"onion anchor" is a mesh onion or potato bag. Load with a few grapefruit size rocks, add some cord, you've got an anchor. Take the rocks out, it only weighs a few ounces, and doesn't take much room.

Ha, turns out QJ has an excellent (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) that's probably very helpful for newbies and perhaps even aficionados. It covers most anything you might think of and a lot you probably wouldn't. It's a bit dated and just one person's opinion but I'd call it required reading for the uninitiated who desire a better clue what their in for. There's another list in there too.

I remember my first trip being nothing like I expected mostly 'cause I didn't know what to expect. There's lots of things Lee Hegstrand shared that an aficionado wouldn't even think worth mentioning face to face, and it's all in one place. Worth a read and I wish people still sent me things like that for QJ.

Hey, have a good trip! Let us know what surprises you most.


BTW - Bear repellent was mothballs ... I didn't smell any on either of those school trips. See - newbies never listen.  

One of the better books on the subject is 'Canoe Country Camping' by Micheal Furtman. I loan my copy to any newbie that I am taking on a first trip. 

All excellent advice. I'd pay particular attention too the good rain gear and sleeping bag/pad when you get your gear.
Weight is always a consideration. You can save plenty by using multi-purpose items and wearing synthetic clothes.

Your gear will evolve over time. Trial and error and personal preference will be your guide. I'd rather bring too much stuff the first time, than be short and uncomfortable. As long as you can carry your gear and keep up, it's just part of the learning curve.

I did the ultra-light thing during my backpack days. Part of the allure of canoe camping was the ability to bring along certain creature comforts that you would never haul on a long hiking trip.

Depending on the person, those could be fancy coffee pots/solar showers/camp chairs etc.

Some items are necessities, not luxuries. I wouldn't go on a trip without a good sleeping bag suitable for time of year. On that line, better to have to un-zip, than shake and shiver all night.

Same with rain gear. Another item I wouldn't go without is a decent tarp.
A large tarp for meals/fire is nice, but even a smaller one used with your tent sent-up can be a comfort in nasty weather.

My 2 creature items are my Byer mosquito hammock and the solar shower. The hammock is a nice place to read/write and nap, even doing duty under tarp as emergency bivouac.

Solar shower is nice after a few hard days paddling /portaging. Nothing beats a hot shower/clean clothes and a good meal IMHO before hitting the sack.  In cold weather the quick dip doesn't really do the trick.

I know it's time when I can't stand to sleep with me
The British had it right, just because your in the wilderness, you don't have too live like savages

MNAdventurer,
I have not weighed in on this thread as I believe that there are others far more qualified to give advice in this game of canoe camping. I will add a few things that have not been touched upon that may prove to be a real "asset" (pun intended).

I would be loathe to be without my tripod stool. Getting ready for a trip is all about visualizing the different scenarios you may encounter and getting into DETAILS about how you will address them. Of course with limited experience that is easier said than done but I digress. Visualize sitting around a bright cheery campfire and singing songs and roasting marshmallows (I usually accomplish 1 out of three and I aint tellin). Sounds great right? Now get the same picture with your rump on a hard damp log or better yet a nice cold rock. Gettin the picture?

There are many different choices out there for seating and making your own decisions and having your own "style" is part of the fun and satisfaction. I will, however, make a pitch for the simple tripod stool.

1. It is lightweight and compact. If you search you can find the "backpackers version" with aluminum legs as opposed to steel. It weighs exactly one pound and folds into a tidy little roll. It will run you about $20.

2.It's comfy enough and gets you off the ground. Unless your tall beware the stools that get you to high. The chair isn't only about comfort and it's nice to be able to reach down to the ground easily to accomplish various tasks ( such as stirring that oatmeal so the raisins don't burn).

3. This ones important to me. When I break camp I dislike having to constantly be bending over. When I stuff my bag and my tent I find it much easier (and less stressful on the back I might add) to do these tasks from a sitting position. The lightweight little tripod is easily and quickly moved about and has nothing in the way to impede your hands. You are unobstructed for 360 degrees.

4. I have heard unfavorable comments disparaging the tripod from very experienced people I have high regard for. The objection is thus, that the stool legs are liable to sink into soft soil and deposit you (and your plate of freeze dried spaghetti) on the duff. I suppose that can and has happened. I have hiked the high country out west often for 2 weeks at a time for well over a decade and have about 70 nights in canoe country and have not found this to be much of an issue. Others may disagree. Perhaps size and build may have something to do with it. Just keep that in mind and give the stool a test of sorts to determine its stability. Re-positioning is easy enough.

The other item you would be exceedingly wise to bring is a pair of "camp shoes". Again think DETAILS. Many bring sandals. If you go that route bear in mind they will likely get wet. You may, in fact, find yourself using them in the water when/if you go and take a dip. The mornings can be rather cool. Will your camp shoe/sandal accommodate a nice thick sock? If you choose to bring a sandal type shoe a smidge of care should be employed if they are open toed. Wouldn't want to get a toenail hung up on a rock now would we?

Good luck, drink lots of water and breathe deeply!!