A CANOEIST'S PARADISE - Bowron Lake Park

This unmatched chain of lakes stretches over a distance of 116 km (73 miles). Find quiet solitude, cherish incredible scenery and face some challenging canoeing!

What to Bring ~ Clothing & Equipment list

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need on your expedition. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being. Proper preparation is a vital ingredient in your enjoyment of the program. When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry:

Layering

It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There are 3 main layers: ‘Transfer’ which is the layer next to your skin; ‘Insulating’ which is the main warmth layer(s); and, ‘Protective’ which is the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements.

Keeping Dry

Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible. Some clothing is hydrophobic, and therefore, stays dry (i.e., synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester, capilene, and natural fibres such as wool and silk). Clothes made of these materials make great expedition clothing. Be careful of other materials (e.g., cotton and down), because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excess perspiration and therefore wetness.

Please avoid cotton clothing (including jeans) if possible. Once it is wet, cotton takes a very long time to dry in this environment.

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Clothing List

Pack

• 1 backpack with hip belt or river bag with straps - for carrying on portages

Sleeping bag, etc.

• 1  COMPACT 3-season sleeping bag. Synthetic bags (e.g. Polarguar Hollofil or Quallofil ) are preferable
• 3  nylon stuff sacks lined with plastic garbage bags (1 for your sleeping bag 2 for your clothes)
• 1  sleeping pad ( closed-cell foam or inflatable thermarest)

Footwear

• 1 pair running shoes, walking or light hiking boots
• 1 pair water sandals (e.g. Teva) or second pair of running shoes
• 4 pairs of wool or thermal socks
• 1 pair of rubber boots or water footwear  ~  a must for loading canoes in water

Headwear

• wool/fleece hat
• sun hat or visor (ballcap)
• rain hat (sou’wester), not needed if you have a hood on your raincoat
• 1 pair of sunglasses with attached safety string

Handwear

• pair of wool or pile gloves or mittens.  These may be worn while paddling on bad weather days. A combination of rubberized gloves and light silk or cotton underglove is an economocial alternative.

Upper Body

• 2 T-Shirts
• 2 long sleeved shirts (1 cotton, 1 wool)
• 1 wool or pile sweater
• 1 extra vest or light sweater (light wool or cotton blend)
• waterproof raincoat with sleeves that close tightly (make sure that it’s durable)

Lower Body

• 2 pairs pants  ~  wool blend, pile or quick crying cotton (no blue jeans)
• 1 pair shorts (light/fast drying nylon is best  ~  optional)
• underwear
• 1-2 pairs longjohns or polypropylene underwear (optional if you get cold easily and want to wear them in the day or at night as pajamas)
• pair waterproof rain pants

Additional

• 1  bathing suit
• 1  towel
• extra plastic garbage bags
• 1  bowl, plate, cup and eating utensils
• 1  water bottle (1 liter/quart)
• 1  whistle with lanyard to put around your neck
• 1  flashlight with extra batteries
• 1  toiletry kit- toilet paper (2 full rolls), biodegradable soap and shampoo, toothbrush and small toothpaste, small brush/comb, lip salve (with PABA), waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher is a must), mosquito repellent
• 1  20 foot length of good twine

BE SURE ALL YOUR CLOTHES AND SLEEPING EQUIPMENT ARE WATERPROOFED IN DOUBLE PLASTIC BAGS OR NYLON STUFF SACKS WITH PLASTIC BAG LINERS. The plastic bags airlines use to ship your packs make great liners.
NEVER TAKE FOOD OR ANYTHING WITH AN ODOR INTO YOUR TENT.

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Note

Because we can experience both very hot and/ or cold, wet conditions, it is imperative that you bring sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen, as well as, good quality waterproof rain pants and rain jacket (we suggest rubber ). You will also need rubber boots or water shoes in case we have wet weather, as you do not want to sit in a canoe all day, on a glacier fed lake, with wet feet (very important). Also, we load the canoes in the water to protect the canoes. Please take the rain warning seriously. In past years, some clients have tried using inferior rain gear and have been cold if we were unlucky enough to have extended periods of rain.

Optional Items

• camera (insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended) with extra memory card and batteries
• 1  pair of field glasses for wildlife
• lightweight reading material
• journal and pencil / pen
• sketch Pad for drawing
• Snacks: If you are in the habit of snacking, we suggest that you bring your favorite trail
  mix or snacks to eat between meals.

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First Aid

Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:

• band-aids (elastoplast or fabric type are best)
• 1 roll gauze
• blister kit (moleskin or ‘second skin’)
• tensor bandage
• adhesive tape, small gauze or telfa pads
• topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., polysporin)
• antacid
• mild analgesic (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol)
• mild anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen)
• motion sickness medication (e.g., Gravol, Transderm patches); any personal medication (bring extra!)

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Equipment

We will supply 2-man tents for the clients. However, if you would prefer to use your own personal tent, you are welcome to do so as long as it is a good one. You should let us know if you plan to bring your own tent and if you would be prepared to share it with someone else.