What do I pack?

We provide the canvas canoe packs for you to use on your trip, and will send a detailed packing list before your trip. The weather in Minnesota can change quickly so be prepared for anything from 50 to 95 degrees, knowing that you may also be somewhat wet during the day. Please remember that the equipment you bring does not need to be expensive. You can get good quality items from thrift shops, or borrow from family and friends. We also have a good-sized stash of clean and organized lost-and found items we can let you borrow.

Fifty years of experience have taught us that to stay safe and comfortable on a canoe trip, each person needs four different outfits, as described below:

Wet clothes: 

This is what you wear while canoeing—they get wet!

• Quick drying pants (nylon wind pants or light cotton, not stretchy yoga pants and NO jeans)
• T-shirt
• Long sleeve cotton or nylon shirt to protect from sun and bugs
• 1 pair wool socks
• Underwear
• Rain jacket and rain pants. These are important! Stearns or the sturdier type of “Frogg Toggs” are fine. No ponchos! Rain gear that is a little bulky is better than too-tight. Bigger rain jackets are easier to get on and off, and may be worn over life jackets.
• Boots: Sturdy, broken in, not waterproof. These boots will be wet during the day. They should offer support to the foot for rugged wilderness portaging and drain readily. We have used footwear like Vietnam Boots or Merrell Moab Mid-hiker models. Look in thrift stores for good, non-leather boots that fit your feet with wool socks.
  
• Some girls wear a swimsuit under their wet clothes, too.
• A hat with a brim that fits you securely, to wear in the canoe.

Dry clothes: 

These are clothes that you change into in the afternoon when you arrive at your campsite. This is totally separate from your wet clothes, and it is very important that they stay dry. Bring a handful of quart- or gallon-sized Ziplock bags to pack them in! You do not need one outfit per day; most participants just have one outfit for "wet clothes" and one outfit for "dry clothes", with a couple of added items for comfort (for example: one extra T-shirt, pajamas). 

• Shirt 
• Long pants
• Underwear 
• Cotton or wool socks
• Tennis shoes (closed toe and closed heel)
• Shorts (if you want for around the campsite, or layover day!)
• Pajamas
  

Cold weather clothes:

The weather is unpredictable, and it is important to always carry extras just in case.

• Warm wool or fleece sweater/pullover (no cotton sweatshirts)
• Lightweight stocking cap

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste (travel size is best!), comb/brush, soap/shampoo for showering on base
  
• Optional: camera, journal or small book, deck of cards

Sleeping Bag: Sleeping bags should be packed in a stuff sack with a garbage bag as a liner (on the inside of the stuff sack). Any summer or three-season sleeping bag will do, with a rating of, for instance, 30 degrees or so. Mummy shape is the best (most efficient with keeping your heat in) and the lightest, though it’s not totally necessary. The less bulky, the better, since sleeping bags are packed with all of your other personal belongings. Adult participants should also feel free to bring a lightweight closed-cell or Thermarest-style sleeping pad.

Do not bring Keen sandals, Crocs, aqua socks or Teva-type sandals. They are not allowed on trips, as a substitute for either your “wet boots” or your “dry shoes.” All shoes must have a closed toe and closed heel.