SUPPLIES:
Things to bring:
Always a HOT discussion topic among paddlers. Some folks like/need to have every piece of gear imaginable for every situation. Other folks lean more to the minimalist side of the scale. Somewhere in the middle is probably they best balance. Be prepared for what is likely to happen, without needing a barge to carry all your stuff down the river.
ONE THING TO REMEMBER: SPACE IS LIMITED…AND WET.
Too much gear will make a heavy, cramped boat that might be unresponsive to paddle when you need to maneuver. Too little, and you potentially won’t have what you need.
Packing is maybe the most important part of any extended paddling trip. Consider what you bring CAREFULLY! Some say, never go over 45 lbs of gear…but your milage may vary.
Below are just a few lists that you can find or generate for yourself.
According to Google AI:
A three-day paddling trip in Pennsylvania requires a mix of
waterproof gear, synthetic clothing layers, and camping essentials stored in dry bags. Key items include a PFD, spare paddle, tent, sleeping bag/pad, water filter, and safety equipment like a whistle and map. Pack for changing weather with quick-dry fabrics and waterproof layers.
Essential Paddling Gear
Boat: Canoe or Kayak.
Safety: Personal Flotation Device (PFD - worn), throw rope, whistle.
Propulsion: Paddle + spare paddle.
Storage: Dry bags (multiple sizes, 35L recommended for gear).
Navigation: Waterproof map, compass, or GPS.
Repair: Duct tape, multi-tool, paracord.
YouTube +4
Clothing (Synthetic/Wool - No Cotton)
On-Water: Quick-dry shorts/pants, sun hoodie, paddling shoes/sandals (neoprene or secure), sunglasses with tether.
Weather Dependent: Wetsuit/drysuit for cold water (<60°F), rain jacket and pants.
In-Camp: Dry shoes (sneakers), lightweight pants, synthetic t-shirt, warm fleece or puffy jacket, wool socks.
Accessories: Hat, beanie (if chilly), bandana.
Backcountry +3
Camping & Cooking
Shelter: Tent, sleeping bag (synthetic), sleeping pad.
Lighting: Headlamp + extra batteries.
Cooking: Portable stove + fuel, pot, mug, bowl, spork.
Food/Water: High-energy meals, coffee, water filtration system, 1.5L+ water storage.
Camp Comfort: Camp chair, small knife/axe.
YouTube +6
Personal Items & Safety
Hygiene: Sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, towel, toilet paper.
Health: First-aid kit (including tick key).
Misc: Cell phone in waterproof case, portable charger, cash/ID.
YouTube +4
Specific to Pennsylvania
Tick Protection: Insect repellent with DEET/Picaridin is essential.
River Considerations: Secure all items with dry bags; bring a helmet if tackling faster water.
Permits: Check requirements for state forests or parks (e.g., Allegheny National Forest).
This list according to another A.I.
Clothing
Quick-dry synthetic or wool base layers (shorts and shirts)
Lightweight long-sleeve sun/rash shirt
Lightweight insulating layer (fleece or synthetic jacket) for mornings/evenings
Lightweight packable rain jacket (waterproof, breathable)
Lightweight rain pants
Swimsuit
Hat with brim for sun protection
Buff or neck gaiter (sun and insect protection)
Lightweight gloves (neoprene or windproof) — optional
Change of clothes for camp (dry set stored in dry bag)
Warm sleep clothing (thermal top/bottom or fleece depending on temps at night)
Socks: quick-dry synthetic or wool (2–3 pairs)
Camp shoes (sandals with heel strap or lightweight water shoes)
River shoes (neoprene booties or secure water shoes)
Lightweight camp sandals or flip-flops for evenings
Shelter & Sleep System
Lightweight backpacking tent or tarp shelter with guy lines and stakes (suitable for expected wind/rain)
Groundsheet/footprint sized for tent
Sleeping bag rated to expected low temps (typically 30–40°F depending on elevation; 20–30°F if you expect cold nights)
Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam or inflatable with repair kit)
Pillow (packable or inflatable) or small stuff sack filled with clothes
Dry Storage & Packs
Several dry bags (various sizes: 5–10L for electronics/food, 20–35L for clothing/camp gear, one large for boat/gear)
Waterproof stuff sacks or zip-top dry bags for layered organization
Small day pack or deck bag for shore hikes and short carries
Waterproof map case or dry map holder
Waterproof phone/electronics case (secondary protection)
Navigation & Communication
Waterproof map (river map) and printed itinerary
Compass (and knowledge of use)
GPS device or handheld GPS (with spare batteries)
Fully charged phone with portable battery pack (solar or power bank)
Whistle (attached to PFD, but extra one useful)
VHF or handheld marine radio if group uses one
Personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator (optional but recommended for remote trips)
Food & Cooking
Camp stove and fuel (small canister or liquid fuel) with lighter and waterproof matches
Compact cookset (pot, pan, cup, spork/utensils)
Lightweight cutting board and knife or multi-tool with blade
Biodegradable soap and small scrubber
Collapsible water container (1–2 gallon) for camp water storage
Water bottles or hydration reservoirs (1–2 L each)
Water purification (filter, pump, gravity filter, or tablets) with spare filters/treatment
Food for 2.5 days plus extra emergency rations (calorie-dense meals: freeze-dried, dehydrated, or ready-to-eat)
Snacks/high-calorie trail food: energy bars, nuts, jerky, chocolate, etc.
Coffee/tea and small percolator or Nalgene coffee press (optional)
Lightweight pot lifter or gloves for handling hot pots
Bear-proof or rodent-proof food storage (sack or bear canister if required by location; at minimum keep food sealed and off ground)
Trash bags (pack out all trash)
Spice kit, small salt/pepper, oil packet (optional)
Personal & Hygiene
Quick-dry towel or pack towel
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Small first-aid kit (see detailed list below)
Prescription medications (plus copy of prescriptions)
Sunscreen (reef-safe, high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) and/or permethrin-treated clothing
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper in waterproof bag and small trowel or WAG bag if required
Feminine hygiene products (if needed) and disposal plan
Small mirror and basic toiletries (comb, small scissors/nail file)
Contact lenses supplies or backup glasses (if applicable)
Quick-dry wipes for sponge baths
First-Aid & Safety (detailed)
Comprehensive first-aid kit tailored for remote river trips (include blister care, antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, tape, triangular bandage, elastic bandage, antibiotic ointment)
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antihistamine (for allergies), anti-diarrheal, antacids, oral rehydration salts
Tweezers, small splinter probe, safety pins
Moleskin or blister patches
Burn treatment items (for stove burns)
Snake bite kit
Trips that are fully supported are different
in some types of trips, R.A.C. makes it easier on our overnight groups, but shuttling your gear for you. By doing this, you don't have to worry about having a boat full of gear, and then tipping over, and eating wet food, and sleeping in a wet sleeping bag for an entire weekend. In that situation, just the following limited list might work, if we have the rest of your gear loaded on the vehicle, or safely stored at camp.
MY SHORT LIST FOR ON THE RIVER day paddles:
Sunscreen- Water & drinks- Fishing gear & license- Special diet items or snacks.- Any meds you need.- Pocket money in case you stop in a town.- Toilet paper in a bag. Extra zip-lock bags to keep things dry (like cell phones). *NOTE* - Paddling is not a dry activity. Assume everything you bring with you will get soaked if you don't put it in something protective.