I want to share some camping gear for river trips that, while not absolutely essential, can make a big difference on your next river trip. I recently completed a seven-day adventure down the Dumoine River in Quebec with a group of friends. This river is a world-renowned canoe-tripping destination, but we tackled it with a raft and five inflatable kayaks. The raft allowed us to bring some luxurious items, but we also wanted to run more of the whitewater without worrying about swamping, which you often have to deal with when using a canoe.
Here’s a rundown of the gear that stood out on that trip—gear that’s applicable not just to a luxurious expedition, but to any river adventure. Before I continue, I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!
Essential Safety Gear: Communication Device
When you're out in the backcountry, a reliable communication device is crucial, especially if there's no cell service. I’ve been using the Zoleo for a few years now. It costs around $200 with a $20 monthly fee for the satellite network. The Zoleo allows for two-way messaging, so you can stay in touch with folks back home and even receive messages from them. It also has an SOS feature, though thankfully, we didn't need to use it. We primarily used it for daily weather reports, which helped us plan whether to put a fly on the tent or sleep under the stars without worrying about unexpected rain.
Handy Repair Kit
A well-stocked repair kit is a must for any overnight paddling trip. Our kit included various types of rope, Tear-Aid for vinyl repairs, patches, a sleeping pad repair kit, AquaSeal seam sealer, duct tape, zip ties, and a multipurpose knife. This kit came in handy for quick fixes on the go, ensuring that no one had to sleep on the hard ground or worry about a torn dry bag. A good repair kit is crucial piece of camping gear for river trips.
Gravity Water Filter
We used the Platypus GravityWorks water filter, which made filtering water a breeze. You simply fill the dirty water bag at the river, hang it up, and let gravity do the work. The water passes through a primary filter and then a carbon filter, ensuring it’s clean and taste-free. This system is easy to clean in the field and eliminates the need for manual pumping. It costs around $150 and is definitely worth it.
BruTrek Base Camp French Press
Coffee is essential for any multi-day paddling trip. The BruTrek Base Camp French Press is perfect for a group, holding 48 ounces and making enough coffee for everyone. It’s insulated to keep coffee hot for those who sleep in, and it has a plunger system that keeps grounds out of your coffee. It’s not the lightest option, but at $70, it’s a great investment for coffee lovers.
Online Paddling Safety Course
I want to remind you about the free online paddling safety course from the ACA. It's a great resource, whether you're new to paddling or need a refresher. It covers important topics like kayak fishing, nautical rules of the road, and paddling rescues. Check the link in the description box below to access these valuable modules.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential camping gear for river trips. On our trip, everyone brought their own small Adventure Medical Kits. These kits have all the basics you might need. We also designated one person to bring larger items like a SAM splint, ensuring we were prepared for any situation.
Reliable Saw
For firewood, we used the Silky Zubat – a preferred saw among arborists. This saw cuts wood quickly and efficiently, making it an invaluable tool for any camping trip. It costs around $100 but is worth its weight in gold.
Bug Repellent and Bug Tent
Bugs can be a major nuisance, especially in late May when black flies and mosquitoes are out in full force. We each brought a full-size can of bug repellent and used them up. I also tried a new product, Great Outdoors Bug Cream. Additionally, we brought a 30-pound bug tent, which provided a great space for cooking and hanging out, especially in the evenings when the bugs were worst. If you can manage the extra weight, a bug tent is a fantastic addition to any trip.
Barrel Organizers
Keeping food organized in barrels can be challenging, but Recreational Barrel Works' barrel organizers made a huge difference. These cylindrical organizers fit perfectly in the barrels, making it easy to keep everything in its place. We used insulated versions for frozen food and uninsulated ones for other items. They simplified the process of finding and accessing our supplies, turning the barrels from bottomless pits into well-organized storage.
Collapsible Fishing Rod
The Dumoine River is known for its excellent fishing. We all brought collapsible fishing rods from Bass Pro, which were perfect for a whitewater trip. These rods are easy to store and protect, thanks to their telescoping design and rod tip protectors. They allowed us to enjoy some fishing without worrying about damaging or losing our gear.
Big Basin Water Container from NRS
Lastly, the Big Basin Bag water container from NRS was a game-changer for dishwashing. Instead of washing dishes in cold water by the river, we could stand comfortably and wash in hot water right at our kitchen setup. It’s a simple item but made a significant difference on the trip.
There’s a lot more gear I could talk about, but these items were the standout performers on our Dumoine River trip. I have many more trips planned this year, where I’ll be testing even more gear. I’ll be sure to share my findings with you, so stay tuned for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and paddling adventures. Don't forget to take the free online paddling safety course from the ACA.
If you found this article useful, consider adding some of these items to your gear list for your next outdoor adventure. And don't forget to subscribe to Paddle TV for more tips and reviews. See you soon!
