The Smart Packer's Guide to Your Scottish Canoe Adventure
- Stephen McCall
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Planning your Scottish canoe adventure? Let's talk about something crucial that can make or break your experience – packing! As seasoned guides who've led countless canoe trips across Scotland's stunning waterways, we've seen it all when it comes to packing mishaps. Here's your insider's guide to packing smart for your upcoming adventure.
First Things First: The Barrel System Here's something vital to know – your gear won't stay in your backpack during the trip. Instead, you'll be issued 60-litre blue barrels for your equipment. These are your waterproof best friends for the next five days, so pack with this in mind. Pro tip: Don't spend hours meticulously organizing your backpack – you'll need to redistribute everything into these barrels anyway!
What We Provide:
• Tents (including single tents for solo travellers)
• Roll mats
• A 10-litre dry day bag for essentials
• The all-important blue barrels
• Some extra dry bags (though we aim to keep boats light!)
• A food barrel for your boat
The Golden Rule: Less is More One of the most common mistakes we see? Over-packing! Remember, you'll be paddling for five days, and a heavily loaded boat makes for harder work. Pack light, pack smart, and you'll thank yourself later.
Essential Packing Tips:
Double-Bag Your Precious Items While our barrels are waterproof, we always recommend double-bagging sleeping bags and spare clothes. Why? Because if something compromises the barrel's seal during an unexpected swim, you'll be glad you took this extra precaution!
Day Bag Essentials Your 10-litre dry bag should contain:
• Waterproofs
• Sun cream
• Daily snacks
• Any medication
• Other daily essentials
3. Footwear Facts Here's a reality check – your shoes WILL get wet. Plan accordingly with appropriate water-friendly footwear.
What we provide
Professional Leadership & Equipment
• Highly experienced and qualified guide (1:8 ratio)
• Traditional open canoe (2 people per boat)
• All water-safety equipment (buoyancy aids and helmets) • Professional photos from your course
Camping & Cooking Equipment
• Quality tents and sleeping mats
• All cooking equipment
• All eating utensils
• Fresh, delicious meals from first lunch to last lunch
• Hearty breakfasts and dinners
What's Not Included:
• Personal sleeping bag
• Course insurance
• Personal expenses
• Pre/post trip accommodation
Essential Packing List:
Clothing
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-tex or similar quality)
• Walking trousers (synthetic materials - no jeans!)
• 2 sets of spare clothes
• Warm insulating layers (one for paddling, one for camp)
• Warm socks
• Hat and gloves
• Midge net and/or cream (Smidge recommended)
Footwear
• Shoes that can get wet (for paddling)
• Dry shoes for camp
Camping Gear
• 3-season sleeping bag
• Head torch + spare batteries
• Water bottle or flask
• Large zip-lock bags for organizing clothes and equipment
Sun Protection
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
Optional Items
• Camping foldable chair
• Inflatable pillow
• Ear plugs
Important Reminders:
• Don't forget any personal medications
• Pack everything in zip-lock bags before putting in barrels
• Remember: all items should be organized to fit in 60L barrels
• Double-bag important items like sleeping bags and spare clothes
Setting Up For Success
Don't worry about having everything perfectly organized when you arrive. We allocate about an hour at the start of the trip for everyone to sort their gear and get familiar with the barrel system. Our experienced guides will help you organize everything efficiently.
Remember: The key to a great canoe adventure isn't having the most gear – it's having the right gear, properly packed and protected.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a canoe trip is different from your typical hiking or camping adventure. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared for your journey across Scotland's magnificent waterways. And remember, if you're unsure about anything, just ask – we're here to help!
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