Canoe Tripping Gear I Never Leave at Home

During a 5-day Canoe Trip in Killarney Provincial Park, I took these few minutes to talk about some of the camping gear and paddling gear that I had with me, that I love, and that I would never(ish) do a canoe trip without.
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua-bound Shred (whitewater) tidd.ly/3HRZCyq
Aqua-bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) tidd.ly/3jND8qB
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) tidd.ly/3XodlTv
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) tidd.ly/3Yy7yMk
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) tidd.ly/3xcsXih
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Drytop tidd.ly/3KfoYcH
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket tidd.ly/40Kf0pi
NRS Axiom Dry Suit tidd.ly/3YGUSmg
Jackets:
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket www.cotopaxi.com/products/fue...
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens tidd.ly/3DVrNva
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt tidd.ly/3YIa6XV
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts tidd.ly/3lrG78z
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot tidd.ly/3DXamKT
Astral PFD Sandal tidd.ly/3xjPtWI
Sunglasses
Wiley X Outdoor Sunglasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear
NRS WRSI Current Helmet tidd.ly/40EUkiB
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt tidd.ly/3YHTaBD
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3ZWVXHN
Rapid Pure Purifier amzn.to/3iuIo1C
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3kv0hOt
NOTE: These are affiliate links in which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
Outdoorplay: outdoorplay.com
NRS: nrs.com
Wiley X: wileyx.com
Check out our full Paddling Gear Guide here: in4adventure.com/paddling-buy...
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY and subscribe to our NEW Blog, In4adventure.com!
Read a great article about the Best Camping Coffee Maker: in4adventure.com/best-camping...
FOLLOW ME
Facebook: / gopaddle
Instagram: / paddle365
Twitter: / gopaddle
Blog: in4adventure.com
PRODUCED BY
Heliconia: www.heliconia.ca
Contact: [e-mail]
MADE POSSIBLE with the Support of:
Ontario Creates: www.ontariocreates.ca/

[@tombeckett4340]

Ken that kayak paddle is absolutely a must. I found that out along time ago. My friends always laughed at me but not anymore. Extra bum wad is a good idea I keep mine in a old plastic water tight peanut butter jar . Thanks I enjoyed this video. Cheers 🇨🇦👍

[@garywheeler2055]

The best resource for this stuff 👍🇨🇦

[@johnedwards9673]

I have a pretty good foundation in fieldcraft and I’m Looking at getting a canoe for fishing and taking day trips. Your videos have been helpful. Will definitely add a kayak paddle as a spare. Stay safe

[@mwpgator]

Great list! Anorak and kayak paddle! I needed to hear that!

[@jamielukens9810]

Ij the process of planning our BWCA trip and I thought this video was excellent thank you!

[@UcranianoUKR]

Another cool thing about kayak paddle is that you can make a t-grip for the top and use it (or both halves) as a regular single blade canoe paddle(s). It's especially easy to do if you have a lever lock instead of spring lock. I have a 240-260cm kayak paddle that has large blades on it, and it transforms into single blade paddle whenever I want to switch up the strokes.

[@PaddleTV]

Great point!

[@peterfagley772]

Nice presentation, thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

You are welcome!

[@rickquist3992]

A couple of tarps & cordage...

[@xxsuperbirdxx]

Those cheap small $10.00 air mattresses work great for me on bike or canoe trips. I always have paper towels along, they will do just fine for back up toilet paper. And they will dry out over the campfire if the roll gets wet. I wire in a light weight paddle to the gunwalls, if you ever swamp in the rapids or somehow become separated from your canoe, when it is retrieved a paddle is there for recovery.

[@RealChoice1776]

Thank you I enjoyed that very much

[@PaddleTV]

Very welcome

[@bryandnadine]

1. Duct tape. Mythbusters made an entire canoe out of duct tape, so a roll of duct tape will patch any canoe enough to get you home. A canoe completely broken in half can be put back together with duct tape, enough to get home. You can make a paddle with sticks and duct tape. Patch tents, tarps, etc. 2. Microfiber towels - wise owl makes some cheap ones that are great. Small, a lot of absorption. Dry quickly. You need to keep dry. 3. First aid: rolls of gauze, waterproof medical tape, blood clotting agent, tweezers, diarrhea meds, headache meds, and after that a few pills of most every medication you can think of. Did I say diarrhea meds? Do NOT forget that. 4. Bear spray - 2 cans, and from different manufacturers (there have been recalls). Not just for bears - you are out alone. If you've ever been harassed where the other person knew you couldn't call for help, well, 1 time and you will carry this. 5. 2 full tang knives. Not too big or small - 4-6 inches is great. I beat on mine batoning wood and other things, so 2 is necessary. Even if it is cheap bears grill gerbers. It's a cutting tool, spatula, shovel, protection (could make a spear), etc. 6. Canoe spare hardware (thwarts, seats, etc) and tools - can be really small. Don't forget to tighten those before leaving too - each trip has a lot of movement on the parts.

[@PaddleTV]

All great points! Cheers.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

I always wrapped a bunch of duct tape on my paddle if I needed it. The handle not the blade 👍

[@granthaller9544]

If your buddies don’t have a chair you can’t get up or lose your seat! Great video! I am definitely going to start carrying a kayak paddle (my wife likes to take a lot of breaks😉).

[@PaddleTV]

They'll need to get up sometime! That's when you make your move back in. :)

[@matthewheinecke2621]

A kayak paddle may be the key to a happy marriage! Who knew?

[@eschneider8799]

I have the same chair, got it as a gift. With the chair & food barrel for a table back country living can be quite civilized. Cheers ;)

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

Excellent!!!!

[@shanewatters9251]

A natural grass reed landscaper/ amish style wide brim hat. It's kinda fragile, doesn't love to get wet, but they are cool, great for the sun and most important they keep the deer flies away.

[@PaddleTV]

For the hot days, absolutely. Although they're not great in windy conditions. I've got one of these that I use all the time: www.nrs.com/product/3106/tula-gardener-hat

[@RogerHammond]

For camping, and you know there's good trees around, I'd recommend the camping hammock starting from about 800g up to about 1.4kg that gives you a tent, your mattress, a rain fly, a mosquito net and a camp chair all in one. Then just add sleeping bag and a thermal sheet or underblanket if it gets cold. I was camping in 0 degrees Celcius with my setup and I was actually a bit too warm and I've never woken up with a sore back!

[@Francois_Dupont]

how tall are you?

[@johnswanson3741]

Todays snowflake

[@baileyhodges0]

i love those camp tent hammocks. i have never used one but i hear they are great. thank you for sharing your experience with 0-degree camping.

[@hoser7706]

I woukd not leave home without my cut-down z-lite CCF pad. It is a knee pad, pack support, extea insulation, mat, fire fanning decice, and in kayaking colder waters, a leg insulator. And an extra meal or two for emergencies or being storm bound. Love your bids!

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

And.... tarp or other shelter, folding shovel, whistle, good knife, rope (even if small diameter), extra fire starter (such as lighters or similar since you will want to light that "cool" fire aid), duct tape, and there are so many other small items.

[@PaddleTV]

yes indeed!

[@purpleard]

Hey Ken do you want have another video on your channel where your “must haves” include things like a first aid kit or a method to get safe drinking water?

[@PaddleTV]

I agree, the 'Canoe Trip Essentials' video would be good... although it will be a long list of gear, not just 6 items. :) It would be good to do an essentials video. Thanks for the message and the idea!

[@ClintGibbs]

Good video Ken. Do you typically tent camp or use a hammock?

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I've always tent camped, but I am looking forward to trying a hammock this summer. Any suggestions?

[@ClintGibbs]

@@PaddleTV I have an ENO double (the single is too small). Keep in mind you still have to get an under quilt, the bug netting and a tarp. And a good pillow for under your knees. Definitely more of a commitment than just going out and buying a hammock for $70, but it is comfortable and great for kayak camping when you are going along a river and it's hard to find a flat spot.

[@bbqgriller45]

SMR Nube is a little heavy but awesome for keeping you and your gear dry.

[@StoneE4]

@@PaddleTV I know this is a 3 month old thread, but I figured I'd put my 2¢ in based on some of the information you were given previously. There are two sure-fire ways to turn someone off of hammocks from the very start... 1. Set them up with an uncomfortable, short hammock and 2. Let them set it up wrong or lay in it wrong. If you want comfort in a hammock don't go with an ENO. They may be fine for lounging in or even napping, but for a good, full night's sleep I'd recommend you go with a longer hammock. I'm 5'6" and I have trouble getting comfortable in a tiny 9'6" ENO hammock. I can't imagine someone 6' tall or taller trying to sleep in one. That's probably where the recommendation of a knee pillow came from. Anyway... You'd be much more comfortable in an 11' hammock. Companies that I'd recommend looking into based on my own personal experience are Warbonnet Outdoors, Dutchware Gear, or Hammock Gear. All three of those companies make long, comfortable hammocks that are of good quality and they sell modular accessories that can be added on later. Some of them have pretty good package deals that will cover everything you need to start hammock camping in comfort. When it comes to learning how to properly set up a hammock and how to lay in them properly check out the youtube channel "shugemery" - he's a guru of hammocks. If you have decent hammock gear and learn how to use it properly there's a good chance you'll never want to sleep on the ground again.

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

@@PaddleTV Raven Dream Hammock!

[@georgeemil3618]

Don't forget your GPS. I got lost once trying to find my way back to camp after finishing with the thunderbox. It wasn't at Killarney but at another park way up north.

[@johnswanson3741]

Some people should just stay home in the city

[@shermanhofacker4428]

A tee handle that fits into one section of the kayak paddle takes up little room and with two of them the kayak paddle becomes two paddles.

[@johnswanson3741]

I always bring 2 half used used toilet paper rolls put into different packs. Also, bring a half used paper towel roll for around camp that can also be used for Tee-Pee. And if a paper roll ever gets wet (it happened to me years ago), the roll can be dried out over a campfire, so never think it is wasted!!

[@brianmahoney3256]

If your camp chair has pointy legs and the ground is soft, you should get something like the 'trekology sand cover' to stop the chair gradually sinking into the ground.

[@PaddleTV]

Good point!

[@RxRidgerunner]

The small tennis balls from a pet store work great and pack into the chair bag. Simply cut an X just large enough to slip the chair feet into the ball and your done.

[@bernardpare2509]

Merci !

[@davidlandfieldsports]

I usually have a vacuum packed toilet roll, in case of emergencies, known as the Combat Sh*t Kit

[@jasonsumpter1641]

Links to the items would have been great.

[@MrMooseman1998]

I plan on getting into canoeing next summer any advice for someone new? I’m fimiuler with both camping and travelling in a canoe but have never combined the to

[@petesportage7179]

So I’m curious about the comment on using a kayak paddle, I would never had considered this until now after taking my boys as they may not always be paddling lol. Any videos on this?

[@PaddleTV]

I don't know of any specific videos on this, but you see it more and more with solo canoeists. You just need a fairly long paddle (240 - 250cm) to make it comfortable to do.

[@denisesarazin6753]

I’m curious about your kayak paddle. I was advised to get a much longer one.

[@PaddleTV]

Yes, a long paddle is key for paddling a canoe. I would recommend a 240 - 250 cm paddle for it.

[@danwesson2485]

Awesome

[@danwesson2485]

I agree about the latex in the neck ( or rather without ) and needed on the wrists. The links you provided for the jacket says the wrists do not have latex. Which jacket do you have ?

[@12BlockTokie]

Since becoming an R-BTK Amputee my mountain climbing-hunting expeditions have ceased, as have my rock-climbing abilities for the most part. Now I've become interested in Canoeing and Bush Crafting, at the same time. The easiest tools to acquire came first, then I had to start spending more and more money for the bigger quality items. I've got it all, (for the most part) and my next and last two purchases are my canvas tent and canoe. I know which tent has made the grade and is my final decision, but I'm stuck on my canoe choice. I will need the shortest most stable canoe I can find...it'll be used to transport large quantities of shovels and tools of all sorts, then to transport my three adult pit bulls to and from the camping spot. Off the top of your head, do you have any recommendations for someone just starting out? If so, I'd appreciate it very much, and let me thank you in advance for this instructional video. I have seen a few others but not as well thought out as yours is, so I'm subscribing, and I hope to learn a lot more. Thank you. Withall due respect, Mr. T.C. Cross Detroit, Michigan 48234

[@PaddleTV]

I would consider the Esquif Heron or maybe even the Cargo since you have so much gear and 3 big dogs. It's a gear hauling beast... and built to last! www.esquif.com/en/canoe/cargo/ Hope that helps!

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

In the BWCA as well as Canadian areas a beaver house has tons of wood dried and cut to the right size. Once those guys are done eating the bark they deposit it on their “ house”. Very seldom did we have to use our saw. ( btw an axe is dangerous,not needed nor efficient imo )

[@johnswanson3741]

Saw for sure is the most used tool over an ax. You can use a long tang knife as an ax to split wood by pounding it down with a heavy stick, much safer too

[@jampskan5690]

what is that saw brand?

[@paulrox100]

Anyone know what the name of that paddling top is?

[@PaddleTV]

That particular top is the NRS Riptide. It's a great paddling top, but FYI, it's short in the trunk which is good for paddling, but not ideal if you plan to use it as a rain coat as well. If you want something dual purpose like that, I would do the NRS High Tide or Champion jacket.

[@Canal-gi8di]

I’m comming from ultraligh communauty and i’ll still go with that

[@Darkstarfinn]

how is a water filter not #1 on this list? most important thing by far.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

👍👍

[@johnswanson3741]

50 years, have never used a filter up in the BWCA, or Canada

[@jackkrag]

thanks to a gentleman! this is how we tidy up america. k

[@JosephStealin]

I used to drive a tank for a living. I bought a camp chair with me on exercise one time this was 20 odd years ago, when I first got it out all the lads laughed at me. Then we pulled up for the night in a spot with lots of little ground cactus 🌵. Who’s laughing now lads? I said 😂

[@matte-d349]

Backup toilet paper is also handy if your camping partner/friend forgets to bring toilet paper in the first place.... I'm looking at you, Adam. Yes, you.

[@ImAimKa]

💖​

[@davidschexnaydre7012]

Do you have a link to the camp chair?

[@PaddleTV]

I don't. But the chair I got was the Trekology wide, ultra-light camp chair.

[@dudesz17]

Link for the saw please 😁🙏🏻

[@PaddleTV]

I'll see if I can find out. Killarney Outfitters hooked me up with this particular one.

[@brianbenson3669]

Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 or 24 folding saw.

[@Zuschauer9]

I would like to see some affiliated links down under your video for purchasing things and support you. Best regards from Germany.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for the idea! I'll try to get some up soon. Not enough hours in a day...

[@adamstewart247]

Canadian-ese - "Canoe Gear you would never go "with-oot" ...check "oot" the links below. 1) Wear this handy garment when it's nasty "oot". 2) The amazing thing "a-boot" a kayak paddle... enough force if your friend loses ther paddle. 3) l never leave "with-oot" a firestarter. 4) A saw - "I like campfires". When it rains "oot" or its cold. You need fire. 5) A waterproof map to go "a-boot". Don't go "with-oot it" 6) A pad to sleep on when you get back from your time "oot and a-boot" in the woods 7) Back-up toilet paper. If your friend loses their TP and they keep "tearing oot" your TP.. avoid a fight by carry an extra. It hardly weighs anything. 8) Lastly...I nearly forgot "a-boot" my light weight camp chair. It was beneath my boot

[@njcranes]

TP...#1

[@josephwornington3193]

Instead of worrying about dry toilet paper , take wet wipes, or baby wipes , they work just as good and can be used for other uses

[@PaddleTV]

Wet wipes are indeed a nice addition for camp trips!

[@AcrylArtca]

But you have to pack them out because they don't decompose like TP.

[@hathawaydj1]

What about my pillow and box of wine? :)

[@PaddleTV]

Good point!

[@johnswanson3741]

Stay home with the hens

[@michaelelm34]

Also a bottle of whiskey, incase of snakebites,and a small snake.

[@johnswanson3741]

It also helps on those trips when it rains every day!

[@Jay-xh6py]

A G20 gets you all these things anytime you want in the bwca.

[@toastededavis8626]

Water? First aid? Oh and beer?!

[@dangriffith8966]

Learn to identify Lamb's Ear....best back up TP around!!!!!!

[@markgomez3688]

That's funny, what's wrong with water?... 8:05

[@wormfighter1]

Friggen rookie, no boxed wine or whisky flask, not to mention no frozen steaks for the 1st night, or fishing fishing gear.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! This video is titled 'Gear I Never Leave at Home'. The things you mention would go better in a video named 'Canoe Tripping Absolute Essentials!!!'. :)

[@MyGreenNest]

Get toilet paper pods, much smaller

[@chasingtheoutdoors9457]

personally have never needed a saw for campfire, only bushcraft type trips. dead brush and downed tree limbs definitely do the trick and don’t require more than a small knife imo

[@blackdogbite]

This is all good stuff ...but really...."never leave home without....".....that's pretty much everything. Cooking gear? First aid kit? Tent? Sleeping bag? Knife? Tarp? Lighters?

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I figured a video about 50 things I never leave at home would be a little long! :)

[@carriehunt3475]

Feels like you just threw darts at your list of gear and randomly picked a few....

[@keonipereira5779]

FIRST

[@Offthegridfishing]

This is more for camping

[@jamesadams4450]

Not a bad list. I would also include a PFD and perhaps a canoe.

[@Larry77777]

A pee bottle if you're like me and have to pee twenty times per day. (and an iPod with 1 earbud because I love tunes when paddling)

[@el9206]

I was following along right up to "a 2 mile portage" and then that's all I kept hearing. Seriously, a 2 mile portage? That isn't a portage, that's traveling to another canoe trip.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Well put. It sure felt that way.

[@georgeemil3618]

You'd think that portage would scare people away but it can get busy.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Hated portages. Had a friend who always asked if he could carry the canoe ( no kidding ) . After much false opposition I relented. The guy was an animal. His urge to fish overlooked the pain to get there.

[@MDWackerman]

Dude Wipes. Better than toilet paper.

[@PaddleTV]

Good point! :)

[@xxsuperbirdxx]

Ya got the whole lake to dip yo bottom into for refreshening, don't be a snowflake!

[@MDWackerman]

@@xxsuperbirdxx is that your general internet response when you don’t agree with someone? Ha!

[@johnswanson3741]

Both, however, you can always clean out your bottom in the lake!

[@copscantsurf3458]

Yo sporto don’t cut with your thumb like that!!!

[@bryanjaeck4828]

Back up TP should be No 1, if your ass is not happy and clean everything else is bad.......

[@davidbain2396]

Hmmm....no 1st aid? No water purification method? Never carried fire starter. Saw is nice...but not essential. PFD would be nice to put on the list. A tarp is pretty essential to me....unless I want to sit in the tent when it rains. Overall “meh” list .....

[@PaddleTV]

All good points, although I wasn't going after the essentials with this list. I was going after things that many people won't bring on a canoe trip.

[@davidbain2396]

@@PaddleTV you called it “must haves”....sounds like essentials to me. Perhaps a poor choice of titles???

[@itomba]

@@davidbain2396 Thanks teacher! Lighten up a little dude.

[@xxsuperbirdxx]

I personally have not slept in a tent for 30 some years, have used a lightweight tarp as a shelter. Never liked the confinement of a tent, especially when stuck at camp in the rain. To me a tarp is essential, and all these years later I noticed all the tarp KZbin videos, the sheep eventually figure it out.

[@itomba]

@@xxsuperbirdxx what about dew? Where I camp most times of the year you would wake up in the morning soaked.

[@jedclampett631]

Ryan Reynolds' long lost brother ...

[@hoser7706]

Vids. Love your vids not bids. 🙄🙄🤣

[@daverov9252]

pretty much an infomercial...not cool

[@PaddleTV]

I'm not sure how giving my thoughts about gear that I use and love and recommend to other people is an infomercial, especially when I'm not being compensated to do it. Sounds like you just don't agree with my choices.

[@jonolson672]

Totally lacking insight.

[@ricardocardoso5423]

most pointless camping video ever...