Clothing & Equipment List
For Canoe Camping in the Adirondacks
Note: The items labeled “required” constitute Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters’ best assessment of the personal equipment necessary to reasonably minimize the risks of such a wilderness activity. Because of this, only participants prepared with the required equipment items will be allowed to participate in our trips and programs. For the safety of the group, the instructor reserves the right to deny participation, without reimbursement, to any individual deemed inadequately prepared.
For Canoe Camping in the Adirondacks
Note: The items labeled “required” constitute Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters’ best assessment of the personal equipment necessary to reasonably minimize the risks of such a wilderness activity. Because of this, only participants prepared with the required equipment items will be allowed to participate in our trips and programs. For the safety of the group, the instructor reserves the right to deny participation, without reimbursement, to any individual deemed inadequately prepared.
Footwear
Paddling Shoes
Paddling shoes are any shoes or sneakers that provide comfort and can get wet. To minimize injuries to the feet, closed-toe shoes are required. Note: No flip flops or open-toed sandals allowed.
Socks
Wool or synthetic socks perform best. Two or three pairs are recommended.
Camp Shoes
Recommended. Sneakers, boots or other closed-toe footwear are refreshing in camp. Open-toed shoes do not offer enough protection.
Clothing
A Note on Clothing Materials: We layer our clothing, combining different garments to achieve optimum insulation and protection from wind, rain and other elements.
Cotton: NO COTTON! While comfortable in the frontcountry, cotton absorbs and retains water, drawing heat away from the wearer. For this reason, cotton can be deadly in the backcountry and is not risked on our trips.
Wool: A favorite of woodsmen for centuries, wool retains its insulating qualities when wet.
Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic material that draws moisture away from skin without absorbing water, which makes for great insulation. Otherwise similar to wool, fleece is lighter, but bulkier.
Polypropylene: Polypropylene is another synthetic material that serves as a great insulator. It is especially effective as a moisture-wicking base layer next to skin.
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Synthetic
t-shirt
Recommended. We strongly suggest a lightweight synthetic t-shirt to wear on hot days and while paddling in less buggy areas.
Top Base Layer
Required. A long-sleeved synthetic (ex. polypropylene) or merino wool mid-weight long-underwear top works best. We recommended two, in case one gets wet from perspiration or precipitation.
Insulating Top Layer
Required. Many participants prefer a light fleece or wool shirt, sweater or jacket. A heavyweight long underwear top may also acceptable.
2nd Insulating Top Layer
Recommended. Participants may desire a supplementary heavier fleece or wool jacket, or vest.
3rd Insulating Top Layer
Optional. Participants may desire additional supplementary insulating layers, especially those who get cold easily.
Rain Jacket
Required. Any rain jacket must be waterproof and allow for enough room to fit over all insulating layers. Breathable materials are acceptable. Rain jackets with hoods and ventilation zippers are desirable. Note: Ponchos are unacceptable because they do not offer enough protection from wind and/or rain.
Bottom Base Layer
Recommended. A synthetic (ex. polypropylene) or merino wool mid-weight long-underwear bottom works best.
2nd Insulating Bottom Layer
Optional. Fleece pants or heavier long-underwear might be used.
Hiking Pants
Required. Durable, quick-drying synthetic pants are ideal. Zip-off pants allow for use as both pants and shorts, as well as for some ventilation.
Nylon Shorts
Recommended. Durable, quick drying synthetic shorts are ideal.
Swimsuit
Optional. Nylon shorts (and a synthetic t-shirt) may double as swimwear.
Underwear / briefs
Required. Non-cotton preferably.
Rain Pants
Required. Any rain pants must be waterproof and allow for enough room to fit over all insulating layers. Breathable materials are acceptable. Note: Full-length side zippers facilitate quick and easy layering that eliminates the annoyance of footwear removal.
Sun Hat
Recommended. Wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps protect the eyes and the face from the sun. Also, hats may protect the head from rain or insects.
Sunglasses
Recommended. Glasses offering 100% UV protection are recommended. A hard case is suggested, as with prescription glasses. Sunglass retainers (chums/croakies) help prevent losing your sunglasses.
Eyeglasses / contact lenses
Optional.
Watch
Optional.
Winter Hat
Optional. A fleece or wool hat provides warmth in rain or at night.
Glove liners
Optional. Lightweight glove liners can function as insulation, as well as protection against blisters and bugs.
Sleeping Equipment
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Sleeping Bag
Required. Synthetic-filled bags will perform best in our conditions. Down bags lose all insulation when not kept dry, often an impossible task in our conditions. Ratings of 30°F/ -1°C or less are acceptable for trips in July and August. In other months, bags should be rated 20°F/ -7°C or less.
ALTO
Sleeping Pad
Required. The sleeping pad insulates from the cold ground. Closed-cell foam pads are acceptable as are compact self-inflating air pads (ex. Therm-A-Rest®) but extra care must be taken to prevent rips and tears.
ALTO
Compression Stuff Sack
Required. This sack serves to make the sleeping bag easier to pack. The sack should be lined with plastic bags to provide water resistance.
ALTO
Pillow
Optional. Extra clothing can always be used as a pillow, although some paddlers prefer to carry a very small, compact pillow.
Packing Equipment
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Note: Personal gear can be packed in a backpack lined with plastic bags or in specially designed dry bags.
Backpack with Waterproof Bag Liners
OR
Dry Bag(s)
Required. Packs should be spacious enough to hold all required personal equipment. For our three-day trip, the minimum adequate volume is 60L / 3600in3. Participants should allocate about 1/3 to ½ of the pack’s volume to group gear. To keep belongings dry, line your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag. Trash compactor bags work well. Placing items in large sealable plastic bags (Ziploc®) or waterproof stuff sacks also works. In any case, extra bags should be packed.
ALTO
Required. Dry bags provide a more reliable method of waterproofing. A large “backpack-size” (see above) dry bag with shoulder straps is ideal.
ALTO
Storage Bag for Clothing
Recommended. Use small, lightweight stuff sacks to organize personal clothing items within the pack. Nylon stuff sacks with compression straps that minimize space work very well.
Day Pack or Small Dry Bag
Optional. Some participants also like to carry a smaller pack or bag to keep certain items handy while in the boat (i.e., snacks, raingear, camera, etc.). This prevents exposing the contents of the main pack (which includes your clothing and sleeping bag) to accidental water infiltration.
Other Gear
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Water Storage
Required. Two 1-liter plastic water bottles work well. Many participants also use bladder-bag systems (ex. Camelbak®) but at least one actual bottle should be taken in case the bag rips or leaks.
ALTO
Eating Gear
Required. A small Tupperware-style bowl with a lid facilitates easy cleaning and leftover storage. A spork will suffice; separate spoons, forks, knives, cups are optional.
ALTO
Flashlight
Required. Headlamps are lightweight and very functional. Note: No light is reliable without either a backup flashlight or extra batteries & bulb.
Personal Toiletries
Required. Due to limited space in packs and bear canisters, toiletries should be kept to a minimum. Sample-sizes are preferable. Bring only essentials: i.e., toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, tampons, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, vitamins and medications. Note: Fragrant substances are insect and animal attractants and should be avoided.
Whistle
Required. Three blows on a whistle is an effective rescue call.
ALTO
Lighter/Matches
Recommended.
ALTO
Navigation Equipment
Recommended.
ALTO
Pocket Knife
Recommended. Small blades may be useful.
Emergency Space Blanket
Recommended. Lightweight space blankets provide protection in an emergency.
Nylon cord
Recommended. Parachute-cord is lightweight and has many uses, such as tying down tents and flies. A 50’ length is sufficient.
ALTO
Lashing Straps
Recommended. Lash straps made from nylon webbing (or cord) allow items to be fastened to the boat for transportation.
ALTO
Insect Repellent
Optional. In the buggier months of June and July, or in wetter areas, repellent can reduce the stress of insects; only a small bottle is needed.
Insect Head Net
Optional. A head net can also reduce the stress of insects.
ALTO
Sunscreen
Optional. Only a very small bottle is necessary for our trip.
Towel
Optional. Synthetic “pack towels” are absorbent and pack easily.
Bandana
Optional. A bandana is the only equipment item that may be cotton.
Writing Materials
Optional. Pens and paper can be used to take notes on instruction material or for journal purposes.
Reading Materials
Optional. A small paperback or magazine.
Camera
Optional. The ideal camera is a waterproof, shock-resistant digital.
Camp chair
Optional. A Crazy Creek or a collapsible chair offers comfort at camp.
ALTO
Binoculars
Optional. A small pair of binoculars can be useful for wildlife viewing.
Group Equipment
First Aid Kit - Participants may opt to bring a small personal kit. A first aid kit should always be carried.
Lighter & Matches – (in a waterproof container) to light stoves and fires. Essential for every outing.
Tents & tarp - to reduce our impact, participants are encouraged to share tent space. Inquire about using a solo tent prior to the start of the trip.
Navigation Equipment - Participants may opt to bring their personal map, compass, and/or guidebook. Map & compass should always be carried.
Stoves and Fuel
Cooking Sets and Utensils
Water Purification System
Bear Canisters &/or Rope & Bag for Hanging
Equipment repair kit
Trowel - for proper disposal of human waste in the absence of facilities.
Food
Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters provides all meals for the group. Participants can bring their own personal snacks; the instructor will check that everyone is adequately stocked before we depart on our trip. Be sure to inform the instructor of any personal dietary restrictions and/or allergies well in advance.
Notes
Paddling equipment including canoes, paddles, and PFD’s are typically provided by Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters. However, you may use your own boat, paddle or other personal paddling gear.
To reserve equipment, please call Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters in advance.
Please feel free to call us with any questions at (518) 891-7450 or 1-800-491-0414.
We’re looking forward to your trip!
Paddling Shoes
Paddling shoes are any shoes or sneakers that provide comfort and can get wet. To minimize injuries to the feet, closed-toe shoes are required. Note: No flip flops or open-toed sandals allowed.
Socks
Wool or synthetic socks perform best. Two or three pairs are recommended.
Camp Shoes
Recommended. Sneakers, boots or other closed-toe footwear are refreshing in camp. Open-toed shoes do not offer enough protection.
Clothing
A Note on Clothing Materials: We layer our clothing, combining different garments to achieve optimum insulation and protection from wind, rain and other elements.
Cotton: NO COTTON! While comfortable in the frontcountry, cotton absorbs and retains water, drawing heat away from the wearer. For this reason, cotton can be deadly in the backcountry and is not risked on our trips.
Wool: A favorite of woodsmen for centuries, wool retains its insulating qualities when wet.
Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic material that draws moisture away from skin without absorbing water, which makes for great insulation. Otherwise similar to wool, fleece is lighter, but bulkier.
Polypropylene: Polypropylene is another synthetic material that serves as a great insulator. It is especially effective as a moisture-wicking base layer next to skin.
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Synthetic
t-shirt
Recommended. We strongly suggest a lightweight synthetic t-shirt to wear on hot days and while paddling in less buggy areas.
Top Base Layer
Required. A long-sleeved synthetic (ex. polypropylene) or merino wool mid-weight long-underwear top works best. We recommended two, in case one gets wet from perspiration or precipitation.
Insulating Top Layer
Required. Many participants prefer a light fleece or wool shirt, sweater or jacket. A heavyweight long underwear top may also acceptable.
2nd Insulating Top Layer
Recommended. Participants may desire a supplementary heavier fleece or wool jacket, or vest.
3rd Insulating Top Layer
Optional. Participants may desire additional supplementary insulating layers, especially those who get cold easily.
Rain Jacket
Required. Any rain jacket must be waterproof and allow for enough room to fit over all insulating layers. Breathable materials are acceptable. Rain jackets with hoods and ventilation zippers are desirable. Note: Ponchos are unacceptable because they do not offer enough protection from wind and/or rain.
Bottom Base Layer
Recommended. A synthetic (ex. polypropylene) or merino wool mid-weight long-underwear bottom works best.
2nd Insulating Bottom Layer
Optional. Fleece pants or heavier long-underwear might be used.
Hiking Pants
Required. Durable, quick-drying synthetic pants are ideal. Zip-off pants allow for use as both pants and shorts, as well as for some ventilation.
Nylon Shorts
Recommended. Durable, quick drying synthetic shorts are ideal.
Swimsuit
Optional. Nylon shorts (and a synthetic t-shirt) may double as swimwear.
Underwear / briefs
Required. Non-cotton preferably.
Rain Pants
Required. Any rain pants must be waterproof and allow for enough room to fit over all insulating layers. Breathable materials are acceptable. Note: Full-length side zippers facilitate quick and easy layering that eliminates the annoyance of footwear removal.
Sun Hat
Recommended. Wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps protect the eyes and the face from the sun. Also, hats may protect the head from rain or insects.
Sunglasses
Recommended. Glasses offering 100% UV protection are recommended. A hard case is suggested, as with prescription glasses. Sunglass retainers (chums/croakies) help prevent losing your sunglasses.
Eyeglasses / contact lenses
Optional.
Watch
Optional.
Winter Hat
Optional. A fleece or wool hat provides warmth in rain or at night.
Glove liners
Optional. Lightweight glove liners can function as insulation, as well as protection against blisters and bugs.
Sleeping Equipment
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Sleeping Bag
Required. Synthetic-filled bags will perform best in our conditions. Down bags lose all insulation when not kept dry, often an impossible task in our conditions. Ratings of 30°F/ -1°C or less are acceptable for trips in July and August. In other months, bags should be rated 20°F/ -7°C or less.
ALTO
Sleeping Pad
Required. The sleeping pad insulates from the cold ground. Closed-cell foam pads are acceptable as are compact self-inflating air pads (ex. Therm-A-Rest®) but extra care must be taken to prevent rips and tears.
ALTO
Compression Stuff Sack
Required. This sack serves to make the sleeping bag easier to pack. The sack should be lined with plastic bags to provide water resistance.
ALTO
Pillow
Optional. Extra clothing can always be used as a pillow, although some paddlers prefer to carry a very small, compact pillow.
Packing Equipment
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Note: Personal gear can be packed in a backpack lined with plastic bags or in specially designed dry bags.
Backpack with Waterproof Bag Liners
OR
Dry Bag(s)
Required. Packs should be spacious enough to hold all required personal equipment. For our three-day trip, the minimum adequate volume is 60L / 3600in3. Participants should allocate about 1/3 to ½ of the pack’s volume to group gear. To keep belongings dry, line your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag. Trash compactor bags work well. Placing items in large sealable plastic bags (Ziploc®) or waterproof stuff sacks also works. In any case, extra bags should be packed.
ALTO
Required. Dry bags provide a more reliable method of waterproofing. A large “backpack-size” (see above) dry bag with shoulder straps is ideal.
ALTO
Storage Bag for Clothing
Recommended. Use small, lightweight stuff sacks to organize personal clothing items within the pack. Nylon stuff sacks with compression straps that minimize space work very well.
Day Pack or Small Dry Bag
Optional. Some participants also like to carry a smaller pack or bag to keep certain items handy while in the boat (i.e., snacks, raingear, camera, etc.). This prevents exposing the contents of the main pack (which includes your clothing and sleeping bag) to accidental water infiltration.
Other Gear
Equipment
Notes
Check Lists
Water Storage
Required. Two 1-liter plastic water bottles work well. Many participants also use bladder-bag systems (ex. Camelbak®) but at least one actual bottle should be taken in case the bag rips or leaks.
ALTO
Eating Gear
Required. A small Tupperware-style bowl with a lid facilitates easy cleaning and leftover storage. A spork will suffice; separate spoons, forks, knives, cups are optional.
ALTO
Flashlight
Required. Headlamps are lightweight and very functional. Note: No light is reliable without either a backup flashlight or extra batteries & bulb.
Personal Toiletries
Required. Due to limited space in packs and bear canisters, toiletries should be kept to a minimum. Sample-sizes are preferable. Bring only essentials: i.e., toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, tampons, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, vitamins and medications. Note: Fragrant substances are insect and animal attractants and should be avoided.
Whistle
Required. Three blows on a whistle is an effective rescue call.
ALTO
Lighter/Matches
Recommended.
ALTO
Navigation Equipment
Recommended.
ALTO
Pocket Knife
Recommended. Small blades may be useful.
Emergency Space Blanket
Recommended. Lightweight space blankets provide protection in an emergency.
Nylon cord
Recommended. Parachute-cord is lightweight and has many uses, such as tying down tents and flies. A 50’ length is sufficient.
ALTO
Lashing Straps
Recommended. Lash straps made from nylon webbing (or cord) allow items to be fastened to the boat for transportation.
ALTO
Insect Repellent
Optional. In the buggier months of June and July, or in wetter areas, repellent can reduce the stress of insects; only a small bottle is needed.
Insect Head Net
Optional. A head net can also reduce the stress of insects.
ALTO
Sunscreen
Optional. Only a very small bottle is necessary for our trip.
Towel
Optional. Synthetic “pack towels” are absorbent and pack easily.
Bandana
Optional. A bandana is the only equipment item that may be cotton.
Writing Materials
Optional. Pens and paper can be used to take notes on instruction material or for journal purposes.
Reading Materials
Optional. A small paperback or magazine.
Camera
Optional. The ideal camera is a waterproof, shock-resistant digital.
Camp chair
Optional. A Crazy Creek or a collapsible chair offers comfort at camp.
ALTO
Binoculars
Optional. A small pair of binoculars can be useful for wildlife viewing.
Group Equipment
First Aid Kit - Participants may opt to bring a small personal kit. A first aid kit should always be carried.
Lighter & Matches – (in a waterproof container) to light stoves and fires. Essential for every outing.
Tents & tarp - to reduce our impact, participants are encouraged to share tent space. Inquire about using a solo tent prior to the start of the trip.
Navigation Equipment - Participants may opt to bring their personal map, compass, and/or guidebook. Map & compass should always be carried.
Stoves and Fuel
Cooking Sets and Utensils
Water Purification System
Bear Canisters &/or Rope & Bag for Hanging
Equipment repair kit
Trowel - for proper disposal of human waste in the absence of facilities.
Food
Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters provides all meals for the group. Participants can bring their own personal snacks; the instructor will check that everyone is adequately stocked before we depart on our trip. Be sure to inform the instructor of any personal dietary restrictions and/or allergies well in advance.
Notes
Paddling equipment including canoes, paddles, and PFD’s are typically provided by Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters. However, you may use your own boat, paddle or other personal paddling gear.
To reserve equipment, please call Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters in advance.
Please feel free to call us with any questions at (518) 891-7450 or 1-800-491-0414.
We’re looking forward to your trip!
