Kit List

Note that the Wilderness is wilderness; it’s not a fancy luxury summer resort. You should be prepared for life away from civilization. You should bring the essential items you need to be comfortable, but not bring civilization with you. 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.

The items below are from collected experience of Wilderness people. Suggestions welcome!

These are the things you should probably have with you:

• 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

These are the things that you may consider bringing with you:

• 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

Things you probably don’t need to bring.
These are available for communal use at the Wilderness:

• a saw (camp has several, you might want to bring one anyway)
• shovel (1 or 2 are available)
• life jackets (good number on site)
• canoes  (2 or 3 camp canoes on site, although canoes and kayaks are welcome)
• canoe paddles (enough)
• toilet paper
• cellular phones (they won’t work anyway)

Please don’t bring the following:

• pets
• fire arms
• illegal drugs
• fire bowls