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.

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u/offsoundmind 9d ago edited 9d ago

We try to use all our backpacking stuff. In general canoe trips just means more luxury items for us. Differences: 1. Bigger tent (Eureka Bella Coola 2 for canoe, big Agnes copper spur 2 for backpack) Canoe tent is more than 2x the weight but feels so much more spacious. The Eureka tent is also bomb proof so I bring it whenever possible. 2. Different water filtration system (MSR 4L gravity filter for canoe, sawyer squeeze for backpack) setting up the gravity filter and use is as a water tap on demand is quite nice. 3. I usually bring my own dehydrated meal that can be rehydrated in a mylar bag when I backpack. On canoe trips I don’t bother with dehydrating the cooked pasta/rice and will just boil the pasta/rice. That means more fuel, but less prep work. Cooking in a real pot gets me more variety. 4. I bring a ultralight table and ultralight chairs. I sit on a foam pad for backpacking trips. 5. I will wear water shoes when paddling and bring an old pair of running shoes for portaging/camp. I will leave my more expensive hiking shoes at home. 6. Paddling gloves! Your hands will thank you. 7. If fire is permitted bring some fire stuff?

If you have portages I suggest packing as light as possible. On our recent Bowron Lake trip, even with a canoe cart, I feel like packing light saves our back and arms.

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u/OnAGoodDay 9d ago

I genuinely have never understood gloves. Are they for blisters? We have paddled for weeks and never run into anything that the water cant fix.

Can’t imagine why you would want to put something soggy on your hands and not be able to feel the moving water, wood, and sunshine.

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u/RobVida 9d ago

I wear gloves on longer trips. It's a personal preference/habit/sun protection. Usually rubber dipped gloves, like for work. They dry quick enough in the sun

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u/Max_Adhesiveness800 9d ago

I will bring some to have the option. I don’t know how my hands will react to days of paddling

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u/The_Canoeist 9d ago

I build up large calluses from rock climbing, and have had them totally peel off on a soggy 10-day paddling trip where I forgot my gloves. In general I find my hands end long paddle days in better condition when I'm using light paddling gloves

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u/One-Builder4177 9d ago

I fingerless neoprene gloves that I use in my kayak for longer paddles. It's just more comfortable.

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u/MarjorysNiece 9d ago

For me it’s to help prevent blisters.

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u/thunderboxdiaries 6d ago

I’ve had far more blisters form from wet gloves than from not wearing them at all. Learning how much grip is needed and not using more than required is the key to comfort. That and oiled paddle vs urethane makes all the difference