In my last blog post (Food Packing on the River) we covered meals and what types of food to pack for your week long canoe trip. In this weeks blog, I will go over what I have found to be some of the essentials for an extended canoe trip that will make your trip a success.
Basic Gear: A canoe. Steer clear of the metal canoes if you can, espicially if your doing a river. The Chupacabra use a mix of Old Town and Paluski which have served us well over the years. If you have someone in your group like Rubber Ducky, your going to want to pack atleast 1 extra paddle as well. Turns out if you let go of them they float away.
A good tent is worth the money. Some have tried using a hammock, which I advise against. Sure you could sleep in one, but you are too dependent on trees availability.
Dry Bag. Don’t use an old book bag or duffle bag, It will rain, you will get water in your canoe, your stuff will be soaked. Dry bag is worth the money, just keep your clothes in there.
Bedding. You dont necessarily need a sleeping bag, but they do pack down pretty well nowadays. If you’re over the age of 25 you are going to want some kind of sleeping pad – trust me, you may not have a bad back now, but your age will show quickly if you try and tough it out on the ground. Some senior members prefer a cot, which keep you off the ground, if you have the space in your canoe go for it but not a necissity. Pillows, come on, just ball up a hoody or inflate a garbage bag.
Ammo box. Highly recommend as a smaller, daily use box. Stores nicely under your canoe seat, you can store your electronics, cigars, lighters, anything you don’t want getting wet.
Shovel – your gonna need to dig a potty pit at some point to take care of when nature calls. Don’t just go on the ground like an animal, take a little time and dig a diarrhea drain like a gentlemen. Shovel also comes in handy when there is heavy rain, dig small trench around your tent to prevent flooding.
Saw/Hatchet/Machette – If your canoeing in the wilderness, theres going to be debris to chop down to make a campsite, and they usually dont come with precut fire wood. Think ahead, you dont need to pack firewood, just the tools to get your own.
Flashlight/Headlamp/Lantern – Of all of these I would say headlamp is the most important for navigating around at night, you’ll have a campfire for general light, headlamp is a handsfree way of navigating in the dark.
Bucket – Bring an old chlorine bucket for storing random stuff. Gruman Master usually brings 5-10 which are good for keeping bulkier items dry, as well as a useful seat or small table around the fire.
Rope, tarp, bungee cords. All come in handy more often than you’d think. A tarp and rope help to make impromptu shelters for the camp site, as well as tying up gear, safely shoring your canoe, and lassoing wild animals as needed.
Speaker – nothing like some killer tunes on the river or starting the morning off with a Jimmy Hendrix rendition of the star spangled banner. Make sure its waterproof – JBL has some really good ones.
A good cooler. Its tempting to bring just an old cooler or a cheap one that doesn’t matter if it gets dented or broke. But paying a little extra for a good cooler goes a long way. You dont want a styrophoam one that crumbles on the second day, or an old one that ice melts in after 2 hours. Get a good arctic one or yeti for your things that must stay cold, raw meat, heavy whipping cream, beer, etc. You’ll find its one of the thing you might over look, but really makes a huge difference.
Kind of like how Steven Kwan was overlooked for AL Rookie of the year in 2022. You’re telling me as a rookie, batting for average (.298, but comeon, basically 300) loses to Julio Rodriguez on Seatle only becuase he had more homeruns? Oh and forgot to mention Kwan won a gold glove as well! A difference maker at the plate and a defensive stud, he only loses because writers only care about the flashy homeruns. It baffles me, and I’m still mad about it.
Long term, I see a lot of similarities between him and Brantley. he’s going to put the ball in play, and he’s a lock in the outfield. Not a diva, a pretty lowkey guy who’s consistent all around. With all the moves they made this past off season I’m glad they kept him, he’s a great piece to build a solid line up around. Hopefully with his history with Travis Bazzana (college they played together) we’ll get some great team chemistry, a little firepower in the lineup and have a great late season push. Off to a sluggish start but the pitching will come around, its a long season.
Anyway, paddles up, Chupacabra Ho!
Munitions Master
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