I was asked recently by Court Storey of the Twin Cities, Minn., to reprint a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) packing list I first published in 1987 while writing for the Pioneer Press. Much of the list originated with a colleague of mine at the time, Dennis Lien, who frequently traveled with me to the boundary waters.
"Our group of four just came back from our 53rd trip to the Quetico and BWCA," Court wrote, "and still observe people bringing everything but the kitchen sink into these pristine places. We would like you to consider resurrecting and updating that article since there are a lot of greenhorns who have no idea what to bring!"
The original list appears below, and generally is the one I still use. Exceptions include the addition of a cellphone (and solar or other charger) loaded with the Navionics Boating, Marine and Lakes app for the U.S. and Canada, and a handheld GPS.
Additionally, the website, paddleplanner.com, wasn't around in 1987, and it can be helpful, as can a couple of apps (depending on your phone type), including Backcountry Navigator and PaddleNav.
Also, to Corey's point, to fish the boundary waters effectively, you needn't bring along a big tackle box. Jigs, a handful of crankbaits (floating and deeper-running), and Dardevles for northern pike and Five of Diamonds or similar for lake trout, will do. Also bring extra line and leaders.
Email me about additions to or comments about the list.
_Canoe/paddles/portage yoke
_Duluth packs/multiple heavy duty plastic liners
_Life jackets/cushions
_Camp tarp
_Swede saw and axe
_Camera
_Flashlight/batteries
_Collapsible water bucket/filter
_Two compasses
_Waterproof maps
_Mosquito head net
_Tent
_Plastic ground cloth
_Fire grate
_First aid kit
_Toilet paper
_Fish net; rods (2) and reels (2); fillet knife; small tackle box.
_One pair boot
_One pair camp shoes
_Rain gear
_Sunglasses
_Mosquito lotion
_Suntan lotion
_Sleeping bag and pad
_Gloves
_Jacket/outerwear
_Cap/knit hat
_Pocket knife/multi-tool
_Long underwear (seasonal)
_Matches in waterproof container/lighters
_Toiletries
_Change of clothes
_Book/playing cards
