Unless you are truly an expert, taking a canoe trip involves some risk of getting your gear wet, either as a result of a capsize or from taking on water in waves or a rainstorm. Canoes are open boats and by nature are at risk of taking on water, which can ruin food supplies, soak sleeping bags, or destroy sensitive equipment such as cameras. Fortunately, unlike the ancient native peoples who first developed canoes, the modern paddler has lots of options for waterproof storage of gear and supplies while on a canoe trip. Given the vast array of storage systems developed specifically for canoeing, there is no reason to ever ruin a trip by getting your gear wet, even if the worst happens and you capsize in a whitewater river.
Canoes are somewhat more versatile than kayaks, since they are open and most of the interior volume is unobstructed except for the two seats and maybe one or two additional structural thwarts. This open space makes it possible to store your gear in either rigid containers or flexible waterproof gear bags. Here’s a look at what’s available, and how to use each:
If you are on a tight budget and can’t fork out the cash for expensive, purpose-made gear storage systems, there are two low cost options. The first is to go to a home-improvement store and buy several empty 5-gallon plastic buckets of the sort that paint or joint compound comes in. These are now sold new in unused condition, along with tight-fitting lids that seal with an O-ring gasket. These buckets are rugged, waterproof, hold a lot of stuff, and can double as camp stools at the end of the day. They are especially good for items you don’t want to get crushed in a pile of bags, like boxes of crackers, loaves of bread, or cameras. For additional security, place important items inside resealable Ziploc freezer bags before putting them in the buckets. These buckets also have a handle, and this should be used to securely tie them to a thwart or other strong point in the canoe so they don’t float away in a capsize.
The second low-cost option is to simply use strong garbage bags, such as those sold for lawn and garden use. They are waterproof and tough enough to last one trip. They can be doubled up, but an even better way to use garbage bags is to place them inside ordinary nylon or canvas duffel bags. The tough material of the duffel bags will protect the garbage bags from tearing, and even though the duffel bags get wet, the contents inside the plastic liners will not. This method is used by many experienced paddlers.
For those who don’t mind spending extra money, there are purpose-made gear bags (usually called “dry-bags”) with special roll-top closures that will keep their contents dry even when submerged. These dry bags come in all shapes, sizes and colors and range widely in price depending on the manufacturer and extra features such as portaging straps for easy carrying. What you gain for your money over buckets or simple garbage bags is long-lasting, expedition-grade durability, and easy convenience of repeated opening and closing, as well as easier organization of your equipment.
The ultimate waterproof containers are the hard-shell plastic cases that seal with strong buckles on an O-ring gasket. These cases are available to meet the special needs of outdoorsmen who must carry fragile and expensive gear, such as high-end cameras, surveying equipment, computers and other instruments. These cases usually have foam interiors that can be cut to fit whatever piece of gear you want to use the case for. Expect to spend a lot of money for such a case, but it is justified if it is needed to protect hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of gear.
Redundancy is also important when securing your gear for a canoe trip. As already mentioned, pack small items inside waterproof Ziploc freezer bags before putting them in larger containers. Use small garbage bags or other plastic bags to pack your clothes and sleeping bags in before you put them into your special purpose dry bags. Water is unlikely to penetrate several layers of plastic.
Follow the advice outlined here and you can be sure that when you get to camp each night, you’ll have a warm, dry sleeping bag, dry underwear and socks to put on, and dry food to cook.
