Sommers Canoe Trip

SUGGESTED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST

There is perhaps nothing that will have a greater influence on your planned trip than the personal clothing and equipment that you will bring. This Suggested Personal Equipment List will also be included in the advisor kit in the Spring. These are only suggestions and should be used as such. The goal for your personal equipment should be to bring as little as possible to be comfortable. You and your crew should spend a considerable amount of time on what you will be bringing. We strongly recommend taking a night weekend to do a "shakedown" of personal equipment. Someone experienced in traveling the canoe country should be consulted and invited to this shakedown session as well the parents to be sure they are aware of what clothing and gear is expected and what is not. The time you spend at home in preparation will be well worth your efforts.

We are given advice and are asked many questions about personal equipment. Some tell us that we advise too much, many others tell us we advise too little. As we said before it is a difficult dilemma. The correct equipment is a matter of personal choice and selection and the mark of a good outdoor person.

The following are some of the most asked questions. Use these questions and answers with your personal equipment list in planning for your trek. Please share with the parents of the crew members.

Do we need boots?

YES. We strongly recommend boots and prefer the type known as jungle boots. These are made from leather and nylon with drain holes in the instep. They usually cost between $50.00 and $90.00 a pair for boots made in the United States, Less expensive imitations can also be found, and are usually sufficient for at least one trip. This style boot can be used for general hiking as well, Most trail accidents on Northern Tier treks can be attributed to improper foot wear,

Are ponchos sufficient for rain wear?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Poncho's are dangerous in the event of a spill in the water. We recommend a quality rain jacket and rain pants or chaps.

Do you suggest shorts or long pants for traveling?

We recommend long pants for traveling. Shorts can be worn once you are in camp, for swimming, and in the sauna back at Base. Rough portage trails, insects, sunburn, etc., all preclude the recommendation and use of shorts for traveling.

What weight sleeping bag should I bring?

Bring a synthetic filled bag good to +35 F (it should stuff or roll to no more than 10 "x 18"). If you feel you need more protection be sure to have a lightweight washable liner (also suggested to keep your sleeping bag cleaner), long underwear, and a special pair of warm socks along to be used only in the sleeping bag. The more compact you can pack your sleeping bag the better - a compression stuff sack may be helpful.

Do I need a ground pad?

A ground pad is not absolutely essential or necessary but we do recommend one. An inexpensive pad such as the ThermaRest (TM) "Ridgerest" is adequate. An insulated pad provides insulation from heat loss by conduction, thus requiring a lighter weight sleeping bag. Being a non-conductor it may also provide some protection from lightning as well. They can be used as a pad for sitting on at your campsites.

Do I need a hat or cap?

ABSOLUTELY YES. We suggest a hat that has a brim that covers the neck as well as shades the face and eyes. Sunburn is a major concern on a canoe trip, A hat will protect you from the sun as well as keep a cold rain off your neck and shoulders.

Do I need a jacket?

YES, We recommend a lightweight jacket. The styles available in Polartec\'99 are just about perfect. Some people prefer a vest. A lightweight jacket combined with your rain jacket (and/or lightweight windbreaker) and your Personal Flotation Device makes a very comfortable and warm combination.

We hope these questions help you in your planning. They are based on the experience of many crew, Scouts and leaders just like yourselves. Check and re-check your personal equipment list and consult BSA manuals, outdoor handbooks, and people who have traveled the canoe trails.

Be aware that you are embarking on a rugged trip. Watch out for advice from people who traveled the canoe country on a nice weekend, wore shorts and sandals, and maybe traveled ten miles. Your trip will be more adventurous! You will travel in all kinds of weather and will probably average over 10 miles a day.

SUGGESTED CAMPING GEAR

Remember these are just suggestions, you personally may not need each item or the quantity listed. As mentioned before, plan to share as many items as possible, such as a flashlight, cameras, fishing tackles, sun block lotion, insect repellent. etc. Each canoe should have a compass, map and map case.

The Northern Tier recommends each individual to write their name and crew number with a permanent marker on their clothes, uniforms, and personal equipment. This will help in reclaiming lost and found items-

BASICS

DITTY BAGS - Plan to bring all of your clothing and equipment in waterproof "ditty bags" of either plastic or cloth. The heavy duty "zip lock" bags work well. Your sleeping bag and clothing will be safe in a heavy duty plastic bag. A few extra bags won't take up much space (don't forget cord or string closures or rubber bands if they are needed).

SLEEPING BAG - Small and lightweight, good to a temperature of +35 degrees F with a removable, washable liner. Sleeping bags should compact to no more than 10" x 18" (a compression stuff bag for your sleeping bag will be very helpful). A two-pound synthetic fill bag is usually sufficient. Protect with a plastic bag in the pack.

SLEEP CLOTHING - Wicking (polypropylene or other "wicking" synthetic) long underwear, these are excellent four season items.

LONG PANTS - One pair, Scout pants are fine. Try to stay away from cold and clammy blue jeans.

SHORTS - One pair. These can be used as shorts or swim trunks (an athletic supporter or brief may be necessary when using as swim trunks). Important Note: Shorts or swim trunks are to be worn for all swimming and in the sauna at the end of the canoe trip

LONG SLEEVE SHIRT - One

TEE SHIRTS - Can wash by hand on the trail.

UNDERWEAR - Can wash by hand on the trail.

SOCKS - Wicking (liner)socks and boot style socks to be worn in your boots. These will get wet. As well as socks to be worn with your camp shoes. These should stay dry.

JACKET or VEST - Lightweight synthetic, easy to dry.

RAIN JACKET and RAIN PANTS OR CHAPS - Good quality

HAT - Brimmed all the way around to protect ears, nose and neck.

CAMP SHOES - Lightweight and comfortable, i.e., sneakers or moccasins (no sandals or lightweight "water socks").

BOOTS- Should we wear boots? The answer is YES! The most common trail related injuries are twisted ankles and fall injuries caused by loss of footing. Boots which protect and support the ankle, and which have non-slip soles, are strongly recommended for both utility and a safety. BSA hiking boots, or the military style "jungle boots" are good choices. Remember that your footwear will get wet, so DON'T BRING insulated boots, rubber boots, or your expensive quality hiking boots you want to use later for hiking. Since the wilderness trail is no place to be "breaking-in" new footwear, be sure all boots are correctly fitted and comfortable with no risk of blistering or stress. Sandals and lightweight "water socks"' are not appropriate footwear in place of boots.

BELT OR SUSPENDERS

KEEPING CLEAN AND HEALTHY

SOAP - Small bar and a small bottle of liquid for clothes washing (one may take care of the entire crew).

TOOTHBRUSH

TOOTHPASTE - (Small tube)

COMB

SMALL TOWEL - We recommend the "Super Towel" for the trail.

HANDKERCHIEFS - or bandannas.

EATING

PLASTIC BOWL - Approximate size: 12 fluid ounces

PLASTIC CUP - We actually recommend that you bring two. The small BSA cup is great.

SPOON

KNIFE - We recommend that everyone carry a small pocket knife.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

INSECT REPELLENT

SUNGLASSES - with UV protection

EYEGLASSES STRAP - For eyeglasses and sunglasses

SUN BLOCK LOTION

CHAPSTICK

FOOT POWDER - Use on feet daily.

OPTIONAL

FISHING EQUIPMENT

CAMERA (with plenty of film)

FLASHLIGHT (small, with extra batteries)

FOAM SLEEPING PAD - Closed cell or waterproof. Consider using the 3/4 length pads.

LIGHTWEIGHT, WATERPROOF GROUND CLOTH - Used to keep sleeping bag or foam pad dry. (Only if the crew is not providing a larger one for the whole tent. See: "Equipment Provided By The Crew".)

WATER BOTTLE - We suggest a one pint water bottle that can be worn around the neck or placed in the pocket. Dehydration is perhaps the greatest health threat. A small bottle is handy on the portage trails.

KNIT CAP - For sleeping and warmth, especially for early and late season trips.

METAL MIRROR - 1 or 2 per crew is all that is needed.

SMALL BINOCULARS

BUG BITE RELIEF

ITEMS NEEDED AT THE END OF YOUR TRIP

Stored at base in your vehicle or in a crew storage space*

CLEAN CLOTHES AND/OR UNIFORM(S)

TOILETRIES - Soap, shampoo/conditioner, shaving supplies, deodorant, comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, wash cloth, etc.

BATH TOWEL - For use after shower and Finnish sauna.

DRY SHOES

*CREW GEAR STORAGE and Safety Deposit Box- Storage space for clothing/gear that will not go on the trail will be made available at all bases for crews arriving by chartered transportation. Crews arriving in their personal or leased vehicles will store their extra gear in those vehicles. At the Ely Base, a Safety Deposit Box is available for each crew to store vehicle keys, wallets, and valuables in while the crew is on the trail.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THE CREW

FIRST AID KIT - This kit should be patterned after BSA suggested kits like the one in the Venture Handbook on Canoe Camping. It should include often used incidental items. It is a good idea for each crew member to carry a small kit of their own - Band-Aids, first aid cream, sun lotion, etc. A suggestion is to get the help of a physician or pharmacist in planning the kit. A suggested list of items will be mailed to you in the advisor kit in the Spring.

LEATHER GLOVES - These are to be used for rough handling and hot pots. One or two pairs are usually sufficient.

CORD - The suggestion is several 50 foot lengths of lightweight nylon "parachute" cord. These are indispensable on a canoe trip.

REPAIR KIT - Pliers and other simple tools (such as A Leatherman or similar multipurpose tool) will always come in handy on camping and canoe trips. A suggestion is to carry these tools in a small bag so they are always handy. Duct tape, soft wire, a couple sizes of nuts and bolts, a sewing awl and other incidental items are also good.

STOVES AND FUEL - Single burner stoves for crews that cook on stoves. NOTE - For more stove information see Northern Tier Portable Stove Policy in this handbook.

LIGHTWEIGHT, WATERPROOF GROUND CLOTHS - Two, three, or four plastic ground clothes (86" x 102") to use in the tent to protect your crew's sleeping bags or ground pads from dampness.

MAPS - Each crew is responsible for purchasing maps of their route. At the Ely Base, map purchases can be made in the Trading Post after your trip routing session and before your departure on the water. At Atikokan and Bissett, map purchases can be done at the stores/resorts adjacent to the base facility prior to your departure on the water. A typical route will use 3 - 6 maps at a cost of $2.25*/map for BWCAW and Quetico maps and $10.00* Canadian currency/map for the Canadian maps. Each canoe should have a compass, maps, and map case.

MAP CASES - Available through the Northern Tier Trading Post. A large heavy duty Zip lock bag also works well.

COMPASS - One per canoe is recommended. Various models of compasses are available through the Northern Her Trading Post.

PERSONAL PACK LINERS - Heavy duty 3 - 4 mill plastic bags used to line the inside of the 2 and 3-person personal packs. Each crew will need 2 - 4 pack liners depending on crew size and number of packs used. These are available through the Northern Tier Trading Post upon arrival.

*Prices subject to change- Use these figures for budgetary guidelines only.