Pack List
1-day Canoe Trip

Canoe trips can be great fun but, BE PREPARED for intense exposure to the sun, rain, wind, insects, possible snakebite, and cold river water.  Severe sunburn, dehydration and/or hypothermia can happen at any time of the year.  Qualified adult supervision, canoe operation and water safety, life saving and remote first aid, a float plan and flash flood contingency plan, and lightning/storms, need to be addressed before leaving Olathe.  Please secure needed BSA Lifeguard and Water Safety Afloat qualified crewmembers.  BSA sanctioned canoe trips require all participants to wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) when in the canoe.

Everything in the boat needs to be tied to the boat, able to withstand fast water and rocks if capsized, and either water friendly or sealed and water protected. Use "seal packs", quality ziplock bags, ropes and bungee cords to accomplish this.

Clothing should be fast drying and footwear needs to stay on in a strong current. Nylon clothing dries very fast.  Cotton takes much longer, is VERY heavy in the water, and tends to create rashes when wet.  Most accessory clothing sinks very fast.  I do not recommend bringing expensive hats, jackets, etc. on canoe trips.

The following is a suggested packing list for a 1-day canoe trip.
Adjust clothing and gear if canoe/camping for a longer period.

What to wear:

• Light weight, nylon or quick drying shorts and T-shirt.
• Either inexpensive tennis shoes (can be uncomfortable when wet) or strap type sandals (sandals can produce sunburn on top of foot, but are great in water).
• A hat with a wide brim to protect your ears and neck from sunburn.  Needs to be cool so that you will want to keep it on, and should have a strap to keep it from blowing off or coming off in the water.
• Waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or above (I suggest SPF 60).
• Waterproof lip balm with an SPF of 45 or above.

What to pack – Personal Gear:

• A poncho for rain.  I do not recommend a rain suit for canoeing.  A poncho is easy to get off and on while in the boat, is easy to operate the canoe while wearing, and will easily come off if you end up in the water, not pulling you down in the current.
• Light weight, nylon type, long pant, and a long sleeve shirt. If overexposure the sun is a problem, you will be glad you brought these to cover up with.
• A windbreaker type jacket. If wet and chilled, it can prevent hypothermia.
• A medium sized towel for drying off (a backpackers towel uses less space).
• Your sunscreen and lip balm. *Needs to be easily accessed.
• Sunglasses with neck strap. *Needs to be easily accessed. (I recommend a floating strap).  Do not bring expensive glasses.  These are easily lost in rivers!
• Water in water bottles. *Needs easy access. Pop, Gatorade, Power Aid, etc., are OK in SMALL quantities, but otherwise not recommended!  Water is critical! Dehydration on canoe trips is common and can be very dangerous.
• Camera, film, personal energy foods (GORP, foods with carbohydrates for energy that don’t melt and produce trash that pollutes).
• A trash bag that can tied to the boat.

What to pack – Crew Gear:

• A detailed map (waterproofed, easily accessed) of the river showing vehicle access points and any hazards.
• Expedition type first aid kit.  Should include a space blanket.
• At least 2 floating rescue lines.
• Plenty of water.
• Matches for a fire if needed.

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