Knowledge on Canoe Camping from a Maine Guide in the North Woods

During my time in the wilderness, a consistent question arises while I am leading a guided excursion: "What equipment has proven most effective?" Upon reflection, I decided to go over  the tools and gear I use for my canoe expeditions, spanning from the canoe itself to the vital cooking gear. The idea of taking a remote canoe trip can be intimidating for those new to the activity. I learn new things every time I'm on the river, and I hope this info can help you out too.

The essential equipment for a remote canoeing excursion is, naturally, the canoe itself. I personally favor the Old Town Discovery 169. Whether navigating alone or with a partner, the Discovery's performance on the Allagash River is unmatched. The structural integrity and durability of these canoes are exceptional. I frequently paddle solo, transporting my personal gear and all the provisions and cooking equipment for a group of up to six individuals without issue, even in periods of low water.

The Discovery 169 holds everything and handles well

Furthermore, a comfortable personal flotation device (PFD) is crucial for extended paddling. An uncomfortable PFD can detract significantly from the experience of paddling all day. I utilize the Adults' L.L.Bean Guide Fishing PFD.

Quality dry bags are essential for keeping clothing, sleeping bags, and tents protected from moisture. I personally use the Cabela's Boundary Waters 148L Duffel Bag with considerable success.

Save some room for your dog! Yota loves canoe rides.

In the current era of technological advancement, I consider a satellite communication device to be a necessity for emergency preparedness. This is particularly true in the remote northern woods of Maine, where cellular service is nonexistent. While numerous brands are available, I utilize a Garmin inReach. It provides four to five days of battery life on a full charge, and I carry a BioLite, Charge 80 PD Power Bank for recharging as needed. The weather application on the inReach is arguably the most accurate I have encountered, which is a valuable resource when afield. The primary benefit of carrying such a device in remote areas is the ability to contact emergency services in the event of a crisis. However, even with this resource, it remains crucial to pack a comprehensive first-aid kit, which I prefer the “Mountain Series Mountaineer Medical Kit” as a starter pack. I have added some larger quantities of Advil and some different size bandaids.. Both the powerbank and first aid kit can be found on REI.

Reliable fire-starting tools are critical for wilderness survival. I always carry a supply of dry cedar and fire starter cubes for ignition, any you  find in the camping section would be adequate. Firewood must still be gathered, having the right tools for cutting and splitting will make this chore much easier. For this purpose, I utilize a Silky Big Boy 2000 folding saw and a Fiskars X27 36-inch splitting axe. Having experimented with various brands, I find these two to be superior. They accompany me on all my routine excursions, whether snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, or simply when driving in big woods.

Having discussed fire starting implements, satellite communication, and watercraft, we will now address the necessities for establishing a camp and preparing meals. A multitude of cooking utensils, stoves, coolers, and tents are available; the following outlines the equipment that has proven most effective for my needs.

The initial task upon arriving at a campsite is to establish a suitable shelter, utilizing a tarp for protection against either direct sun or rain. I use a Kelty - Noah's Tarp, two of their collapsible Kelty Staff Poles, some paracord, and Kelty Feather Tent Stakes that come in a 6 Pack for this purpose. Once the primary shelter is erected, the next step is to set up the individual tents. I have relied on Kuiu Mountain Star 3 Person Tents for over three years now and have yet to discover a comparable product. Consequently, we are transitioning all client tents to Kuiu models this season. The features I most appreciate are their ease and speed of assembly, durability, verified waterproof capabilities (not just water-resistant), and, most importantly, their light weight and compact packed size. Following the tent setup, attention shifts to creating the sleeping area. I personally use an L.L.Bean Ridge Runner Sleeping Pad and Sea To Summit Premium Aeros Inflatable Pillow, paired with a NEMO Equipment Inc. Forte Endless Promise Sleeping Bag: 35F Synthetic. 

A tarp shelter is nice for shade and to duck out of rain showers

Quality tents are a must

The cooking process is now ready to commence. Approximately ninety-nine percent of my cooking is conducted over an open fire. I do bring a Jetboil two-burner foldable stove as a contingency in the event of a fire hazard in the area, or if there is a need to rapidly prepare coffee or boil water. Two one-pound green propane tanks are sufficient for a four-to-five-day excursion. Regarding cooking equipment, I include a coffee percolator, two frying pans, two small metal pots, a Dutch oven (baker's oven), a large knife, a spatula, and eating utensils. Tinfoil and resealable bags are also essential for storing leftover food. All perishable food items that can be frozen are frozen prior to the trip. When packing our Yeti coolers, we utilize three sizes. First, the Tundra 65 and 35-quart Hard Coolers are used for frozen food, which serves as ice packs, with the remaining food packed around them. This method eliminates the need to pack ice, thereby conserving valuable cooler space. Subsequently, we also use the Hopper Flip 18-quart Soft Cooler for lunch items for easy access, which helps minimize the frequency of opening the larger coolers. This is the most effective approach we have found for packing coolers to simultaneously maintain food freshness and maximize space efficiency. For nonperishable items, I utilize the YETI Loadout GoBox 60 Gear Case for packing kitchen supplies and dry goods during transit, as they are rugged, completely waterproof, and will float should that situation arise. All of these items fit perfectly in the canoe and are user-friendly.

Some of the best meals you've ever had can be prepared right at camp with just a little planning and some good gear

Lastly, a frequently asked question concerns drinking water. After evaluating over a dozen different systems, we have standardized our approach using the MSR AutoFlow XL 10L Gravity Filter, paired with a rigid plastic water storage container featuring a spout. Upon arriving at camp, I typically collect water from a fast-moving section of the river, then suspend the filtration system from a tree, directing the hose into the storage container. By the time the camp setup is complete, all our water containers are refilled, and I repeat the process to ensure an adequate supply is available for subsequent needs.

The items listed above are just a handful of the important items that we bring on our trip, if you would like to know more about clothing, food items, fishing gear or other things we use on our trips be sure to let us know and we will see what we can do to help our outdoorsmen and women get the most out of their excursions!

-Brandon Lane

Owner: Allagash Guide Service
Big Woods Bucks Team Member

Cooking supplies at the ready

Irresistible grub! Especially after a long day of paddling

Take advantage of campsites with fire pits

Brandon Lane owns and runs Allagash Guide Service with his wife, Britt. Their dog Yota is a master shed antler hunter and loves a canoe ride as much as anything.