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Essential Canoe Trip Pack List: Your Go-To Gear Guide for Paddling Preparedness

Ready for the ripple of water beneath your canoe but unsure of what to pack? This straightforward guide details the ultimate canoe trip pack list—everything you need and nothing you don’t for your on-water expedition. Gear up with confidence knowing you’ll have the essentials for both the paddle and the campfire.

Key Takeaways

• A well-chosen array of essential gear, including safety equipment and paddling necessities, is vital for a successful and safe canoe trip.
• Smart packing strategies, such as using dry bags for waterproofing and balancing the canoe’s load, are essential for efficiency and preventing gear from getting wet.
• Proper personal clothing, shelter and sleep systems, camp kitchen setup, and navigation and communication tools are key to comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the canoeing adventure.

Essential Gear for Your Canoe Trip

Embarking on a canoe trip is much like setting out on a great expedition. The canoe is your vessel, your paddles your oars, and a collection of carefully chosen gear your lifeline in the vast wilderness. Canoe tripping offers a unique way to explore and connect with nature, and canoe trips provide unforgettable experiences.

From the canoe itself to the paddles, safety equipment, and even the humble fanny pack, each item on your canoe trip packing list plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

The Canoe: Choosing Your Vessel

The canoe is the foundation of your adventure. Much like a sailor wouldn’t venture out in an unstable old ship, you must choose your canoe with care. The material, size, and weight can significantly affect your paddling experience, hence the importance of picking a model that aligns with your trip and skill level.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or embarking on your first canoe trip, a well-chosen canoe is a trusted ally on the water.

Paddling Essentials

Paddling a canoe resembles conducting an orchestra, where each stroke is a note and the paddle is your baton. However, orchestrating a successful canoe trip requires more than a decent paddle. Essential paddling equipment includes life jackets , spare paddles, and even a trusty fanny pack for those little extras.

These items ensure not only your safety but also your comfort and efficiency on the water.

Safety Gear Must-Haves

There’s an old saying among canoeists: “Safety first, because accidents last.” This couldn’t be more true. Essential safety gear like a first aid kit, whistle, and a throw rope is as important as your paddle or your canoe, and in many regions, a requirement to be on the water. These items are your safety net, ready to catch you when unexpected situations arise.

Packing Smart: Organizing Your Canoe Trip Gear

Similar to how a well-orchestrated symphony requires a skilled conductor, a successful canoe trip depends on smart packing. The goal? To fit your entire world – from your canoe to your camp kitchen – into a few dry bags and containers, without compromising on safety or comfort. And it’s not just about what you pack, but also how you pack it.

Dry Bags & Containers

Dry bags and containers are the unsung heroes of any canoe trip. These waterproof storage solutions are your first line of defense against the unpredictable elements, keeping your gear dry and organized despite the splashing water and sudden downpours.

From your cozy sleeping bag to your trusty first aid kit, every item in your canoe pack deserves the protection of a good dry bag.

Balancing the Load

Loading your canoe requires a balance akin to ballet – focusing on poise and precision. However, instead of executing pirouettes and pliés, you’ll grapple with dry bags, gear, and occasionally, the additional weight of a day pack. Distributing the load evenly across your canoe not only improves stability but also makes for easier and more efficient paddling.

Quick Access Items

In the world of canoeing, quick access items are the superstars. These are the items you’ll reach for without a second thought, whether it’s your water bottle during a strenuous paddle, your sunscreen on a sunny day, or a snack to refuel. Keeping these essentials within easy reach can make your canoe trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Clothing & Personal Items Checklist

In your preparations for the canoe trip, bear in mind that your clothing and personal items serve more than just being on a packing list – they essentially constitute your portable home. From your paddling gear and campsite wear to personal care essentials, each item plays a key role in ensuring comfort, safety, and enjoyment during your adventure.

Apparel for Paddling and Portaging

Whether you’re gliding through calm waters or tackling a challenging portage, the right apparel can make all the difference. Your paddling clothes should be:

• Quick-drying
• Comfortable
• Allowing you to move freely
• Protecting you from the elements

And don’t forget your portaging gear.

Just as a knight wouldn’t go into battle without armor, a canoeist shouldn’t embark on a portage without proper clothing.

Campsite Wear

After a long day of paddling and portaging, slipping into your campsite wear is like a warm hug. These are the clothes you’ll relax in, cook in, and sleep in. They should be warm, comfortable, and quick-drying, preparing you for chilly nights and dewy mornings. And with the right campsite wear, you won’t just feel great – you’ll look the part too. Be sure to check out our comprehensive camping checklist article here.

Personal Care Essentials

Personal care essentials may seem like a small part of your canoe trip packing list, but they’re vital for your comfort and hygiene. From toiletries and insect repellent to medications, these items ensure that you can take care of your personal needs even in the heart of the wilderness.

After all, a happy camper is a clean and comfortable camper.

Shelter and Sleep Systems

Much the same as a tortoise toting its home on its back, you’ll be transporting yours in your canoe. Choosing the right shelter and sleep system is crucial for a good night’s rest, preparing you for another exciting day of paddling. Whether you prefer the coziness of a tent or the freedom of a hammock, a good shelter can make your canoe camping trip all the more enjoyable.

Tents and Hammocks

Tents and hammocks are the two main contenders for your shelter of choice on a canoe camping trip. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, the nature of your trip, and the camping conditions you’ll face.

Whether you choose the enclosed comfort of a tent or the open-air freedom of a hammock , make sure it suits your needs and provides a comfortable and safe place to rest at the end of the day.

Sleeping Bag and Pad

After a long day of paddling and exploring, your sleeping bag and sleeping pad are your ticket to a good night’s sleep. Choosing the right ones depends on the weather conditions, the weight you’re willing to carry, and your personal comfort preferences.

Whether you opt for the fluffy warmth of a down sleeping bag or the quick-drying convenience of a synthetic one, the right sleeping system can make all the difference in your canoe camping trip.

Extra Comforts

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference. Extra comforts like a packable pillow or earplugs might not seem essential, but they can significantly enhance your sleeping experience. After all, a well-rested paddler is a happy paddler, so why not add a touch of luxury to your wilderness adventure?

Camp Kitchen and Food Storage

Eating well is about more than just filling your stomach – it’s about fueling your adventure. Setting up a functional camp kitchen and packing the right food can turn meal times into a highlight of your day. But it’s not just about what you cook – it’s also about how you store it.

Cooking Gear and Utensils

An effective camp kitchen operates similar to a well-oiled machine, where every piece of gear has a role. From your stove to your cookware, each item should be easy to use, durable, and efficient. After all, the wilderness might be your dining room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good meal with the help of cooking oil.

Food Packing Strategies

Packing food for a canoe trip is a balancing act. On one hand, you want meals that are delicious and nutritious. On the other hand, you need food that’s lightweight, compact, and doesn’t require refrigeration.

The secret lies in careful planning and smart packing strategies.

Water Treatment

Water is the elixir of life – but in the wilderness, it can also be a source of danger. Ensuring you have safe, clean drinking water is vital, and there are various water filtration and purification systems that can help you achieve this, regardless of where your canoe trip takes you.

Navigation and Communication Tools

The thrill of a canoe trip lies in charting your own course and exploring the unknown. But to do so safely, you’ll need reliable navigation and communication tools. From traditional maps and compasses to modern GPS and satellite phones, these tools are your lifeline in the wilderness.

Maps and Compass

In this era of GPS and smartphones, the traditional map and compass may appear obsolete. But when you’re navigating remote waterways, they can be your best friends. Knowing how to use these tools effectively is a vital skill for any canoeist, and can make the difference between a successful trip and a disastrous one.

Emergency Communication

Being isolated on the water, far from civilization, necessitates the ability to call for assistance during emergencies. That’s where emergency communication devices come in. Whether it’s a satellite phone for remote areas or a personal locator beacon for serious emergencies, these devices can be a lifesaver on a canoe trip.

Additional Accessories and Repair Kits

As with any adventure, unexpected events often constitute the most memorable experiences on a canoe trip. But sometimes, the unexpected can also bring challenges. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack some additional accessories and repair kits.

From handy multi-tools to comprehensive repair kits, these items can help you tackle any surprises that come your way.

Useful Add-Ons

While the basics are essential, sometimes it’s the extras that can make your canoe trip truly special. These add-ons may not be necessary, but they can enhance your experience, making your trip more comfortable, efficient, or just plain fun without adding extra weight.

Repair Kits and Tools

Even with the best preparation, things can go wrong on a canoe trip. A sudden leak in your canoe, a broken paddle, or a tear in your tent can turn your adventure into a nightmare. But with a good repair kit and some basic tools, you can fix most issues on the spot and get back to enjoying your trip.

From the thrill of gliding through tranquil waters to the challenge of navigating uncharted territories, a canoe trip is an adventure like no other. But the journey is not just about the destination – it’s also about the preparation. So pack carefully, prepare thoroughly, and then paddle forth into the wilderness. The adventure awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pack for a canoe trip.

When packing for a canoe trip, remember to pack essential personal items such as quick-drying clothing, a small towel, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the elements and stay comfortable during your adventure.

What food is good for canoe trips?

Good options for canoe trips include snack foods like trail mix, beef jerky, carrots, peanut butter, bars, cookies, and fruit. Additionally, plan meals like taco soup, lentil chili, or spaghetti with meat sauce using dehydrated ingredients.

Where should you pack the heaviest items in a canoe?

Pack the heaviest items in the center and at the bottom of the canoe to maintain balance and maneuverability. Place medium-heavy items over the heavier gear and lighter items at the ends of the canoe.

What is the best month to go on a canoe trip?

The best month to go on a canoe trip is September due to less boat traffic and crowded campsites, despite the slightly increased risk of precipitation compared to July and August.

What kind of clothes should I wear on a canoe trip?

Wear quick-drying and comfortable clothes for paddling and portaging, and pack warm and comfortable clothes for the campsite. It’s also important to remember to bring personal care essentials.

The Ultimate Canoe Trip Packing List

• Published on October 6, 2021

Packing for a canoe trip can be a daunting task even for a seasoned tripper. There’s always that one thing that just gets forgotten… unless you use a handy list like this (although you’ll probably still forget something). The worst thing I ever forgot…was the actual tent itself. We had the fly, we had the poles, we even had the ground sheet, but the tent was somehow missing…in June… and peak black-fly season in Ontario. I hope you enjoy this list of everything we believe to be essential on a canoe trip. Print it out and cross it off as you go along. See something missing? Let us know and we’ll get it added.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

• Plan a route (if travelling) 
• Book your camping permit (if required) 
•  Stare at your map for a while and get excited

CANOE ESSENTIALS

• A Canoe (reserve in advance if necessary) 
•   Local area map  in  waterproof case  
•  Canoe paddle, with an extra paddle per boat 
•  Personal Floatation Device aka  PFD  aka Life Jacket aka Lifey Jay – 1 per person 
•  Bail Kit – rope, whistle, small bucket 
•  Signalling Device (flare, mirror)

SLEEP & SHELTER

• Tent  (with full rain fly) 
• Tent poles, stakes (extras), fastening string 
• Tent foot print or under-tarp to reduce tent puddling & protect your tent
• Sleeping bag  (season appropriate) with compression sack 
• Sleeping Pad   
• Pillowcase – clothes stuffed inside make a great pillow!

Day Clothes (meant to get wet)

• Sun hat/sunglasses 
•   Neck warmer/buff  – great for staying warm on rainy days, or dip in water and wrap around your neck to cool off on the hot ones) 
•  Lightweight t-shirt/long sleeve 
•  Underwear/Sports bra 
•  Rain jacket/pants
•  Hiking pants/shorts (in early seasons, layer up long underwear with thinner pants, adjust depending on weather) 
•  Wool/synthetic socks (quick drying socks are great. There is nothing more cringeworthy than starting your day with wet socks) 
•  Hiking boots/shoes 

Site Clothes (meant to stay dry)

• Toque/knit hat (the coziest thing to put on after a long day) 
•  T-shirt Lightweight sweater (fleece is always nice) 
•  Long underwear 
•  Sweatpants/track pants 
•  Wool socks (extra pair couldn’t hurt) 
• Lightweight ‘site shoes’ (easily slipped on, durable, water friendly – think, Tom’s or Croc’s)
• Extra underwear!

Pro Tip: Leave your coziest outfit in your car for the drive home. Or sit in the car with your wonderful forest stench, that’s nice too.

CAMP KITCHEN/UTILITIES

• Water filtration / treatment system  (Beaver Fever sucks!) 
• Food  – open to preference. We portion by meal, air seal perishables, and only bring what we like 
• Single burner camp stove 
• Fuel for stove 
• Lighter/Matches/Flint 
• Steel Pot Set (a big and small pot, along with a single pan should do it) 
• Cooking Utensils (cutlery, tongs, strong metal spoon, kitchen knife) 
• Lightweight Mugs 
• Plates or bowls 
• Biodegradable soap 
• Dishcloth and scouring pad 
• ‘Kitchen Tarp’ – to cover cooking area, or for a full bellied nap after dinner 
• Garbage bags for non-burnable garbage to be packed out 
• Folding saw /camp knife 
• Airtight food barrel, to be hung from tree at night along with any other scented items/toiletries

SAFETY & THINGS

• Headlamp  with extra batteries 
• First aid-kit  (always nice if someone’s got some training too) 
• Pocket knife  
•  Bear bangers/spray 
•   Bug spray/jacket 
•  Patch repair kits for – sleeping bag/pad, tent, canoe, tarp 
•  Duct tape. So. Much. Duct tape. 
•  Bag of bags (pack some backup plastic bags of different sizes, for whatever) 
•  Any medications for you/group 
•  Compass/GPS Multi-tool 
•  Trip Plan left with a friend – let them know where you’re going, when you plan to be out, and who to contact should things get a little dicey) 
•  TOILET PAPER 
•  TOILET PAPER

ODDS & ENDS

• Small stuff sack to keep personal items easily accessible (phone, wallet, keys, medication)
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste (to be packed and hung with barrel at night) 
• Did we mention toilet paper? Bring more than you think you’ll need, bag it twice, and then pack another roll. 
• Quick dry towel 
• Power bank/small solar charger for electronic items 
• Phone/emergency communication (we’ve used the Spot locating device for years)
• Feminine hygiene products 
• Notebook and pencil 
• Spare cash, just in case 
• Hammock/camp chair 
• Camera 
• Binoculars 
• Playing cards (or some other little nick nacks to play with at the site)

TOILET PAPER

• For the love of all things holy, don’t forget the toilet paper.

Happy Trails!

If this all seems a bit too overwhelming for your first trip, you can  get in touch  with us and we’re happy to walk you through any questions you might have.

Another option is to go on a fully guided/outfitter trip where we take care of every little detail for you!

Founder and Canoe Tripping Evangelist.

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Of all the ways to go camping, canoeing is the best . Over 58 million North American households went camping in 2022 according to KOA , but most new campers are taking to the wilderness in RVs, tricked-out vans, cabins, and at glampsites. Maybe it's because canoe camping isn't as trendy (or TikTok-friendly) as #vanlife nor as hardcore as ultralight backpacking; it would seem like paddling in neither appeals to beginner nor seasoned outdoorists. To this I contend au contraire—canoe camping has a unique universality that makes it ideal for beginner and seasoned campers alike.

Consider, for instance, two different canoe camping itineraries. In one, you'd paddle the entire length of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail , a 740-mile route that has you hopping your way from New York to Maine via 23 rivers and streams and 59 ponds and lakes (not to mention the 65 portages—that's a French word that means you'll have to carry your boat and gear over land from one body of water to the next). On the other side of the canoe camping coin, you might simply book a campsite at your local state park or reservoir, load the boat with everything you need including the dog, and paddle in for the weekend.

My first experience with canoe camping was back when I was 12, when I tagged along with the my small hometown's local church youth group to the nearby Saint Regis Canoe Area, an 18,400-acre area in New York's Adirondack Park that's loaded with 50 ponds and lakes to paddle between. We paddled from campsite to campsite, learning technique and outdoor living skills along the relatively easy way. The area feels like true wilderness, but it's fairly accessible, which makes it an ideal beginner backcountry trip.

Years later, I spent three weeks paddling the New Zealand's Clarence River from the mountains to the ocean as part of a semester spent with the National Outdoor Leadership School (aka NOLS). That trip involved full neoprene suits, traveling through sleet, and paddling and lining our canoes through Class II and III rapids (lining is when you stand on the shore and walk your boat down the river, like a dog, when things are a bit too hairy to paddle through). There were even a few capsizes and swift water rescues.

The point is, canoe camping can be as accessible or adventurous as you want or need it to be. Recently, having acquired a new Old Town canoe, I traveled back to the Saint Regis Canoe Area for the first time in a number of years with a group of friends for a long weekend camping trip. Even having grown accustomed to farther-flung and higher stakes experiences over the years, our tame 20-ish mile route had all the elements of a real outdoor adventure. It renewed my fondness for canoe camping, and convinced me that it's one of the best ways to take to the outdoors.

How to Plan a Canoe Camping Trip

Decide where to go.

This is an obvious Step One, right? Maybe—give it some consideration. What kind of trip do you want? An easy one? An adventurous one? How much time do you have? What's accessible from where you're based? Do you own a canoe or will you need to find a rental? Answer these questions and you'll find you've narrowed down the options considerably (unless you live in Minnesota or Maine). If you're a beginner, seek out a flat water destination that's not too remote and go out for a night or two before leveling up.

Get Permits and Campsite Reservations

Before you break out the map, take a moment to check if you need permits or campsite reservations where you're heading. No? Plan away. If yes, be prepared to be somewhat flexible; limited campsite availability might choose your route for you. And if sites are first-come-first-served, see if you can find any information online about how crowded things can get or call a local outfitter for beta, and put a backup in place in case your top pick campsite is occupied by the local college outing club by the time you paddle up to it.

Plan Your Route

Let's assume that you have the freedom to paddle and camp wherever you want. Designing a canoe camping route is a lot like planning a backpacking trip. Canoe camping trips can be out-and-back excursions, they can be loops, or they can be one-way, point-to-point journeys. If you don't know how long it'll take you to paddle a given distance, take to the online forums again to see what others have done or, again, call a local outfitter for advice (they'll probably have really great route recommendations too, if you'd rather outsource this entire step). You can also go out for a paddle before the trip and time yourself to get a sense of how much water you can cover in a given time.

There can be added logistics involved depending on the type of route you design. For instance, you might need to run a car shuttle to leave one car at the takeout—don't forget to bring the keys to that car in the canoe with you! Local outfitters are a great resource here too, as many of them offer shuttle and pickup services and will arrange to have rental canoes ready for you at the put-in.

This is an important one: get a paper map. Ideally a waterproof one. While you're on the phone with the local outfitter, ask for the best one they have, pay for it over the phone, and have them mail it to you.

There are some amazing map apps available, but for paddling, analogue is best. You can secure a paper map protected by a waterproof case to the bag in front of you so that you can glance at it at any moment and check your progress and ensure you don't confuse one stream or bay for another and wind up far, far off course. Even though many smartphones are waterproof (so they say), you'll have to stop paddling every time you want to get your bearings and that means you'll wind up either not paddling enough or not checking the map enough. Both are no good.

Include a Portage in Your Route

I'm not an adherent to the old-school idea that all adverse situations are "character building," but there is something distinct about carrying a boat and all its contents from one body of water to another. It can be demoralizing while you're doing it and wildly empowering when it's over. Not every portage I've done has sucked, but the ones that have have also been among the most memorable moments of some very memorable canoe trips.

Make a Meal Plan

Some folks are content to count out the number of meals a trip calls for and buy an equal number of dehydrated meals and call this job done. I believe canoe camping offers a unique opportunity to call forth your inner backcountry gourmand. Since you won't have to carry everything on your back, you can afford to bring along bacon, a dozen eggs, and pancake mix for breakfast and leave the instant oatmeal at home.

I like to make a spreadsheet with all the meals (and snack times) listed out and use that to create a menu and a shopping list. This also makes it easy to assign meals to different members of the group and ensure that nobody goes hungry or thirsty.

Acquiring a Canoe

In places where paddling is popular, it shouldn't be too hard to find a place to rent one. As previously mentioned, many outfitters will deliver a canoe rental to your put-in and offer some sort of shuttle or pickup service to facilitate point-to-point trips. Renting is the best way to go for beginners, or seasoned paddlers who might not have the cash to throw down on a boat of their own and/or the place to store it.

However, there's also something to owning such a simple vessel, one that has no breakable mechanical parts and needs no fuel except sweat. A canoe strikes directly at that indelible human attraction toward freedom, supplying comfort in knowing that, when the AI apocalypse comes, you can always just paddle off into the wilderness.

I recently came into possession of my first canoe. Since I hadn't yet found the time to build one by hand and my family's old Orvis was inflicted with irreparable rot in its wooden gunwales, the only option was to go new. If you're going to buy a canoe, it's a good idea to get one made by a company based in Maine or Minnesota, where paddling is engrained in the local identity. Ontario also works.

Being a New Englander, I opted for Old Town , a company that's been building canoes for more than 100 years in Maine's Penobscot River Valley. The boat is a 15' 8" three-layer polyethylene vessel with two seats, vinyl gunwales, and an ash wood yoke called the Discovery 158 . It's a versatile watercraft; super durable, made for flat and moving water with enough space in the hull for loads of gear, all of which make it excellent for canoe camping.

Packing the Boat

Just as there is a science to packing a backpack for a multi-day trek, there's one to loading a canoe for a full day on the water. The keyword here is balance. An unbalanced boat is a tippy boat, so place items in the hull with a mind to keeping things relatively even bow to stern (front to back) and also side to side. It's a good idea to secure whatever you can to the boat too with straps and lines, particularly in moving water.

Canoe Trip Gear Essentials

In addition to everything and anything you need to camp the way you like to camp, bring these paddle trip-specific items.

Personal Floatation Device AKA PFD AKA Life Jacket — Astral Ringo, $170

Any life jacket is better than no life jacket, so if all you have at your disposal is one of those awkward orange foam horseshoes, use it. But some companies, like Astral, have figured out how to make PFDs that are certified-safe but also comfortable, facilitate better arm movement as you paddle, and have bonus features. The Ringo is all of these things, and it has a handy front pocket for frequently accessed items like sunscreen or your phone (or, as a paddler friend advised me, a 12-ounce can).

Big Waterproof Backpack — SealLine Black Canyon Dry Pack 65L, $260

The packing mantra for canoe camping is waterproof everything. Nay, double waterproof everything. Big, waterproof duffel bags are your friends in this endeavor, and SealLine's 65-liter Black Canyon Dry Pack could be your best friend. It's big enough to hold a backpacking tent, sleeping gear, and clothing for two people without being overly scant. It also has comfy backpack straps and a hipbelt that are adjustable and removable—you'll want these for that portage you built into your route.

Waterproof Boat Bag — SealLine Discovery View Dry Bag 5L, $35

Think of this smaller dry bag as your daypack; it's a place to stash the small number of essentials that you'll want easy access to while paddling. Things like a windbreaker or rain jacket, a fleece, sunscreen, some snacks, binoculars, a 35mm camera . This semi-transparent bag from SealLine makes it easy to see where everything's located so you don't have to do too much digging around. That'll minimize the time spent not paddling, which will make your boat mate happy.

A Good Fleece — Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crew, $99

Fleece stays warm when wet, which makes it the perfect insulating layer for canoe trips. You're bound to get splashed—either by your own paddling or the wildcard in your group who your friend brought along. There are many fleeces to choose from, but this Patagonia crew is a workhorse that packs small and provides a lot of warmth. Check out Field Mag's guides to fleece jackets and grid fleeces for more options.

Camp Shoes — Chaco Chillos Clogs, $65

Or, depending on how you want to think about it, wet shoes. Either way, you'll want footwear that'll get wet during the day (and possibly stay wet for the entirety of your trip) and something dry to slip into when you arrive at camp. You can go a lot of ways here—any old pair of trail running shoes can do the trick—but Chaco's cross between sandals and Crocs is a canoe trip-approved option that'll work in the boat or at camp (and for other trips too). Along these lines, dry socks for camp are a must, and I'll even advocate for a pair of sleeping socks that you only use when cocooned inside your sleeping bag.

Camping Chair — Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair, $160

You're going to be sitting and/or kneeling in a boat for most of the day, so do yourself a favor and bring a chair with a backrest to camp. Any one of these camping chairs will do the trick. Nemo's Moonlite is a personal favorite because it's light, packs down small, and is quite comfy thanks to an adjustable back.

Cooler — Yeti Roadie, $250

If you're going to take my advice and go all out in the camp kitchen, you'll want a cooler that can preserve those perishables for a few days. Yeti's smallest hard cooler is a portable cold cellar, and doubles as a sturdy, hard, flat surface for food prep. It's not the easiest thing to carry on portages, but eggs and bacon are worth the extra effort.

Water Purification — LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter System, $66

Look up giardia and you'll understand why water filtration is important. I've used big, bike pump-style water filters on some trips and chlorine drops on others to make water safe to drink, but LifeStraw 's approach is more straightforward. Just fill up the bag, hang it in a tree, and dispense as needed.

Extra Line — NRS Rescue Rope 3/8"

If your canoe doesn't come with a painter—that's a rope attached to the bow for tying up, which you should do at camp—you should affix one. Even if it does, it can't hurt to have some spare; for hanging a food bag away from pesky mice, making a clothes line, tying to your friend's bow because they forgot to do so themself, etc. You can get some at your local gear store, or order from NRS by the foot.

Now here's another photographic dispatch from a multi-day paddling trip in the Adirondacks .

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6 Quick Tips for Canoe Camping

One of the best parts about meeting up with a group of fellow paddlers is gaining some extra tips and tricks. Whether it's a kayaker using IKEA shopping bags for gear storage or a solo canoeist who prefers a double bladed paddle. They're all great little bits of knowledge. Listed below are a few descriptions of my favorites with associated videos posted above:

Quick Tip #1:

Packing an Umbrella A dollar store umbrella can add so much to a trip. First, I attach an umbrella holder to the gunwale of the canoe. It provides a perfect shady spot for my dog to sit under while I paddle across a big lake on a sunny day. I also attach the umbrella to the side of my portage pack. It helps keep me dry during a downpour. But the best use for the umbrella is a sail rig. Works perfect

Quick Tip #2

Duct Tape vs Deer flies Deerflies hunt in packs and are well known for patiently "buzzing" around your head until they find a safe place to land. Shinny objects attract them, which is why the shimmer of wet skin on swimmers draws them in for miles around. That can be their downfall as well, however. One of the best ways to fight back is to place a folded piece of Duct tape (sticky side exposed) on your hat. They'll be attracted to the shine of the tape, the glued surface becomes their tomb, and you can feel justified by counting how many you've killed at the end of the day.

Quick Tip #3:

Save Money, Steal Olive Barrels Rather then buy those blue pack barrels at the outdoor store, pick up smaller surplus olive barrels by visiting any place that buys olives in bulk (ie. large-chain grocery stores, delicatessens, or restaurants). Either ask for them or wait until garbage day and pick them out of their recycle bin. Two of them, resting side by side in a regular canoe pack, works' well. I also place my sleeping pad between the barrels and my back for more comfort. They have a screw-on top with a rubber washer, making the container waterproof. But the opening is a little too tight for my liking.

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With over 1,090,000 acres of wilderness area, the BWCAW is a paddler's paradise.

Quick Tip #4:

Taking Eggs Canoe Camping One of the best places to store eggs is in a Styrofoam carton, Duct taped firmly under the canoe seat. I've never had one break. Just make sure to pack it with all the other food at night. If not, a raccoon might come along and steal your eggs.

Quick Tip #5:

Tent Stuffers vs Rollers There's the "rollers" and then there's the "stuffers." The rollers painstakingly lay out the tent, fold it in thirds, place the poles at one end, and then roll everything up in a cigar shape. The difficulty always remains in getting the darn thing to fit in the storage bag. To eliminate the hassle, use a larger size bag and then compact it by wrapping bungee cords around it. Or you could convert to stuffing it. Simply open up the storage bag and start stuffing everything in. Hard core campers even have two separate compression sacks; one for the main tent and another for the fly. It's not a bad idea separating the two, considering the tent fly is always wetter than the tent body.

Quick Tip #6:

Avoid Scratching Your Paint Job The problem with tying your bow down to the front of your vehicle is that the ropes rub on the hood of your car and ruin the paint job. I've seen paddlers use pool noodles. But they look silly. A much simpler solution is a hood loop. The loop is made of a foot-long piece of strapping. You need two - one for each side of the vehicle. A hole is made at both ends of the strap, and the strap is then folded in half. Find the two existing frame bolts, located under both sides of the hood. Run the bolt through the holes in the folded strap. The loop strap then hangs out from under the hood and you tie two ropes off from the bow of the canoe to both sides of the hood. When you're not using the hood loops you tuck them under the hood, out of sight. Problem solved.

Kevin Callan is the author of 15 books including "The New Trailside Cookbook" and "The Happy Camper." A regular keynote speaker at major North American canoeing and camping expos for over 20 years, he has received three National Magazine Awards and four film awards, including top award at the prestigious Waterwalker Film Festival. Callan lives in Peterborough, Ontario, birthplace of the modern-day canoe.

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How to Plan a Trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (for Beginners)

Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota is an oasis of more than one million acres of untouched, beautifully preserved lakes and trees. It’s home to more than fifty species including black bears, otters, bald eagles, wolves, walleye, pike, loons, bobcats, and more. No motorized boats are allowed, making it a quiet place where adventure seekers travel by canoeing, and portaging. It’s certainly unlike any place I’ve ever been, and I already can’t wait to go back. Read on for how to plan an amazing trip, find an outfitter, determine the best entry point and get a permit, what to pack (and what to leave behind), and more for your trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

1. Working with Tuscarora Outfitters

An outfitter can make your experience in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area stress-free, whether you’re a beginner or have been many times. For our trip, I partnered with Tuscarora Canoe Outfitters . Co-owners, and husband and wife, Andy and Ada, helped us with our trip in several essential ways.

Tuscarora Outfitters obtained our permit and recommended the best locations for an entry point, campsites with sunset views, and best routes for fishing, and provided general advice on where to go (or not go) based on current conditions. They also provided us with equipment. There are several options for rental packages with Tuscarora Outfitters. The information on their website lists out exactly what is included in the equipment package and the food package. You can also rent individual items each day, like a tent, saw, or stove.

2. What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

We had a group of four people with a variety of skills and experience. We partnered with Tuscarora Outfitters for their Equipment and Canoe Package  for two people, which includes a canoe, lake-safe dish soap, plates, cups, utensils, a water filter, life jackets, a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, a percolator, water bottles, and more.  We also brought a few of our own items like a second canoe, sharp knives, fishing rods, and bait, and other miscellaneous items like headlamps, and hammocks.

It’s important to not overpack. You’ll be canoeing and portaging with a lot of bags, which can quickly weigh you down. Make sure you really consider what you need, don’t overpack equipment, food, or clothing, and be sure you know what other people in your group are bringing to eliminate duplicates.

3. Meal Planning

Figuring out what food to bring, especially during summer’s heat, can be tricky. Glass and cans are not allowed, and there is no easy way to keep things cold after the first day, beyond keeping items in the shade. A few tips include bringing pre-cooked rice and beans in plastic packets, hard cheese and summer sausage that won’t spoil easily (if left in the shade), bagels or English muffins, precooked bacon, and sausage that only needs to be reheated, and peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars.

For our first dinner, we had a chicken curry dish with rice, pita bread, and green beans. The raw chicken breast was sliced into small bite-sized pieces prior to our trip, so it cooked quickly and easily and didn’t require much clean-up. We also made bean and rice tacos (we hoped to make fish tacos but unfortunately didn’t catch any fish that day). You’ll also want to bring a lot of snacks, like nuts, granola bars, and peanut butter, all items that are easy to munch on, won’t melt, and can be a good backup plan while you’re out canoeing and portaging all day.

4. What to do in the BWCA

There is so much to do in BWCA, no matter the season. You can spend a whole day canoeing and portaging from one lake to another. You can also fish from your campsite or from your canoe (or ice fish in the winter). Jump in the lake and swim, swing around on a hammock, or read a book by the campfire. There isn’t a lot of hiking in the BWCA since it’s mostly tiny islands, but we did check out the Palisades, which is a five-minute steep walk up to the top of an overlook with an incredible view. You definitely won’t be bored!

5. Other Tips and Advice

Planning a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area can be intimidating. It requires extensive research and planning. I highly recommend you go with someone who’s been before if it’s your first time. Read on for a few other helpful tips.

• Get your permit early:  There is a limited  number  of permits allowed in the BWCA each day, and the size of  your  group is also  limited. Plan your trip in advance and secure your permit early.
• Be bear aware: Understand that you may  encounter  wildlife during your trip. Be  smart  and prepared. Bring bear spray and bear-proof food packs. Make sure you know what to do if you  encounter  a bear or other predator during your trip.
• Bring waterproof maps and a compass: You won’t have reliable cell service so  download  maps ahead of  time  for offline use on Google Maps or Navionics. And in case y our battery dies, bring paper maps in waterproof cases, and definitely bring a compass!
• Leave no trace: Be respectful of the land, water, and animals around you. Don’t dump dirty dishwater into the lake, take all of your garbage with you and if you see any trash while there, take it out of the BWCA with you.
• Get ready for bugs: If you go during summer, there will be mosquitos and lots of other bugs! Bring bug spray, and a mosquito net, and check for ticks.
• Prepare for the elements: You never know what the weather may be and how it may change throughout the day while you are far from camp. Pack layers, waterproof gear,  dry bags for cameras, and other expensive equipment. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a few extra socks in case they get wet.
• Have an emergency plan: In  case of an emergency, whether it’s a storm or an injury, have a plan on what you’ll do to get help. Know where the nearest hospital is, bring a first aid kit, and let a few family members or friends know where you’re headed.

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An Incredible Trip

This experience was incredible. Being in nature is always wonderful, but being in such a remote, pristine and seemingly untouched landscape is simply awe-inspiring. While on our trip, I kept thinking about the John Muir quote, “Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” There is no doubt that I want to return to the BWCA, and I hope it’s soon!

For more Northern Minnesota inspiration, check out my blog posts on Duluth , Grand Marais , Cook County , 9 Epic State Parks Along the North Shore , and the 20 Must-See Spots Along the North Shore !

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Canoe Camping Meals: 10 Easy Canoe Trip Recipes

After a long day of paddling and portaging, there are few things better than starting a fire and cooking up a nice warm meal. Backcountry cooking is one of my favourite parts of a canoe trip, so I love any opportunity to experience backcountry-adapted gourmet canoe trip meals.

In this post, you’ll find 10 canoe camping recipes to try on your next trip.

For more canoe trip recipes (and a comprehensive guide on how to build the perfect canoe trip menu) check out my eCookbook: The Voyageur’s Backcountry Cookbook .

Canoe Trip Breakfast Ideas

1. breakfast sandwiches.

Another great choice is breakfast sandwiches. If it’s early in the trip, you can bring English muffins. If you want to have this meal later into the trip, you can use wraps, powdered egg and bacon bits or sausage.

Ingredients : wraps or English muffins, powdered eggs, powdered milk, bacon or sausage, ketchup packets, cheese optional: avocado, tomato

Instructions :

• Mix powdered eggs and powdered milk at a 6-to-1 ratio and mix with water until thick and runny. Scramble the eggs.
• If needed, cook the bacon and toast the english muffins.
• Add scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese to english muffin or wrap. Add toppings and ketchup and close.
• Optional: Wrap in tin fold and heat over the fire to keep them warm and toasty while you wait for your coffee to brew.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is much appreciated! You can learn more by reading my full disclosure .

2. Cinnamon Buns

Another classic for a rest day is cinnamon buns. They require a Dutch oven and some prep work, and you’ll want to make sure you pack some butter dedicated for this meal because it needs a lot of butter.

Ingredients : baking mix*, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, optional: nuts, raisins, powdered sugar

• Add equal parts flour and baking mix into a bowl with a little cinnamon; gradually add water and stir. You want a ball of dough that holds, but you don’t want it too sticky.
• On a cutting board with a little flour, roll out the dough so it’s flat and in an oval.
• Spread butter over the surface of the dough, then add a generous amount of brown sugar. Sprinkle cinnamon and nuts / raisins.
• Roll it lengthwise so it looks like a tube. Then, slice the tube so you have a bunch of little cylinders.
• Butter the inside of the Dutch oven. Be generous! Then put your cinnamon rolls (cylinders) into the Dutch oven. Place on the embers of the fire and wait. They will probably need ~20 minutes, but check regularly.
• Once crispy brown, remove and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

Tip : To make baking mix, combine 4 cups of flour, 2.5 tbsp of baking powder, 1/4 cup milk powder and 2 tsp of salt in a bag.

Bonus: Oatmeal

Oatmeal is my go-to backcountry camping meal because it’s so easy to make and clean up. Plus, there are a ton of ways to make oatmeal more interesting.

Here are two of my favourite recipes for oatmeal, and I have six other recipes in this blog post.

Sweet & Savoury Oatmeal

This recipe is met with mixed reviews. Cut leftover  bacon  into small pieces (or you could try packaged bacon bits) and top the oatmeal with  shredded cheddar cheese  and  diced apples . A little  nutmeg  and  brown sugar  bring this bowl to life. As I said, this sweet & savoury bowl gets varied feedback – bacon in oatmeal?!? But hey, don’t knock it til you try it. I’m a huge fan now, myself.

Maple Oatmeal

Maple syrup in oatmeal – a Canadian classic, eh? Instead of brown sugar, sweeten this bowl with  maple syrup , adding toppings like  craisins  and  coconut  to create texture. If you’ve got a fresh  banana , a few slices go great with the maple.

Read More : 8 Recipes to Make ~Not Boring~ Oatmeal on Camping Trips

Tip : Don’t make the oatmeal in the pot! Instead, boil water in the pot and put quick oats in everyone’s bowl. Let each person add the amount of hot water they need to get their oatmeal to the desired consistency. I personally, like my oatmeal very dry and hate it when someone makes a single batch. This also makes cleaning up easier because you don’t have to wash a pot.

Canoe Trip Lunch Ideas

I typically eat a lot of wraps for lunch on canoe trips. They’re easy to pack, quick to make and there’s a decent amount of variety you can get with fillings.

3. Burrito Wraps

Burritos are a crowd-pleaser. They require some work the night before but are worth the effort. You can also cook rice and add it to the burrito to make it even more filling. This is also a great opportunity to use sriracha or other hot sauce.

Ingredients : wraps, cheese, onion, peppers, tomato sauce, refried beans

• The night before: If needed, rehydrate refried beans, tomato sauce and veggies by adding them to a saucepan or pot with a small amount of clean water. Stir regularly, adding more water as it is absorbed.
• Once everything is rehydrated, let it cool and then store it in a Nalgene or bag.
• Day of: Spread bean mixture in the centre of the wrap and add cheese. (Don’t use cheese if vegan).
• Fold into a burrito. You can heat the burrito over a stove if you’d like.

4. Hummus Buddha Bowls

This is a high-protein, high-nutrient lunch that you can make reasonably quickly. The only downside is that it does require a dish and utensil. But other than that, this is an easy canoe trip lunch idea!

Ingredients : Cooked quinoa, dehydrated hummus (you can purchase dried hummus or dehydrate your own ), nuts / seeds (I like pine nuts or crushed walnuts), spices, Flax Crackers and / or Vegetable Chips (see below for making your own).

DIY Veggie Chips : Thinly slice easily chip-able vegetables (i.e. sweet potatoes, zucchini, beet, carrot). Toss vegetables in a tiny bit of olive oil and salt. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cook on low heat (max 200 F) for at least 45 minutes.

• Pack the dehydrated hummus with the spices and nuts / seeds.
• Cook the quinoa the night before and store it in a plastic bag or sealed container.
• Rehydrate hummus in a bowl by slowly adding water and stirring. You’ll probably need about 1/4 cup of water, but you’ll know you’ve added enough when it’s reached your desired consistency. You can also add a small splash of olive oil, which will give the hummus a nicer texture, but I’m usually too lazy for that.
• Mix the quinoa with the hummus and nuts / seeds.
• Scoop the hummus mixture with your crackers and veggie chips and enjoy!

Note : Most people prefer this without the cup of quinoa, but I just don’t find this meal filling enough without the added grain.

Bonus : Sprinkle some dried kale on top for extra nutrients and additional crunch!

Canoe Trip Dinner Ideas

5. chilli & garlic bread.

This is my favourite camp meal. This is a meal best prepared by two or more people (someone to do the garlic bread and another to do the chilli).

Ingredients :

dehydrated ground beef or textured vegetable protein (TVP), dehydrated beans, dehydrated veggies, dehydrated tomato sauce, spices and bread mixture

• Make the garlic bread according to the instructions on page 42. Make chilli according to the instructions below:
• Add a splash of clean water to the pot and some dehydrated tomato sauce. Stir regularly. As the sauce absorbs water, add a little more.
• Once the sauce is almost rehydrated, add in the vegetables, and ground beef or TVP and big handfuls of dehydrated beans. Continue stirring and adding water if necessary. Add spices.
• Stir regularly. If the chilli looks too thick, add water. If the chilli looks too watery, add either more TVP or put a small handful of potato pearls.
• Let simmer on low heat.

6. Thai Red Curry

This is a super easy but super delicious meal to make. It’s so easy because most of the flavour comes from the red curry paste. You don’t need to refrigerate the paste before you open it, so I’ll buy a few small jars.

Ingredients : rice, coconut milk, jar of red curry paste, cayenne pepper, onion, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, chickpeas.

• Boil water in a pot. Pour in rice and stir. Go with a water-to-rice ratio of 2:1.
• In a frying pan, rehydrate veggies and chickpeas if necessary. Pour in a can of coconut milk. Add some red curry paste and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Once rice is cooked and the sauce is done, scoop rice into bowls and add a big spoonful of sauce onto the rice.
• You can garnish with cilantro and peanuts if you’d like.

Canoe Trips Snacks

7. protein-based snacks.

So much of the food on canoe trips – especially the snacks – is carb-based. This is great for quick energy, but sometimes you need something with more fat and protein to sustain you on those long days.

Dates + Cheese + Pepperoni

This may seem like a weird combo, but it works out to be the perfect salty-sweet snack. Stack a date on a small slice of cheese and wrap in pepperoni. It’s actually very tasty.

This is a tasty, yet filling snack option. You can buy beef jerky in bulk or make your own and eat it after a long portage. The salt will be good after a long period of sweating!

Pepperoni Sticks

Similar to the above, pepperoni sticks are a filling afternoon snack. And if you want to experiment, use those individual packets of cream cheese as a dip. Personally, I love it.

Tuna on Crackers

Another high protein option, you can bring tuna canned or in individual packets (you can even get different flavours). Scoop onto crackers and enjoy!

8. Homemade Fruit Leather

Rather than buying (expensive) store-bought fruit leather, you can easily make your own at home in either a dehydrator or in your oven. Below I’ve outlined the steps that I take to create fruit leather at home.

If you don’t want to make your own, this is my favourite store-bought fruit leather. My only issue with it is that I need two to feel satisfied and they’re pricey – definitely buy in bulk rather than from the grocery store!

Note that I do all my dehydrating in an oven, rather than a dehydrator. If you have a proper dehydrator at home you can still follow this process but you may need to adapt a few steps for your specific dehydrator.

Ingredients : Apple sauce, optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, shredded coconut, chopped nuts.

• Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting it has.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Do not use wax paper!
• In a big bowl, pour in a can of apple sauce.
• This is the creative part: mix in any additional toppings / fillings that when make your fruit leather more fun. I always add cinnamon and nutmeg; I’ve also experimented with shredded coconut. I think chopped nuts could also be really tasty, though I’ve never tried that myself.
• Use a spatula to pour your mixture onto the parchment paper and spread until it’s a consistent thickness across the sheet, no more than 1/2 inch thick.
• Place in the oven.
• Cook time will depend on the thickness of your spread apple sauce and your oven’s lowest temperature, but I’ve found it to take about 6-7 hours in my oven.

Canoe Trip Desserts

9. lazy cheesecake.

This is such a lazy dessert I’m almost embarrassed to include it, but it’s so tasty. And it’s an awesome dessert if you are camping somewhere that has wild blueberries!

Ingredients : cheesecake powder, graham crackers, chocolate chips or fresh or dried blueberries

• In your bowl, add a few spoonfuls of cheesecake powder. Add clean water slowly, stirring until it is a thick liquid.
• Crush graham crackers over your bowl and add either chocolate chips or fresh blueberries. Enjoy!

Note : You could also make this un-lazy, by making a graham cracker crust and cooking it in a Dutch oven (page 63 of my cookbook).

10. Chocolate Cake

This is what I try to prepare whenever there is a birthday on trip. I discovered it on MyCCR a while back and fell in love. I use a Dutch oven, but if you have Reflector Oven and cake pan you can use that instead.

Ingredients : chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, milk powder, egg powder, water, butter, flour, chocolate chips, icing sugar.

• Mix 1/2 box of cake mix with 1/2 package of instant pudding mix, 1/2 cup of milk powder and 1/4 cup egg powder (you can put this all in a plastic bag at home).
• Grease a Dutch oven with butter. Sprinkle a little flour on the butter (this helps with sticking).
• Pour the dry ingredients and 1 cup of water in the Dutch oven and stir. If the mixture is really thick, add a little more water.
• Cover Dutch oven and place in the embers of the fire.
• After 30 minutes, check on the cake. Stick a fork in the middle – fork should come out dry if the cake is done.
• When done, use a knife to separate the cake from the oven along the edges. The cake may come out with the knife, or try flipping the oven upside down and over a plate or cutting board, and giving it a little shake. The cake should fall out (flip the cake over so it’s right side up).
• Finally, sprinkle some icing sugar on top, cut and serve! You can also bring shelf-stable icing to spread on top.

Canoe Trip Recipes – Final Thoughts

If you need more inspiration for creating excellent canoe trip meals, consider checking out The Voyageur’s Backcountry Cookbook . It has a ton of canoe trip food ideas, plus tips for meal planning, food preparation, dehydration and more.

Mikaela | Voyageur Tripper

Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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Where do you source your cheesecake powder. I am only able to see very large quantities for over $100. I can see a Jello no Bake cheesecake mix, but it doesn’t seem the same as the cheesecake powder.

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Off the grid no more: Satellite phone coverage may soon come to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

The days of peaceful, internet-free camping trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness may soon be over.

Tech companies will soon offer satellite service to ordinary cell phones that would improve coverage and safety in remote areas — including in some of Minnesota's most beautifully remote regions. It also means travelers could be subject to a barrage of calls and texts while trying to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Service currently extends as far as the Gunflint Trail, where AT&T installed a 200-foot cell tower in 2020 following controversy among those who prefer that the region stays off the grid .

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile announced an agreement on Wednesday to provide their first space-based broadband network to ordinary cell phones. AST SpaceMobile plans to deliver five commercial satellites to Cape Canaveral for launch into low Earth orbit as soon as this summer.

"There are many situations where dead zones outside will become a thing of the past thanks to the reach of a satellite solution providing two-way connectivity," the tech company said in a statement.

SpaceX and T-Mobile launched the first six Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-device service in January. They plan to begin to offer text service this year and expect to expand with other services in 2025.

©2024 StarTribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

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Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

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