West Branch Packing List

Canoe Basics

• Canoe

• Paddle (1 per paddler)

• Extra paddle

• Personal flotation device (1 per paddler)

• Kneeling pads

• BAILER

• SPONGE

• Signaling whistle: attach to PFD

• Painters - 15 to 20 ft ropes tied to each end of canoe

• Paracord- to tie gear into canoe

• Cooler & ice– ice can be bought at Snowshoe

• Soda can holder - Tape onto gunwale

• Float bags

• Seat (discouraged)

Core Gear

• Dry bags (for gear organization)

• Ziploc bags, quart size for whatever (snacks, smokes, wallet), Gallon size for clothing. (Available cheap at Dollar Tree)

• Carabineers - for easy tie in of stuff and easy access to it

• 7x5x9 ammo can or small dry bag for small items.

• Matches/lighter/fire starter in waterproof container

• Knife or multi-tool

• Cell phone in protective bag(optional)

• Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries

• Sunglasses and glasses strap.

• spare glasses

• Water bottles (filled)

• Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)

• chair- small as possible

• Duct Tape. a few yards of duct tape wrapped around a stick or flashlight will be useful

• Personal care items

• HAND SANITIZER

• towel

• wash cloth

• toothbrush/toothpaste

• soap

• lip balm

• sunscreen

• ear plugs

• medications

• First-aid supplies

Camping Basics(Shelter, sleeping)

• Tent with floor. Typically one per canoe.

• Ground cloth.

• Sleeping bag.

• Sleeping bag liner or blanket for extra warmth, (optional)

• Pillow; or stuff clothing into sleeping bag stuff sack

• Cot –(optional) Should be low & pack small. You should have something between you & the ground. Air mattress or foam pad are ok. Yoga mats are too thin

• whisk broom (optional)

Clothing

• RAIN SUIT OR PONCHO- rain pants will keep legs drier when river water splashes on you

• Base Layers

• Moisture-wicking T-shirt

• Moisture-wicking underwear

• Insulating Layers

• FLEECE, WOOL, OR UNDER ARMOR CLOTHING

• Synthetic/down vest, sweater, or jacket (for insulation in camp and can be used under rain gear)

• Long pants, short pants. consider using clothing other than jeans

• Outer layers

• Shorts or convertible pants

• Sun-shielding shirt (long sleeves) and pants

• windbreaker, light jacket, packs small but good if its cool or breezy.

• Paddling jacket, Dry suit or top

• Head

• Sun-shielding hat Wide brimmed hat - for sun and rain.

• Wool/synthetic cap or balaclava

• Bandana or buff

• Hands

• Paddling gloves; synthetic useful in cold or wet weather

• Gloves or mittens for camp

• Feet

• River shoes/booties -Neoprene is optimal, old sneakers are ok. Consider wool or neoprene socks with these. Bare feet are not advised

• Camp Shoes with sturdy soles kept in dry bag. Campsites are wooded and rocky

• spare set of socks. Wool socks, cotton socks

• Sleeping clothes: Consider having separate top, pants, & socks in dry bag

Miscellaneous (optional)

• Stories/poems for around the campfire

• Personal snacks

• Compass, maps, GPS, weather radio

• Camera

• Cell Phone