A poorly packed canoe can quickly ruin your canoeing adventure. Improperly packed canoes are often off-balance, making the possibility of wet or lost stuff a reality. A well-packed canoe is not an overpacked one. Weight distribution is considered, bags are secured and important items are easily accessible.
Step 1
Keep weight down by packing only the items you absolutely need. When deciding how much to pack, think about the fact you not only will have to endure the weight of your items when you paddle, you will have to carry your items when portaging.
Step 2
Organize your packs and load your canoe before your trip to see if everything fits right. When doing your test pack and load, take into account the amount of people that will be in the canoe. It is frustrating to be messing with your bags at the water. Spare yourself the frustration by planning how you are going to pack your canoe ahead of time.
Step 3
Protect your items from the water by packing everything in floatable dry bags.
Step 4
Load heavier items at the bottom center of the canoe. Pack medium-weight items on top of the heavy items. Load light items in the ends of the canoe. Distribute the weight evenly and keep items packed below the gunnels.
Step 5
Pack food items, first aid kits, sunscreen, a change of clothes, medications and extra paddles at the top of the canoe where they will be easily accessible.
Step 6
Tie everything down with bungee cords or tie-down straps to prevent the bags from shifting around or falling out of the canoe.
References
- Expedition Canoeing: A Guide to Canoeing Wild Rivers in North America; Cliff Jacobson; 2005
- The Canoe Handbook; Slim Ray; February 1992
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