Packing for a seven day canoe trip can be tricky business. We rarely find ourselves in the backcountry for seven days other than a week long backpacking trip on the West Coast Trail, we didn’t have a lot of experience in multi day canoe trips or being in the backcountry for a week, so packing for a seven day canoe trip on the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit was a unique challenge for us.
Paddling the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit typically takes anywhere from five to ten days, depending on weather and experience. There are a few rules to paddling the canoe circuit we had to take into consideration when packing as well and this was the weight we were allowed to have in our canoe when portaging. So we also needed our backpacking packs to carry the other items on our backs in the most comfortable manner. Below we’ve come up with a comprehensive packing list based on what we took, what we used, what we didn’t and what we wished we had packed for a seven day canoe trip.
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A Breakdown Of What To Pack For A Seven Day Canoe Trip
Bags
We opted to pack pour gear into two large dry bags, we used 80 litre bags which fit perfectly across the width of the canoe. These would be packed with what we were allowed in the canoe for the portaging sections of our seven day canoe trip.
We also took our backpacking bags, I used my Osprey Ariel 65l and Mike used his Osprey Aether 75l. Both these bags were not packed to the max but allowed us to carry large weights on our back whilst portaging the canoe.
Along with the large bags we also took two smaller dry bags we typically use for backpacking. One to keep our camera equipment in and the other for snacks for the day. This meant that these items were waterproof but easily accessible during the paddling sections. They could also easily be popped into our backpacks for portaging.
Camp
We took our reliable and loved Marmot Tungsten 2 man tent as our shelter while completing a seven day canoe trip. This tent is durable and waterproof and hasn’t let us down yet. It isn’t too heavy so it was a perfect choice for an early July canoe trip.
Since the forecast was all over the place for our trip we also packed a tarp. This came in very handy when a thunderstorm rolled through one afternoon and we didn’t want to hide in our tent for hours on end. Don’t forget plenty of paracord for your tarp so it is easy to set up. This is a luxury we don’t always take when backpacking but was a great addition to our canoe camping gear.
There are no benches or picnic tables at most of the campgrounds along the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, so for our seven day canoe trip, we opted for some small camp chairs. We found these on Amazon for a fraction of the price of the more well known and slightly lighter weight Helinox chairs. These came in great for chilling at camp, we used them every evening.
You are allowed campfires in designated rings while paddling the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, so we took an axe with us. There was provided wood however it needed chopping up into smaller pieces in order to start a fire.
Sleep System
A good night’s sleep is so important when you are in the backcountry for seven days. We took our inflatable air mattresses, we both have the Thermarest Topoluxe mattresses, mine is the regular size while Mike has the large. Because we hate blowing them up, this summer we also got ourselves a tiny air pump by flexgear. This thing hardly adds any weight but also saves from the tedious task of blowing up your air mattress after a long day.
We both packed down sleeping bags, I have the Rab Neutrino 400 womens bag, it packs small and is lightweight, I paired this with a Sea To Summit Coolmax Liner. I love that using a liner makes it easy to move around in your sleeping bag as well as keeping it cleaner. Perfect to pack on a seven day canoe trip.
For a pillow we both use the Sea To Summit Aeros pillows, we love how small they pack and how light they are, a great item for backpacking and canoe camping. They aren’t as comfortable as your pillow at home but they do the job, with the ability to adjust the air level inside, they allow you to make it comfortable for yourself.
Camp Kitchen
For food we took a lot of dehydrated meals, our favourite brands are Peak Refuel and Alpine Aire. These lightweight easy to rehydrate meals are perfect after a long day. We also took Oatmeal for breakfast as well as ready cooked bacon.
To heat food and boil water we took our MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove on our seven day canoe trip. This tiny stove works really well, packs tiny and weighs almost nothing. For seven mostly pleasant days of paddling we used two medium size fuel cans.
Our favourite pot set is the GSI Bugaboo Backpacker set. This has a large pot, two bowls and two cups as well as a frying pan. It really means you can make anything in the backcountry. Warning, it certainly isn’t the smallest or lightest pot set out there. If you are just looking to boil water and eat from a packet, there are other smaller options to consider for sure.
Emergency Items
You never know what might happen and often when in the backcountry there isn’t any cell reception, so it’s important to be well prepared. We took our Garmin In Reach Mini 2 with us, so we could track our route and keep in contact with people. It also has an SOS button in case of emergency.
Don’t forget to also pack a first aid kit, check it is fully stocked before heading out with all the essentials.
We also took firestarters, so we could easily light a fire if we needed to with minimal effort. If we got wet and cold, we wanted to make sure we could quickly and easily get a warming fire going. A knife is also handy for creating kindling or cutting small twigs from trees to get a fire going.
We were paddling in bear country and so we took bear spray, mostly for our portaging and around camp. It’s important to not only carry it but know how to use it.
Clothing
Although most of the days of our seven day canoe trip were filled with warmth and sunshine, there was one day and night when it snowed at higher elevations. A chilly night meant I was thankful for a set of baselayers. These are a worthwhile carry for canoe camping.
I also packed a sun shirt, this is the perfect lightweight layer for sunny days to keep your skin protected from UV rays. I also took my favorite backcountry pants, the MEC Wanderwall pants. The elasticated cuffs allow you to pull up the legs when you need to hop into the water. They are also light and breathable and offer sun protection.
Alongside these essentials I also packed a tank top, a pair of shorts and of course underwear for the week, plus a swimsuit. Nothing beats a cool lake dip after a day of paddling in the warmth.
For outer layers I took my Arcteryx Atom Lt jacket for warmth, this was perfect for cool mornings and evenings both on the water and at camp. As well as this I packed my Patagonia rain jacket and North Face rain pants, these are so handy if you end up paddling in the rain and it is a way to the next camp spot for shelter.
For footwear I packed my Chaco sandals, these were perfect for wearing around camp, and in the boat and can easily be worn for many of the portages. However for the longer, rougher portages, I chose to wear my La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots.
I always try to keep my clothing to a minimum as it quickly adds up to extra weight.
Canoe
We rented a Clipper Tripper canoe and we loved it, it was the perfect size for a seven day canoe trip, it had plenty of space for all your gear and the front seat was adjustable, so it can be moved backwards or forwards depending on preference and water conditions. While the back seat had an adjustable foot rest bar.
We took two paddles plus a third, just in case we were to lose one, it is also required that everyone in the canoe has a life vest each as well as a bailer bucket and line, in case of emergency.
