I am trying to figure out what kind of things I will need to go on a 7-day canoe and portage trip on the Bowron Lakes in BC, Canada. It will be all outdoors and I will be camping every night. It will be slightly chilly but never below freezing. The trick is to keep all the equipment under 60lbs because that is all that is allowed. What are the essentials that I should try to bring?
You don’t mention if you’re going alone or with a group – if with a group you can share equipment (tent, stove & fuel, water filter) to save on weight. Here’s a basic list:
Good hiking boots (I like the NRS neoprene for canoe/kayaking)
Backpack with rain cover
topographic map(s)
compass
gorp (trail food/snacks)
whistle
emergency mirror
first aid kit (with moleskin)
Tent (as I mentioned above you can share this with a group)
Sleeping bag (10 deg colder than you expect to sleep in)
Sleeping pad
flashlight/headlamp (plus extra batteries)
bug bite stick
sunscreen
insect repellent
toilet paper
Shovel, trowel, or spade
Fixed blade knife
saw/hatchet
matches/lighter
2-4 1L Nalgene water bottles
water filter (as I mentioned above you can share this with a group)
backpacking stove (as I mentioned above you can share this)
stove fuel (as I mentioned above you can share this with a group)
cooking gear & utensils (1 pot, 1 spoon/fork or spork)
dehydrated meal packs (I prefer the Mountain House brand)
– breakfasts x 7+1 extra day (just in case)
– dinners x 7+1 extra day (just in case)
repair kits (pack, pad, stove, filter, etc.)
Zip-Loc bags for trash
Rain gear
Fleece jacket, hat, & gloves
Good luck and have a great time. I’m jealous.
You’llHave to figure out a lot of it based on personal preferences. But for starters and from experience I would recommend the following:
A tarp to use as groundcover to keep tourself and your gear dry.
Lots of ziplock bags.
Dry Food to make the weight limit- More than you think you’ll need as you’ll be burning a lot of energy. I like Textured soy protein. It resembles ground beef when reconstituted.
Water purifier- Maybe iodine tablets. You won’t be able to carry enough water with that weight limit.
Several clothing outfits with multiple layers. Socks. Plan on changing socks every time you stop to stay dry and comfortable.
Closed cell sleeping pad- lightweight and useful.
First aid kit- Moleskin and antiseptics for the day to day injuries.
Orienteering? A good compass and Ranger Beads willl keep you on course.
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whats with the 60 lbs? isnt this a canoe trip? or are you going with a bunch of folks?
References :
You don’t mention if you’re going alone or with a group – if with a group you can share equipment (tent, stove & fuel, water filter) to save on weight. Here’s a basic list:
Good hiking boots (I like the NRS neoprene for canoe/kayaking)
Backpack with rain cover
topographic map(s)
compass
gorp (trail food/snacks)
whistle
emergency mirror
first aid kit (with moleskin)
Tent (as I mentioned above you can share this with a group)
Sleeping bag (10 deg colder than you expect to sleep in)
Sleeping pad
flashlight/headlamp (plus extra batteries)
bug bite stick
sunscreen
insect repellent
toilet paper
Shovel, trowel, or spade
Fixed blade knife
saw/hatchet
matches/lighter
2-4 1L Nalgene water bottles
water filter (as I mentioned above you can share this with a group)
backpacking stove (as I mentioned above you can share this)
stove fuel (as I mentioned above you can share this with a group)
cooking gear & utensils (1 pot, 1 spoon/fork or spork)
dehydrated meal packs (I prefer the Mountain House brand)
– breakfasts x 7+1 extra day (just in case)
– dinners x 7+1 extra day (just in case)
repair kits (pack, pad, stove, filter, etc.)
Zip-Loc bags for trash
Rain gear
Fleece jacket, hat, & gloves
Good luck and have a great time. I’m jealous.
References :
I like the canoe part, can’t say the same for the portage part. Hate carrying canoes through the woods. Do you know how long and how often the portages will be? I would try to keep my weight well below the 60 pound limit.
I assume you will be able to pick up food along the way, if not you will get very tired of freeze dried stuff. Are you to supplement your diet with fish along the way? If so, a telescoping rod can be purchased and you can add your reel. A regular rod will likely get crushed before the 7 days is up.
What are your camping arrangements? Are you sharing tents and stoves with others or is everyone on their own? Does the 60 pound limit include shared weight? A lightweight alternative could be a bivy or hammock.
To see a checklist of camping gear check out:
http://www.campsite190.com
Pay particular attention to the survival gear and personal gear. Check with your camping mates about group gear.
Wish I was going!
References :
Full Time Camper