What To Pack For a BWCA Canoe Trip

What should I bring on my Boundary Waters wilderness canoe trip? Is there a Boundary Waters packing list? These are questions that we get on a regular basis. This is a very good and important question. 

You want to make sure that you have all of the right canoe and camping gear that you will need for a wilderness high adventure without bringing lots of unnecessary items.

Well, We Might Need This...

On one of our first trips into the Boundary Waters we had a large Duluth Pack so … you guessed it we filled it up. We put in items that “you never know we may need this” or “this might come in handy at some point” or “we have it so we should take it along".  Not only was it very heavy to portage, but we quickly found out that we had lots of items that we really weren’t going to need.  

Scale It Back

Having the right personal gear is a must for a BWCA trip

The next time we left out most of the items that we did not use, and then scaled it back even more on the next trip. Even though we had less comfort items, and less personal camping gear, the trip was much easier. 

When planning your trip, remember in this case less can be better. If you are planning a Boundary Waters trip with kids (or without them) where you are doing few portages then go ahead and put in a nice camp chair, or a hammock to rest in. There is still lots of room for comfort.

Essential BWCA Camping and Canoeing Personal Gear

As with any outdoor endeavor, there is some essential equipment that will make your adventure, safer and more enjoyable. A proper BWCA packing list is essential. 

Having the right personal gear can make the difference for having a great canoe trip. The goal is to balance comfort with carrying gear over portages.

When you are doing a complete package with a Ely, MN Boundary Waters outfitter such as Williams and Hall, we will pack for you all of the necessary camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags and pads as well as cooking utensils and, of course, your food. 

But it is personal items that can leave someone wondering what to bring.  And remember to consider the time of the year that you will be going into the BWCA.

Consider Your Drinking Water Storage and Purification When Packing for a BWCA Trip.

BWCA Packing List

Here is a packing list of items that we suggest that you bring along to have a great Boundary Waters canoe trip.

·      1 Pair of Long Pants

·      Swim Suit or Short Pants

·      2 Tee Shirts

·      1 Long Sleeve Wool or Poly Shirt

·      2 Sets of Underwear

·      1 Medium Weight Pair of Long Underwear (spring and fall trips)

·      Hat for Sun and Rain

·      Gloves (spring and fall trips)

·      3 Pairs of Medium Weight Wool Socks

·      Set of Reliable Rain Gear (we suggest jacket and pants of breathable material)

·      Shoes with ankle support and closed toes, hiking boots or knee-high rubber boots (for portaging and in the canoe)

·      1 Extra Pair of Camp Shoes (tennis shoes or light weight water proof shoes)

·      Toilet Kit with Small Towel

·      First Aid Kit and Sewing Kit (1 per permit)

·      Flashlight or head lamp

·      Compass (1 per canoe)

·      Pocket Knife

·      Fishing Gear and Tackle (optional)

·      Camera (optional)

·      Insect Repellent (1 per canoe)

·      Sun Screen (1 per canoe)

·      Playing Cards (optional)

·      Paperback Book (optional)

·      GPS and/or Locator Beacon (optional)

·      Nylon Cord, Bungee cords and Duct Tape (optional)

·      Personal Water Bottle for Drinking Water

Note. All personal gear should be contained in waterproof bags that will be put in canoe packs when you arrive. A waterproof dry bag is recommended. There are many types and brands. We have found that each company has a different method of sizing their bags. Also, compression sacks that will hold your personal items work well.