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Equipment & Maintenance

 

Minimalism: it's the least you can do!

At least that's what many veteran minimalist canoeists will tell you. Minimalists carry less on portages and don't have to paddle as hard either. Minimalists will tell you that they enjoy being self reliant and that they interact more closely with the natural environment by leaving as many material things as possible at home.

On the other hand many canoeists can't enjoy themselves without the comfort and security afforded by lots of camping gear and gadgets. If you are spending all your time at a base camp the quantities you bring shouldn't matter too much.

Experienced trippers can easily pack all personal-use items for 10 days or more (including sleeping bag, light air-pad or foam and clothing) in a 30-litre dry-bag.

It's a team effort!

You decide how little or much you require to feel comfortable but remember long group group trips are a team effort so work cooperatively with the rest of the team in deciding what to bring. For one thing this helps prevent duplication. If you want to bring a camp cot, or a video camera and tripod, for example, make sure that the others on your trip are told beforehand and agree that it's a good idea.

Packing List

(1) Dry bag or heavy trash bag 1
Jacket 1
Fleece or sweater 1
Shirt 1
T-shirt 1
Pants 1
Underwear 3
Socks 2 pairs
Hiking Boots 1 pair
Bathing suit 1
Rain wear  
     
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Towel
Toilette paper
Soap		  
     
Sleeping bag  
* Thermarest 1
Hat 1
Bug jacket with hood 1
(2) Water shoes 1 pair
Sunscreen  
Bug repellent  
Matches 1 pkg
Pocket Knife  
     
GPS / Compass
(3) Whistle
(4) Flashlight
(5) Paddle
Camera
Journal / Pen
   

*   Optional
(1) Pack your clothing and your sleeping bag in a waterproof bag of some kind. Clothing is then placed in large tripping bags.

(2) You need to protect your feet when walking in unknown water. I use an old, pair of sneakers.

(3) Canadian Coast Guard regulations require a pealess whistle.

(4) An LED headlight is my personal favourite for canoe trips.

(5) We have paddles. If you have a favourite bring it along. Make sure your paddle is suitable for the expected conditions.



Maintenance

A few money-saving tips to help keep your wilderness equipment in top shape.
Please note that most of these tricks aren't approved, or sanctioned by either the equipment manufacturers or the materials suppliers . USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Tents
waterproofing tents Too many squashed bugs and stains of unknown origins on your beautiful tent? Some tents like this MEC Wanderer II seem to clean up well with a tiny amount of mild soap in a front-loading, industrial, washing machine.
If you think the tent's water proofing is beginning to fail try spraying the fly and other waterproof areas with Thompson's Water seal (water based not oil)


Topographical maps:
Waterproof with Thompson's water seal. The clear oil based product works best for this.

Miscellaneous:
For almost everything else there's duct tape but please note that not all duct tape is created equal. The usual hardware (Canadian Tire) variety works for most things.
Scapa - 145 - is thicker
3M - 6969 - is a high quality commercial version
3M - 361 - Is made with fiberglass material. It's arguably the best product for repairing damaged canoes in the field.

Got a helpful equipment hint? Send it along to: rirwin@canadianrecreation.ca