Lost River Camps

What should I bring on a 3 day canoe/camping trip?

My boyfriend and I are going on a 3 day canoe trip and plan on setting up tent along the way. I've been camping and canoeing before but never together. I was wondering what foods would be best to bring and all the limited amount of materials we will need to fit in the canoe with us. I tend to over pack so I really appreciate all the advice! Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I would pack the following: sleeping bag pup tent thick plastic rip cord matches/Bic lighter wash cloth/towel sanitary wipes/toilet paper bag for garbage knife canned tuna (pull top) bread crackers peanut butter beef jerky dried foods camping cook kit w/utensils oil to fry fish clothes in plastic zip lock bags insect repellant aspirin benadryl ointment (antibiotic/anti...other stuff) enjoy
2. Clothing: You can save a lot of space by dressing and packing appropriately instead of bringing a lot. You choice will depend largely on the weather, but basically bring: Rain/wind coat sun hat sunglases warm hat if cool Insulation layer if cool - such as polar fleece - stay away from cotton! 2 t-shirts shorts - nylon prefered wear a swim suit instead of underwear - or just nylon shorts long wind/rain/mosquito protection pants if needed (Again avoid cotton) Shoes and socks that can get wet such as canvas sneakers. You don't need to bring spare jacket, insulation layers, etc. Bring a second pair of shoes and socks to wear around the campsite and changes of underwear or what ever, maybe second t-shirt. Rain pants, polarfleece, etc can be rung out if wet and be almost dry. Again, stay away from jeans, sweatshirts, etc which get heavy and miserable when wet. General equipment Canoe paddle per person and a spare PFDs (lifejackets) - note can be worn for warmth too, work as pillows packs sleeping pad sleeping bag tent (maybe with ground cloth) lighter/matches cook kit basic utensils Tarp - optional, but nice if it might rain. Stove & fuel if you are not cooking on the fire Grill may be needed if cooking on the fire water purification system if no potable water available. Rope - hang food away from animals, for tarp, clothes line First Aid Kit Duct tape and/or other needed repair materials map, maybe compass Flash light - (I prefer a headlamp) dish soap, scrubby/sponge Trowl, toilet paper toiletries as needed spare glasses if you wear them water bottle(s) insect repellant sun screen Don't bring - axes, saws, lanterns, coolers, etc. Your head lamp is plenty of light. You can break firewood with your hands and axes and saws cause many injuries and you don't need the space/weight. Generally, I have one pack for equipement and food and a second for 2 people's personal gear. Duffel bags would work fine for a river trip with no portages. Food: I find one pot meals easiest for dinner Mac and cheese - throw in some canned veggies, Saghettie - Can add fried sausage and onion, mmmm Burritoes - fry beans and ingredients - throw in a warm shell Rice meal Bring spices - this makes all the difference! For lunch Trail mix crackers, peanut butter, jam, sausage, cheese, snacks - chocolate, hard candy, candy bars, beef jerky etc Hint - keep a butter knife with your lunch food Breakfast Hot cereal, pancakes (takes time), granola Drinks: Coffee, tea, herbal tea, hot chocolate, kook-aid type drinks, Cheese, summer sausage, onions, peanut butter jelly in ketchbottle type tubes all keep for days. Stay away from sausage that has any poultry or ham in it! There is no need to bring a cooler/refigerated items. Hang your food at night to keep it away from the animals Pack all food in ziplock freezer bags - git rid of original boxes. (Hint - squeeze out all air before sealing so they don't blow up in your pack) Keep all your stuff in organizational bags and in your packs, not just loose in the canoe. Organize it where you camp, so you can find it and don't loose it. You can help keep your sleeping bag dry, by either using water proof back or by using a kitchen garbage bag between it and it's stuff sack.