Packing Lists

The packing system I use on a mid-length trip is set out below. I hope it will be helpful to others, but your mileage may vary.

I pack personal gear in small (around 15L) drybags or stuff sacks lined with heavy duty garbage bags. Two dry bags/stuff sacks per person are generally needed. The personal bags are then placed in canoe packs along with group gear. Food is packed in a barrel pack.

I've divided the list into a "Personal gear" list, since this list must be shared with other trip members, and a "Group gear" list. Please note that the group, in my case, is usually just one other person, so quantities will have to be adjusted for larger groups. A larger group has the carrying capacity to bring a few luxuries, as well (about the only luxury I bring along is my 6-cup coffee percolator).

Personal gear

Clothing

On person:

"Wet shoes" - trail runners/lightweight hikers/amphibious water shoes
1 pair wool socks
1 T-shirt
1 pair quick-dry convertible pants (zip-off legs)
1 pair underwear
Hat or baseball cap

Packed:

Teva sandals
Extra socks (lots, as they tend to get wet)
2 T-shirts
1 long sleeve polypropylene or wool shirt
Extra pair of quick-dry convertible pants
Underwear
Swimsuit
Fleece or wool sweater

Other packed gear

Sleeping bag
Stuff sack (for use as pillow)
Therm-a-rest (I use one of the lightweight versions)
Flashlight (Headlamps are very useful)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, camp soap)
Camp towel
Paperback novel (or other diversion, such as travel chess, etc.)

In daypack/small drybag for use during day

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Point-and-shoot camera (w/film, in waterproof case)
Water bottle (Nalgene-brand bottles are very sturdy)
Rain pants, rain jacket
Maps (this is group gear, but since it needs to be accessible, I've listed it here as well)

Group gear

Transportation

Canoe (for 2 people and gear, a 16' or longer canoe is desirable; Kevlar on flatwater, Royalex in whitewater)
PFDs
Paddles (an extra paddle is a good idea)
Bailer, floating throw rope, whistle (now required by Coast Guard regulations in Canada)

Shelter

Tent
Tarp (10'x12' - additional and larger tarps would be desirable for bigger groups)

Kitchen gear

Campfire grill (can use grill from old oven, or a replacement gas BBQ grill)
Stove and fuel (for quick morning starts, and in case of fire bans - I have a Primus Himalaya Varifuel)
Wash basin, for dishes, and to hold:

Nesting pot set (3L, 2L pots, from MSR)
MSR Kitchen Cupboard (nested inside pots), containing: cooking utensils, spices
Sponge
Camp soap
Pot grabber
Matches (in ziplock bag)
Plates, bowls, utensils (all made from Lexan plastic)

Coffee percolator
Frying pan

Odds and ends

First aid kit
Rope (about 6 lengths of 25' or more)
Duct tape
Toilet paper & trowel (keep them handy! - I keep them in a pouch clipped to a barrel pack)
Maps

Food

Barrel pack with food, drinks, etc. (see sample menu for info.)

Gear Recommendations

Canoe packs & barrel harnesses: Ostrom Outdoors

Tents: Sierra Designs

Flatwater canoes: Swift Canoe & Kayak

Whitewater canoes: Esquif

General gear needs: Mountain Equipment Co-op

September 4, 2009