Things You'll Need:
- Canoe
- Gear
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Step 1
Keep two factors in mind as you gather your gear for canoe trip packing: waterproofing and weight distribution.
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Step 2
Spread your gear out on the floor and separate items by category such as cooking, toiletries, clothing, shelter and emergency. Carefully review each grouping and remove items that you can do without to decrease weight. The less weight in your canoe, the easier it will be to portage it if necessary.
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Step 3
Although your goal is to try to keep everything dry, for some items, it is a requirement. Use waterproof bags like the Kodiak Window Dry Bag (available at http://www.llbean.com) to pack your important or valuable items such as your cell phone, camera, licenses, permits, health insurance card, money, keys and medicine. Use another waterproof bag to pack your emergency kits for first aid, canoe repair and emergency (whistle, compass, maps, signal mirror and light sticks).
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Step 4
Pack clothing tightly into a dry sack or bag. Sea to Summit makes a nice one called the Compression Dry Sack (available at http://www.llbean.com).
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Step 5
Store heavy and bulky items like the camp stove or tent in a lightweight box or plastic tote surrounded by a tightly tied, heavy-duty garbage bag. Although not buoyant, the garbage bag will protect your items from splashes and minor water in the bottom of your canoe. Bring extra garbage bags in case of tears.
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Step 1
Pack the canoe so that the weight is evenly distributed. Stow large items like packed coolers, tents, and cooking gear low and in the center of the canoe. Stow small items equally in the bow and stern areas.
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Step 2
Keep items which you will need on a regular basis within arm's length. Tim Allard, a writer for Bass Pro Shops, advises, "Pack raingear on top -- and outside -- of plastic bags so you can easily access it when the skies open up."
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Step 3
When your canoe is packed, carefully board all passengers and check to make sure the canoe floats levelly. If it does not, rearrange gear as necessary, re-board the passengers and again check the canoe's balance.
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Step 4
Tie down the gear with rope and bungee cords so that it will remain with the canoe in the event of tipping.
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Step 5
Now that you are efficiently and safely packed, you are ready to enjoy your canoe trip. Happy paddling!
