Personal equipment list

Feel free to modify the list as you see fit but remember that whatever you bring on the trip, you will have to fit into your pack, stow in your canoe and carry on portages. You can bring extra things for the base camp that you don’t intend to take tripping, although space in vehicles is limited so don’t bring tons of extras. 

Read the section of Back country canoeing for details on some items.

If any Questers are short gear of any sort, please say so before pre-camp*.  There is lots of equipment available for you to borrow if you are missing something but we need some time to get it for you.

A NOTE ON TENTS: Tenting space on back country trips with large groups can be a bit tight. The tents you bring must be appropriate for the number of people using them. 

Camp sites cannot always accommodate everyone having their own tent but we do suggest you bring a one or two person tent for tripping. It is highly desirable for youth to buddy-up in tents whenever possible and trip leaders will help accommodate this. Be very sure that your tent has a full-length fly to protect you from rain and good  screens to keep the bugs out. Bring your tent to pre-camp and we will make sure it is going to serve you well. Our base camp this year (2024) is quite spacious and you are welcome to bring a larger tent for there if you want to.You may also choose to leave a tent standing at base camp as a place to store stuff you don’t need for tripping.

• Essential

  • PFD (Personal Flotation Device) with a pealess whistle attached

  • back pack

  • sleeping bag

  • sleeping pad

  • Tent (2 man tent recommended)

  • long sleeved shirts for paddling (light colour, light fabric)

  • warm sweater or hoodie

  • footwear that can (and will!) get wet

  • good rain gear (jacket and pants)

  • sun hat with a wide brim that protects necks and ears

  • toque and mitts

  • sunscreen

  • bug repellent (preferably non-aerosol)

  • sunglasses

  • water bottle (wide-mouth Nalgene or similar to fit groups water filters) the bigger the better on hot days)

  • hand sanitizer

  • toilet paper

  • dishes/cutlery and mesh bag

  • toilet kit with soap, towel, facecloth, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb

• Suggested

  • Paddle (if you have one)

  • p.j.'s or sweats for bed time

  • pillow (or pillow case to stuff with clothes for a pillow)

  • underwear and socks –a few spares wouldn't hurt, especially socks. Remember to change them periodically

  • t-shirts (for off-water activities)

  • jacket

  • pants – (for trips you need a pair to wear and a spare) NO JEANS ON TRIPS

  • shorts (for off water activities)

  • bathing suit and towel

  • bug jacket

  • flashlight with spare batteries

  • pocket knife

  • clothes pins

  • your Scout book

• Optional

  • football, frisbee, etc

  • camera

  • small folding camp chair

  • book, deck of cards, small games, etc for spare times

  • Second tent for base camp