This is my multi-day canoe kit list ahead of my trip along the Great Glen Canoe Trail at the end of August 2026. It’s important to get your kit right before you get on the water, because once the trip’s underway, there’s no popping to a shop for anything you’ve forgotten.
I’ll be updating this post as I finish gathering my gear together, and again after the trip with a full breakdown of how each item actually performed on the water.
For each item, I’ve linked the exact product I’m taking, along with a review or a roundup guide covering alternative options if available, so you can see what I’ve gone for and find the right fit for your own trip.
Below is the full list first, so you’ve got something to work from straight away. Beyond that, I’ve gone into more detail on each section — what I’m packing and the thinking behind it.
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Multi-Day Canoe/Kayak Kit List
Safety & Canoeing Gear
- PFD – Helly Hansen Rider Vest Bouyancy Aid
- Dry bags for clothing/electronics – LifeVenture Storm Dry Bags (5L, 10L, 25L)
- Great Glen Canoe Trail guidebook – Pesda Press
- Map – Harveys Maps – Great Glen Way Map
- Compass, plus waterproof map case
- Headlamp – Claymore Capon 120H
- First-aid kit – LifeSystems Adventurer First Aid Kit
- Multi-tool or knife
- Waterproof phone case – Outdoor Master Waterproof Floating Phone Pouch
- Emergency blanket
- Small repair kit (duct tape, cord, dry bag patches)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent + head net – Smidge Survival Kit
- Throw rope/rescue rope
- Bailer or sponge
- Mobile Phone
Camping Gear
- Tent – Hubba Hubba Bikepacking 1P (Best tents for wild camping)
- Sleeping Bag – Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt
- Sleeping Pad – Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT
- Tarp & Cordage for rain shelter – DD Hammocks 3x3m Tarp
- Camp Chair – Grand Trunk Mayfly (Review)
- Waterproof Backpack – SealLine 70L
- Small Waterproof Bag – Wave 20L Roll Top Deck Bag
Clothing – On the Water
- Quick-drying shirt
- Shorts
- Lightweight trousers – Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers
- Sun hat – Passenger Emerge 5 Panel Trail Cap
- Sunglasses with retention strap
- Neoprene boots – Osprey 5mm Neoprene Aqua Boots (Review)
Clothing – Camp & Backup
- Underwear
- Socks
- Warm fleece
- Down jacket – OEX Kintra hooded down jacket (Review)
- Waterproof jacket – Rohan Aira Barricade Jacket (Review)
- Waterproof trousers – Berghaus Maitland GORE-TEX Overtrousers (Review)
- Long-sleeve shirt (bugs/sun) – PAKA Sol Hoodie
- Warm hat/beanie – Seashell Beanie
- Gloves
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Camp shoes
- Sleepwear (optional)
Food & Water (4 nights / 5 days)
- Breakfasts × 4 – Wayfayrer Ready-to-Eat Meals
- Lunches × 5
- Dinners × 4 – Wayfayrer Ready-to-Eat Meals
- Snacks for every day
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Water filter, purifier, or purification tablets – LifeStraw
- Backup purification method – Iodine tablets
- Coffee Maker – VSSL Nest Pour-Over Kit (Review)
Cooking Kit
- Stove and fuel – MSR Switch System Camping Stove (Best camping stoves)
- Lighter and waterproof matches
- Pot(s)
- Mug and bowl – MSR Titan Cup
- Spoon/spork – MSR Titan Long Spoon
- Dish cloth
- Small biodegradable soap – Lifeventure Biodegradable Soap
- Food storage bags/containers
Personal Items
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper (in waterproof bag)
- Trowel
- Prescription medications
- Small towel – Sea-to-Summit Pocket Towel
- Hand sanitiser
Nice-to-Have
- Cameras – Sony ZV-E10 + GoPro Hero
- Small tripod – Ulanzi tripod
- Spare batteries
- Fishing gear (if permitted)
- Binoculars
- Journal
- Deck of cards
- Power banks – Anker 20,000mAh Power Bank x2
- Hammock – DD Hammocks
- Waterproof speaker – JBL Go 4
I’ll be adding a detailed breakdown of each section above once I’ve finished pulling my kit together, followed by a write-up on how everything performed once I’m back off the water.
Check back here for updates, or follow along with trip updates on Instagram.
Related Guides & Reviews
The resources below cover the basics, common questions, and related kit to help you get more out of your time on the water.
- Wave Kayaks and Canoe: The Full Range Compared
- 10 Best Places for Wild Camping Scotland
- How To Paddle Board: Complete SUP Guide for Beginners
- Best Budget Paddle Boards in the UK
- Best Paddle Board Accessories: Best SUP Gear
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.