History: BWCA Packing List

Packing lists for one week: (summer travel)

CLOTHING

Items to wear
* shorts or long pants (pack the other).
* T-shirt or item
* hat (water repellent treated)
* heavy polypropylene blend or wool socks
* trail boots of choice
* bandanna (optional).

Items to pack
* "chamois skin" or a light-weight long sleeve shirt
* three pair heavy polypropylene blend or wool socks
* hooded rain jacket and pants
* lightweight sneakers to wear in camp
* lightweight nylon/spandex swim suit
* two T-shirts and three underwear changes
* lightweight (nylon) shell wind-breaker
* medium-weight wool or synthetic fleece Jac-shirt
* long johns for spring or fall trips (in the summer this is optional)
* Sport bras

EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Equipment for each party (all amounts in proportion to party size)

Kitchen equipment
* camp stove(s), fuel - check operation of stove
* plate, cup, fork and spoon for each camper
* spatula
* two large cooking spoons
* two-quart pot plus two smaller nesting pots inside
* 10 inch non-stick fry pan
* coffee pot/ tea kettle (optional). Use instant coffee, wet coffee grounds must be packed out.
* pot lifter
* dish wash items (steel wool, biodegradable soap, dish cloth, "chamois" towel for drying)
* quart-size shaker bottle
* fillet knife
* condiments
* hot pads
* soap bar to coat pots and pans or place soot-covered pots and pans in their own bags. Stove use will avoid this problem.
* paper towels
* measuring cup
* strainer for straining dishwater (a section of rolled-up "butter-fly� netting)
* butane lighter
* wire whisk

General equipment

* tent (extra stakes) - check for leaks
* ground cloth
* nylon tarp (used as a sail and for rain protection in camp) with set-up ropes attached. Use at least an 8x10 foot size.
* sleeping bag
* self-inflating (or foam) sleeping pad
* repair kit (duct tape, nylon strapping tape, liquid aluminum if using aluminum canoes, clothes mending kit & spare buttons, super glue, eye glass repair items, multi-purpose tool such as a Leatherman, and a pad patch kit)
* 50 to100 feet nylon 3/8 inch bear rope, light-weight cording and string
* folding saw
* first aid kit (mole skin, antibiotic, anti-diarrhea, small scissors, elastic bandage, pain relievers included)
* trowel (Quetico only, for digging latrine)
* toilet paper (double bagged)
* fire grate stored in a bag (only for Quetico cooking, BWCAW campsites have fireplaces with grates)
* large sponge or plastic milk jug with the bottom cut away for canoe bailing (strapped under a seat)
* water sack or collapsible water bucket
* spare paddle
* life vests
* clothes pins and line
* spare zip-lock plastic bags of various sizes
* water filter and a halide treatment method to purify large amounts of water
* map sets
* day pack for each canoe party (optional)
* bungee cords or straps to fasten fishing rods to gunwale
* "chamois" towel to wipe off wet tents and canoe seats
* alarm clock (optional)
* playing cards, travel cribbage board (optional)
* spare 11 and 30 gal. plastic bags
* rescue/signal items (mirror, whistle, small flare)
* fire starter
* 2 bottles of biodegradable soap, one for dish washing and one for hand/clothes washing
* bow and stern painters (about 25 feet each)
* camp chair such as a Crazy Creek brand (optional)
* wind-proof matches & butane lighter
* sharp hatchet
* camp pillow

Personal items (in pocket, canoe, day pack or personal stuff sack)

Pocket items
* butane lighter
* compass
* one two-ounce bottle bug dope (at least 30% DEET content)
* map of the day
* chap stick
* pocket knife (multi-purpose type is best)
* handkerchief (optional)

Day pack items
* water container
* camera, film & extra batteries (optional) Expensive cameras should be stored in a waterproof bag. However, this is a dilemma, since wildlife appearances are usually sudden and brief - keep the camera as handy as possible.
* fishing gear (optional)
* head net for bad insect times (optional)
* (polarized) sunglasses (security strap highly recommended if you wear corrective glasses)
* sunscreen
* binoculars (optional)
* another two-ounce bottle of insect lotion
* insect after bite
* Stuff sack items (packed inside the large personal pack)
* mini-flashlight/head lamp with spare batteries
* toiletries are kept in a small bag toothbrush/paste, comb, hand lotion, nail clipper, dental floss, safety pins, hand towel (a "thirsty" cloth, i.e., chamois is best), and biodegradable soap.
* small paperback book (optional but nice for camp-bound days)
* small notebook and pencil for a journal (optional)
* playing cards
* feminine hygiene products

Fishing Items

* Fresh line on reels, lube reels
* Sharpen hooks
* Tackle box
* Filet knife and glove
* Knife sharpener
* Stringer
* Hook extractor/pliers
* Fish batter & cooking oil
* Fish locator & spare batteries
* Superglue and spare rod tips
* Spool of line
* Short handle or folding handle landing net
* Live bait

Other Items and considerations

* Canadian RABC permits
* Ontario and/or Minnesota fishing licenses
* Health and vehicle insurance info
* Itinerary and phone numbers left with someone at home.
* Personal medications
* Personal identification (birth certificates for minors crossing into Canada)
* Spare contact lenses
* Boat license on canoe if supplying own canoe
* Hide key on or near vehicle to avoid carrying a key on the trip
* Do not leave valuables in your vehicle as trailhead break-ins are not uncommon.
* USFS Permit and reservations confirmations
* Get fresh and frozen foods
* Cooler and ice for traveling
* Bag of toiletries, clean clothes, and shoes for return trip
* Travel alarm
* Cable and lock for canoe to secure it when traveling over night