This list has been tested for trips of 30 to 60 days. It includes the essentials, although you can always do more minimalist. All this gear fits into a large 100/120 litre waterproof bag which will therefore contain all the bags described below. For shorter trips, surprisingly the equipment is not much different. Remember: the pack is the weight of our fears!

By Paul Villecourt : PDF checklist available at the bottom of this page.

1/ Overnight items (in a 20/30 litre waterproof bag):

• Sleeping bag
• Thermal bag for cold nights
• Inflatable mattress
• Sleep mask
• Ear plugs
• Inflatable or synthetic pillow

2/ Camping gear:

• Tent + ground sheet stored in a waterproof bag on the canoe, to take out quickly and dry during breaks
• Hammock if you prefer than a tent
• Tarp (essential!)
• Folding seat (take care of your back!)
• 120 L bag containing all the gear bags (buy really good waterproof bags!)

3/ Clothes (in a 20/30 litre waterproof bag):

• 3 t-shirts
• 2 pants of or zip-up shorts/pants that can be used for anything
• 3 kit of underwears
• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 Merino thermals for everything (bivouac and canoe)
• 1 flannel shirt for everything (because it’s nice, it’s warm and it’s classy in a canoe!)
• 1 warm jumper or light hoodie
• Hat or cap
• 2 neck gaiters
• Down jacket
• Tights
• All-purpose gore tex or specialised canoe anorak with hood
• 1 pair of light outdoor shoes for the bivouac

4/ Toiletry bag:

• 1 soap in a Tupperware box
• Deodorant (some do without…)
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• 1 large light towel for everything
• 1 razor
• Sanitary pads

5/ Pharmacy kit (in a small waterproof bag):

• Paracetamol
• Tweezers
• Physiological serum
• Bandages, compresses and cleaning pads
• Compeed (for blisters)
• Anti histamines
• White tiger balm
• Survival blanket
• Some essential oils

6/ Canoe gear:

• Lifejacket (PFD)
• Knife and whistle in the PFD
• Reeving kit: 3 prussiks (ropes), 5 karabiners, 2/3 pulleys, a reeving strap
• 15/20 metre safety rope
• Waterproof pants
• Water shoes (very good shoes or hiking boots: protect your feet!)
• Neoprene socks (warm and very comfortable, even when wet)
• Knee pads if there are no foam pads in the canoe
• River anorak or mountain Gore Tex good for everything
• Ropes on the canoe grab loops (2X 5/8 meters)
• 1 paddle per person + 1 spare per canoe
• Straps to attach the bags to the canoe (not essential: beware of foot entrapments!)
• Transport cart

7/ Kitchen barrel:

• Lightweight ground sheet
• Kitchen towel
• Stove + gas
• Pan
• Casserole
• Utensils (forks, spoons, knife, wooden spatula)
• Plates and bowls
• Salt and pepper in a small box
• Olive oil
• Lighter
• Scraper sponge
• Light folding bucket for washing up and laundry
• Bio dishwashing liquid
• Small waterproof bag sacrificed to use as a trashbag (10/20 litres)
• Water bag (10 litres or more).
• Individual water bottle
• Water filter
• Micropur / water disinfection tablets (in case of doubt)
• Cooler for some comfort trips
• Food (of course!)

8/ Repair bag (in small waterproof bag):

• Rislans
• Spare canoe screws and bolts
• Multi function tool
• Ducktape (essential)
• Simgrip type glue for repairing tents, mattresses, etc.

9/ Day bag (deck bag, waterproof, 20/30 litres):

• Lighter
• Toilet paper
• Hat or cap
• Windbreaker (specialised anorak or mountain Gore Tex)
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Mosquito repellent / net hat
• Lip balm
• Papers / wallet
• Phone (tip: in a waterproof case)
• Headlamp
• Notebook + pencil

10/ Electronics (in a waterproof bag or small waterproof case):

• Camera
• SD cards stored in mini Tupperware boxes (2 to separate full and empty cards)
• USB charger for camera or Gopro batteries
• Camera batteries
• Mini tripod
• Solar panel
• 1 or 2 large batteries 24000 Mph + cables to charge batteries, phone…
• GPS watch or GPS + cable
• 4 port USB charger / wall socket if we cross the civilization
• Phone headphones (to listen to music…)

This checklist can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking below: