Canoe Trip Readiness...

I also like the texture and the pleasing odour of plank wood. A campfire built correctly can be a delight with the gentle whiffs of pine that permeate the air.

You can make simple chairs, tables, tripods, hangers, and if you are really good, like a colleague of mine, you can carve interesting gadgets, trinkets and fun stuff.

 

...and then of course one can use a small cedar plank to cook freshly caught lake trout.

...tastes mighty good.

 

and then there is packing. I provided a list of things I [you could take] but any list is personalized. It depends on your experience and what it is you plan to do. Packing your personal stuff is an art and if you do it well it can be helpful. Here are some tips -

Everything you plan to put into a pack you lay out. Socks, underwear, t-shirts, pants, bathing suit need to be folded ranger style to take up the least amount of space. Wash one wear one [or two] is a good idea. I usually put my clothing in a large baggy to keep it water proof. By the way you can actually get baggies that will fit your whole pack; no I'm not talking about dry pack though I use those too. I usually pack with the heavier stuff like pots and utensils down at the bottom. Sometimes my light weight sleeping bag is inside at the lower end in a compartment easy gotten to from the outside. Emergency and immediate items are packed in the pockets on the outside. I always take an umbrella and it is always at the side. If there is rain I have it out immediately. I still see people madly looking for rain gear and while they are searching everything else gets wet. I have my umbrella out in seconds. I do not have anything dangling from my pack.

So...what kind of pack? Well...it depends on your needs and your pocket book. I don't believe that you need an expensive pack, but you do need a good one. The one that I own is designed for canoes in that the carry straps are neatly folded up and enclosed in the pack for easy storage in the canoe. ALL MY PERSONAL GEAR fits into one pack and one pack only.

@2sweed has an interesting article under Veteran & Beginner - check it out.

 

We have a canoe trip coming up the second weekend in August for four days.​

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For those who might be interested, attached is my equipment list and menu plan.​

Note: the menu plan is divided up among the group and the ​

Trip Master approves the same so there is no overlap.​

Coffee and tea and such are common and are not usually included in the plan.









Hope you find the information helpful -
it agrees with professional reference source.​

 

@campforums & CBers

I tend to be super organized upfront so that the rest of my time is pure enjoyment. And, may I say, it is training and personal experience. For example - It would never occur to me to chop wood at night. That is a job for after breakfast. When evening comes I don't want the mysticism and joy of a crackling fire dancing under the stars to be interrupted by some loon who has to express his masculine axe-man-ship.

...something like that.​

 

SAFETY NEVER TAKES A HOLIDAY

Make sure you have a safety kit on board your canoe.

In most jurisdictions, including Ontario
you have to have a safety kit on board your canoe.
Fines can be really hefty.

This is what I have.
* One waterproof yellow bag with my totem/logo on it.
I do this to assure that I never have to go looking for anything.
I use carabiners to attached to a thwart so it is handy but out of the way.
Two rope lines - one for the front of the canoe and one for the back.
They are to be 10 feet long.
These are used for towing and tying up the canoe when you dock.
One bailing can and * soak up sponge.
I simply cut off the end of a plastic bleach container and shape the end.
The sponge soaks up the water on the bottom of the canoe (to keep the dog comfortable).
One Ministry Approved rescue throw line that comes in it's own orange bag.
* One red (with large white H painted) help flag.
* A small roll of duct tape.
* One extra pair of large laces - just in case.
I didn't know where else to put the laces so I would remember where they are.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Life Jacket with attached whistle.
One regular paddle.
One spare paddle.

* Indicates other stuff that I bring.
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Time for Spring Training! ​

Two great sites [please list others that you have enjoyed]

Darren's Outdoor Page - Canoe Trip Equipment List
Backcountry Canoe Tripping Equipment - Algonquin Park

Both these sites are practical, sensible and true to the spirit of canoe tripping.

Here is a suggestion the Algonquin People made about knives.

"A small pocket knife is also a valuable tool; the large belt knives may look impressive, but since you will not be tackling anything more dangerous than a piece of salami, they are unnecessary."