DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ...
An overnight camping trip requires you to tote more equipment. Here are some of the basics.SLEEPING GEAR
A family tent with good mosquito netting, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads.COOKING UTENSILS
Mess kits, nesting pots, and a camp stove with fuel (depending on the site, you may be able to build a campfire and cook hot dogs, marshmallows, and such).FOOD
Simple, filling dinners like boxed macaroni and cheese, hot drink mixes, a cooler for fresh food (you can even make a pot of chili or stew before you leave and heat it on the trail), and water bottles and plenty of water, plus purifiers for untreated water.CLOTHING
Warm coats, light hiking shoes, several pairs of socks, and at least one extra set of dry clothes per child.FIRST AID
A compact first-aid kit with a basic manual, Band-Aids, and tweezers.LIFESAVERS
Toilet paper and sealable plastic bags, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a compass.STAKING OUT YOUR CAMP
After unloading the boat, pick a spot to cook meals that's well away from the water, plus a flat spot to pitch your tent that is a bit sheltered in case of a storm. Make sure you pull your canoe up on land, turn it over, and tie it to a rock or tree. You can stow paddles, life vests, and other loose gear underneath.The ideal camp has sand and rocks for playing and a stretch of quiet, safe waterfront for wading or swimming. It's also a plus to be near hiking trails. My kids love to wander through the woods searching for secret hideaways, collecting rocks, and discovering treasures like feathers and bones.
GETTING SERIOUS
Once you've rented a canoe several times and plan to head for the water regularly, it may be time to buy a boat. This is a big--and in some cases, pricey--step.You'll have a huge array of canoes to choose from. Narrow the selection by checking out large, stable, and deep-hulled models at a reputable sporting goods store. Typically, a suitable family canoe will be about 17 feet long, roughly 3 feet wide at the widest point, and as much as 15 inches deep at the bow. Ask the salesperson about the boat's stability and about its tendency to take on water in waves. As is true when you're buying a car, there will be dozens of models that will work. Pick the one that best suits your family size, the water you want to paddle, and your budget.
Comfortable, snug life jackets are purchases you shouldn't skimp on, even though your children will outgrow them. Inexpensive paddles (under $30) work just as well as high-priced ones.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
