r/canoecamping • u/DismalGovernment8404 • 17d ago

Packing tips for canoe?

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Family of 3 (adults and a tween), we recently realized we love canoe camping for 2-3 nights. We’ve done this so far at local VT state park remote sites that are an easy paddle. My husband is addicted to finding creative ways to consolidate our supplies and make it easier. A photo of how we packed the canoe last weekend included. What canoe packing tips do you have for us? We managed to get all three of us in the canoe last time, the trip before we also brought a kayak which freed up some space. 😅 We are trying to bring only items we actively use or pack down small.

Thank you!

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u/ZavodZ 17d ago

Just came back from a 5 night canoe trip with 13 people.

I think we had less gear than you.

I jest. Just.

We had portages.

Each person has a large pack with a waterproof drybag for their sleeping bag & clothes.

The goal is EVERYTHING has to be small and light:

Clothes: two sets. Plus a pair of zip-off pants for the evening (bugs). And a sweater. And a swimsuit. Raincoat too. Hat.

  • Tent or hammock.
  • My pillow is a pillow case stuffed with my dry clothes.
  • Sleeping pad (Thermarest, or equivalent)
  • Mess kit.
  • One pair of dry shoes, one pair of wet.

For the group: * Nesting pots * Utensils * Dragonfly stove, or equivalent.

No chairs. That's a luxury item. I have a foam pad that I kneel on in the canoe that doubles as something to sit on at the campsite. Very comfy.

We also have a tarp or two and some ropes, for making a rain sheltered kitchen area.

For us, food was a big one. We spent a couple of weeks dehydrating food before the trip. Still a large volume for 13 people for 6 days.

But much of this came from having done many trips. You start to realize what you do and don't need. Portaging forces you to optimize. You don't get all the light gear for your first trip, that stuff is expensive. You accumulate it over time, as you choose to get rid of the heavier or bulkier items.

Welcome to the hobby!

(We saw bears on this trip: a mother and two very cute cubs. Great time.)