The Camping List

Tent

Get a tent with quality, smooth-operating zippers.

Use a tent with a rain fly so you have good ventilation. A durable floor is essential in BWCAW camping because your tent will often be covering rocks. A bathtub design, where the floor wraps up the side of the tent several inches, seems to work better (less leaks) than having a seam right at ground level. I cannot afford the expensive high-end tents so I usually go with what I can find at stores like Target. I've owned several different brands but Eureka is my current favorite. They seem well designed, stay dry and are relatively lightweight. The largest tent I have is about 10 x 10 feet. At that size, it becomes difficult to find campsites with a tent pad that large. Smaller groups with small tent footprints will have more options for campsites. Make sure the tent has smooth quality zippers so they don't get snagged on the flap. There's nothing worse than trying to un-snag a zipper during a rain storm as mosquitoes come buzzing into your tent.

Tarp with Ropes and Stakes

A tarp provides a nice shelter for packs and other gear.

When I set up camp I always hang a large durable tarp to store empty back packs under. I typically string a rope between two trees to hold up the front edge of the tarp and stake the bottom edge to the ground. If there are enough trees, I will suspend the entire tarp. Consider which way the wind is likely to come from during a storm when setting up the tarp. The tarp is also the common location for the toilet paper (critical to keep that dry) as well as a place to eat meals if the weather gets horrible. When packing, I keep the tarp (as well as a few other cheap tarps) handy in case it starts to rain while we are canoeing or portaging gear.

Hammer for Tent Stakes

Low cost plastic hammer.

A lightweight plastic hammer does the job. Sometimes, tent stakes need to get pounded into rock crevices or under tree roots. The hammer I have has holes in the handle. When it's time to pull out the tent stakes, I can put the top of the tent stake into the last hole in the hammer's handle and pull up.

Spare Tent Stakes

You will be pounding into rocks and tree roots so bring three or four spare aluminum tent stakes. Aluminum is lighter than steel.

Canoes and Paddles

Be sure to stash your canoes out of the wind at night.

Aluminum canoes are lower cost than Kevlar but weigh more. You will want to do some research and consider how much weight you can portage before deciding which canoe to rent or purchase. Be sure to have a portage yoke installed on the canoe. Paddles are easy to forget at the last moment as gear is loaded up, thus they are on the checklist. There has been some debate over the years whether a spare paddle is needed. I've never broken one and have become complacent about bringing a spare.

Life Jackets (Personal Floatation Device)

I circle this item and double check it the morning we head out on a trip. Minnesota law requires each person in a boat to have a wearable life jacket.

Big Sponges

When you need to get in and out of the canoe to push through shallow water, you're bound to start getting water in the bottom of the canoe. It's good to have something to bail out the canoe while you are paddling so packs do not get wet. Sponges are also great for taking care of puddles in the tent that may form during a heavy rain.

Sleeping Bags and Pads

Buy small lightweight gear so you will be able to fit everything into your canoe.

Small and lightweight are important here. These can consume a lot of precious canoe space so it is wise to buy smaller, lightweight sleeping bags and pads. I use Slumberjack Super Guide sleeping bags rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and Therm-a-Rest inflatable pads. My sleeping bags are fine for summertime camping. If you camp during other seasons, you will want to research sleepings bags that are appropriate for colder weather and be prepared to spend more money for those. When you load your canoe at each lake be aware of where your sleeping bags are located. I try to pack them so they are not on the bottom of the canoe where water can build up from rain or from a dripping canoe paddle as I switch paddling sides.

Pillows

A stuff sack filled with clothes works well as a pillow although it's not exactly soft. I pack small camp pillows that come in stuff sacks. One of my favorites is from Slumberjack.

Rain Gear with Pants

I never like to imagine myself sitting on a log trying to eat a meal in the pouring rain. However, this is always a possibility so it's prudent to pack decent rain gear that you may end up wearing for several days. I like the Coleman Lightweight PVC rain ruit and also the frogg toggs DriDucks rain suit. Both have good ventilation, pack small and are inexpensive. Both tear easier than more expensive rain suits so you do need to use some care. In fact, my DriDucks rain suit now has several duct tape pathes on it.

Packs

Packs will be tossed onto rocks and into canoes so durability is important.

I've used frame packs as well as large bag packs and have found pros and and cons between them. I like to carry my gear out to a floating canoe while loading it so the canoe doesn't get dinged up on rocks. However, when I get into the canoe my shoes usually bring in a bunch of water. A frame pack allows some space between the bottom of the canoe and the pack contents so the gear stays drier. The frame pack also does a better job of distributing the weight making it easier to carry on a long portage. Large bag packs have an amazing capacity and it is easier to load them (just a big opening at the top rather than several zippered compartments). My favorite pack is a large bag-type manufactured by Kondos Outdoors. I picked it out of a used gear pile at Voyageur North Outfitters a few years ago. It can hold a ton of gear and there's a nice pad inside that keeps the gear from sticking in my back. Even in allegedly used condition I cannot find a single rip in it. It's extremely well built.

Food Barrels

Food barrels keep food dry and somewhat protected from criiters.

This is my favorite advancement in camping gear over the years. Prior to critter-resistant containers, food packs had to be hung from tree branches or a rope suspended between two trees. It can be difficult to find a sturdy tree branch at just the right height and get a rope tossed over it, especially in the burn areas. That's why I am excited about these food barrels. I purchased two from Piragis many years ago. I firmly tie them to a tree at ground level away from the tents. Tying the barrels to a tree is important. If a bear manages to get a barrel on its side, then the bear can use its weight to squash the barrel and get the top off. Many people advise hanging the barrels just like a food pack. There are also barrels available (other than the blue barrels) that are better designed to prevent opening by a bear. The barrels have sat out in the rain and always kept my food dry. Just be sure you buy the optional carrying harness if you will be doing any portaging! For my solo trips, I've started using the Ursack which is a bear-resistant bag that can be tied to a tree. It's lightweight and I've had no critters get into it.

UPDATE: In July 2021, Superior National Forest issued a food storage order that requires visitors to hang food or use a bear canister or bear-resistant container. The consensus in the online forums I have browsed is that the blue food barrels are not acceptable as a container that can be stored on the ground. As a result, I will likely switch to the BearVault 500. Three of those is about the same as my 30 liter blue barrel.

Food Pack Ropes and Pulleys

On rare occasion, I bring some 50 foot ropes and small pulleys if I need to hang a food pack (stuff that didn't fit in the barrels). It's nice to have some spare rope that can be used as an anchor for fishing or a clothes drying line.

Cook Kit

I've cobbled together a collection of aluminum pots over the years. If you plan on frying some fish as part of your trip be sure to include a non-stick skillet with a cover. The cover will keep hot oil from splashing on the chef and also keep flies off your meal. Don't cover up the entire skillet while cooking. You want the moisture to vent out. In recent years, I've started packing a few sheets of tin foil to use as a cover.

Cooking Utensils

I like to pack a couple of large spoons and a spatchula.

Silverware, Plates, Cups

I like the small spoon-fork-knife combos that clip together. Aluminum plates are lightweight and durable. Cups with screw on lids work well if you like to carry a beverage with you throughout the day. Most of my camping trips include youngsters. A few years ago I bought several Embark insulated cups with lids from Target. Each person wrote their name on a cup and then they could use it for beverages or food. They could screw the lid on to keep bugs out in between drinking or eating.

Detergent

Wash your dishes away from the lake!

Pot Scrubber

My favorite is the HyVee Heavy Duty Scrubber Sponge. It has a tough green side to help get stubborn food out of the skillet and a soft yellow side for general washing.

Dish Rag

Dish Drying Towel

Matches and Lighter

You should have some waterproof matches in a sealed container just in case things go horribly wrong. Along with that, pack a few small boxes of regular matches and a long-neck butane lighter.

Food

Plan your menu well in advance of the trip and verify all of the participants are happy with the menu. You can purchase a lot of camping food at any grocery store. Macaroni with Cheese (where the cheese is in a foil pouch), dried fruit, snack bars, fruit cups, mashed potato flakes, etc. are all low-cost items. I usually purchase freeze-dried food for the evening meals though because they are lightweight, easy to prepare, taste good and have generous portions. You simply pour boiling water into the pouch, seal it up and wait 10 minutes. Mountain House is my favorite brand and sold at most camping supply stores. Freeze dried ice cream is a nice treat. For solo trips, I've started purchaing meals from Packit Gourmet. Pizza Margherita Wrap is my favorite. Just remember, when it comes to food, no cans or bottles are allowed in the BWCAW.

Freezer Bags

I pack several gallon and two-gallon sized freezer bags. These are handy for transporting fish fillets (I always clean my fish away from the campsite) and also for applying fish breading shaker-style to those fillets. It's also nice to have several bags for storing garbage such as packaging from freeze-dried food. The freezer bags have a seal that reduces scent from the garbage, thus I theorize, reduces interest from bears.

Tissue

Pack this in a waterproof bag.

Toilet Paper

Also pack this in a waterproof bag and instruct all members of your crew to seal the bag after use and place it back under the tarp. The number of rolls to bring depends on the size and composition of the group and of the toilet paper. A group of eight or nine people can go through a roll per day.

Water Filter and Jug

Hang the base camp water bag from a tree.

The water in the BWCAW is incredibly clear. However, if you don't use a water filter you could still ingest a parasite and end up going through your rolls of toilet paper in a hurry. You could also end up in the hospital. My favorite water filter is the Katadyn Base Camp (although it appears to be called the Gravity Camp now with some enhancements). It's a large water bag that you can hang from a tree branch. It has a tube with a clip on it. I run the tube into a gallon jug so that we always have a supply of drinking water on hand. Bring extra filters.

Canteens with Water

Everyone should have a water bottle. Be sure to fill it before heading out to paddle and portage.

First Aid Kit

Pack plenty of band-aids. Also consider any allergies or other medical issues that members of your group may have. Pack pain relief medication and any other required prescriptions.

Flashlight

Pack at least one per tent. The wind-up types are nice because you do not need to worry about running out of batteries.

Camera

Pack this in a water resistant container. I'm pleased with my Kodak EasyShare C613. I originally bought this as a camera to toss in my fishing boat just to have handy in the event I ever caught a large fish. I was impressed by the quality of the photos it creates so now it goes everywhere with me. Many of the photos on this website were taken with that camera.

Insect Repellent

An absolute necessity during the summer months.

Sunblock

Another absolute necessity.

Sun Glasses

Polarized sun glasses are worth the extra expense. I can see deeper down into the water to spot rocks (which are not friendly to canoes).

Pocket Knife

Good for sharpening sticks used to toast marshmallows.

Maps

Good maps are critical for finding portages and campsites.

You will want good maps for finding your way to portages and campsites as well as good contour maps for fishing. The maps from W. A. Fisher Co. and McKenzie Maps are both great include depth contours for some of the lakes. Contour maps for a specific lake can be downloaded from the Minnesota DNR Lake Finder and also purchased at most bait shops. The DNR site also provides lots of information about what types and sizes of fish you can expect to find in a given lake.

GPS and Compass

I have a Garmin eTrex Legend (my particular model is discontinued) loaded with the Minnesota LakeMaster series of contour maps. This setup is great for navigation, finding potential fishing spots and marking waypoints. I also bring along a compass just in case my Garmin runs out of battery.

Shoes

Be prepared to walk with wet feet.

There is no way around it. Someone will need to get their feet wet when camping in the BWCAW. Portages do not have docks where you can tie up your canoe and unload your gear. In most cases you will slide the keel of a fully loaded canoe onto pointed rocks. The bow person might be able to reach dry land but the stern person is best off doing some wading. I've tried hiking boots. They have a good tread so they don't slip on wet rocks and are comfortable and durable for portaging. However, they don't dry fast and in the morning I end up having to slide on wet shoes. I recently tried a pair of Keen sandals for canoeing and portaging and I like them. However, these do not provide good ankle support on the portages, and I'm more likely to get a pebble stuck under my foot, but they do dry fast. I also bring a cheap pair of sandals that I can wear around camp.

Warm Clothing

Get a forecast right before your trip. Even in summer, the BWCAW nights are cool so a hooded sweatshirt is a good idea. I like lightweight nylon pants. They can be worn in warm weather, keep the mosquitoes from stinging, and dry fast.

Note Pad and Pen

Nice to have for writing down items to add to the camping list or keeping score while playng a card game.

Personal Items

This covers all the items you don't want to talk about.

Towels

Nice to have if you go for a swim. These are also good for soaking up water on the tent floor after a heavy rain (not common, but if a window flap is left open or the tent is pitched where water runs, it can happen). I purchased some camp towels a few years ago because they seemed to take a lot less space than a regular bath towel. They are super absorbent and I will continue bringing them. One is a DryLite from Sea to Summit and the other is a Packtowel Original from MSR.

Toothbrush

I like the small travel size.

Wet Ones

Great for cleaning hands and face when I don't feel like walking down to the lake.

Hand Sanitizer

I don't even bring hand soap anymore. Just rinse hands well in the lake and then apply hand sanitizer.

Saw

A sturdy saw with a good handle is best for safe use.

I've had a few different saws and my favorite is the Sawvivor from Trail Blazer (I can't find the website any longer). This saw is super strong and sharp. It folds up nicely and the blade is stored inside the handle.

Pliers

A pair of small pliers is handy for repairs and also extracting lures from the mouths of northern pike. I like the XTools pliers because they float.

Lantern

I am a fan of the Goal Zero Torch Flashlight

I used to pack a propane lantern until I discovered the Torch Flashlight from Goal Zero. I don't see my model on their website any longer, but it appears there is a newer model available. It works as a flashlight and also as a lantern thanks to a group of super bright LEDs on the side. It has a fold-out solar panel, so I simply leave it outside during the day to charge. I've left it on all night and it was still going great the next morning. There is also a hand crank if a quick charge is needed. The only minor shortfall I found, at least with my model, was that the battery pack isn't easily disconnected from the unit for replacement. However, I was able to assemble my own battery pack and solder it into the unit. I'm sure a place like Batteries Plus could easily handle the battery replacement. I liked this light so much I bought a second one. No more gas lanterns for me.

Whistles

My theory is these are good to have accessible in camp in the event a bear shows up around meal time. Having a bunch of people blowing whistles should be enough to drive just about anything away.

Camp Chairs

In the early 1990s, I found some simple lightweight folding "chairs" at Target but unfortunately I have not been able to find anything like them since. As I get older, I am relaxing my minimalist position on frivolities such as large camp chairs with seat backs. It's more stuff to portage, but I must admit it is nice to sit back and relax in camp.

Duct Tape

Good for emergency canoe and tent repair.

Cards/Games

Good for those rainy days.

Mirror

A small metal (no glass) camp mirror is handy to have if you care about how you look.

Pepper Spray

This is for bears. I have never needed it and would likely use only if an aggressive bear didn't respond to other deterents such as whistles and yelling.

AM/FM Radio

I have a Grundig FR-200 that uses three AA batteries but can also operate on wind-up power. It also has a built in light. The radio is handy for getting weather reports. Also, you can tune any radio to the AM band and listen for harsh crackling noises that indicate a thunderstorm is in the area. The WELY radio station broadcasts Personal and Emergency Messages and you can look into that if there is a possible need for you to receive a message while out in the wilderness (for example, "come in quick, your wife is having a baby!").

Two-Way Radios

These are handy if you have a group with two or more canoes. When you are ready to find a campsite, it's nice to be able to split up and search the lake reporting your findings to each other on the radio. Radio communication between canoes regarding fishing spots is also nice. I have four Midland LXT420 radios that have low power channels (no license required for low power) that are adequate for communicating across a lake.

Batteries

If you have devices, such as cameras, that use batteries bring some spares.

Camp Stove and Fuel

A camp stove is often required in the summer when a fire ban is possible.

You will need to determine how much fuel you'll need for your trip. The amount varies depending on the size of your group (more water to boil), what kind of food you eat, and how efficient your stove is. I use the one pound propane canisters. With a group of eight people I figure about one canister per day. That's more than enough.

Fishing Gear

Jig and a leech is my go-to choice for walleye. I've also been trolling #5 and #7 Berkley Flicker Shad the past few years with great results. I also highly recommend bringing hook cutters. These are not only handy for saving a badly hooked fish, but as I found out recently, these make removing a hook from a human much easier. In my case, a hook went deep into my thumb (while trying to unhook a northern pike). I simply had to advance the hook a bit more to get the barb end sticking out (it really didn't hurt much) and then my son used the hook cutters to clip the barb off. Then I simply backed the hook out. I can't imagine what I would have gone through if I didn't have those hook cutters.

Fillet Knife

For filleting fish and hand-to-hand combat with aggressive bears if the pepper spray doesn't work.

Rod Holders

Trolling would be difficult without this rod holder.

Yes, they make these for canoes! I use a Rod Sentry I purchased at Piragis. Just cast the lure far behind the canoe and start paddling.

Portable Sonar

This is nice to have when trying to locate good fishing spots. I use an Eagle Fish Easy. I bring a 12 volt battery like the ones commonly used for ice fishing. I have a carrying case for the battery. There are some new developments in portable fish finders that use a smart phone as a view screen. I'll purchase one of those as soon as I can find a model that allows the battery to be swapped out. Right now, the models I have read about use a fixed rechargeable battery with about four hours of runtime.

I get lots of great fishing advice from the Boundary Waters Journal.

This same list works for tent camping in Minnesota State Parks. There you can bring in canned food so you would also want to bring a can opener.