What to Buy and Bring for a Canoe Day

A canoe day needs more than canoes and paddles. Pack for wet gear, changing weather, food by the water and the practical details of getting equipment from the start to the finish point. Waterproof storage, drinking water, route information and safety equipment are easy to overlook until you are already on the river. This checklist covers the supplies for paddling, a simple meal, refreshments and a comfortable setup at camp or the finish area.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Canoesqty 6
Paddlesqty 12
Life jacketsqty 30
Waterproof barrelsqty 6
Throw linesqty 3
Whistlesqty 8
Waterproof phone casesqty 8
Route mapsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Sunscreenqty 4

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
BBQ toolsqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Water tanksqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Information boardsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Drying racksqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 48 pieces
- Hot dogs - 40 pieces
- Veggie burgers - 16 pieces
- Hamburgers - 30 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 36 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 16 pieces
- Chicken satay - 30 skewers
- Corn on the cob - 24 pieces
- Potato salad - 4 kilos
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Mixed salad - 3 kilos
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Barbecue charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand gel - 4 bottles

Tips

Give every paddler a life jacket, paddle and whistle, and keep at least one throw line accessible in each group rather than buried in a waterproof barrel.
Use waterproof barrels for phones, spare clothing, food and route maps. Add a waterproof phone case for each person who may need to make or receive a call.
Plan drinking water for the whole day: pack at least 2 litres per participant, plus extra water in tanks for cooking, handwashing and topping up bottles.
For a barbecue meal, bring one cutting board and chef’s knife for food preparation, plus separate serving spoons and BBQ tools. Pack reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for every participant, with a few extras.
Set up coolers before participants arrive and keep thermos flasks, LED lamps and extension cords ready at the food area. A party tent, tables and chairs are especially useful if rain is forecast.

Frequently asked questions

How much water should I bring for a canoe day?: Pack at least 2 litres of drinking water per participant for a full day, and add extra water in tanks for cooking and cleaning. Bring more if it is hot or the route has no reliable refill point.
What safety equipment do I need for a canoe trip?: Each paddler needs a life jacket, paddle and whistle. Take first aid kits, emergency blankets and throw lines, and keep the route maps and emergency contact details in waterproof storage.
How do I keep food and phones dry in a canoe?: Store food, spare clothing and route maps in waterproof barrels. Put phones in waterproof phone cases and keep coolers closed between stops so food stays cold and dry.
When should I check the weather and pack the canoe day supplies?: Check the forecast at least 24 hours before departure and again on the morning itself. Pack non-perishable supplies the day before, then fill coolers and prepare fresh food shortly before participants arrive.

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