Preparation Tips

THE ART OF BEING PREPARED

Note that the Wilderness is wilderness; it’s not a fancy luxury summer resort. You should be prepared for life away from civilization. Bring the essential items you need to be comfortable, but not all your at-home comforts. Bring all the food you will need. Leave the big bulky heavy stuff at home. Note that the boat captain will not overload the boat and may refuse to transport what he considers to be excess equipment. Generally a family group and their equipment should make up one safe boatload. 

What TO BRING

Come prepared for warm, hot, cold or rainy weather. Here is a list of items recommended by fellow campers:

    • tent with poles, pegs, fly
    • sleeping bag
    • air mattresses or foam pad
    • good tarps and light ropes and bungee cords, one larger tarp at least 15′ x 20′ to make a shelter over your kitchen is highly recommended
    • water carrier and dispenser
    • non-perishable food (the nearest store is a long way away)
    • dishes, cups, eating utensils
    • cooking pots, cooking utensils
    • stove and fuel (gas, propane
    • axe
    • rain jacket and gear
    • one set of warm clothes for cool weather
    • warm weather clothes
    • sandals or running shoes
    • insect repellent
    • cheques to pay your fees (so you don’t have to carry cash)
    • lots of light rope, cord (for clotheslines, for lashing poles, tarps)
    • clothes pegs
    • matches
    • flashlight and sufficient new batteries
    • big plastic boxes (e.g. RubberMaid) to carry your equipment and store your food in (the mice will pretend they’re hungry)
    • garbage bags (fill them and take them away with you)
    • plastic bags, twist ties (many uses)
    • bathing suit, towel
    • sun hat
    • biodegradable soap for you and for dishes
    • first aid kits
    • respect for nature
    • respect for others

CONSIDER BRINGING

Depending on how long you are camping, the following is a list of items that may make your stay more enjoyable:

  • gloves (to protect your hands when moving rocks)
  • pillow
  • binoculars
  • cameras
  • bird and flower identification books
  • sun screen
  • dish pan
  • dish towels or J-cloths
  • wash basin
  • solar shower
  • small musical instruments
  • hiking boots
  • rubber boots for children
  • day pack or rucksack
  • gas lantern and extra mantels
  • open sided plastic crate (to keep food cold in the stream)
  • pocket knife
  • kayak, windsurfer
  • fishing gear
  • hammer, nails (for fixing up kitchen area)
  • desert cooler
  • small, light lawn chair
  • lip balm
  • sun glasses
  • facial tissues
  • reading material
  • small games and toys for children

FOOD

Bring ALL the food you need. Plan your menus in advance and buy to that plan. Bring non-perishable foods as the closest store is a long way away.

Food can be kept cool by submersion in the creek or by the use of a “desert cooler.” Be creative. If you’re using ice in your cooler, blocks of ice are recommended as they last much longer than cubes. Keep your cooler deep in shade and you may be able to keep a block going for at least 3 days. 

LAST SHOPPING

All services can be found in Kaslo, which is 15km south of the pickup point at Schroeder Creek.

COMMUNAL USE ITEMS

  • a saw (camp has several, you might want to bring one anyway)
  • shovel (1 or 2 are available)
  • life jackets (limited supply on site)
  • canoes  (2 or 3 camp canoes on site, although canoes and kayaks are welcome)
  • canoe paddles (enough)
  • toilet paper

PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME

  • pets
  • fire arms
  • illegal drugs
  • fire bowls