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Going on a winter camping trip and spending a few days in the wilderness is an excellent way to reconnect with nature while enjoying the serene calm of the cooler seasons. The one downfall to traditional camping is that it can be hard to pack up and explore the surrounding area, and it may even limit your ability to see some of the more remote areas not accessible by foot.
Canoe camping is a great alternative for adventurers looking to combine camping with true, off-the-grid exploration, and we are here to provide you with some tips as you plan your trip. Canoe camping in the winter is a beautiful and unique experience, but only if you come prepared with all the necessary equipment.
Read on to see the top ten tips to follow when preparing for your winter canoe camping trip to ensure it’s a trip to remember.
1. Choose the Right Canoe
When preparing for a winter canoe camping trip, you need to find a canoe that is up to the challenge of traversing cold, maybe even freezing, water conditions. Not all canoes are the same, and some may even struggle to survive the trip if they aren’t designed for the harsh winter climate.
Canoes designed with flat bottoms are the best option for these types of trips. These canoes are much more stable than other models and can easily move through icy conditions. They also have a lesser chance of tipping, which is very important to keep you and your camping gear dry.
Try to find a canoe with plenty of storage space on board so that you can fit everything you need and don’t have to skimp on any essential items simply because you don’t have the space. With the proper storage, you can easily bring along a sufficient portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro or EcoFlow River 2 Max for all of your backup power needs.
2. Pack Extra Clothing
Now that you have the perfect canoe for your trip, you can start packing your items. Layers of warm and dry clothing will make a world of difference, especially when conditions drop below freezing. Be sure to pack plenty of items and even leave some more in your car if you need to return at any point in your trip. Store these clothes in waterproof bags and keep them tucked in your canoe’s storage so they stay high and dry until you reach your destination.
3. Plan Your Campsites
Before you leave, study the area you are staying in and find some good spots to stop and set up camp for the night. While you may need to be flexible and adjust your plans as necessary, you should have a general idea of where you plan to stop and how long you plan to stay.
Search for locations on flat ground and elevated from the water. An added tip is to try to find natural wind barriers, such as trees or rocks, to protect your tent.
4. Bring a Backup Power Source
When packing your canoe, be sure to make room for EcoFlow Portable Power Stations. These compact items can make your camping trip more enjoyable. These backup power sources can power your electronic devices or even a space heater in your tent to ensure you stay safe and comfortable throughout your stay.
5. Invest in Insulated Canoe Seats
You’ll be grateful to have invested in some insulated canoe seats for those long days travelling on the water. These seats are not only more comfortable than regular canoe seats, but they can also help you retain body heat and stay warm while you are exposed to cold conditions.
6. Have a Plan to Stay Warm at Your Campsite
Once you’ve arrived at your campsite, you need to have a plan to stay warm. Whether this is by creating a fire or plugging in a space heater, you should already know exactly what your plan is and how you will make it happen. Pack as many blankets as you can and invest in an insulated sleeping bag as added layers during your trip.
7. Study Your Routes Ahead of Time
In addition to knowing where your campsites are, you should also know the exact route you will take to get there. Take the time to prepare ahead of time and study the routes you plan on taking. Be sure to bring along a map or navigation system in case you get lost.
8. Have an Emergency Plan
It is always in your best interest to have a plan in case of an emergency. Canoe camping in freezing conditions can be dangerous, and it’s always smart to develop a backup plan in case something were to go wrong.
Know your routes and ensure that other people are aware of your location. Pack plenty of first-aid items and do everything to be as prepared as possible for this trip.
9. Use Portable Heaters
It shouldn’t be underestimated how important it can be to use portable heaters while travelling outside in winter. Humans can only stay outside so long before risking frostbite or hypothermia. With the proper planning and packing, however, the risk of developing either of these conditions drops dramatically.
Portable heaters are compact and easy to travel with, making it easy to pack this potentially life-saving piece of equipment. For a portable heater that doubles as an AC, consider investing in the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable AC to stay comfortable no matter where you travel.
10. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Finally, when spending long, cold days out on the water, it’s vital that you stay hydrated and nourished and that you have the means to do so. The EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator is an excellent addition to any camping trip and is guaranteed to keep your food, drink, and perishable items ready for consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a well-insulated canoe, you can safely leave it outside during the winter. However, you should always try to find higher ground to store it and ensure that it does not sit in the water overnight.
Final Thoughts
Canoe camping in the winter is an adventure unlike any other. With these tips, you are on your way to embarking on the trip of a lifetime.
Before you leave, make sure you’re prepared with everything you need! The EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station is guaranteed to make your trip more enjoyable and is easy to bring along for future adventures.