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Canoe camping is an excellent alternative for the seasoned camper to experience the deep wilderness and scenery that is often times missed while hiking. Using a canoe has more than one advantage. Not only can you carry more supplies, but also your group can travel further into the wilderness for an exciting outdoor adventure.
Before venturing out on your trip, make sure you have a trip itinerary planned and that you let friends or relatives know when you plan to be back and let them know where you're going to be in case of an emergency. Let that person know what to do if you don't return by a certain time. There are also a few extra supplies that need to be added to the regular list of camping gear. You need to bring your canoe, an extra paddle for each canoe, tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, camp stove, food, drinking water, (approximately 1 gallon of water per person per day) extra clothes plus waterproof storage bags.
It's always a wise choice to check weather conditions for the region you plan on camping in and then adjust your list of clothing supplies and other gear to make sure you are prepared for the current conditions. You will also want to be prepared for any sudden unforeseen weather changes.
When choosing a campsite, look to see if there's an existing area that has been used in the past before clearing a new area. If there is no area cleared and you have to clear an area, keep the shrub removal to a minimum. Choose a site that is not as overgrown if possible.
Because some of the wilderness you may be camping in will have wildlife, you will want to make sure that you are prepared for what ever wildlife are native to the region, and then take precautions to prevent being attacked by bears, wolves mountain lions or any other wild animals. Always make sure you keep food at least 300 feet away from your site and keep it in a bag hanging from a tree at least 25 feet off the ground. Keep all trash in a tree in the same way. Never keep any food in your tent.
When camping think of the environment and make sure that after you leave the campsite that there are no traces that you were ever there. Using reusable containers will cut down on waste. Scout the campsite after everything has been packed up. Make sure that your campfire is totally extinguished and that the area the fire was in has been covered completely with dirt. Make sure that all trash has been picked up. Remember to pack your trash and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly method.
Some of the other supplies you'll need are:
Waterproof flashlight
Lantern
Shovel
Axe/hatchet
Knife
Tarps
Saw
Rope
Trash bags
A first aid kit
Compass
Matches
Waterproof containers
Personal Floatation Devices (PFD)
Fleece or wool socks, hats, sweaters, vests etc.
Rain gear
Water resistant windbreaker
Extra clothes
Water purification tablets
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