Solo Canoe Trip Gear Out - Part1: My Canoe

This is my canoe. There are many like her, but this one is mine.
I explain why I like this boat and why it works for me. I explain how the boat is outfitted for multi-day canoe trips, how I carry the canoe and considerations regarding how much gear you can bring on a canoe trip.
My Amazon Stores
USA www.amazon.com/shop/kevinoutd...
Canada www.amazon.ca/shop/kevinoutdoors
Where you can find lots of the gear that I use.
Any opinions expressed in this video are mine and mine alone and are not related to my employer or any other organization or individual. I have not been paid to make this video or to endorse a product. If I am ever paid for an endorsement or provided other compensation I will state it clearly in the video. Any advice or demonstration I provide is just advice. The viewer should take responsibility for their own actions, follow any manufacturers warnings and directions an act safely and responsibly when travelling in the backcountry.

[@andrewswift2683]

Just bought on Oldsmobile Town Discovery 158. Your video makes me want to get out there. Thank you!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad to hear that. The soft water season will be here soon!

[@mikeclark5036]

This is a great video. The only thing you missed is a paddle. Without a paddle a canoe just as well be a log. We rolled a canoe in scouts, lost everything but the canoe. Setting on the bank of the river recouping, and hear this angry bear of a scout master crashing through the woods, yelling get that boat in the water. He had came back up stream with his paddle. Told us other than that boat, the paddle is the last thing you let go of lol. Lesson learned.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Mike, a paddle discussion deserves a separate video for sure.

[@sadkingbilly]

“Always, always, always tie your boat” Good advice. Very good. I’ve just bought a canoe and I’m definitely using your “always bring this” list, thanks!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Especially when you are travelling solo, your boat is everything. I don't like to tell people what to do but that one is pretty important. Have fun.

[@sadkingbilly]

@@KevinOutdoors I need to clean it first, probably been half under water for a while, it’s nearly black. Pure vinegar seems to work ok (and lots of elbow grease). It’s on my 3rd floor balcony now (yes, don’t ask..) for cleaning and small repairs. It’s so heavy! (About 35 kilo I think) I hope I can handle it alone..

[@pvesely299]

Fantastic video. Love your humor.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks a lot Paul, much appreciated!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great boat Kevin! Thanks for the tips!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Bigfoot!

[@jenniferstewart6003]

Great idea and video! Looking forward to your next one. 👍

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Jennifer!

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

Really enjoyed your video. Great stuff!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Edge!

[@seagoat666]

Great and very resourceful information ! Many thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MamasBasecamp]

I like so many things you said I don't know which to agree with first. This is a fantastic tutorial for anyone getting started on getting his or her feet wet canoe tripping. Also good entertainment for those who are already doing canoe trips.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Mama! Hopefully no one "gets their feet wet" - although I do about half the time :)

[@jeremyO9F911O2]

Heck on the newer Souris River Canoes there's no gell coat at all, just one layer of colored Kevlar, for $500 CAD extra mind you(ask me how I know) but in theory it can't scrape off.

[@Brandonthedood]

Love the content thanks for the pointers

[@KevinOutdoors]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@TOOZECRUISE]

That was a great video. I like your style.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Brad! Much appreciated!

[@sandsock]

I remember the old swift. When they were made out of fiberglass still. Those were about 90 pounds

[@gregoutdoors7]

Good, helpful information Kevin, Thanks 👍🏻😎

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Greg! Much appreciated!

[@boomshanka8743]

Pretty boat, you have good taste! Liked and subbed.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Much appreciated!

[@tombeckett4340]

Kevin great information thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trulawns12]

Great vid

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@TheOgieone]

Very informative, thanks.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Woodswalker1965]

Quite the fleet you have there captain! Lots of good info Kevin. It's been years since I've done a canoe trip...maybe I'm due! Thanks for sharing bud👊

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hey man you might be due. I joke with friends that "canoe tripping is the highest form of human expression!" Come north some time and I'll get you set up! :)

[@Woodswalker1965]

Kevin Outdoors A canoe trip certainly is the consumate Canadian experience for sure! I'd love to come up Kevin👍! I'm sure it's just like riding a bike lol!

[@geddy1159]

Cool videos and well done !

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the visit!

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

Very nice fleet you have there Kevin... Hope you can use them soon... be safe and healthy... Dennis, Canoehound Adventures

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Canoehound! I hope we all get out on the lakes and rivers soon. I have another boat on order for the spring. It isn't right to have a new canoe and not take it ona a trip!

[@tsavage4185]

Kevin, I just purchased a swift kipawa kevlar fusion and am looking forward to some open water this spring. Great video, really enjoyed your perspective.

[@KevinOutdoors]

That is a good boat! Enjoy!

[@mikeodonovan7325]

good job great video thanks for putting it up classssssssssssss

[@KevinOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alainouellette3160]

I'm a tad late to the party but simply wanted to let you know your video was very well done. No long introductions and you get right to the point. The Allagash and the St. John Rivers are in our backyard so let me know if you have any plans to head east.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Alain, those rivers sound great. Perhaps sometime after COVID I'll get to travelling again. :)

[@jamespatterson1433]

After much thought i desided on buying a canoe. I haven't used one for decades so i have been watching all kinds of videos. I wasnt sure how long of a canoe i should get, still torn on between a 14 and 16 footer. Loved your video ill be back. Im a mountsin man from Wyoming who now lives in Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay. Many rivers lakes and inland water ways off the ocean. I do not plan to go on the ocean at all but i will have plenty to do everywhere in between. Thanks again, will look in on your other videos.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment James. Good luck on your selection of boats. The better canoe dealers will often offer test days where you can test paddle different boats. I think I will always be a 16' classic guy even for solo. This boat is very stable can carry a lot of gear and is versatile in that I can easily add another paddler. But I currently see smaller boats gaining in popularity. There are a number of manufacturers making ultralight short and narrow canoes. Often these are paddled with a kayak paddle instead of a canoe paddle. They aren't as stable, they don't carry as much gear and you are stuck with them as a one seater but for some that is ideal. Happy paddling!

[@gregflores8959]

Love the intro!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thansk Greg!

[@mirokowalski703]

Thanks for interesting and concise content. Like your intro and reminder from >full metal "life-jacket"< or somehow...

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Miro! Yes I have a little fun with the intro!

[@forreststump11]

ohmmmm. I have had a few solos and kayaks and currently paddle a royalex wenonah vagabond. Cant load too much but what a sweet little boat. goodd glide and easy to turn. Happy Paddlin'!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks so much Forest Stump!

[@filmic1]

Great skinny Kevin! thanks for sharing. Looking to buy my first canoe... Looking at an Evergreen Maple second hand.

[@KevinOutdoors]

You won't forget your first canoe! Good luck with the purchase!

[@haakon7001]

Good video man!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Haakon!

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Lake envy 12:18 from a guy who lives in California

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks! We do have a lot of lakes where I live.

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

...cRaZy Andrew and I had the canoe so loaded up with camping gear on the Matawin River...we only had an inch and a half of freeboard..

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thant can be a challenge!

[@newlife155]

Super Kevin, got some important knowledge from this. Maybe you could discuss paddles eventually. Thanks.

[@KevinOutdoors]

That's a good idea. I will add it to the long list of videos I want to make.

[@OrionIsDaBest777]

Lolol I just wanted to post a comment about your beaver dam dismantling! It's a WAR between you and the beavers🤣😂🤣😂I'm sorry you had to disable the comments but OMG ITS FUNNY!! I love how every attempt you make to drain the pond, the beavers respond with their own way of stopping the draining. I hope everything turned out ok!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, it has. More than a year and the pipes are working great.

[@Daveluvsoutside]

Hey Kevin. Could you do a video on your canoe knots? I would find that very useful. Thanks Kevin. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

On the list. But the list is getting long! :)

[@0GSoon]

If you Google knots, there are lots of useful ones, but needs to master a few.

[@dougpacanoemanburns4294]

Nice job

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Doug!

[@fourfeetup6149]

Hey Kevin! Really enjoyed this one. Makes me so envious of living in an area with big lakes like that. One piece of advice: you are getting really good at the comedy!!! Add some more!!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, I hoped someone would get my dry humour. :)

[@fourfeetup6149]

Kevin Outdoors Wouldn’t that be “wet humor”, since you’re talking about canoeing?😂😂😂

[@KevinOutdoors]

I guess so! But I try and stay dry! :)

[@bwbeney]

Great video Kevin. Definitly makes one want to get outdoors - hopefully we can this summer once we are finished with isolating ourselves. Love all your video topics!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@jerryschneider145]

I am cheap, bought a used Wenonah Prism Kevlar for $300. Also have a used Wenonah Jensen 18', $450, fiberglass. I cannot believe how much they want for a new canoe these days.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes new canoes are not cheap. This boat lasted 20 years and now needs to be re-finished so I can't complain about the longevity. When I bought it I am sure it was $2k (20 years ago). Fixing it up will cost $600 and then I am sure it will still easily be worth $1500. A good boat will hold it's value. I belong to a small Facebook group called canoe repair shop. There are lots of folks buying canoes for $200-500 and flipping them for $1500-$2000. No one is getting rich but the boats are saved and expenses are covered with a small profit. You have done very well finding boats, it seems that even boats that don't float can cost $300-400.

[@jerryschneider145]

@@KevinOutdoors I hear ya, I live in the desert, so finding a used canoe period is a chore. Not a lot of canoers around here, so most people around here don't know the difference between a kevlar canoe and a Colman, which can be a good thing, haha.

[@KevinOutdoors]

@@jerryschneider145 LOL, yeah keep up the hunt for those desert canoes!

[@slayerrob8948]

This is an excellent canoe vid. Much appreciated tips. Have a question ? Canoe yoke pad ? Did you home make them or buy them. After being out of the portage seen for 20 yrs Iam get back into it and have the same problem "Bonny shoulders"

[@KevinOutdoors]

The square ones I show in this vid could easily be made but I did buy them. They really save the back of your neck.

[@tombeckett4340]

Lake Superior has a tide if you can believe that I’ve Been on several trips on Superior for hundreds of miles. Thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Tom, Lake Superior does have tides but they are hardly noticeable. The tides can be as much as an inch and would come in or out several times a day. But a seche can be a foot or more and can be on a cycle of a half hour to an hour.

[@swboltin]

Great vid thanks! Quick question: when you portage, do you leave your gear in? New to canoeing. Thanks!!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi swboltin, I presume you mean the ropes on the end? Yes I leave them in. Everything else comes out.

[@williamalbuquerque1510]

Briiallnt ! si eevry tihng ni this vdeio.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks William!

[@alphawhiskyadventures]

Jets gear and a Full Metal Jacket reference. That's two for two. Bombers?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks Alpha Whisky! Yes I couldn't resist the reference. On a canoe trip your canoe is everything! :)

[@CaptWesStarwind]

That is one of the most Canadian sounding opening lines I have heard. Well done and another great video.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Ha, ha, I had to go back and watch it again. Yes, canoes can be like family. (almost) :)

[@brandenlewis3764]

Hi Kevin, what’s the name and brand of that emergency rope and bail out kit you featured? I could use one of those in my boat. Thanks!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Branden, I think it is made by NorthWater. I think Fox40 makes them as well.

[@thetwowheellifeplus4065]

Great video. I've carried a few canoes, and you made it look easy the way you picked it up. Our Portages turn into cluster you know what's! LOL! Anyway I want to get a boat (canoe or sit on kyak) for my dog and I. 90% of the time it will be just us. I know nothing about canoes, and would love some suggestions. Any advice is appreciated!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Buying a canoe is exciting and there is lots to think about. I am not familiar at all with sit on kayaks so I will keep my advice to a canoe. If you will be doing day trips with a dog and sometimes longer trips and 10% of the time there might be someone else in the boat then you probably are looking at a 16-foot canoe. A 16-foot canoe will give you the most versatility. If you get a 16-foot canoe make sure it is symmetrical, meaning the same shape forward and backward (like mine) that way you can just as easily paddle it solo and tandem. Really evaluate how you will be using this boat, if you do portages then you are likely doing at least some shorter camping trips. Solo boats ~15-feet in length are also very popular these days and they may work for you depending on the size of dog you have but if someone else may be in your boat from time to time then they cease to be an option. Because shipping is a big deal for canoes you will want to consider what is available to you in your area first. In a normal year I would recommend checking out local outdoor shows and seeing what is available. Canoe sales person are very helpful and are truly interested in matching the right canoe to your needs. The boat in this video is an Alonquin 16' made by Swift in Ontario. I have also ordered a Quetico 16' from Souris River as a replacement for this boat which after 20+ years is starting to deteriorate (I will be trying to refinish it). I highly recommend both brands if they are options for you where you live. Good Luck!

[@thetwowheellifeplus4065]

@@KevinOutdoors I didn't expect that indepth of a reply. Thank you! That is very insightful and helpful. My dog is about 40lbs, and my son might go off and on. Mostly looking for something load on the truck, take to a lake while camping. I'm in Colorado so unless it is river stuff. There is not a lot of lake to lake canoeing. I would have to gain alot more experience before hitting a river. Again thanks for all the info. I will keep an eye out for your videos!

[@moreau212]

How do you plan your trips? location wise I mean. I live on the Quebec side of the Ottawa river and just got a canoe last year. I hope to do as many trips as you with it but other than well known canoe camping locations I don't know where I could go with it

[@KevinOutdoors]

Good question, check out Parks and Crown land maps. Ontario has something called the Crown Land Use Atlas which is online that will give you a place to start. There are also many discussion forums such as MYCCR.com where people post trip reports and sometime links to maps.

[@aubreygmcghee]

Great video. Thanks for all the information. How long is this canoe? I'm looking to get my first canoe and I want one that is fairly versatile where I can use with my family but also use solo. What is a good length to purchase?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Travis, this is a 16' 6" boat. Shorter solo boats are very popular right now but a 16' boat provides a lot of versatility. A 16' symmetrical boat will allow you to paddle both solo and tandem. A prospector style is even more versatile with more rocker it allows easier turning and gives you a little more manoeuvrability in moving water. A flatter boat like this (less rocker) gives a little more speed of flat water. I hope this helps.

[@aubreygmcghee]

@@KevinOutdoors Thanks for the reply. That's great information. I've been looking at some used canoes and there has been a few aluminum canoes that seem to be a good price but I was hesitant because I wasn't sure if aluminum was a good option. What is your opinion on a good material?is aluminum good or should I stay away from it?

[@aubreygmcghee]

@@KevinOutdoors Also what's a good weight to be able to portage? What weight is too heavy to practically portage? What weight should I stay under? Thanks.

[@Serious9185]

Hi Kevin , I am novice at canoeing and thinking of buying my first canoe for exploring the Canadian Shield. From my research I like Nova Craft 16 Tuff stuff for back country camping trips. What advice would you give me about the boat choice ? Thanks.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hi Amer, I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the established brands of canoe makers in Canada. Nova Craft, Swift, or Souris River all make excellent boats. I am familiar with Nova Craft but not with the 'Tuff Stuff', I presume that is a material or style option but I can't find it on their website. A 16' boat will serve you well for both solo trips and tandem. Most people go for a prospector style because it is good for both flat water and the occasional rapid. Sounds like you have done your research very well. Let me know if you have any more specific questions and I will do my best to help. Good luck!

[@ascension2281]

you have some monster calves dude

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL, thanks they are a bit freakish but they serve me well! 🏃

[@AeetosOutdoors]

Hi Kevin, I've just come across your channel as I have just got hold of my first canoe! a beast of a Coleman 16 footer! I would love to know where you got your bailer and rope from as I'm looking to kit myself out. Also you've got a new subscriber in me!

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks, My wife got me that bag for Christmas one year. I believe she picked it up at a local outdoor store. I know I have seen them at Mountain Equipment Coop but I can't find anything like this on their website right now. Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful.

[@AeetosOutdoors]

Kevin Outdoors I saw the same version online but they were asking around $100 cad plus shipping. MEC and Atmosphere have some things around $35 or so, I don’t want to cheap out on something that could save my life but also don’t want to break the bank on something I may never use. I need to find the middle ground. Do you have any experience with other sets of safety equipment you could suggest?

[@KevinOutdoors]

@@AeetosOutdoors I would suggest that if you aren't doing serious whitewater then you don't need the expensive one. A proper throw bag is used from shore to assist those that go over in white water. You will be very unlikely to throw a rope from a canoe. Easier to paddle in most cases.

[@KevinOutdoors]

@@AeetosOutdoors Unless you do serious white water paddling you should be good with the cheaper version. Proper throw bags are designed to be thrown from land to rescue swimmers in white water situations. If that is your thing then I would suggest to get a proper throw bag otherwise the cheaper version will do. It would be a rare situation when you would throw the rope from a canoe while on the water. In most situations you would simply paddle to someone who was that close. Although the rope in my kit is reasonable quality and would work it really is just to be compliant with the regulations. I have never thrown it and I suspect I never will but I do keep it close to where I am sitting just in case.

[@AeetosOutdoors]

@@KevinOutdoors Thank you again for the information! I've had a friend pick me something up from Atmosphere and I think it will do the job. I'll probably have a video out about my foray into canoeing in the next couple of weeks and I'd welcome any advice you may have for a rank amateur!

[@bulldog7196]

Trying to decide between a kayak and canoe.

[@KevinOutdoors]

I would say it all depends on your intended use. If you want to do backcountry camping and travel from lake to lake then a canoe is likely the best choice. If you want to cruse around a single lake then many prefer a kayak for speed and ease. If you are camping with a kayak, even a large sea kayak, packing gear becomes challenging and you need to pay attention to and manage the size of your gear.

[@bulldog7196]

@@KevinOutdoors Thanks for the response. Yesterday, I parked in some woods, hiked 1/2 mile down a very small creek, perfect for wade fishing but too shallow for any kayak or canoe. Then it ran into a bigger creek where I needed one of the two. I'm a 54 year old smaller guy but I'm very active. Cancer survivor but I don't let it slow me down.

[@FrankLadd]

In a way the scratches are like a map of where you've been.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes they certainly are.

[@camerontrathen7102]

Kevin I am sorta new at canoeing for a 2 week trip how much gear would you take? I am going to be doing a river camping/fishing trip

[@KevinOutdoors]

Cameron, that is a really great question. Basically, the things you need for an overnight trip or for a week are about the same. Tent, sleeping system, clothes, cooking, cooking shelter, toiletries, navigation, fire making, first aid, lighting, etc. What you need to bring more of on a longer trip is food and fuel and you will probably bring less luxury items than on a simple overnight trip, just to keep your overall weight down. The natural tendency is to bring more food and fuel than you really need. It is a good idea to do some shorter trips first to dial down on what your food and fuel needs actually are. Two-week trips are in that range where you don’t want to bring enough fresh clothes for the entire trip. So, the one additional thing I would bring on a two-week trip that I wouldn’t bring on a one-week trip is soap to wash clothes. You can wash clothes inside a dry bag by adding water and sealing them after capturing a bunch of air. You can slosh them around for 20-30 minutes then rinse.

[@camerontrathen7102]

@@KevinOutdoors true the river I will be doing is the north Saskatchewan from the big horn dam to Edmonton its about 300 mile camping on the shore and islands will have 1 other person with in there own canoe. I have done it a few yours ago in my dads jet boat back then it took like 16 hours but that was going over 50 mph. I hope to film the trip. I love your videos so keep up the great work that you do........

[@KevinOutdoors]

Sounds like a great trip. I am guessing there will be few if any portages. That makes a big difference on what can be brought on a canoe trip! Enjoy!

[@camerontrathen7102]

@@KevinOutdoors maybe 5 across gavel bars when I do this I will try and put it up on youtube if you want

[@raleighthomas3079]

Kevin Outdoors washing clothes in a dry bag ‘washing machine’.... (headslap) genius! Never had thought about that! GREAT tip! Thank you from Florida!

[@erik_normark]

Good info, thanks! If I'd had more room I'd like a canoe just like that. Awesome wife you have who wax the canoe for you :-)

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes she is awesome. A long time ago that boat was nice and shiny!

[@calvinhartman5086]

Great video! It covered all of the key issues I was looking for and with good humor. My wife and had a good laugh about your wife waxing the canoe before you patched it! I agree. Awesome wife :).

[@jimf1964]

I think I'll skip the ."death march portage" thanks. 😃

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yep, might not be a thing I ever do again! :)

[@nicholasbrandl8990]

You wear a life jacket paddling?

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes I do.

[@nicholasbrandl8990]

@@KevinOutdoors I usually intend on wearing one, usually ends up as a seat cushion.

[@markgervase822]

Kevin, I would be proud to have you as a brother..

[@KevinOutdoors]

LOL thanks Mark!

[@I..cast..fireball]

How long is it?

[@KevinOutdoors]

it is 16 feet long.

[@I..cast..fireball]

I have a 17 foot boat. Would this be too big to solo? Trying to decide if I need a second boat. Thanks

[@KevinOutdoors]

I won't say it can't be done but the bigger the boat the more difficult it is to handle. 17 foot boats are usually designed for two paddlers. Often the bow seat has a brace right behind it that makes it difficult to sit backward and paddle in the other direction. For solo paddling I would highly recommend that the max should be 16 feet.

[@micstica]

Waxed the canoe, surprise, lol

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yeah, LOL 🙄

[@papajeff5486]

Death March Portage, heh, heh, go lightly, heh, heh…. Texas

[@KevinOutdoors]

Yes, some portages have crazy names.

[@clems6989]

@5:15 you show the safety item with no name or what its called or where to find them.....

[@KevinOutdoors]

Is that a question? I have no idea what they are called. You can find them in outdoor stores that specialize in canoes and kayaks.

[@Redactedredacted5837]

This channel has good videos so don't disable the comments. I wanted to upvote your beaver dam video but I decided against it specifically because the comments section was disabled.

[@KevinOutdoors]

Thanks AP, I disabled comments because I was getting a bunch of very inappropriate comments on that video. It is the only video I have disabled comments.

[@brick8253]

Did you know there was 3-4 minutes of just nothing at the end...