What to Bring
Click here to open this in a printable PDF
Bring your gear in two separate duffel bags or suitcases. Bring one bag with your camping gear ready to put in the camping rucksack we will provide, your other bag will have clothes for travel days. When we come out of the wilderness you will want clean-dry clothes and shoes for the trip home.
You should have some time to get your rucksacks ready on the North shore of Lake Superior Saturday evening, but try to come pre-packed in Zip-Locs (See #12 below). We will try to get rucksacks to as many as we can prior to the trip.
ALL personal gear must fit in the large Army surplus style rucksack we supply. This includes sleeping bag, boots, fishing tackle, reel, and personal snacks, etc.
Bring your fishing rod separate from your reel, as it will go in a group bundle to protect it while we canoe in. Put your name on it.
You may bring a belt or SMALL fanny-pack (fanny not back) to carry Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, and maybe a snack item. I reserve the right to reject any fanny-packs that are too large.
If you wish to bring your own pack it must not be larger than ours and be able to fit properly in the canoe.
"LIGHT AND TIGHT" is the rule, space is limited and loose gear slows us way down on portages.
Use this checklist to help you select and pack the proper type and quantity of personal gear.
Items you will need in your rucksack.:
1. Sleeping bag - The more compact the better. We will provide heavy weight plastic bags to keep them dry while canoeing.
2. Clothing--whites don't stay white!!
Two pair long pants (tough, good condition, reinforce weak seams before leaving home!)
Two-three pair short pants or athletic shorts.
Three shirts (t-shirts work well)
Three changes of underwear.
Three pairs of socks (one warm pair).
One long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt.
One jacket or wind-breaker.
One sturdy rain poncho or rain suit. Do not go cheap here… buy in the $10-30.00 range.Swimsuit (must be modest--both for boys and girls!)
One pair of boots or sturdy tennis shoes. They will get wet and low tops come off in the muck.
One pair tennis shoes or sandals (Check your laces before leaving home.)
3. Bandanas, we don't bring napkins
4. Personal hygiene kit
5. Two towels and washcloth.
6. Chapstick, wind + water + sun = cracked lips!
7. Suntan lotion.
8. Flashlight-- Spare bulb and Batteries.
9. Insect Repellant!!!
10. Bible, notebook and pencil.
11. Cup--you must have a sturdy personal cup with handle. Convince store cups are fine.
12. Bring a complete change of clean clothes and a pair of Dry Shoes for the trip home that you will keep in a bag in the trailer.
13. Large Zip-loc bags. All clothing, Bibles, etc. going in packs should be pre-packed in large Zip-Loc bags if you like dry clothes. Squeeze as much of the air out of the zip-loc before you seal it. The inside of packs seldom stay completely dry. You will save a lot of valuable time and frustration if you come pre-packed in Zip-loc's...AND these packs will float ...if necessary....!
14. Good attitudes… ready to carry your share and help out one another.
Optional Items:
1. Recommended: Sunglasses
2. One hat with big brim, for protection from sun and rain, crushable is best.
3. Air mattress (not heavy rubber, please; include your own patch kit.)
4. Fishing tackle--tackle boxes MUST be small enough to fit into your pack.
5. Sheath knife.
6. Camera and film--pack in waterproof bags.
7. String hammock (we bring several for group use).
8. One good paperback book or deck of cards in case of a rainy day.
9. Small personal supply of favorite snacks--beef jerky, candy bars, sunflower seeds, instant hot chocolate packets, and Cup-A-Soup packets are camping favorites. Some extra soup and hot chocolate are planned into our camp menu. These supplies are limited to 2 lbs. per person (No glass or pop cans in packs).