What To Bring On Your Camping BWCA Trip

Here you will find a list of things to bring on your Boundary Waters Trip. This list is not exhaustive, but provides you with a great checklist tool.


Plan Your Boundary Waters Adventure

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Group Gear

*These items are part of a Completely Outfitted trip or can be rented by the calendar day.

  • Canoe*
  • Paddles*
  • Life jackets*
  • Canoe/camp chair *
  • Tent w/ground cloth*
  • Sleeping bag w/compression stuff sack*
  • Sleeping pad*
  • Tarp (10’x12’) w/rope*
  • Rope to hang food pack*
  • Camp stove: 1 or 2 burner w/fuel*
  • Cook Kit (pots, pans, coffee pot) *
  • Utensils*
  • Plates, cups, water bottle*
  • Iodine Tablets*
  • Camp Saw*
  • Matches & fire starters*
  • Biodegradable soap*
  • Hand sanitizer*
  • Pot scrubbies*
  • Toilet Paper*
  • Paper towel*
  • Maps – 1 set per group*
  • Map case – 1 per group
  • Compass – 1 per canoe
  • Whistle – 1 per person
  • First Aid Kit
  • Canoe Packs; for gear, clothing & food*
  • Meals/snacks/drink mixes*
  • Salt/pepper*
  • Spices

Personal Items

  • 2 pair quick-dry lightweight pants
  • 1 pair shorts
  • 2 t-shirts
  • 1 long sleeve shirt
  • 1 fleece jacket/sweater
  • Underwear
  • Good rain jacket (very important) & rain pants. Rain jacket can double as windbreaker.
  • 2-3 pair non-cotton socks
  • 1 pair shoes to get wet (Sturdy water shoes/hiking boots)
  • 1 pair shoes to stay dry (Teva Sandals, tennis
    shoes)

 

  • Travel Towel (non-cotton quick-dry)
  • Bandana
  • Wide brim hat or cap with visor
  • Lip balm & sunscreen
  • Insect repellant & head net
  • Personal toiletries
  • Duct tape (small amount for repairs)
  • Head lamp or small flashlight w/extra batteries
  • Fillet knife w/sharpening stone – 1 per group
  • For Spring/Fall trips – gloves, stocking hat, long underwear, rubber knee boots, warm down jacket, extra socks

Extras

  • Water filter
  • Camera
  • Swimsuit
  • Fishing rod/reel & tackle
  • Fishing net / anchor bag, fishing license
  • Sunglasses w/strap
  • Needle nose pliers or multi tool
  • Pocketknife
  • Sewing kit
  • Small AM/FM weather Radio for USFS updates
  • Reading material / journal & pencil
  • Small fleece blanket for Spring/Fall
  • Bow/thwart bag or small day pack
  • Spot GPS Messenger (can be rented)
  • Clean clothes for the ride home
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