Canoe Trip Pack List: 62 Essentials for Backcountry Camping

Are you planning a backcountry camping trip in North America this summer?

I have been on several canoe trips in Algonquin Park and know how overwhelming it can be to pack for a multi-day camping adventure.

Forgetting a single essential item can make your trip less enjoyable or even put your safety at risk. That is why I have compiled a comprehensive list of 65 essential items for your canoe trip pack list.

I have learnt these tips from my numerous camping trips to Algonquin Park in Ontario, plus with the help of experienced campers who have been canoe camping for over 15 years. You can trust that this list covers everything you need on your canoe camping checklist.

Whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-timer, this article is perfect for anyone planning an overnight canoe camping adventure in North America this summer.

Canoeing Trip Packing List

• Sleeping and Shelter
• Food and Water
• Safety and Navigation
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Personal Items 

This portaging packing list is organised into categories.

Use the information in the categories above to learn about packing for a canoe trip in the backcountry.

Backcountry camping is a type of camping in which you have no access to running water, a toilet, mobile service, or electricity.

The main difference between backcountry camping and car camping is that you must carry all your belongings to the backcountry, either by foot or canoe.

Therefore, for backcountry canoeing, you need to pack as light as possible so it is possible to carry it.

You do not have to consider the weight and number of objects as much with car camping.

Sleeping & Shelter: Most Important Packing List Items

Some of the most important things on your packing list for canoe trips are items you will use for shelter and sleeping.

These overnight camping essentials may seem like luxury items, such as a sleeping mat or a pillow – but they will improve your sleep quality immensely.

1. Tent

Selecting the right tent is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe canoe camping experience.

For extra comfort, bring a tent that can accommodate one more person than your group, as this allows for extra space for moving around and using the tent for changing or resting.

When looking for a tent, consider its durability and waterproof features to protect against weather conditions like rain and wind.

Additionally, the weight of the tent should be considered since it can be challenging to pack and carry a heavy tent on a canoe trip.

If you need more tips on choosing a tent, check out this tent guide on the REI website. 

2. Trekking Backpack

Your canoe trip may involve hikes and portages to get to your campsite. Therefore, you need to bring a large bag that you can fill with essential canoe trip items, such as sleeping bags, a tent, equipment, and emergency items.

Ideally, you want a large rucksack that has padded shoulder straps for comfort.

Many portages, such as those around Lake Magnetawan, involve hiking for over 1km – which will take much longer than a regular 1 km hike, given you will be carrying heavy equipment.

You also need a waist strap on the bag to support your back and balance the weight of the bag.

If you purchase a high-quality trekking rucksack it will last many years. For example, we use these Gregory backpacks and they are around 10 years old.

• Best Backpack: Gregory Stout 60L Backpack (men’s product available here)

3. Sleeping Mat

Depending on your budget, you can use a regular sleeping pad, which is like a yoga mat, or bring a self-inflating sleeping mat.

The latter will likely be more expensive but will protect your back more from feeling the rocky terrain.

Consider that if you are a side sleeper, you may need to find more specialist products because even with an inflatable sleeping mat, you will feel discomfort on your side.

The sleeping mat we use is Therm-a-Rest Prolite. It is self-inflating and easy to roll-up.

• Best Budget: Stoic Groundwork Sleeping Pad
• Best Luxury: Therm-a-Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad

4. Sleeping Bag

Another of the most crucial items on your overnight camping packing list is the sleeping bag.

There are several types of sleeping bag. You can choose a sleeping bag based on its features, such as its lowest suitable outdoor temperature and whether it is fit for males or females.

Take some time and research to discover which sleeping bag will work best for you.

For those based in Canada, MEC has an excellent selection of sleeping bags (our sleeping bags are from MEC).

• Best 3-Season Sleeping Bag: NEMO Disco 30 Sleeping Bag (men’s product available too)

5. Camping Pillow

If you do not bring a pillow, you will soon see why a camping pillow is a necessity. Sleeping on a rolled-up piece of clothing will not be as comfortable as a blow-up pillow.

Camping pillows are packable, and many of them are inflatable, so you can adjust the firmness of the pillow.

The pillow we use while camping is NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow. You can adjust the firmness of the pillow using the inflation valve.

• Option 1: NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow
• Option 2: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow

6. Rope

Bring a long, strong rope to hang your food barrel from a tree branch.

Pack another rope to hang tarps or make clothing lines.

7. Tarp

A tarp is an excellent item to add to your canoe trip gear list because it packs up small and can be valuable in case of rainfall.

You can set up additional space for daytime use or use the tarp to keep other items dry at night if there is no space inside your tent.

Therefore, make sure you purchase a heavy duty tarp that is fully waterproof.

You can various options for tarpaulin on Amazon or other camping equipment stores.

• Best Budget: Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp
• Best Luxury: Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp (Medium)

Food and Water: How to Prepare for a Canoe Trip

In this section of the canoe trip equipment list, you will find all the gear you need to help with eating and drinking while on a canoe camping trip.

You should pack enough food for the entire duration of your trip.

If your backcountry camping trip exceeds three days, you should bring dehydrated or freeze-dried food; otherwise, the fresh food you took may not stay fresh.

Large water containers are heavy to carry in addition to your other canoe expedition gear.

So, aside from the water you already have in your water bottle, you will need to use other water sources for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Nonetheless, you cannot drink directly from most lakes due to the risk of giardia (beaver fever). The bacteria from the water can cause some severe side effects. You need to make sure you purify any lake water before drinking it.

Some destinations, such as deserts, do not recommend attempting to purify and drink their water because it can clog filters. Therefore, you will need to bring large containers of water. Remember to bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.

8. Water Filtration System

A gravity bag is an excellent way of filtering lake water and making it potable. Water is abundant while canoeing; therefore, gravity bags are a great option to use to make drinking water.

A gravity bag is more expensive than other water purification methods, but consider it an investment because you can use it for many camping trips to come.  

This is the water gravity bag we use on our backcountry camping trips.

• Best Budget: Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter
• Best Luxury: Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System

9. Water Purification Tablets

These tablets are a compact and low-cost way (in the short-term) of purifying your water so it is safe to drink. However, purifying tablets can make the water taste a little different to normal, so you may prefer to use another water filter method.

It is advised to bring some water purification treatment tablets as a backup in case your gravity bag water supply fails. In this case, you will still have a method of drinking clean water.

• Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification Tablets

10. Camp Stove

Another significant item to add to your canoe trip pack list is the camping stove. This piece of gear is essential to your survival while camping, particularly if you have no access to a fire pit for cooking.

Once you have bought a stove, you should also guarantee you know how to use it.

If you have not used your camp stove since your last camping adventure, check it is working before you embark on your next canoe trip.

• Best Budget: MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove
• Best Luxury: Jetboil MiniMo Camping and Backpacking Stove

11. Kitchen Cookware

A good set of cookware, including knives, forks, spoons, plates, a saucepan, and a frying pan, will make meal preparation and serving a smoother experience in the backcountry.

Instead of bringing so much cutlery, you could also purchase a spork – a cross between a fork and spoon.

It is beneficial to have a cookware set that packs up inside itself.

If you are purchasing an MSR stove, there are often bundles that include some cookware.

• Stove and Cookware Bundle: including Sauce Pan, Deep Dish Bowls, two Insulated Mugs, Strainer Lid, and two Folding Sporks.
• Jetboil Frying Pan
• MSR Kitchen Utensil Set – includes Folding Spoon, Spatula, Ultralight Cutting Board, Salt & Pepper Shaker, Squeeze Bottle and Dish Towel.

12. Knife

In addition to knives used for eating, you need a sharper knife to cut food such as fruit or vegetables.

13. Bear-Proof Food Containers

A food barrel will keep your food safe from bears and the elements while you are on the water or in the backcountry.

It is also a great way to organise your food and keep everything in one place. You can also use it to store other scented toiletries.

When packing your food barrel at home, review the order you pack your food, with the items you will need first at the top.

A food barrel is heavy and difficult to carry when full. It is recommended to attach straps to carry the barrel like a backpack to make portages easier and allow your hands to be free to carry other objects, such as paddles.

• Food Barrel (MEC Canada)
• Straps for Food Barrel

It is also possible to purchase bear-proof bags and bear resistant food containers. These can fit inside your other backpacks and will keep your toiletries and food safe.

14. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential when canoeing and camping. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill as needed along the way.

Even though insulated water bottles are good for keeping your beverage cold, I suggest bringing a lightweight plastic bottle. Plus, you will want a wide-mouth water bottle in which you can easily place an electrolyte tablet.

15. Empty Plastic Bag

Be sure to pack out everything you bring in. An empty plastic bag for waste will help you keep your campsite and the surrounding wilderness clean.

Remove packaging from new items before you leave for camping so you do not have unnecessary trash on you.

16. Espresso Maker

If you cannot go a day without coffee, you can bring a small espresso maker. It may be challenging to bring milk, so you need to drink it black.

17. Lighter

Starting a fire is essential for cooking and staying warm. Be sure to bring a lighter, as well as a backup option, such as additional lighters or waterproof matches.

18. Collapsible Sink

When backcountry camping, a collapsible sink is a useful to wash your dishes.

Washing dishes near your campsite or water source can contaminate the environment and attract wildlife. Therefore, a packable kitchen sink is handy to contain your dishwater and move it somewhere safe for disposal.

Collapsible sinks are lightweight, easy to pack, and a great item to add to your wild camping kit list.

• Best Budget: Flat Pack Sink
• Best Camping Dish Wash Station: Sea to Summit Collapsable Wash Bag

Safety Items: Canoe Camping Gear List

Some items on this canoeing equipment list are for an emergency; therefore, you hope that you will not have to use them.

Whereas, other canoe camping gear is essential; such as flashlights, a hatchet to cut wood, and a map to keep on the right path.  

As well as possessing these items, you need to be up to date on your bear safety.

Many destinations across North America, such as Banff and Algonquin Park are home to bears.

You can read about being “bear wise” here.

19. Canoe

Rent canoes if you do not have one. It is a major piece on a canoe gear list.

Once you have determined where you will be backcountry camping, you should investigate canoe rentals.

If you will be camping in Algonquin Park, I have given recommendations for canoe rentals for Rock Lake Access Point and Magnetawan Lake Access Point.

20. Paddles

Just as with canoes, you must bring or rent paddles to steer and propel your canoe.

Each person needs a paddle.

21. Personal Flotation Device

Many parks require you to wear personal flotation devices, also known as PFDs, or at least have them in your possession. A lifejacket can save your life in case of an emergency.

Canoe and paddle rental companies will give you lifejackets to wear for your canoe camping trip.

22. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen, and having a first aid kit can help you take care of minor injuries, such as blisters and cuts.

Consider the number of people on your camping trip and how many days you will be camping for. As you can see in the adjacent image – the medical kit we took was enough for two people on a two day trip.

Check you also have painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in your first aid kit.

If you use anything from your medical kit while backcountry camping, make sure you replace it for the next trip.

• Adventure Medical Kit

23. Map

Even if you visit your place of backcountry camping often, you should bring a map so that any group member can use it if needed.

Have it in a waterproof case so it will not be ruined by rain or dropped in a river.

24. Lights

When the sun goes down, it gets incredibly dark in the backcountry when all you have is the moonlight. You will need a reliable light to navigate in the dark and find your way around camp.

A flashlight or headlamp is useful for walking around the campsite in the evening.

A lantern is good for putting around the camp or inside your tent when winding down for the evening.

25. Hatchet and/or Sledgehammer

These tools will come in handy for preparing firewood. Plus, a sledgehammer can be used to hammer tent pegs if the ground is hard.

26. Compass

A compass can help you navigate and stay on course when you have no service.

27. Firewood

Verify whether there is a fire ban in the park before you enter.

You may not even need firewood if you have brought your camping stove. Although, if the weather is good, you can rely on wood that you gather on your camping site for cooking.

If there is no fire ban, buy wood from the park office. You cannot bring wood from outside the park.

Clothing for a Overnight Canoe Trip Packing List

When deciding what to wear on a canoe trip, bring the fewest number of clothes possible.

For shorter trips, less than three nights, you can typically get away with the daytime clothes on your back, plus an extra set in your pack.

After a few days of no access to showers on overnight canoe trips, you will embrace wearing the same clothes.

Although, you may wish to leave an extra outfit in the car for the end of the trip to travel home without smelling like a bonfire or sweat. 

Keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days approaching your canoe trip. The weather can change quickly, but the forecast should indicate if you will face cold or hot temperatures or rainy conditions.

The best kinds of fabrics for backcountry camping in summer are lightweight and quick drying; for example, exercise shirts from Lululemon or swimming trunks for men.  

However, do not bring any of your best clothing that you would not like to get damaged or stained in case of any accidents or that is not easily replaceable if needed.

Read on to find all the items of clothing that should be on your backcountry camping overnight checklist.

28. Dry Bags

Before you pack any clothes on your canoe camping list, you need a waterproof bag to put them in.

Dry bags are the best for storing items that need to stay clean and dry. They are waterproof and the top folds over to stop any water from entering if the bag falls out of your canoe or kayak. 

SealLine is a reputable brand of dry bags.

You need dry bags in varying sizes, for example smaller ones for your clothing, and a larger one (with straps) for sleeping bags.

• Best Large Dry Bag: 65L SealLine Dry Pack with Straps
• Best Small Dry Bag: 10L SealLine Dry Bag

29. T-Shirts

Ideally, you will bring short-sleeve t-shirts in a sweat-resistant fabric.

Full-sized t-shirts are best for canoeing because they will cover your shoulders, which can burn on a sunny day. Plus, the material will make you feel fresher for longer.

Some suggested brands for this kind of t-shirt include: Lululemon and Adidas.

30. Shorts

Shorts are typically the best clothing to wear as bottoms for canoeing. It can get warm and sweaty on summer canoe trips.

Plus, it is common to splash water on your legs when paddling, so it will dry quicker on your bare legs and shorts than on trousers.  

Quick-drying shorts are better than cotton shorts.

• Ladies‘ Mid-Rise Lined Shorts from Lululemon
• Men’s Baggies Shorts from Patagonia

31. Warm Sweater

Even though you are going on an overnight canoeing trip in summer, it can still get cold at times. You will likely need to wear a sweater, or another long-sleeved layer, such as a fleece, to keep warm once the sun has set.

Additionally, covering your arms in the evenings will help prevent mosquito bites.

It is best not to wear the same clothes to sleep in that you have cooked or eaten in (in case of any smells or remnants of food left on the materials) at night due to bears.

Therefore, ensure you have a warm enough sleeping bag or another long sleeve layer to wear for sleeping if you get cold easily.

• Gender-Free Crew Sweatshirt from Roots Canada

32. Long Pants

Another item of clothing that is good for canoeing trips is a pair of trousers, that are not jeans. This type of long pants is handy for evenings, when the temperature is cooler, and the mosquitos are out.

Leggings are typically too thin to stop mosquitos from biting through the material, so they are not the best trousers to wear in the evening on camping trips.

Sweatpants or other exercise trousers, such as these Lululemon trousers are better options for camping.

• Ladies‘ Stretch High-Rise Pants from Lululemon
• Men’s Training Joggers from Lululemon

33. Leggings or Long Johns

It is recommended to bring leggings or other thermal pants because they are good for sleeping. If you think you may get cold legs at night, it is best to pack a pair of leggings.

I usually start by wearing leggings as it is cold at the start and middle of the night. By morning, you may want to wear shorts.

The best quality leggings for ladies, in my opinion, are from Lululemon.

• Ladies‘ Align Leggings from Lululemon
• Men’s Thermal Leggings from Icebreaker

34. Bathing Suit

You will need some swimwear on your backcountry camping trip for several reasons. Firstly, after a long, hot portage, a refreshing dip in the lake may be just what you need. Secondly, swimming may be the only way to wash yourself during your camping expedition.

Ladies, bring a two-piece if possible because it will dry quicker and it will make going to the bathroom easier if you are exploring while wearing your bikini.

35. Daytime Socks

It is important to bring enough socks for each day to wear during the daytime because you might find your socks will get damp and sweaty.

You may prefer to wear active-wear socks as these will cope better with the dampness of the foot from hiking and paddling.

Also, check that your socks cover your whole heel to avoid getting blisters.

It is best to wear socks that come just above the ankle because it will help protect them against potential scrapes while hiking.

36. Warm Socks

I recommend bringing some thicker socks that you can wear in the evenings to cover your ankles from mosquitoes. Plus they are good to keep your feet warm at night.

Roots is my favourite shop to buy these types of socks from.

37. Underwear

This is self-explanatory, but bring enough underwear for the entire duration of your trip.

Men – you may be fine with wearing swimming trunks while canoe camping. But think about nighttime and other times you will not be wearing swimwear. 

Ladies – sports bras are better than regular bras because they will hold up well to sweat. You can wear bikini tops the whole time, but you may want better support while carrying the canoe/equipment on portages or paddling.

38. Rain Jacket

You should bring some rain gear, even if it does not look like rain is in the forecast during your canoe trip.

Rain jackets are usually easy to roll up small into a bag. Plus, you can use your raincoat as an extra layer if it gets cooler.

• Best Luxury: Arcteryx Beta Rain Jacket (Beta LT for Women) (Beta Lightweight for Men)
• Best Budget: North Face Rain Jacket (Antora Jacket for Women) (Antora Jacket for Men)

39. Hat

Wide-brimmed hats are great for canoe camping because they cover more of the face and neck than baseball caps. However, a baseball cap will also work if that is what you already own.

If you already own a wide-brim hat from a safari or other similar trip, bring it.

Check the night-time temperature because it is chillier at night. If so, you may want to bring items such as a knitted hat or gloves – but this is more for spring and fall trips. 

• Women’s Wide Brim Bucket Hat from Lululemon
• Sinsola Sun Hat from Arcteryx
• Abisko Sun Hat from Fjallraven
• Baseball Cap from Roots

40. Sunglasses

Sunglasses will be another one of your canoe trip essentials. Do not bring your favourite pair of sunglasses in case they get lost or broken. However, make sure that the sunglasses you bring have sufficient UV protection.

You may benefit from having a string/rope to secure them around your neck when you are not wearing them.

• Sunglasses Strap

41. Old Running Shoes or Hiking Shoes

The best canoe trip shoes are durable and comfortable, but also you should be fine with them getting a little wet.

There are occasions while camping that you may accidentally step in water when getting in and out of the canoe. Therefore, you should be fine with wearing the shoes in water, or they should be able to withstand the wetness.

I suggest bringing an old pair of running shoes or sturdy hiking shoes.

I wore my Blundstone Boots when camping but I got bad blisters from the rigorous portages, so I would not recommend wearing these if you are prone to blisters.

• Women’s Hiking Shoes from Merrell (Men’s version available here)

42. Campsite Shoes

You will need shoes to wear around your campsite, such as sandals. Campsite shoes give your feet a rest and a breath from the trainers you wear during the day.

I would avoid bringing flip-flops because it is tough to wear these with socks on, which you may want to do in the evenings.

A solid pair of sandals, such as Tevas are beneficial because they also can be used for walking and canoeing.

• Teva Sandals for Women (Men’s version available here)
• Keen Sandals for Women (Men’s version available here)

Toiletries: What to Pack for Backcountry Canoeing

43. Biodegradable Soap

It is essential to bring biodegradable soap because it will decompose more quickly in the wild than conventional soaps.

Read about other best practices for camping and how to respect the environment, follow the Leave No Trace principles.

You will use soap to wash your dishes and to wash your body. It is one of the biggest must haves for tent camping.

• Best Budget: Campsuds Biodegradable Soap
• Best Luxury: Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

44. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Keeping your teeth clean while camping will help you feel fresher while away from many basic amenities. It is recommended to bring a manual toothbrush rather than an electric toothbrush.

Plus, those small travel tubes of toothpaste are handy to keep your toiletries as light as possible.

45. Sunscreen

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is especially when canoe camping because you may spend much of the day in direct sunlight. Facial sun cream should contain SPF 50.

Spray sunscreens are good for the rest of the body because they can be applied while on the go. You may get sweaty while portaging or canoeing, so choose the thicker sports suntan lotions so it stays on for longer.

Here are my favourite brands of facial sunscreen:

• La Roche Posay Face Sunscreen
• Cetaphil Face Sun Protection

46. Deodorant

Do not forget basic hygiene while camping. Unscented deodorant is best to avoid attracting insects.

47. Antihistamine

If you are prone to mosquito bites, antihistamines will help relieve symptoms caused by bites, stings, or other allergens.

48. Bug Spray

Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance in the backcountry, particularly while in wooded portages. You will need to apply insect repellent liberally to keep them at bay.

• OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent

49. Medication

Be sure to bring any necessary medication for your personal needs, such as prescription medication.

50. Antiseptic Cream

For minor cuts and scrapes, antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection. Polysporin and Neosporin are commonly found in North America.

51. Toilet Paper

Bring several rolls of toilet paper. You can buy toilet roll for camping that is designed to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

52. Tissues

Tissues are always handy for various uses. You can bring a small travel pack.

You will need to take your used tissues home with you.

53. Hairband

If you have long hair, it is a good idea to bring a couple of hair ties to keep your hair out of your face during physical exercise.

54. Hairbrush

You will likely wear a hat for the entire camping trip, but you should bring a compact brush or comb to keep your hair tangle-free.  

55. Towel

Bring a microfibre towel to dry off after swimming or bathing. Microfibre towels are quick-drying, lightweight, and easy to pack up small.

Personal Items for Camping

The following items are non-essential when packing for a canoe camping trip, but you may find them useful.

56. Portable Power Bank

If you plan on taking photos on your phone while backcountry camping, you will need to bring a portable phone charger. The iPhone will only last a day or two, even when set to Airplane Mode.

57. GoPro Camera

Another option for taking photos or videos while on a canoe trip is using a GoPro. This type of camera will last longer than using a phone.

You can bring any camera that has three days’ worth of battery.

58. Mosquito Net Hat

If you are susceptible to mosquito bites, you may find it useful to bring a mosquito net hat. This will be useful during the evenings when the mosquitos come out in full force.

Some portages can be extremely buggy, so a mosquito net hat can bring some relief.

Mosquito net hats are also extremely useful for visiting places like Scotland in summer.

59. Belt Bag

Ladies and gentlemen, you may want to bring a fanny pack for any small canoe camping essentials to always keep on you, for example, lip balm, tissue, camera/phone, and allergy tablets.

Everyone is a big fan of the Lululemon belt bag, me included, but you can also find other versions of belt bags on Amazon.

60. Backpack

If you plan to embark on day trips without your main camping gear, you should bring one backpack for the group. You can fill it with food for the day, a medical kit, sunscreen, and other essential items.

If you will be portaging each day to a new campsite, you will not need a daypack.

• Osprey Tempest Hiking Backpack 20L

61. Fishing Rod

If you are into fishing, you could bring some fishing equipment. However, ensure you have the proper authority to fish locally. Many parks require permits for fishing.

62. Camp Chair

If you still have space and can carry it, you could bring a camping chair. These are better for backcountry canoe trips where you stay at one campsite, so you do not have to carry it for as long.

• Best Luxury: Ultralight Compact Camping Chair
• Best Budget: Lightweight Folding Camping Chair

63. Secure Case

If you have brought expensive camera equipment or phones, you may prefer to keep them in a safe container while on the water. 

Pelican cases are shock-proof and waterproof and will prevent anything from happening to your luxury items. Check you have the right size for your camera and other precious goods.

64. Playing Cards

Another idea for passing the time is to bring cards so you can play games with other campers. 

65. Book

You may have some downtown during the day or evening while camping, so you can bring a book to read. I suggest packing a paperback book rather than a hardback so that it is lighter to carry.

FAQ – Canoe Trip Pack List