In collecting the items below keep several concepts in mind.
Imagine yourself in the wilderness. You know your body's response
to hot, cold, sun, bugs and dampness. Pack what your body needs.
Be creative in order to pack small and lightweight, yet do not compromise your need to stay warm and dry.
In selecting clothing items remember that cotton will not keep you
warm if it is wet. Wool or synthetic pants, shirts, socks and jackets
will keep you safer, warmer, drier and more comfortable.
Remember the importance of low bulk and layering so that you can
make adjustments for temperature change and exercise levels. Keep in
mind that perspiration can also lead to comfort, chills and even
hypothermia. Typical summer temperatures in the Boundary Waters Canoe
Area are: Daytime 45- 90F, Night 35- 60F. Please note the items Wilderness Wind supplies are listed on the fees page.
Clothing for the canoe trip (based on a 5 day trip)
Shoes (one pair of lightweight waterproofed hiking boots with good
traction-these are important for ankle support while portaging, and a
pair of tennis shoes or lightweight shoes for at the campsites)
2-3 pairs wool or synthetic socks (decrease by one for shorter trips)
2 pairs of pants (at least one of these should be wool or something that dries quickly)
(decrease by one for shorter trips)
1 pair shorts (with pockets is preferred, quick-drying nylon is best)
Swimsuit
2-3 T-shirts (decrease by one for shorter trips)
1 long-sleeve wool shirt or sweater (or something like Polartec or polypropylene)
1 lightweight wool or synthetic shirt (to prevent sunburn or bug bites yet light enough to canoe in).
3 pair underwear (decrease by one for shorter trips)
Belt (optional)
Hat with full brim (important for sun and rain protection)
Rain gear (pants and hooded jacket, ponchos do not work well for canoeing)
Wool or Fleece hat (nights and early mornings can be chilly, this is a wilderness essential)
Camping gear
Sleeping bag (Synthetic and compressible - 12"x22" when rolled or stuffed)
Nylon stuff sack and several heavyweight garbage bags to waterproof sleeping bag
Small flashlight, pocket knife, waterproof matches or lighter, mosquito repellent
Zip-lock plastic bags and extra garbage bags to waterproof and organize clothes (Note: WW supplies one dry bag per person. The bag is large enough to contain necessary clothing)
Personal items
Biodegradable soap (most camping stores have it in small bottles)
Small hand towel and wash cloth
Toilet paper (for canoeing days only)
Small Bible, note pad, and pen
Bandanna, sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, other toiletries--pack small.
Please note: We request that people leave their watches at camp. Time can
affect and determine activities and attitudes. We encourage campers to listen
and respond to their physical and spiritual rhythms and needs.
Optional
Fishing gear,
binoculars
camera and film
reading book or sketch book
Additional clothing for spring and fall trips: Fleece, wool or neoprene gloves, hat, medium weight long underwear, and a warmer jacket or fleece
***Remember extra clothes and bath towel for at Camp
For more hands on assistance in packing for a canoe
trip watch the Wilderness Wind packing essentials video.
