Canoe Camping Checklists — Skills
Both Quetico and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are Wilderness
parks. They are substantial areas where the forces of nature are permitted
to act freely and where visitors travel by non-mechanized means to experience
incredible solitude, and personal challenge. There are places in these
areas where the nearest human is days away, not to mention the nearest
hospital. Here are a few basic skills you shouldn't leave home without.
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Remember everything you learned in Kindergarten
about following rules and respecting others. |
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Know how to swim, but realize hypothermia will
cause unconsciousness, making swimming very difficult. The water
can be very cold. |
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Know what's in the first aid kit and how to improvise
in an emergency. |
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A map and compass are dead weight unless you can
use them together. There are no trail markers in Quetico. |
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White water paddling skills are nice but only an
idiot would plan on using them here. Use the portages. They are
there for a reason. |
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Flat water paddling skills are essential when its
windy. |
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Know how to "bear proof" your camp. |
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Be physically able to carry your stuff. Portages
can be grueling. |
Top Ten
Canoe Camping Skills
Clothing Checklist
Gear List
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