I’m about to embark on my first-ever solo canoe trip. I’m going for 5 days and waiting patiently for the ice to melt off the lakes in Algonquin Park. I plan to go the first week of May, so if the ice isn’t out of Algonquin, I’ll have to go to a different location.

I’m looking forward to not carrying two of almost everything, but I will still have to bring quite a few standard items. Here’s my detailed camping list for backcountry canoe camping. The list includes all items for me, my husband and our dog, Banjo.

Cobi’s Canoe Trippin’ Camping List

The chaos of packing

Packing

Some items we bring (not all the books)

Book to read (you should read this book by the way!)

Sample Meal Ideas:

Breakfasts: instant oatmeal, coffee, muffins, pb & jam.

Lunches: protein bar, crackers, cheese, hummus, protein rice crisp bars and figs.

Dinners: one-pot goulash, chilimac & cornbread, quesadilla, one-pot spaghetti, and mushroom stroganoff.

Misc: Mac & cheese, lemon pudding, English toffee pudding, a few peanut m&ms, hot chocolate and tea.

The makings of a bush martini

Packed and ready to go (8-day trip)

Organized 8-day trip

Unorganized 8-day trip

Organized 8-day trip

Let me know if I’ve forgotten anything on my list (like a compass). I hope this helps with your planning, especially if you’re just getting into backcountry camping. I can tell you packing is a refined process. At first your gear is heavy and bulky but eventually you invest in quality and lightweight items. And, you learn what not to bring (like wash cloths or scrub pads that never dry. Pine needles work great!).

If you have any questions or are looking for advice or want to know the specific brands of gear we have, leave me a comment.

Happy camping!