This packing list comes courtesy of Keith Morton, author of Planning a Wilderness Trip in Canada and Alaska. Keith is a veteran of numerous canoe trips in Northern Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, and points north in Canada and Alaska. Longer trips he's taken include the wilderness whitewater of the Tatshenshini/Alsek, Nahanni, Mara/Burnside, Coppermine, and Seal rivers.

While Keith's selection of gear is suited to multi-week trips, the same items — with only a few exceptions — are every bit as necessary for an overnight trip down a river in your region.

Boat Items
Maps and map case with tiedowns Compass GPS (optional) Bow and stern ropes Carabiners to attach bow/stern ropes Bailer(s) with attachment clips Throwbag(s) Paddles and spare or alternative paddles Ties for spare paddles		Tiedown rope or straps for gear Knee pads, installed or separate Vehicle roofrack with tiedowns Seat pads (optional) Spraycover (optional) Flotation bags (optional) pump (optional) Thigh straps (optional

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Gear Containers
Waterproof portage packs or plastic barrels with harness Drybag for wet tent Drybag, drypack, barrel or waterproof duffel for food and smelly stuff Drybag for fuel and stove		Drybag for sleeping bag Pelican boxes or similar for cameras, etc. Waterproof fanny packs for survival gear/items to keep handy

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Emergency Stuff
Rescue ropes, pulleys, carabiners, and slings (river trips) Saw First Aid kit to suit trip location and length, in waterproof container		Misc. emergency kit - - signal mirror, flares, notebook, etc Firestarter Make sure various items, including PFDs, are conspicuously colored

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Boat Repair
Repair stuff must be kept dry in waterproof bag or box! Awl or other tool capable of piercing hull Wire, strong cord Seat hanger bolts and nuts, gunwale screws Leatherman Wave with Tool Adapter and bits to suit boat fastenings. Duct tape		Drysuit gaskets (long trips), wetsuit repair adhesive. Fiberglass cloth, resin, hardener, applicator, rubber gloves, sandpaper, plastic wrap, etc. Five-minute epoxy Fine sandpaper for paddle handles

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Miscellaneous Repair
Sewing awl, needles and strong thread Gear Aid Kit or similar		Stove repair parts Zipper sliders, hip belt buckle

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Personal Gear
PFD (aka life jacket), with knife, whistle, firestarter attached Wetsuit or drysuit or paddling jacket and pants depending on location Paddling gloves to suit conditions Footwear that won't come off in water. Wetsuit booties and liner socks if needed Helmet if appropriate Sunhat Camp rain/wind gear if needed in addition to paddling clothes Synthetic fiber long undies (2 sets, or as appropriate for climate)		Polyester fleece top and bottoms, (2 sets, or as appropriate for climate) Light nylon river pants Shorts if appropriate for climate/bugs Quick drying light long-sleeve shirt Warm hat if appropriate Kneepads, especially if renting canoes Socks — wool, several pairs Hiking boots Camp footwear Underwear Bug jacket Night attire

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Miscellaneous Personal
Earplugs Dental floss Bug repellent Sunglasses and lanyard Spare glasses and lanyard Contact lens items Sunscreen and lip stuff Toilet paper Wash kit, small towel.		Handkerchief Water bottle Camera, film, lenses Binoculars Crazy Creek Chair (optional) Headlamp, batteries Matches or lighter pocket knife

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Camp Gear
Tent Tarp, guylines, stakes Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Food hoisting equipment — pulley and throwbag rope Dish washing items Water carrier, folding basin		Water treatment device Shower bag (optional) Pots, cutlery, spatula, mugs, frypan Condiments Stove and fuel Folding firebox or tray (optional) Plastic trowel for toilet. Plastic bag(s) for garbage

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