Canoe camping is one of my favorite ways to camp. The beauty of it is that whatever you carry get’s to float, rather than carrying it on your back. There are a number of small lakes and ponds nearby with established campsites that are almost always empty on a weeknight. So since I’m just getting back into the overnights, I thought I’d start out with a simple canoe camping trip.
Weeknight camping is encouraged in the micro-adventure spirit. It’s what we can do from 5 to 9 that brings more adventure into our lives.
We loaded up our canoe with our tent, cooler, hammock, and I brought the Therm-a-rest Mira bag to test.
Here are some tips to consider when taking a canoe camping micro-adventure.
- Be a good camper. Often lakes and ponds have heavily impacted campsites where other boaters come to party. So, rather than making a new site, that might be more idyllic, camp on existing sites. This helps keep the entire lake from becoming impacted. Brush up on your leave no trace ethics here.
- Yums. Micro-adventure is meant to be simple, pick up some take out on your way to t&he put in and grab a coffee and muffin on your way to work in the morning that way you can for-go the stove, pot’s and pans etc.
- Don’t be a glass-hole. If you’re going to enjoy a brew at the end of the day bring canned beer instead of glass. Many microbrews are now offering cans for summer. Reduce the risk of first aid issues, but don’t forget to carry out both the cans AND the plastic rings which can be dangerous for wildlife when left behind. Canned beer floats too if you run out or room in your cooler.
- Pack a first aid kit. Even though it’s micro-adventure, always be prepared.
- Keep it dry. If you don’t have a dry bag, use trash bags or trash compactor bags to keep your stuff from getting wet from paddle drips.
I had a great night sleep on our trip in the Therm-a-rest Mira Sleeping Bag. Where have you canoe camped?
