wilderness
When it comes to toiletries, simplicity and eco-friendliness are key. Your camper doesn’t need a full bathroom kit, but there are a few essential items that will make their time on trip more comfortable. Here’s what to pack:
Toilet Bag (or Ziploc Bags):
Traditionally, you might pack a dedicated toilet bag for toiletries, but I personally skip this altogether and pack everything in freezer Ziploc bags. Not only does it save space, but they’re super versatile. You can even use a Ziploc bag for quick laundry on trip—just add some biodegradable soap, water, and clothes, and shake (think shake and bake)! It’s an easy hack to keep things simple and organized.
Biodegradable Soap:
Please pack biodegradable soap! We want to be kind to nature while out on trip, and using soap that breaks down naturally is essential to preserving the waterways and ecosystems we travel through.
Check out an environmentally friendly option here.
Toothpaste & Shampoo:
Just like soap, your camper’s toothpaste and shampoo should be environmentally friendly. These biodegradable products help us minimize our impact on nature. Your camper only needs small travel-sized bottles—remember, they’ll be out in the wilderness, not at a spa!
Find eco-friendly toothpaste here and biodegradable shampoo here.
Towels:
Quick-dry towels are a game changer on trip. Regular towels take too long to dry, and once they’re wet, they stay wet. Quick-dry towels solve this problem, and I personally like to pack one large towel and one sarong (instead of two towels) for versatility. However, that’s just my personal preference! As long as it dries fast, it’ll do the job.
Added bonus: A large towel can be rolled up and used as a pillow at night—a double win for packing light!
Check out a great quick-dry towel option here.
Miscellaneous: Essential Extras for a Smooth Trip
These are the small but impactful items that will help make your camper’s experience more enjoyable. Don’t underestimate their importance—having the right essentials can make all the difference in comfort and convenience!
Insect Repellent:
When the bugs are bad, they are BAD. Normally, I wouldn’t go for something as strong, but on trip, I do bring DEET—it’s a lifesaver in the Temagami region. While there are newer, popular options like insect repellent stickers, I haven’t tried them out yet, but they’re definitely on my list.
Check out this insect repellent option here.
Sunblock:
SPF 45 minimum is a must for canoe trips—being sunburned is no fun. Your camper will be paddling in direct sunlight, so make sure they have a sunblock they’ll actually use, something sweat-proof and water-resistant since they’ll be swimming and active throughout the day.
Here’s a great sunblock to consider here.
Water Bottle:
Hydration is key! A durable, reusable water bottle is essential for keeping your camper hydrated. I recommend one with a wide mouth, which is easier to fill and works with most purifiers. Plastic is probably your best bet here, as it floats if dropped in the lake. Stainless steel is another great option but may not be the best for clumsier campers since it sinks if dropped in water.
This water bottle fits the bill here.
Hat with a Wide Brim:
A hat with a wide brim provides great sun protection for your camper’s face and neck. While baseball caps work, a wider-brimmed hat is better, especially when spending long hours paddling under the sun.
Check out this option for a sun hat here.
Headlamp:
Forget the handheld flashlights—I only bring a headlamp on trip. Hands-free lighting is a game changer when setting up camp or moving around at night. Petzl LED headlamps are a popular choice for their durability and brightness. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries!
Sunglasses:
A good pair of sunglasses is essential for sun protection on the water. Polarized lenses are particularly great because they allow you to see into the water better, which is helpful when paddling through clear lakes or rivers. That being said, polarized glasses can be pricey, so I would only recommend buying them if you find a great deal. Otherwise, any sturdy pair with UV protection will do.
Medication:
If your camper takes medication, be sure they pack twice the required amount. The backup supply will be kept securely in case the original gets lost or wet.
Optional Items: For the Campers Who Like Extra Fun
These items aren’t required but can add to your camper’s overall experience:
- Stationery & Journal: I’m a huge fan of keeping a journal on trip. I’ve documented every canoe trip I’ve ever done, and it’s one of my favorite keepsakes from my time as a camper. Your camper can also use the journal to write letters home.
- Reading Material: This can be tricky. Books take up space and can be heavy to pack. While they won’t have tons of time for reading, it’s always nice to have a good book or two for the quiet moments at camp. Books are often shared within sections, so even just one will go a long way. If your camper is an avid reader like I was, consider a cheap (or second hand) waterproof e-reader—something with an extra long battery life, that you wont be upset if they loose.
Remember, the Camp Temagami office is always here to help with any questions!
We’re just an email away and ready to assist with any packing concerns you may have.
Written by Tiffany vanLieshout, with formatting and editorial assistance provided by AI. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commision at no additional cost to you.
