What to Bring?

Clearwater BWCA Outfitters

Partial Outfitting

Do you have most of the gear you need? Not a problem. We can help you fill in the missing pieces from a canoe to a cook kit.

Check out our website to see prices on individual items: Equipment Rental and Canoe Rental.

Not sure what type of canoe to rent?

Canoes are generally categorized in two types:

1. Aluminum canoes have a keel, are extremely durable and weigh about 62 pounds.
2. Kevlar canoes are the most popular. They do not have a keel and aren’t as durable as aluminum, but they only weigh about 42 pounds. Kevlar canoes require “wet” entry/exit, meaning the bottom of the canoe should never come in contact with shorelines. If you are the one carrying the canoe when you portage, you’ll quickly learn why Kevlar canoes are the most popular!

We offer all three types and sizes of canoes. If you’re not sure which would best fit your group, call us and we can talk about the pros and cons of each type.

Do you only need lodging?

If all you need is a place to lay your head the night before you head out on the water, we’ve got you covered! We have bunk houses to accommodate you. Or, you can stay in the lodge. The lodge was built in 1926 and is the oldest remaining whole log structure in the entire region. Breakfast is included with your lodge room rental. Our daily breakfast is cook’s choice and served hot for your group. Note: our 2 bedroom suite has a two night minimum stay.

Average Monthly High/Low Temperatures

One full change of clothes
Durable, versatile, and comfortable is the most important! Lightweight or medium clothing that can be layered will be more versatile than a few heavy items. Try to pack items that will serve several purposes. And remember — at the portages, you’ll have to carry everything you bring along. Avoid cotton jeans, sweatshirts and sweat pants as they take time to dry and are very heavy when wet! Be sure to bring gloves and hats in the Spring and Fall Seasons.

• Two pair of shoes – 1 pair for day and 1 pair for night. Shoes should be good boots or sandals and quick drying giving good arch and ankle support.
• Several pair of quick drying socks – wool is good
• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, hand lotion and mosquito repellent
• Swimwear and towel
• Personal toiletries
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Good pocket knife
• Camera
• Rain Gear – Good rain gear can make for a much more enjoyable trip
• Fishing Gear: Light and compact is easiest to portage. Light to medium action rods are good for the BWCA. Many prefer to bring two piece rods since they are easier to travel with. Fresh fishing line is very important and should be 6 to 8 lb. test. Don’t bring your full tackle box, remember, you have to carry it all! Put together a small tackle box with favorites or an assortment which will provide a good base for all fish species. In our store, we carry the various lures, soft plastics, spoons, spinners and other tackle items.
• And last, but not least, leave a complete set of clean clothes in your car to change into after you return to the lodge and take that nice hot shower!

*If you are flying and want to ship (UPS) any items to us before your visit that you cannot easily bring on a plane, please just let us know. We can ship them back to you after your trip.

Gear We Provide

• Kevlar or Aluminum Canoe(s)
• Poly/Alum Straight Shaft Paddles and PFD’s (Carbon Fiber & Bent Shaft Wooden paddle upgrades are available)
• Granite Gear or CCS canoe packs
• Eureka! Timberline Tent(s)
• Holofill Sleeping Bags
• Thermarest full length sleeping pads
• Cooking kit: nesting pots, griddle, skillet, utensils, plates, cups, cutting board, coffee press
• Primus collapsible camp stove and fuel
• Cleaning kit: towels, rags, biodegradable soap, scrub sponge
• Camp sink
• Katadyn water filter
• Eagles Nest hammock(s)
• Sven Saw
• Map(s)
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper
• Matches
• Rain/Dining fly
• Crazy Creek Canoe chairs
• Bear rope