What to Pack for Your Boundary Waters Adventure

We provide all group camping gear. Just bring your personal items listed below.

Clothing (Wool or Synthetic – Avoid Cotton)

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Waterproof rain pants (ponchos not recommended)
• 1–2 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (nylon or polyester preferred)
  – Guide’s Choice: Boundary Waters Performance Fishing Shirt
• 1–2 short-sleeve shirts (non-cotton preferred)
• 2 pairs quick-drying pants (avoid jeans)
• 1 pair of shorts
• Swimsuit
• 2 pairs wool socks for travel days (plus extras for longer trips
• 1 pair of wool or cotton socks for camp
• Synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
• Extra underwear
• Bandana (for cooling off or insect defense)

Footwear

• Wet shoes (old sneakers or hiking boots that can be fully submerged)
• Dry camp shoes (moccasins, tennis shoes, Crocs, or heavy-duty sandals)
• Shin-high rubber boots (spring and fall trips only)

Headwear

• Sun hat with wide brim
• Warm knit or fleece hat
• Bandana (optional second)

Personal Accessories

• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Sunglasses with strap
• Eyeglass lanyard (for prescription glasses)
• Insect repellent:
  • DEET-based spray (25–35%)
  • Permethrin-treated clothing
• Head Net
  – Guide’s Choice: Mosquito Headnet
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Small bottle of hand sanitizer
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Prescription medications
• Small towel or washcloth
• Waterproof or protected camera
• Book, journal, or notepad and pencil
• Water filter or treatment system
  – Guide’s Choice: Katadyn Hiker
• Pillowcase or compact pillow
  – Guide’s Choice: Compact Camp Pillow

Basic Equipment

• Headlamp or small flashlight (plus extra batteries)
  – Guide’s Choice: Astro 3000
• Pocket knife or multitool
• Fishing rod, tackle, fillet knife, and fishing license (Purchase here)
• We have these items for sale at our shop other than licenses.
• Personal first-aid kit (our guides carry a group kit on guided trips)

Reminder: No cans or glass bottles are allowed in the Boundary Waters or Quetico Park.
Need help? Call us at 218-365-3466 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

You must bring your personal items and any gear not rented from us. Confirm your rental list before packing.

Canoe and Camp Gear (Included in Complete Outfitting Packages)

• Kevlar canoe (with portage pads)
• Paddles
• Life vests
• Waterproof navigation maps
  – Guide’s Choice: Fisher F-Series Maps
• Compass
  – Guide’s Choice: Map Compass
• Lightweight tent
  – Guide’s Choice: 4 – Person Tent
• Rain tarp with attached rope
  – Guide’s Choice: CCS 1.9oz Tarp
• BWCA-approved food (no cans or glass)
• Food pack
  – Guide’s Choice: Granite Gear Traditional Food Pack
• Portage packs for gear and personal items
  – Guide’s Choice: Granite Gear Superior One
• Sleeping bag
  – Guide’s Choice: NEMO Forte 20
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Trail pillow
  – Guide’s Choice: Compact Camp Pillow
• Cook kit (pots, fry pan, plates, bowls, cups)
  – Guide’s Choice: MSR Alpine 4 Pot Set
• Coffee pot
• Utensils (forks, spoons, knives, serving spoon, spatula, ladle)
• Cook grate and trowel (Quetico only; BWCA sites include fire grates and latrines
• Water filter or treatment system
  – Guide’s Choice: Katadyn Hiker Filter
• At least one water bottle per person
  – Guide’s Choice: Nalgene (Fits Katadyn Hiker Filter)
• Camp stove and fuel
  – Guide’s Choice: Primus Trail Classic Stove
• Camp chairs (Crazy Creek-style)
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Collapsible sink (for dishes and fire safety)
  – Guide’s Choice: Camp Sink
• Dishwashing kit (biodegradable soap, sponge, SOS pad, pot scraper)
• 50′ utility cord (clothesline, guyline, etc.)
• Matches and lighter
• Bear rope system
• Trail saw
• Small roll of duct tape

Tip: We rent and sell many of these items. Let us know what you need to complete your kit.