The Complete Canoe Trip Packing List: 9 Paddling Essentials

A PFD is one of those things you don’t have to use often, but when you do need it, it’s essential that it works properly. There are both inflatable and standard PFDs, so you can choose which type to bring based on your preferences. We recommend sticking with a standard one because they’re easier to use, but if you need to save space when packing, then an inflatable PFD works well too. 

Things are bound to get wet on a canoe trip, so you want to make sure that you have a functional dry bag to keep your dry goods from getting soaked. There’s nothing worse than heading out on the river and having your valuables get ruined on the first day. We recommend bringing a couple different sizes of dry bags for better organization. Digging through one big bag every time you need the smallest item can become quite annoying. 

Canoers that are heading into whitewater rapids or spending long days paddling should add a paddling jacket to their canoe trip packing list. It will keep you dry and comfortable, rather than feeling soggy and bogged down by the constantly splashing water. 

The Level 6 Baffin Splash Top has everything you could need for a paddling jacket. It’s made from waterproof nylon, and has an adjustable neoprene waist, wrist and neck ties, and drainage holes so that it doesn’t fill with water. 

Paddling gloves are optional, but they are nice for keeping your hands warm and protected against blisters and sun exposure. For multi-day trips or paddling through intense rapids, these are a good idea to have. The NRS Boater’s Glove is awesome for canoeing, because the open-finger design allows for higher dexterity tasks. It also has extra padding in areas that are prone to get blisters from paddling, and vent holes in the palm allow for cooling. 

A helmet is an optional piece, but it never hurts to have extra safety measures, and it may end up saving you from serious injury. The WRSI Current Pro Kayak Helmet has a multi-impact shell and foam liner for protecting against impact. It also has an adjustable harness so you can fit it snuggly to the shape of your head. Another awesome feature is the interconnect system, which holds the helmet in place when water tries to push it back. 

Another vital item for your canoe trip packing list is a bilge pump or bailer, which is a tool that removes water from inside your canoe. This is another one of those things that you hopefully don’t have to use, but is important to have just in case you take on water. North Water makes a four in one bailer, high visibility reflector, signaling device and buoyant heaving line. This is a great option for those going on longer, remote canoe trips where safety is more of a concern. 

Having a good GPS is important for all types of outdoor activities, including a canoe trip. The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr is a top of the line GPS that has cutting edge location tracking along rugged terrain and winding rivers. It also has bluetooth connectivity so you can share your routes, cloud based route planning, and TopoActive public land mapping. It’s really the all-in-one GPS, and is a great investment if you’re a big outdoor adventurer.   

It’s always a good idea to pack a satellite communication device so you can stay connected when you’re off the grid. Garmin has years of technology in satellite communication systems, and the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is perfect for canoe trips. It’s small and compact for a satellite radio with a battery life of up to 14 days. You’ll be able to stay in touch via the global 2-way communication and interactive SOS signaling, and you can even send out your coordinates with the smartphone app.

When out on the river, your canoe is your everything. That’s why a good sealant is an absolute must for patching up any unexpected dings. The best on the market is the 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, as it is incredibly strong and versatile. It is a polyurethane, quick drying adhesive that works on wood, fiberglass, aluminum and gel coat. It’s also tack free in one to two hours and fully cured within 48 hours. Not only is it strong, but it is also flexible and works above and below the water line.