Boundary Waters Packing List

Jan 9, 2025
Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters
Boundary Waters Packing List

Interested in planning a canoe trip but not sure where to start? Many outfitting businesses provide route and trip planning options as well as gear rental, guiding services, and even lodging before and after your camping trip.

 Check out some of our staff’s favorite routes: HERE.

WHAT TO BRING ON A CANOE TRIP:

We’ve made a list with the help of some of our favorite outfitters and guides! This list does not include clothing, but we recommend bringing a variety of (non-cotton) layers so you can dress for whatever the weather brings. See some of the lists from the outfitters depending on the length of your trip. 

GEAR LIST

  • Canoe(s) 

  • Paddle(s)

  • PFD  or life vest

  • Waterproof Maps/compass or GPS device 

  • Tent (or other shelter)

  • Tarp and rope or bungee

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Sleeping Pad

  • Pillow (optional)

  • Portage Pack(s)

  • Headlamp/Camplight 

Kitchen

  • Camp Stove w/ fuel

  • Coffee  - (Percolator, Press, Pour over, Instant etc.)

  • Water Bottle - Thermos/Nalgene

  • Cook Kit (Pans, pots, spatula, measuring cups, bowls, serving spoon, etc.)

  • Utensils (Forks, spoons, knives, plates,)

  • Aluminum Foil (depending on meal)

  • Camp Soap, Scrubbie, and wash basin

  • Food Hanging System or an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee certified bear-resistant container*. (See note below)

Other:

  • Pack Saw/Axe

  • Towel

  • Toilet Paper

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Garbage Bags

  • Matches/Lighters

  • Hygiene & Toiletries (+ extra baggies to put hygiene products in when they are used)

  • Clothes (Avoid cotton if you can.)

  • Wet shoes & camp shoes or boots. 

  • Warm socks

  • Rain gear

  • Headwear/Sunglasses

  • Pocketknife or multitool

  • Bug spray and bug net

  • Headlamp/Flashlight

  • Sunscreen

  • First Aid Kit

  • Water Filtration system (While some may drink straight from the lake, we recommend that you should always purify your water as to be certain you will not contract a water-born illness. The Wilderness is no place to risk getting ill, so our favorite water purifying systems include a using a Steri-pen or a gravity filter since they don't affect the taste of the water!) 

  • Duct Tape (good for many situations.)

Fun optional items

  • Hammock

  • Lightweight chair or canoe seat (Helinox, Crazy Creek, etc.)

  • Playing cards

  • Binoculars 

  • Book 

  • Camera 

  • Fishing gear 

  • Beverages (NOT in glass or aluminum cans.)

 

Contact one of these northern MN Boundary Waters Business Coalition members to help you plan & outfit your canoe trip:

Check out more Boundary Waters Business supporters here. 

Do you just need a little help with route planning maps? Try Paddle Planner. It’s a great route-planning tool (and many outfitters use it too!)

* In May of 2024, the USFS added the BWCAW Bear Aware Food Storage Order between March 1 and November 30, effective April 19, 2024 through April 19, 2026. To reduce the chances of attracting wildlife, attractants should be suspended at least 12 feet above the surface of the ground and 6 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree or stored in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee certified bear resistant container. Attractants are any items which have a strong odor and may attract bears and other wildlife, such as food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, toothpaste) and refuse. Learn more here.