Packing List

It is better to have a bit more than you need, than need something you don’t have when you’re in the backcountry. Come prepared for all kinds of weather! While the summer months in Ontario are mostly warm with sunny skies, you should prepare for a few cold and wet days. Choose dual-purpose, lightweight clothing that you can efficiently layer. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics like polar fleece are recommended for your warm layers, over anything cotton or denim for their quick-drying and sweat-wicking capabilities. Typical weather for mid August will range between 16-30C with an average of 24C daytime and nighttime of 16C. However, if it decides to rain all week, you will want to have some warm base layers and cozy layers to keep the chill away! You will be surprised how quickly you will get chilled without proper layers and gear if it’s damp and windy. Also be prepare for being on the water with UV resistant clothing . Rain or shine, we will be out there !

The first 2 days you will access to running water and amenities so wear what you are comfortable in for the activity that day. Once we head out to camp, we will be far from anyone, so it is crucial that you come prepared with the proper clothing. You never know what the weather will bring. We will discuss in more detail in a group call to go over any gear questions and I will be available to provide recommendations.

**You will not need to bring any camping gear unless you’d prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, pad, jet boil or personal water filter. You only need some clothes and boots mentioned below . **

What I am bringing for the camping days..

Feet

  • A pair of water shoes for canoeing / portaging. They will get wet getting in and out of the canoes. (required)

    This comes down to personal preference. You can buy high tech amphibian shoes or use an old pair of sneakers. They must have good traction for the portage. These will stay wet for most of the trip

  • A hiking boot / shoe. We do plan to hike but it will not be more than a few kms from camp and it will likely be through thick brush, deadfall and raspberry canes. I always take my hiking boots in case of an emergency if I am required to hike for help. You just never know .

  • Camp shoes to dry out your feet at camp (like crocs or slip ons )

  • 2 pairs of socks (merino wool recommended)

Lower Body

  • 2-3 pairs of shorts

  • 2-3 light, quick-dry pants . It may be hot, but the raspberry canes, branches and mosquitos will tear up your legs while hiking. I love the KUIU Katana pants

  • 1-2 Fleece/warm pants or long johns/leggings. I bring a merino wool layer and a heavier pant for around the fire.

  • 100% waterproof rain pant (required)

Hands/Head:

  • Ballcap / Sun hat for paddling

  • Sunglasses

Upper body:

  • 3-4 t-shirts or tank tops (can be cotton)

  • 1 long sleeve tops ( UV resistant recommended )

  • Bras and underwear

  • Pajamas

  • Fleece sweater

  • 1 rain jacket (required)

  • Down puffy jacket (highly recommend) Incredibly warm and lightweight

Misc

  • Swimsuit

  • 3 20L Dry bags to contain all your gear (required)

Optional Gear

  • UV neck gaiter to keep sun off your neck if you burn eas

  • Quick-dry towel

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Water proof phone case for canoeing

  • Small portable battery pack to charge camera or phone to take photos

  • lip balm with SPF protection

  • Biodegradable soap and personal toiletries

  • Toothbrush/paste

  • Feminine hygiene products ( Trust me, bring them just in case)

  • Wet wipes

  • Insect repellent

  • Binos

  • Trekking poles - great for hiking uneven ground or to stabilize in the water

  • Camp pillow ( The sleep pad provided turns inside out with a fleece exterior. You can stuff your sweater inside)

  • Bear spray ( can purchase from me for $60. You cannot fly with it)

Ontario Outdoors Card and Fishing Licence / $54.38 + $8.57 

What I provide for you to keep:

  • KUIU pack

  • Water bottle

  • Headlamp

  • Survival kit (fire starter, knife, first aid, bivvy sack, paracord, chapstick, eargplugs, etc)

  • All food, snacks, coffee

  • Women's retreat tank top and sweater

  • Safety kit

  • Ferro Rod

  • AND MORE SURPRISES ONCE YOU GET HERE!