Canoe camping kit list - what you need to go canoe camping

Are you a hiking fanatic always on the lookout for your next outdoor escapade? Have you ever considered combining your love for trekking with the thrill of paddling and camping in the great outdoors? Canoe camping will take your hiking experiences to new waters.

Imagine embarking on a journey where your trusty backpack is swapped for a canoe, gliding effortlessly across mirror-like lakes or meandering rivers.

One of the biggest draws of canoe camping is the ability to explore remote areas that would otherwise be off-limits, and with inflatable canoes this has never been more accessible.

Here's a handy guide to help you plan your equipment to ensure you have everything you need whilst staying afloat.

Canoeing kit for an overnight camping trip

We are going to run through what you will need for a canoe camping trip in the UK. The good news is that if you are already into lightweight camping you will have most of what is needed. If you do not have a canoe, there are many places you can rent one.

Why an inflatable open canoe is great for canoe camping

The benefit of an inflatable canoe is its portability. You can carry it in your car without a roof rack, and one person can carry it to the waters edge in its carrying sack. If you have an adventurous route and are facing long portages an inflatable canoe makes a lot of sense.

We have a guide that goes into more detail about choosing a inflatable canoe for river and lake touring.

Which paddles to use for river touring

If you share your canoe with someone else, or have a short car the most versatile paddles are those that split in half and are adjustable in length. They can also be set up for both left and right handed paddlers. These are available in both twin blade and single blade models.

Twin blade or single blade

Both are valid options and it will come down to your personal preference. Traditionally open boats have high sides and canoeists reach over with a single blade and twist it at the end of their paddle stroke to steer. Inflatable canoes are a hybrid between open boats and closed deck kayaks with lower sides and twin blade paddles work perfectly well.

Camping equipment suitable for canoe touring

There is a wide choice available for what ever type of trip you are planning. If you are already a wild camper none of this will be new to you, and you will already have most of what you need for your river touring adventure.

A lightweight, compact tent is the easiest to set up, will give you the most protection and protect you from midges in the morning and evening. Our lightest tent is the freestanding Ultra 1, perfect for solo travellers or those who like their own space.

The tarp and bivvy bag combo is a classic setup for canoe campers, especially when you build the canoe into your tarp. A tarp provides a great shelter for your group when cooking or, if you are lucky, shade against the sun. Our range of tarps is suitable for individuals or groups of up to 8 paddlers.

Sleeping bag and camping mat

We think our Ultra 80 Primaloft synthetic sleeping bag makes a great summer canoe camping bag. Synthetic bags are good if you are not sure you can keep your sleeping bag dry, and the Ultra 120 comes close to the packability of a down bag.

If you are not so precious about space our Cloudpeak range offers a great balance between price and performance.

For your sleeping surface we recommend a Whisper insulated camping mat as a good balance between packability and comfort.

Storage drybags

Drybags are essential for keeping your gear and spare clothes dry and organised in your canoe. A pro tip is to use separate bags for your clothing, sleeping gear, and food. Choose different colours for added convenience. We have multiple sizes of dry bags in our range.

To ensure a good seal do not over fill them. Leave enough space so that you can get 3 rolls before clipping it closed. Tie your drybag down to attachment points or around your seat, our Airlok drybags have hyperlon tabs for extra security.

Look after them and they will look after your stuff. You can test your drybag is still waterproof before your trip by floating it in your bath or giving it a good dowsing in the shower.

Campsite lighting

Our camping lanterns and tent lights illuminate your riverbank camp. Using LEDs they are high powered and have a long battery life. For a classic look try our Tyndall Lantern or for something waterproof try our Bob. Both lanterns have clips so you can string them from a paddle.

What to eat when camping

Whether you have chosen a pre-cooked food such as Adventure Nutrition or a weight saving freeze-dried option such as Firepot, all you need is a simple heat source to transform it into a nutritious, tasty meal.

Camping stoves and cookware

Whether you're a solo canoeist or a group embarking on a canoe camping trip, we have the perfect camping stove for you. Our stoves are compact and portable, tailored for canoeists who need to minimise their load.

Each model is designed for easy transport in a canoe, fitting seamlessly into your gear without adding unnecessary weight. Additionally, we provide accessories like windshields and pot supports to optimise your cooking experience at camp.

If you are cooking for a group our Vagabond Stove will ensure tummies are not rumbling for too long. Make sure to carry enough pots, there is nothing worst than your tea tasting of tomato sauce. Our Alipots are stackable and space saving.

Camping accessories

Take advantage of all that space you have in your canoe to make your campsite more comfortable. A Vagabond Table and Camping Stool are little luxuries that will make you trip memorable for the right reasons.

Water carrier: Although you are spending your day on the water you are not going to want to drink it. A Kamel water carrier will ensure you have enough clean water for cooking without having to mess around with water filters.

Camping trowel: A lightweight folding trowel is just what you need to ensure you leave no trace at toilet time.

Washing line: Sure you can sling your wet kit over a rock or hang it in a tree, but a thin line of camping cord makes drying your kit out for the next day so much easier.

Insect repellents: You will not be alone, it might not be other humans but you will not be alone. Our little buggy friends also have an infinity for water edges, so to make your outdoor time more comfortable a midge repellent, or in more extreme cases a midge repellent head net will stop you going crazy. Appropriate choice of campsite clothing will also be effective.

Plan for your overnight canoeing camping trip

Where Can You Canoe?: Check to see if you need a license to paddle on your chosen waterway. Membership of PaddleUK is an easy way to get yourself a waterways license to paddle over 4500 km of rivers and canals across England and Wales.

Where Can You Camp?: Planning your route around waterside campsites can give you the reassurance that you will find amenities, but many of us are looking to catch nature off guard with a wild camping adventure.

You can wild camp in England and Wales if you have the permission of the landowner. If you do not and are asked to move on, be polite, apologise and move on. Be discreet and respectful when selecting wild camping spots. Be sensitive, be discrete. Pitch your tent late, be on your way early and leave no trace.

Wild camp in Scotland is permitted and we hope one day England and Wales will follow suit to allow responsible wild camping. We have a longer guide to wild camping and encourage you to support the Right to Roam Campaign.

Leave no trace: Respect nature by packing out all rubbish and avoiding disturbance to wildlife. In the spring and summer be aware of fire risk and nesting bird restrictions.