Souris River canoes have built a huge following due to there stability and seaworthiness.  When the wind picks up, and the whitecaps start crashing, you'll be happy that you're paddling a Souris.  They are also legendary for there durability.  Not that it will matter as you smoothly make your wet exit at each landing, carefully avoiding every rock, like all outfitting clients do.

w/ pack hanging system

w/ pack hanging system

When traveling with a Kevlar Canoe, you'll need to get out of the canoe in the water at landings.  In the summer most people prefer to bring two pairs of shoes, one for paddling and one for camp.  Your camp shoes can be nearly anything comfortable, although it's always nice if they don't take up too much room or weigh too much in your pack.  While paddling it's best to wear shoes that are made to be in water or that dry quickly.  Running shoes or lightweight hiking boots work very well.  Water shoes or sandals are also good, although you should make sure they offer enough support for portages since  you usually have to carry some weight on your back.  Sandals can also leave your feet exposed to bugs and your toes exposed to rocks, both on the trail and underwater at landings.  In the Fall when the water is cold many people prefer water proof footwear.  Tall rubber boots keep your feet dry, but can be uncomfortable and don't offer much insulation.  Bean style boots are a good compromise.  While not as waterproof as full rubber boots, they offer better ankle support and are much more comfortable.  Water proof hikers will not always be tall enough.

Weather can vary quite a bit in the BWCA and it's a good idea to play it safe and prepare yourself for a wide range of environments.  It's a good idea to avoid blue jeans and other cotton clothing since they dry very slowly and insulate poorly when wet.  Fleece and wool are wonderful materials for top layers because they dry relatively quickly and still keep you warm if they get wet.  Fleece is generally lighter than wool and in some people's opinion, more comfortable, but unlike wool, fleece requires more caution around a camp fire since sparks can melt small holes.  Quick drying pants are a must for Kevlar canoe travel because of the amount of time you'll spend in the water.  It's not a bad idea to bring two pairs of pants and keep one dry, especially if it's cold.  Good wool socks are hard to beat, and it's important to keep at least one pair dry for camp.  Dressing in layers will also help keep you warm.  You should also bring clothes that are versatile.  For example, a tight weave light weight long sleeve shirt will help keep you warm, block the sun, and be a line of defense against biting bugs.  And last of all, don't forget to bring a swimsuit during the warm summer months.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses will go far in fending off the sun.  If it's cold, neoprene or fleece gloves can be helpful while paddling.  Leather gloves add an element of safety to camp chores and cooking.  A stocking hat doesn't take up much space, but will make you feel much warmer in the cold. 

At Bearskin Wilderness Outfitters we will supply you with rain ponchos if you need them.  But while our ponchos are of a nicer variety, you should still bring your own rain gear if you can.  A good rain coat and pair of pants can save you a lot of grief on a rainy day.  Your rain gear can also double as a good wind blocking layer.

In the summer most people will want bug spray.  The sun can be fairly harsh while you're on the water, so sun block is also a good idea.  We supply you with a headlight, but it's good to bring a flashlight as a back up.  If you're planning to fish bring your equipment, but try to scale down your tackle box.  Most of the time you'll only use a few lures, so cutting back on tackle is desirable.  A pocket knife is a useful tool, and if you plan to eat fish you'll want a fillet knife.  Bring a good book to read.  If you don't, you'll be kicking yourself when you're stuck at camp because of the rain or wind..  A camera will help you remember your trip for years to come.  We send you off with a very basic first aid kit, but please bring any extra safety items you think you might need.  Most, if not all of these items are available for sale at the outfitters.