Tried and True Gear: Canoe Camping

Outdoor Gear Exchange
Post author surrounded by their canoe camping gear

Ahhhhhh.... Canoe Camping. Ever popular, always different. The beauty of canoe camping stems from the fact that you can bring the whole kitchen sink, and then some with you. Weight is not really a concern unless you have portaging to think about. For multiple weeks out on the river, or lake hopping, a slimmer backpacking style approach might be the ticket. For the weekend overnight at the local lake on the other hand, you can practically bring the whole house. Each person has a different system or ethos about which gear to use. Some folks love to bring the extras, others leave comforts at home to be lighter weight on the trail. So how does Virginia think about her gear for canoe camping?

Name: Virginia She/her Director of Retail Operations

Gear I can't live without: Ray Kettlewell Paddle. My most treasured piece of gear. I've had this paddle for nearly 20 years and I plan on it lasting a lifetime.

Pro Tip: Canoe camping can be whatever you make of it—weekend trips that allow for a good glamp or expedition-style trips that can push your physical limits. All of it is fun and gets you out to some truly beautiful places. If you are new to adventuring on water though, make sure you are up to speed on proper safety measures.

Favorite Local Place to go canoe camping: The Adirondacks, Taylor Pond.

Clothing/Footwear

I always hope for nice sunny days out on the water and a good paddling hat is crucial. I like something with quicker drying materials so when it's extra hot, I can dunk my hat into the lake and get a nice cooling blast back on my head. I stand strongly behind bringing two pairs of shoes -- a tripping shoe for portaging and wearing during the day and a campsite shoe for hanging out once you've arrived at your spot for the night. An ideal tripping shoe is one with good grip and that you don't mind getting wet. For the campsite, something comfortable and easy to slip on.

Virginia's Picks:

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Tent/Shelter:

I will always go for extra space over saving a bit of extra weight. My rule is +1 for the tent capacity. This allows room for my big dog, keeping my bags in the tent, or simply a roomier sleep. The day I bought a double sleeping bag changed my life. I've used it solo plenty of times and it still hits the spot. More space for you, a partner, a friend, or a doggo—it's a win win win. I love having a more efficient way to blow up an inflatable sleeping pad. Whether it's a bag design or a small pump, it'll save you time, oxygen, and save your sleeping pad from a lot of moisture-filled air.

Virginia's Picks:

Canoe/PFD/Dry Bags

I love going on multiple day canoe trips with portages a plenty. A lighter composite boat is well worth the investment to save the shoulders. It is truly impossible to have too many dry bags. They keep what you need dry, save space, and offer key organization to your packs. I even use them as camping pillows sometimes. PFDs save lives. Find one that fits well and that you'll actually want to wear.

Virginia's Picks

Camp Kitchen

I love cooking over a fire. Bringing along cast iron or stainless steel cookware will allow you to have fun over the fire pit and not damage your pots and pans. I spent many years using chlorine-based water treatment. It's simple and easy, but doesn't taste the best. Once I switched to a gravity filter, I was able to still make plenty of liters of water while enjoying drinking it significantly more.

Virginia's Picks

Tools & Extras

Who doesn't love some good campsite lighting? When the sun goes down, lights can help illuminate kitchen prep or set a good mood inside your tent. /wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}

Virginia's Picks

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