You need to remember to bring all gear you may need, and you need to make sure that your gear is in good, working condition. You can find many gear lists in canoeing books, camping books or on-line. Make sure your list is complete before you start to pack! Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures recommends this "personal" gear list. We have only listed a few of the larger items below.
If you do not own any of the following gear, consider renting (e.g., Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures).
Canoe
When setting out on your own you need a few essentials, such as a good, sturdy canoe fit for whitewater travel. Hap Wilson and Stephanie Aykroyd (1998) recommend considering a 17 foot "touring class", expedition canoe (37 inches at the beam/centre thwart and at least 15 inches deep with slight rocker), or 16 foot canoes with the appropriate spray cover. A 16' with ABS construction is a good choice (Greg Rubell, MEC). The canoe must be outfitted with the legally required paddles, whistle, bailer, floating rope and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) - see below.
Whistle
Each person must have a waterproof whistle. It can be attached to your lifejacket so that it is available at all times.Bailer
Each canoe must have a bailer to scoop water out of the canoe if you tip or if water comes in over the side. A plastic bottle with a handle makes a good bailer if you cut off the bottom … as long as you keep the screw top on!
Paddles
Remember to pack at least one spare paddle per canoe.Ropes/Lines
By law, you must carry one or more floating ropes of at least 15 m in length per canoe.
Life Jackets/PFDs
By law, everyone in a watercraft must have a right-sized lifejacket. Wear it! If you have an older model that you dislike wearing, consider purchasing a newer model that is more comfortable. Remember: if you do not wear it, it is of no use to you. You can find more information about PFDs at the following website: http://www.wearalifejacket.com/
Helmets
If you plan on running white-water, protect your head! Wear a helmet whenever near rapids/falls.
Tent
Your tent is your shelter not only during sunny days and calm nights, but also during rainy or stormy days. Make sure your tent will keep you dry. Your tent should be sturdy, as well as easy to put up. Before you leave on your trip, put it up at home to make sure you have all the parts and pieces. Don't forget the pegs!Stove
You will need a solid, compact camp-stove that will allow you to cook on uneven surfaces, in the wind and in rain. Research before you buy so that you have a stove that matches your needs. Remember to pack enough fuel to cover you in an emergency.
Water Filter
See Dangers and Annoyances - Drinking Water SafetyRepair Kits
Bring repair materials for each and everything that may break: the canoes, the tents, the mattresses, the clothes… and don't forget the duct tape.
Wilderness First Aid Kit
See First AidSatellite Phone
Be aware that the Manigotagan River is beyond cell phone range and that you will be unable to make contact with anyone in case of emergency on the river unless you have a satellite phone. Satellite phones can be rented in Winnipeg from the following:
Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures
Toll Free: 1-866-284-407
Local: (204) 284-4072
Email: adventure@northernsoul.ca
http://www.northernsoul.ca
Elite Communications
(204) 989-2995 ext. 3010
Cost: $150 for up to 2 weeks (plus $2.75/minute of use) in 2006
Pick-up: 585 Century Street
NOTE: Must make reservations over phone before pick-up
Wilderness Spirit
(204) 452-7049
Toll-free: 1-866-287-1591
Email: info@WildernessSpirit.com
Pick-up: 696 McMillan Ave.
http://www.wildernessspirit.com/
