How To Pack For Your Fall Canoe Trip Like A Pro (Part 5: Fun & Adventure)+ Free Printable Checklist!
- Catherine van Warmerdam
- Dec 15, 2018
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2018
In this post, we'll get into the good stuff - all the things that will make your fall canoe trip fun and memorable!
Don't forget to check out Part 1: Shelter, Part 2: Safety, Part 3: Camp Kitchen, Part 4: Personal Gear, and Part 6: Dog Items by clicking the links provided. You can also grab and keep a copy of our free printable checklist with your camping gear!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I gain a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you use these links to make a purchase. This keeps the blog running and provides you with awesome product recommendations. I only link to products that I have tried and tested and would recommend to a friend - you! For more details, please visit our Disclosure Policy page.
Part 5: Fun & Adventure
Daypack
Unless you want to empty your whole pack into your tent and carry a giant half-empty pack around, it would be wise to bring a smaller bag to bring along on day trips away from your campsite. A small backpack, drawstring gym bag, or fanny pack would be a good choice. Be sure to bring your First Aid Kit, some food, a camera, a bear bell, and a knife in your daypack.
Book(s)
I love to read. On our honeymoon, I finished three books. I find little else as relaxing as reading a book, surrounded by nature. I recommend keeping your books safe in a small dry bag or wrapped in a grocery bag. In the picture above, I'm reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is actually a screenplay. If you are heading out on a canoe trip, I highly recommend Canoe Country: The Making of Canada, written by one of my favourite Canadian authors, Roy MacGregor. He also has a fascinating book about the life and mystery of the great Canadian painter Tom Thomson, called Northern Light. Finally, if you can stomach reading a book about a bear attack while camping, give Claire Cameron's The Bear a read...if you dare.
Camera
I love to bring a camera to capture those moments of bliss in the wilderness. Looking back on my camping pictures always gives me a sense of calm. Sometimes, I bring my DSLR camera and multiple lenses, sure to keep it safe in a dry bag. Matthew has a waterproof, impact resistant point-and-shoot camera from the Olympus TG Tough Series. These days, cell phones can take high quality photos, too, but in a much more portable form. I love bringing my iPhone along, safely tucked inside a special tiny dry bag, made just for electronics. That way, my phone is safe from moisture, and I can capture pictures on the go. Here is a similar product with great review on Amazon. We took the above using a Flexible Lightweight Portable Tripod that we wrapped around the paddle. I would only try this with a waterproof camera!
Hammock
I rarely camp without a hammock anymore. A hammock provides a portable and comfortable place to sit or lie in. Sinking into a comfy spot in the late afternoon or evening can feel like a true luxury, especially if your campsite doesn’t have a picnic table or benches to sit on. the picture above is a woven hammock from Hudson's Bay, but we also frequently use a parachute-style double hammock from Vivere. We recently made our own pair of tree-safe hammock straps out of used seatbelt!
Canoe
If you are going on a canoe trip, you should probably bring or rent a canoe. It might be a bit tricky to get across the lake, otherwise! We have rented canoes, borrowed canoes, and now we own two canoes (one of which is more hole than boat right now). Our Swift Prospector 16ft Canoe was a wedding gift from my husband’s family, and we love it very much. They got a great deal on it, as it was previously used in a rental fleet (for only ONE camping season, excellent condition!)
Paddles
This is embarrassing to admit, but I have forgotten my paddle before. Worse, it was on a trip that I was being paid to lead! I had been so concerned about helping my young campers pack for the trip that I left my own paddle at the launch site. Don’t be like me! A stick just won’t do. Now, I have my own specially made paddle with my name on it. I love it so much that I couldn’t possibly leave it behind.
PFDs
By law, in Canada, you are required to have one personal flotation device per person while in a boat. You can choose to wear a traditional life jacket, a short kayak-style PFD, or fishing-style PFD. These are designed to keep you afloat should your canoe tip, and most are designed to keep your head above water, even when unconscious.
Tie-Downs
If you are transporting a canoe, consider how you will attach your canoe to your car. If you are renting a canoe, the outfitter will usually provide tie down materials to you. We have purchased foam blocks specifically designed for canoes, and use nylon rope or webbing and ratchet straps to secure the canoe.
Bail Kit
This is another item that you need to bring in a boat, by law. Technically, you only need a container for bailing when using a vessel such as a canoe or kayak. However, having a few extra safety items never hurt, so we use the kit required for larger boats, that includes a container for bailing water, a throw rope, a flashlight, and a whistle. We love the Fox 40 Boat Essentials Kit, because the whistle is so dependable - it even works when wet. The Fox40 pea-less whistle is a Canadian invention we are proud to support!
Dry Bag
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m kind of obsessed with dry bags. They protect your clothes, books, cameras, and valuables. If you don’t have one, you can always keep your items in a grocery bag, Ziploc, or garbage bag – however, these will eventually let leaks in an eventually end up in our landfills.
Fishing Gear
While not necessary, bringing fishing gear can bring a whole other dimension to your canoe trip. You are able to interact with the aquatic environment in a different way, and are able to provide food for yourself. Many fishing rods can be dismantled into smaller pieces and lashed to the outside of a pack or canoe barrel. I also like to bring a few different lures and weights for various environments. A fillet knife will be needed if you plan on eating your catch. Be sure to bring along your valid fishing licence or Outdoors Card and check the local rules and regulations regarding your catch. In Ontario, you can find these details in the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.
Thanks for reading, I hope this helps you make the most of your time in the backcountry!
Don't forget to check out Part 1: Shelter, Part 2: Safety, Part 3: Camp Kitchen , Part 4: Personal Gear and Part 6: Dog Items by clicking the links provided. You can also grab and keep a copy of our free printable checklist with your camping gear!
What do you like to do for fun while camping? Play cards? Play guitar around the campfire? Let me know in the comments!
All the best,
Catherine
Comments