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Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Gear List
  • Sleeping bag and stuff sack (Click for info on Buying Equipment)
  • Sleeping pad (Ensolite or Therm-a-Rest pad will enhance comfort and keep you warm and dry)
  • Raingear (Click for info on Buying Equipment)
  • Duffle Bag (medium; 4000-5000 cubic inches capacity with no hard sides)
  • Long underwear (A complete set (top and bottom) of CAPILENE, POLYPROPYLENE, or THERMOSTAT long underwear. These synthetic materials stay warm even if they get wet.)
  • One pair of light comfortable shoes (To be worn around the campsite. Comfy tennis shoes are a good choice but Birkenstocks or Tevas are okay- these shoes leave toes exposed to possibly injury.)
  • One pair of river shoes (Click on Physical Preparedness and go the the "My Feet" section for more information.)
  • One pair of warm long pants (Wool or pile pant is best; cotton will not keep you warm once wet.)
  • Three pairs of wool socks & One pair of cotton socks
  • One long sleeved shirt (flannel or lightweight wool button down)
  • Two pairs of shorts (preferably quick-dry nylon)
  • Three T-shirts (cotton is OK)
  • One wool sweater or thin pile top
  • Warm fleece jacket
  • Underwear
  • Swimsuit
  • One hat with a brim (for sun protection)
  • One winter hat (the nights can get chilly in the mountains)
  • Toiletries (biodegradable and in small containers-toothbrush, paste, comb, lotion)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (at least a 15 SPF rating)
  • Bug repellent (at least 50% deet; no aerosol)
  • Sunglasses with a strap (polarized glasses and glasses with 100% UV protection are good)
  • Flashlight (Small one that takes AA batteries. A Mini-Mag is great or you can try a headlamp.)
  • Extra batteries for your flashlight or headlamp
  • One box of 30 (one gallon) Ziploc brand freezer bags (used to waterproof clothes; no zippers)
  • Pocketknife (a basic Swiss Army knife with a can opener is perfect)
  • $25.00 Spending Money (For snacks and souvenirs while traveling to your destination.)
  • 2-32oz. Nalgene Water Bottles (Platapus or Camelbak hydration packs can be useful and are encouraged. If you choose this option, please also bring 1 wide mouth Nalgene.)
  • Bowl and Spoon (Nalgene makes a great camp bowl with lid or you can use a small sandwich size Rubbermaid or Tupperware container. The spoon can come right from your kitchen.)
  • Insulated plastic mug with lid (Can be purchased at any respectable gas station. It is useful to attach the lid to the handle with a thin cord to keep from losing the lid.)
  • OPTIONAL:
    Pillow (A small synthetic filled pillow especially designed for camping is fine. Regular pillows are much too bulky and heavy. Stuffing clothes in your stuff sack can make a comfortable substitute.) Camera and film (in a waterproof container) Books, journal, lightweight games and cards; Mosquito head net; Fishing Gear; Compass; Wool or Fleece Gloves; Bandannas; Small Towel
This list does not include clothes to be worn while on the bus, van, or at Camp Echo. Items not needed for the trip will be marked with the camper's name and left in storage at Camp Echo. Bags will be marked "send on bus to Evanston" or "leave at Echo for next session." Bags going home on the bus must be picked up at the YMCA on the same day as the van arrives.

Do Not Bring
  • radios, televisions, computers, calculators, PDAs
  • cell phones, electronic games, or pagers (click here for more information)
  • digital music players with Wi-Fi or video capability (click here for more information)
  • hair dryers
  • cases of bottled water
  • food, other than what you can consume on the bus ride
  • glass containers (aerosol cans discouraged but permitted)
  • self-medications (aspirin, cough drops, ex-lax -- anything!)
  • valuable jewelry or keepsakes
  • money (except for Adventure Trip participants)
  • pets
  • matches or lighters
  • knives of any type (even camping knives), or guns
  • firecrackers, sparklers, snakes, or equivalent
  • alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs, or intoxicants

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This page was last updated
Mon Mar 24 11:38:05 2008.

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