ALGONQUIN PARK: What to Pack for a remote backcountry canoe camping trip. 

Everyone uses different kinds of gear, but I have a couple suggestions I have found very useful: Bear Bangers instead of Bear spray, it gives you an option if a bear is sitting on a portage or is a little too curious about you.... the added bonus is besides bangers you can also carry emergency flares for the same launcher. The second thing is a small set of binoculars, super handy for finding the portage on bigger lakes as those signs can be tricky to find sometimes (or even non-existent if the tree it was on has fallen or the sign just wore off).

You can put the batteries in backwards in your light to avoid accidentally killing them

Loving your journey and your advice. I’m sure you have this covered, but don’t forget a first aid kit. I keep that in the same bag as my water filter & fire-starter. Safe travels.

My wife and I are embarking on our first canoe trip this fall! I appreciate all the tips and the discussion you've opened up in the comments! Can't wait to hit the water.

In terms of your headlamp batteries - just reverse one of them in the headlamp itself, that way the batteries don't get lost and it still won't turn on in your bag.

Cut a slit in a tennis ball and put in on the legs of your camp chair so you don't sink into the ground.

What battery pack do you use to charge your phone?

With Crocs I've used gore-tex oversocks for when it rains. Wool sock underneath, gore-tex on top, then you don't have to worry about your foot getting wet in the Crocs. Good information, thanks for sharing and enjoy your trip!

Jeff’s maps is unlostify, Jeff told me in a backcountry thread

I'm praying that the shift of the opening date didn't affect your trip!! I'm booked in the park May 17-20 As it states now, May 15th for Algonquin backcountry permits. Fingers crossed for us all!! It's been a darn long winter!!!

Your hired as my wilderness guide fo sho SCOTTY, we are prepping for a winter outing at Yosemite it might be only me and my dog unless wifey can take the days off. But your winter stuff is my go to site. Mahalo nut loa, your boy Kekoa.

Oh another thing. For portage's, a big bag pack is used. Bill's Bag from NRS is the recognized champion. Two sizes. Less money than the competition. Bombproof.

great video. I have a helinox chair aswell. it is a must on my canoe trips. i recommend getting the foot print for the helinox. work on soft ground or beaches. I got mine at MEC

Dude---that looks like a quadruple carry! Man, that's a lot of gear. Imagine the firs nations peoples or the voyageurs looking at this pile of gear! Two hatchets is excessive even with a double carry. Just my humble opinion. You didn't go over the Awaga Boreal saw at all! It is one awesome tool! I have brought a few dehydrated RTE meals recently. Peak Refuel is really good high-calorie and vary very tasty stuff. I get them on sale at Sierra Trading. but still, they are not cheap. I am going to get a food dehydrator and make my own stuff. Not a whole meal, but having a bunch of ingredients like peppers, onions, beans, strawberries, pasta rice...etc....you can pack very light get creative and eat well without spending $12 each per meal. That bugnet looks great. gotta find one of those. A lot of people like the JetBoil. I find it topheavy and not stable. the small micro stoves that also run on isobutane cylinders are great. the MSR Pocket Rocket is very popular but again, these stoves that mount to the top of the canister are too topheavy for me. Especially with a big pot for spaghetti or a big frying pan. There are a bunch of micro stoves on amazon and ebay. tiny little things for around $10-15 that5 work really well. They can simmer or go full blast and they weight nothing. If you get the kind that is a hose-feed...instead of bolting onto the can, it's more stable and also you can invert the can and "liquid-feed" the stove which is really good to make the stove run better when you are down at freezing temps. Gotta mention the MoraKniv Companion fixed blade knife. If any beginner (or expert!) wants a good, solid, basic knife for camping, backpacking and tripping...it cannot be beat. Very sturdy and also lightweight...Sixteen American dollars!!!! And made of good quality steel. It is RAZOR sharp out of the box. You cna get a regular and a heavy version of this knife. The regular is great and it's 2 mm thick, the heavy-duty is 3mm thick. Might be good if you intended on doing a lot of "batonning" with firewood. Also, available in very good carbon steel and a stainless steel as well. I'm a big fan of the Platypus water filtration system. the large one. It's a major advantage to go to the river or lake and get a substantial quantity of water and just let it hang on a tree and filter. it's very fast and convenient and no moving parts. I actually have a 20L SealLine Baja Bag (heavy duty dry bag) that I fill with water so I can bring even more water to the campsite) First aid kit is important. SUPER important because there's nobody there to fix you. I advise people to make their own. don't buy an expensive crappy pre-made kit. Get a water tight tupperware or dry bag and assemble your own stuff. I have a 3"x9" x11" tupperware with gasketted lid: Coagulant powder Zip Stitch (to avoid stitches---great product) Lidocane topical anesthetic Burn cream Anti itch cream Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic cream Domeboro for poison ivy Ibuprofin (Vitamin I) Acetomenifen Aspirin EmergenC vitamin C (excellent at knocking back a cold when you first feel it) Gauze pads Larger gauze pads Medical tape Ace bandage Anti blister pads Several sizes Band_Aids Alcohol prep wipes Q tips, tweezers Scissors thermometer (old school type-no batteries) Cotton balls Large syringe for irrigating wounds Cold and Flu gel-tabs Alergy meds/ Benedryle/ Allegra Spare pads for women Cold pack Light stick Just the process of assembling your own kit will make you think about appropriate first aid

Great tips. Helonix "Ground chair" model doesn't sink into the ground!... doesn't have the pointy leg base.

Very informative. I look forward to watching your canoeing adventure. Thanks for sharing this information.

Any reason you have good quality climbing rope to hang your food ? I always prefer to buy better quality things for camping, but my gf wants to just buy some cheap cord at the dollar store.

2022 technology has come a long way. I always carry my Garmin Inreach Mini on my PFD when paddling, on my pack when hiking or in my rig when overlanding. I send "In Camp" text to family each day so they do not worry. It is well worth the expense for me and my family's Pease of mind.

Since Algonquin Park has delayed its opening till the 15th, I would check out the French River area, specifically wolseley bay. I usually pay for parking at Wolseley Lodge in Noelville and basecamp near five finger Rapids.

Great video. Can you share more information about that fry pan.. looks ideal for camping

Katadyn gravity is 2 microns. 1 micron or less is recommended to filter Giardia. BeFree, Sawyer and Platypus is all 1 micron.

Nice tips. You really are so lucky to have the wilderness and parks that you do. I hope to see Algonquin someday. Love your channel. 😊

Headlight batteries can go in backwards to prevent accidental turn ons without having to store them separately

Can you tell me what the emergency beacon was? I don't see a link above...Thanks!

Nice video. Haha I have regular big tarps and a large sleep mat. It appears there are much smaller ones I can get. Good to know 👍

You can use mini dog toy tennis balls which are quite often tougher than regular tennis balls to use as feet on the chairs! Helinox does make bigger feet for them, but they are quite expensive for what they are.

Hi from Ohio. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Can't wait to see the videos. God bless.

Great video. Could you please share the GPS app for android phones you mentioned ?

Put tennis balls on your helinox chair legs. They also make a sand cloth that goes on the chair legs.

Thanks, Scott, for this detailed explanation of your trip gear, and all the details that go into determining what to take, what to leave behind, when and why - very helpful ! Found myself pausing the vid often to Google your equipment items for future reference/purchases. Amazing how camping/tripping gear keeps getting better, lighter, more compact and more efficient. Recently subbed (came here through Joe), and looking forward to watching more. ATB

What gps app do you use??? I couldn't find the link

Always fun to see what paddlers bring on longer trips. Enjoyed seeing your version. Have fun guys!

I'm heading out in a few days. This was very helpful, thanks so much!

Thanks Scott for sharing your equipment with us. 👍😁

Looking forward to your video when you get back! That’s really why I watch.

SUNGLASSES ?

What kit do you use for fishing?

I own a Adventure Company in Ontario. In my opinion, you are wrong on the Bear Spray. 99% of bears will run off. It is the rouge teenage mail bear that have been a problem and have killed campers. Think of it like dogs. Most dogs are fine, but once in a while you come across a vicious dog. I would not want to be deep in the park with a vicious black bear without bear spray. Look up bear attacks in Algonquin Park.

Great gear Brother! I look forward to seeing that trip!.

Closed till tues :-( i was heading up fri

Good and informative video, do you have one for your clothing choices? I really liked the little blow up sleeping pad thing. I have never seen one. Thanks

The tarp seemed generic at first but then you mentioned it has a compact size and had strings attached already. What was the brand? As well as the bug hat which you loved, but you didn’t say what type, model, etc it was. Please mention?

What a cool trip! I look forward to your videos of it.

Great stuff, decision making with gear everywhere is always fun

Is it worth packing my hammock gear for a canoe trip? It would be a group going and there would be a tent taken along too.

Lot of good stuf ty i kno some stuf to get

Sawyer water filter 1 micron,whats your 2 first aid kits,Purchase maps/compass, depending on the length of the trip ?,Israeli bandage and celox blood clotter,BTW this is a great insight for everyone going out there,really great stuff from the UK

Almost exactly what i take on canoe trips

Great video Scott. Soon you will be giving ole Joe a run for his money. 8>)

excellent video, bic lighter, bear spray and water proof socks are solid advises, waterproof socks are especially important in early spring and late fall. But normal axe is a luxury and not necessary for camping. I only bring Fisker bush axe when expecting to bush wack for a good distance. Fisker bush axe is much lighter and safer, if you are looking for a well crafted tool, Silky also makes their version of the bush axe. a normal knife is all I need to split fire wood for the night. That hunting knife is horrendous, it is way too big, a 4'' blade is a good all around knife, I like Moraknife, they are light, cheap and reliable. Sometimes I round off the sharp tip of the knife, so I don't poke myself or the internal organs of the animal. Don't know why we still have sharp tip on knifes, since we no longer stab any living creatures with our knifes. small knife sharpener is also very handy if you intend to used your knife.

I love the video, very educational. However one thing I believe you have gotten wrong is the bear spray. It should be in a holster attached to the outside of your backpack in an easy to reach (while wearing the pack) location. When you're not wearing the pack attach the holster to your belt or keep it in a nearby location that everyone is aware of. Bear spray should never be inside your bag or in a location where it cannot be wielded quickly when needed. Always carry it on your pack when you go out. It's the last thing you ever want to use but the one thing you want when in a bad situation.

Excellent video for the novice to watch. I will study this video again before I go on my first solo kayak camping trip. Thanks

I love watching these great gear videos and seeing everyone’s different opinions and gear variations! GREAT Video! My suggestion for a bear banger is having a decently heavier and longer backup paddle that can be used as a “bear banger” lol

Great video. Very informative. I am curious about the weight of your pack.

Hey just starting to look into locator beacons. Wondering what brand you use. Thanks.

Have a great Trip Scott. Wish I was going with you... oh BTW... I picked up my New Swift canoe this past weekend ... Dennis, AKA... Canoehound

Found the bug hat. BugBaffler® Insect Protective Headnet.

Great!

Found the bug hat? BugBaffler® Insect Protective Headnet.

EPIC

Maybe mentioned elsewhere, love that black diamond globe lamp, but it is a battery gobbler, even on the low setting..

Guess your like the rest of us waiting for the results of those Ariel shots to see if we will get an ice out call for this weekend.

Great informative video Scott for canoe trip I will be canoeing here in the states and maybe in Manitoba this summer.

Thank you for the great info!

Excellent info. Backpacker's Pantry is my favorite brand.

Nice gear review, a lot of great choices! What I like about the black diamond lantern is that it takes the same batteries from my headlamp, so I usually just use the old batteries from the headlamp and just use em all the way up in the black diamond lantern.

Any more info on the gps locator? I’ve been interested in one that is not subscription based.

I think you raided my gear room for this video😂. Great videos. My hubby and I are really enjoying your videos. We just discovered you which is awesome for these long winter nights. Stay Safe!

Have a great trip! Looking forward to watching the series, and of course watching Griffin out-fish you, lol. By the way, great job on this video - this will help so many newcomers to backcountry camping.

Hello Scott, thank you for sharing this fine video. You have great gear selections. As you mentioned, if you can't start a fire with a fire steel, matches and 5 lighters, you are better off staying at home and watch reruns of 'Man in the Wilderness' on DVD. The very best to you, your son and friends for a successful trip. 🤗

Exellent video, very informative; I do have all those gears but I do expend money on the least heavy ones, it cost way more but totally worth it by the time of portaging; I have never done a long portaging yet with my canoe and gear but my canoe pack with everything including luxuries I like to take on my trips it weights around 30~35 pounds, that is including everything I usually take, that way I could do single carrying every time; I am short at 5'3 and overweight about 50 pounds from my optimal weight or more (212 now) so those are pounds I have to carry and they count too, lol, this is why in my case there is no room for anything heavy; the lightest I can get, I have no real choice unless I could lose all that weight at once! the canoe is the Swift 13.6 @ 27 pounds or close to 30 including the yoke and the Wegner Ovation paddle, I used to have another Wegner single blade with me but I have decided I would not bring it anymore becsuse I have never used it, after I paid $300 for it, lol. I have found myself a sort of a gear junker rathger than just getting out and having a good time and I hate it, lol, but when the time comes to have the trip, I like the idea that I am fully prepared and have lots of options that will still keeps my weight down while bringing wathever I want to have with me; my cook sets are all titaniuum; have plates, fry pan, mugs, grill and a canteen set; do not bring all always but a combination depending where I am going; here is mostly desert for me so a mug to boil water is mostly all needed for any trips in my area; if I go where I can fish, then bring the fry pan which doubles like plate too, or if bringing food like a piece of meat then bring my titanium grill too; it all weights nothing but I also have a stainless steel 12" cooking set for variation that have never seen the fire yet, lol, so yes after all these years buying expensive crap, I think I am finally ready to drive those 36 hours to Algonquin Park one way from Las Vegas and get lost in the woods literally for few days; I have been looking for closest Parks in Canada or Northen US more close lined up with Las Vegas but I can not find any recommendations or anything that would resemble Algonquin; another adventure would have been traveling the Yukon River and camping along the usal route; now in my defence, I do get a sort of sense of joy everytime I buy something outdoor related and I always think I may not be able to even use it but it pleases me to have it just in case I would get to use it; if I used it once then it is justified; that is how I am wired, lol; this trip it is a bucket list wish that I have been planning since forever and I never plan anything usually other than to live the current minute best I can! just hope that I can see more outdoor with all the gear for it!

Best thing for bugs imo is Thermacell. Used it in Alaska, BC and now in Ontario. Just did a trip with my 10 yr old son into Frontenac and the Thermacell was a life saver with all the bugs in July.

Nice video. Backpacking chair hack - put slits in 4 tennis balls and plug them onto the end of the legs. No more sinking.

First of all, let me say that I love all of your videos. Thank you for taking time to shoot them, not to mention all the effort that goes into editing them afterwards. I really liked this one, you pretty much covered everything. What about toilet paper and trowel? OK, maybe it’s a no brainer, however, the first time canoe trippers may be under the false impression that there are toilet facilities at all the campsites. While I haven’t been to Algonquin Park since 1994, I cant imagine that this has changed much, except that there may have been a few more “Thunder Boxes” or ”Sugar Shacks” added. Too many times did I find my choice of tent site had been used as a toilet. There are some videos covering this delicate topic, however, they are very few and far between. I am looking forward to seeing your videos of this trip, I think as much as you are looking forward to going. Have a safe and happy trip and I will make you a wish for good weather.#

Best to you and your son Scott on your trip! Enjoyed the video. I will also be heading out for a solo canoe trip in Maine next Tuesday. Ice out should happen by then. I bought a dry suit for river and big lake travel. Have you ever considered this? Best to you Scott. Looking forward to the videos. Maybe I will post my trip on RU-vid for the first time ever. Have to learn to edit first. No clue how to do that yet. Have fun and be safe out there.

Great video Scott! I'll be making the drive from Windsor to Algonquin in September. I have never been as of yet. Been on many fishing trips in Northern Ontario but always in cabins and aluminum boats. Im really looking for to the serenity of the canoe and being in the wilderness. Im already planning for another trip at ice out next year for spring trout. Best of luck for a safe and successful trip!

Looking forward to seeing Gryphon and your buddy Bill. I’m sure it’s going to be amazing. Thanks for all the gear info.😘

Thank you for taking the time to share very helpful. have a fun/safe trip bud, can't wait for the video. Oh give a hug to your side kicks (dog's).

Well done. Always interesting to see how others do it. A "clothes" video might be useful. What is the name of the locator beacon? I cancelled my Spot and carry a Spot sat phone now. It is o.k. but pricey per year and not always able to locate a satellite. Thanks for the video.

Great video! Common sense pack out. Well produced, well thought out, time tested and very, very similar to the items we bring. It just works! (The only difference is my 83 pound gun boat rehabilitated canoe, unloaded - that’s a triple portage on a good day. But she works.) We love your no nonsense approach and your love of adventure. We are fly-fisherman by nature and could teach you a thing or three, but then again, you could teach us a thing-or-seven. Looking forward to the effort you will put forth in the up coming season to entertain us. You have a knack. Be proud. I’m a retired photojournalist and you couldn’t pay me enough to record my adventures. My kids goad me all the time, but I’m happy enough to enjoy your adventures and those with similar taste. I know the effort you put forth and we can’t thank you and the others enough. Cheers! And have a great season of adventures! MG

Another great vid, thanks for sharing. Question here: Do you normally buy your gear online or in-store? I've been doing algonquin trips for about 4 years now so my gear is always getting refined each year, but I always find myself spending way too much time online searching for the best deal on high quality products. I live in Windsor ON so there's not really any good stores around other than in Detroit. Obviously some brands never go on sale, I understand that, but are there any sites you've used that really stand out as your go to for gear?

Enjoyed this video. Always looking for new and lighter ways to portage as I age. A new thing I’ve been doing is rather than camp shoes, I wear neoprene socks with liners to cut down on weight and I also wear them into the water for my evening swim/bath. Keep the videos coming.

Scott, great video. Love seeing what people take on these trips. I'm looking forward to this summer and all of your trips.

I'm going into the bush here in Yellowknife Sunday and Monday thanks for the video, have a great time and keep your head on a swivel my man

hope it works out for you have a great time! I just got canceled for my spring fishing trip into Algonquin park we were set to go in on monday

Scott, I like the butterfly handled skillet, who makes that model? All the best, Gordon

So...you are ready to start! Your fans will be with you!

Great gear vid. I hope the delayed openings at Algonquin dont put a damper on your trip like they did mine for this weekend :(

awesome content.. saw this one twice.. well done Sir! subscribed..

Good morning Scott, Where and what kind of plate do you have?

Thanks pops. Great info 💡

Great stuff Scott. One tip, my friend had a swiveling Helinox chair and it broke on day 3 of an 8 day trip because he leaned over in it to grab an item. The interesting thing is that it wasn't plastic that broke, but rather one of the metal poles. We packed it out with us of course, but it was quite a disappointment. Try not to lean over too far in it, and keep your receipt if possible. Thanks for the great informational video; I know it will prove useful to countless folks.

Always have extra batteries on your trip . Very important.

I'm literally going this weekend what a coincidence

Nice video Scott. Good advice and selection. We are going this weekend also. Have a good trip

Good video thanks for sharing, seem like a real chill guy!

Never saw the link for downloading maps on phone. Also could not find it when I searched your channel. Could you please share that?

Awesome video. Do you bring any sort of wind protection for your stove/kelly kettle? Heading into the park for a 6 day trip on Saturday!

good info thanks - what was the name of that small pad you had fer sittin on - i cudnt pick out the name - txs and take care