Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@btburton42
Last active July 31, 2025 01:39
Show Gist options
  • Select an option

  • Save btburton42/090350192adabbb042357c0471c25ed3 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.

Select an option

Save btburton42/090350192adabbb042357c0471c25ed3 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
GEAR_LISTS

The Ultimate Boundary Waters Packing List

The Sooner The Better: To be done before your canoe trip checklist

  • Select your canoe route and entry point*
  • Reserve travel permit*
  • Get RABC permit for Quetico
  • Reserve outfitting and launches
  • Make flight arrangements to Minneapolis or Duluth
  • Arrange for a rental car
  • Arrange pre and post-trip lodging*
  • Make plans for eating along the way
  • Purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps (sold at our store)
  • Purchase canoeing maps*
  • Check out vehicles, racks, trailers, and trailer lights
  • Get current license on canoes
  • Get current rabies certificate for pets going to Canada
  • Sharpen knives
  • Oil footwear
  • Lubricate and put fresh line on fishing reels
  • Sharpen fish hooks
  • Check camp stove and lantern operation
  • Waterproof tent and rainfly
  • Refurbish wooden canoe paddles
  • Repackage food and gear items to eliminate packaging and prohibited cans and bottles

Don't Leave Home Without It: Essential Boundary Waters packing list items

  • Permit confirmation
  • Reservation confirmations
  • Fishing licenses (Please bring your social security number)
  • Identification
  • Driver's license
  • Cash
  • Credit card
  • Phone calling card
  • Health insurance information
  • Vehicle insurance information
  • Tools and jumper cables in car
  • Spare vehicle and padlock keys
  • Fill water containers
  • Get fresh and frozen foods out of refrigerator
  • Cooler and ice for travelling
  • Get live bait
  • Leave itinerary and phone numbers with someone at home
  • Leave unnecessary valuables at home
  • Toiletries, clean clothes, clean towel, and dry shoes for return trip

First Things First: Canoe Trip Packing List

  • Maps*
  • Map marking pen
  • Map case*
  • Compass*
  • Back up maps and compass
  • Satellite Phone reservation
  • Duluth packs or dry bags*
  • HD trash bags to line packs*
  • Stuff sacks and compression stuff sacks*
  • Day pack, fanny pack, or thwart bag
  • Canoes*
  • Yoke pads*
  • Paddles*
  • Spare paddle*
  • Life jackets*
  • Emergency whistle zipper pulls
  • Rescue throw bag
  • Seat pads
  • Duct tape*
  • Knee pads
  • Sponge
  • Bailer
  • Bow and stern lines
  • Cords or bunjis to lash in packs
  • Canoe cover
  • Cartop carrier, rack, or trailer

Shelter From The Storm: Camping Packing List

  • Tents*
  • Rainfly*
  • Stakes*
  • Poles*
  • Ground cloths*
  • Vestibule
  • Sleeping bags*
  • Mattresses*
  • Dining fly or tarp with grommets*
  • Camp rope or parachute cord*
  • Camp chairs or butt pads
  • Camp pillows
  • Lantern, spare mantles, and fuel

Thanks For The Memories: How to prove to the boss you were in the BWCA

  • camping list
  • Cell phone with waterproof case
  • Cell phone portable or solar chargers
  • Waterproof camera
  • Fresh film
  • Fresh batteries and spares
  • Pocket tripod
  • Waterproof camera bag
  • Lens cleaners

Come And Get It!: Camp Kitchen Packing List

  • Pots w/ lids*
  • Frying pans w/ lids*
  • Utensils*
  • Utensil bag*
  • Plates*
  • Cups*
  • Measuring cup*
  • Bowls*
  • Water bottle for each person*
  • Water bag or bucket*
  • Water purification system*
  • Silverware*
  • Potholders*
  • Pot scrubbers*
  • Biodegradable soap*
  • Dish towels*
  • Spice kit*
  • Fire starter
  • Camp stove, fuel, and funnel*
  • Stove repair tools and kit
  • Camp saw*
  • Disposable lighters*
  • Waterproof matches*
  • Reflector oven and baking pan
  • Dutch oven
  • Aluminum foil
  • Paper towels*
  • Extra zip lock bags
  • Camp kitchen knife*
  • Bear ropes*
  • Trash bags*
  • Fresh food items*
  • Frozen food items*
  • Breakfasts*
  • Lunches*
  • Dinners*
  • Beverages*
  • Snacks*
  • Desserts*
  • Spices and condiments*
  • Cooking oil*

That Rainy Day Feelin' Again:

  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Fresh batteries, spares, and spare bulbs
  • Paperback book
  • Journal, notebook, or sketch pad
  • Pencils and pens
  • Travel board games
  • Playing cards
  • Binoculars
  • Bird and plant books
  • Hacky sack
  • Frisbee

Here Fishy, Fishy: Boundary Waters Fishing Packing List

  • Rods and reels
  • Tackle box
  • Filet knife
  • Filet glove
  • Filet board
  • Ceramic sharpener
  • Stringer
  • Pliers or Leatherman
  • Fish batter and oil*
  • Fish locator
  • Spare batteries
  • Superglue
  • Spare rod tips
  • Spare spool of line
  • Folding landing net
  • Live bait
  • Pocket camera for catch and release photos

Dress For Success: Boundary "Waters" packing list to keep you warm and dry

  • Waterproof boots (in warmer months you may decide to use water shoes like those described below instead of boots)
  • Gore-tex socks
  • Water shoes (any quick-draining sneaker or sandal such as those made by Keen or Salomon)
  • Spare laces
  • Socks (we like wool socks for all seasons)
  • Pants
  • Shorts
  • Swimsuits
  • T Shirts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Sweatshirts or fleece jacket
  • Briefs
  • Sport bras
  • Belt or suspenders
  • Bandanas
  • Windbreaker
  • Rain pants!!
  • Rain jacket!!
  • Waterproof cap
  • Cap with sun visor
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Stocking cap
  • Pocket or wrist watch
  • Travel alarm

Gettin' Personal: Packing List

  • Toilet Paper*
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Hair brush or comb
  • Biodegradable soap*
  • Towel
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug dope
  • Afterbite
  • Hand and body lotion
  • Pain reliever
  • First Aid Kit and book*
  • Personal medications and medical information
  • Emergency coins and money
  • Pocket knife
  • Sharpener
  • Safety pins
  • Needle, thread, and extra buttons
  • Spare eyewear
  • Pocket mirror
  • Feminine hygiene products
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment