Packing List

Come prepared for all kinds of weather! While the summer months in Ontario are mostly warm with sunny skies, you should prepare for a few cold and wet days. You will want hot weather clothing that is lightweight, packs small and dries fast but you will also need some warmer layers in case it decides to rain and for the cooler nights. Typical weather for mid August will range between 16-30C with an average of 24C daytime and nighttime of 16C. Rain or shine, we will be out there ! Once we know what the forecast is for the week and you get a feel for our climate, we can adjust accordingly and leave any extra gear you decide you don’t need in your suitcase. Even when it is hot out, a lot of the girls were chilly at night. Our climate is very damp.

The first 2 days you will have access to running water and amenities so wear what you are comfortable in for the activity that day. Once we head out to camp, we will be far from anyone, so it is crucial that you come prepared with the proper clothing. You never know what the weather will bring. We will discuss in more detail in a group call to go over any gear questions and I will be available to provide recommendations.

**You will not need to bring any camping gear unless you’d prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, pad, jet boil or personal water filter. You only need some clothes and boots mentioned below . **

What I am bringing for the camping days..

Feet

  • A pair of water shoes for canoeing / portaging. They will get wet getting in and out of the canoes. (required)

    This comes down to personal preference. You can buy high tech amphibian shoes or use an old pair of sneakers. They must have good traction for the portage. These will stay wet for most of the trip. Test walking for a distance in your wet water shoes ahead of time to test for blisters

  • A hiking boot / shoe. We may do some hiking if everyone is up for it but it will not be more than a few kms from camp and it will likely be through thick brush, deadfall and raspberry canes. I always take my hiking boots in case of an emergency if I am required to hike for help. You just never know but I leave this up to everyone’s discretion.

  • Camp shoes to dry out your feet at camp (like crocs or slip ons ) Drying your feet at night is important

  • 1 pair of socks to wear with your boots (merino wool recommended)

Lower Body

  • 2 pairs of fast drying shorts

  • 1 light, quick-dry pant . It may be hot, but the raspberry canes, branches and mosquitos will tear up your legs while hiking. I love the KUIU Katana pants

  • 1-2 Fleece/warm pants or long johns/leggings. I bring a merino wool layer to sleep in and a heavier pant for around the fire. Also great for adding warmth under rain gear if necessary

  • 100% waterproof rain pant (required)

Hands/Head:

  • Ballcap / Sun hat for paddling

  • Sunglasses

Upper body:

  • 3-4 t-shirts or tank tops (can be cotton)

  • 1 long sleeve tops ( UV resistant recommended )

  • Bras and underwear

  • Pajamas or use your base layer

  • Fleece sweater

  • 1 rain jacket (required)

  • Down puffy jacket (highly recommend) Incredibly warm and lightweight. It seems excessive but it has saved me many times when I had a bad chill, even in the summer.

Misc

  • Swimsuit

  • 3 20L Dry bags to contain all your gear (required)

Optional Gear

  • UV neck gaiter to keep sun off your neck if you burn eas

  • Quick-dry towel

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Water proof phone case for canoeing

  • Small portable battery pack to charge camera or phone to take photos

  • lip balm with SPF protection

  • Biodegradable soap and personal toiletries

  • Toothbrush/paste

  • Feminine hygiene products ( Trust me, bring them just in case)

  • Wet wipes

  • Insect repellent

  • Binos

  • Trekking poles - great for hiking uneven ground or to stabilize in the water. Even just one is helpful

  • small packable camp chair ( there isn’t always somewhere to sit at the camp locations besides the ground)

  • Canoe seat ( can help take tension off your back when seated for long periods)

  • Camp pillow ( The sleep pad provided turns inside out with a fleece exterior. You can stuff your sweater inside)

  • Bear spray ( can purchase from me for $60. You cannot fly with it)

  • headlamp

Ontario Outdoors Card and Fishing Licence / $54.38 + $8.57 

What I provide for you to keep:

  • KUIU pack

  • Water bottle

  • Survival kit (fire starter, knife, first aid, bivvy sack, paracord, chapstick, eargplugs, etc)

  • All food, snacks, coffee

  • Women's retreat tank top and sweater

  • Safety kit

  • Ferro Rod

  • AND MORE SURPRISES ONCE YOU GET HERE!