Keep your gear dry when canoeing

Nothing’s worse than a soaked sleeping bag or a wet change of clothes after a day in the canoe. Here are some quick tips to keep all your stuff dry.

Dry Bags, Float Bags And Dry Pouches

A waterproof bag with buckles at the top works great for holding things that must stay dry such as your wallet or food. Don’t put too much in there. Leave enough room to fold the opening over at least three times before buckling shut. The buckles keep the folds pressed together and keep water out. Dry bags come in sizes from one quart to 25 by 43 inches. Find them at most outdoor retailers.

Resealable Bags

These work in the kitchen, and they can work on a canoe trip. They come in all sizes. Sandwich-size bags store toilet paper or socks. Two-gallon bags hold jeans or sneakers. Some stores even carry sizes up to 12 and 20 gallons. Don’t overfill. Seal carefully.

Five-gallon buckets

If you don’t have to lug your gear far, these can be useful. A sleeping bag fits in one perfectly. Take two and put spare clothes in the other. Seal the lid to the bucket with duct tape. Buckets can also double as a place to sit around the campsite.

Protect It Even More

Combine waterproofing for things you absolutely must keep dry. Put small items in resealable bags and stuff all of those in a larger one. Then, put everything in a bucket or dry bag. If the outer layer leaks, your gear is still protected.