How to Pack your Canoe
If you are like me, and I think you are because we are both thinking about getting outside, then you will really enjoy seeing nature from a canoe or kayak. Having the cool clear water flowing by as your paddle subtly breaks the surface of the water to propel you to your next vision of beauty is a wonderful feeling. But, you need to know how to do it right to be safe.
Let me help you complete your trip with great memories by explaining a bit on how to pack and load your canoe to stay upright.
The gear you’ll need is most likely the same gear you would pack for a day hike, weekend or long trip in your pack. One luxury is being able to pack a bit more because you are not worrying about weight as much as you do when it is on your back.
A list should include details on the following: camping gear, cooking hardware and fuel, food items with a planned menu for each day, clothes, safety equipment, canoeing gear, and miscellaneous items.
However, don’t get too overboard (no pun intended), you need to re-check your list and make sure what you are packing IS what you need. Don’t over-pack or your canoe will become unstable.
After you get your gear together, start getting it in carry containers. Many canoeists keep their gear together such as food, clothing, first aid supplies, etc. If you do a lot of portaging, either walking yourself and gear around a large rapid or stopping for lunch or camp, you will need to carry your gear to shore. Having gear stored together can help make less trips back and forth with what you need.
Speaking of carry containers, you’ll want to make sure everything that needs to be dry stays dry. I like to store my gear for the worst- it gets submerged in the water. Use dry bags, dry cases and heavy duty garbage bags to store the gear that needs to stay dry.
Next, make a test load at home. Make sure you are loaded properly before you get out on the water. Test packing your gear will also get you thinking about how and where you’ll want to place items in the canoe. For example, consider the items you want within arms reach, such as water, sunscreen, bug repellent and a spare paddle. Also take the time during test packing to ensure you have the proper straps and ropes to tie down gear.
Weight distribution is one is a key concept in canoe loading. The same principles apply to
loading a canoe as do filling a backpack. Put the heaviest items where they will have the least impact on your balance and maneuverability.
In canoeing, pack the heavy gear on the bottom and in the center. Medium-heavy items can be placed over heavier gear, and lighter items can be placed at the far ends of the canoe. This tactic will keep the canoe balanced and properly trimmed. Don’t forget to tie it down!
Enjoy your trip!
