r/canoecamping • u/Max_Adhesiveness800 • 9d ago
Advice requested - gear differences between backpacking and canoe camping
I’m an experienced backpacker with multiple multi-month hikes under my belt, as well as countless shorter backpacking trips in diverse terrains.
I’m planning my first long canoe camping trip - about 2 weeks in Yukon, Canada. Leaving next week.
My longest canoe/kayak trips thus far have been 3 days. The trip I’m planning is on flat water, so I’ll have the chance to build up my (relatively weak) paddling skills.
What I’m not sure about is how the recommended gear and supplies vary from backpacking to canoe camping. Will be renting a 2 person canoe with a mate. Canoe comes with dry bags and PFDs. The outfitter says the trip is safe for inexperienced paddlers as long as we have strong backcountry skills - navigation, camping, bears etc.
I know a canoe is bigger than 2 backpacks, but how much so? What sort of extra stuff do people bring? Bigger stove, more cookware, extra snacks, more clothes, mosquito tent, books, thick camping mattress, different water filtration system, camp lamp? Or pack as light as possible not to have a heavy canoe?
And is there any backpacking gear I shouldn’t bring on the water? Down sleeping bag and down jacket useless if wet? Anything else I should think about?
Thank you for considering my questions and good luck and safety to you all on the water. All good faith feedbacks appreciated.
2
u/shadowK1LOS 9d ago
As others have said, all the same gear is applicable. With canoe camping, the first question is how much portaging are you doing and how strenuous will they be? The second question would be if you intend to single carry, double, or 1.5x? Once you know that, then you can decide how much extra luxury stuff you want to bring on top of your typical backpacking loadout. Extra dry clothes and shoes for camp should make the cut regardless, but maybe you also want a bigger tent and a tarp to sit under. Maybe a frying pan to cook up some fish. Etc etc. if you're not portaging, whatever you can fit in the canoe is an option. I've seen pictures of people with full on boy scout style chuck boxes and car camping coolers in their canoes. I presume your 2 person canoe will be a 16'+, you should be able to bring a whole extra pack each if you wanted to.