What to Bring on your Up North Canoe Adventure
Weather
Weather in the Yukon region is unpredictable at best. It is not uncommon to find blazing hot conditions one year and cold drizzle at the same location and time in another year. Point being that if you plan on going into the wilderness in the Yukon you should be prepared for all types of weather. Generally lower elevation areas (the areas in which all trips offered by Up North are located) have temperate climates through the summer months of June, July and August. The mean high for the Whitehorse region in July is 20° Celsius. Mean lows for the region for July hover between 6° and 8° Celsius. Nights can go below 0° Celsius.
Our equipment and clothing outline below should aid you in preparing for your Yukon adventure. There is no substitute for high quality gear. You don't want to find out your equipment won't hold up to the rigors of the wilderness two days into the trip when it cannot be replaced. Please contact us if you have any further questions about how to prepare for your Yukon adventure.
Required Clothing
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of quick dry pants
- 2 T-shirts
- 2 long sleeve or button down shirts
- 2 sets of long underwear - both tops and bottoms - you will live in these
- Underwear
- 1 thin wool sweater or fleece
- 1 thick wool sweater of fleece
- 1 shell jacket
- 1 rain suit (jacket and pants)
- Wool or fleece hat and mitts or gloves
- 3 pairs of wool socks
- Thinner cotton or synthetic socks to put under wool socks for hiking
- 'Wet' shoes - running shoes that can get wet daily.
- 'Camp' shoes – running shoes or light hikers for around camp
- Warm wool or fleece pants for around camp
- Sun Hat (straw hats are both fashionable and functional)
- Sun Glasses
Optional Clothing
- 1 bathing suit
- Bandanas
Required Personal Equipment
- 1 or 2, 30 litre minimum durable waterproof bags (commercially made dry sacks are best) *
- Sleeping bag rated to -7° at the minimum*
- Sleeping pad either a foam pad or inflatable mattress (Therma Rest)*
- Sun screen (30 SPF is recommended)
- Moisturizing lotion
- Lip balm (with sunscreen incorporated)
- Water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity
- Tampons or pads with plastic bags for disposal (These can not be burned!)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Any other personal hygiene items
- Any special need items or medicines
Optional Personal Equipment
- Quick dry towel for bathing
- Whistle
- Multi use knife
- Camera gear (Bring lots of film)
- Books and writing materials
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Head net / bug jacket
- Fishing rod and tackle (will require a fishing license available through Up North)
Personal Equipment supplied by Up North
- Paddles and spare paddles
- Personal Floatation Device (Lifejacket)
- Sponge and bailer for boats
Group Equipment supplied by Up North
- Complete First Aid Kit
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Old Town Tripping Canoes
- High quality tents
- Wildlife deterrents including bear spray and bear flares
- Mug/bowl/plate and utensils for all participants
- All kitchen items including stoves, pots and utensils
- Sewing kit
- Toilet paper
- Saw/Axe
- Repair kits for boats and gear
- Rope for hanging wet clothes etc.
- Tarps for rain shelter
- Maps and compass
* Indicates that the item is available for rent through Up North, please see our rental link for prices.