Like most gear, the clothing we choose to bring along on a trip is based primarily on personal choice, and the environment we'll be traveling in.  We paddle in a multitude of conditions from rain, sleet and snow, to warm sunny summer days.  The one constant however is that weather is unpredictable.  Being prepared without taking too much is the key.  There's no one to carry our packs for us, so the lighter our packs, the less struggle to hump it over a portage.  However, if you're not planning many portages and don't mind paddling the extra pounds, bring all you want.  At least you'll be comfortable!

  There are some staple items that everyone should bring with them, even if you're only out for a night or two.  Staying dry and warm is the key to being comfortable in the environment we love.  Keep in mind, your needs for clothing will change based on the time of year you travel and the environment you'll be in.

    Dry Bags:  Don't let your clothing get wet!  Every year we hear stories of people dumping and having their clothing soaking wet.  This should never happen.  Ensure all your clothing is in a dry bag and it's sealed properly.  If you dump, the bag will float and your clothes will be dry.  There's no excuse for wet clothing.

  Waterproof Breathable Shell:  The one piece of clothing separating you from a wet, miserable trip.  Waterproof Breathable Shells (WBS) offer wind and wet weather protection, while still transferring your bodies excess heat away from your clothing.  when you stay dry, you stay warm!  Many of us paddle through summer rains where we're constantly sweating.  These shells are the key in staying dry.

                        Long Sleeved SoftShell:  Clothing such as fleece or wool jackets don't take up too much room in the pack and are great when the weather turns chilly, or for lounging around the campfire on a cool night.  They'll also help keep blackflies and mosquitos from driving you mad. 

                        Long Sleeved Shirt:  Today's technology has produced some amazing, moisture wicking products that are super light and pack small.  By "pulling" moisture and sweat away from your body, these fabrics leave you feeling drier and warmer.  The downside to these new synthetics, is they will retain odors quicker than natural fibers such as wool. 

                        Short Sleeved Shirt:  Self explanatory really.  Less restricting and cooler than all other shirts.  The new moisture wicking materials available feel like a second skin!  You don't even know you have a shirt on. 

              Long Underwear:  You never know what the weather will do, especially on an extended trip. Bring a pair of long underwear with and you'll have an insurance policy if the temperature falls.   Polypropylene is widely used, packs small and is fairly lightweight.  It also features the moisture wicking capabilities of today's synthetics.
 

                         Socks:  Always bring an extra pair of socks, heck bring two!  Wet feet will do you in; especially on an extended trip.  You're going to need your feet, so take care of them and always put on a dry pair before going to bed.  Carry an extra pair in a ziploc at the bottom of your dry bag.  You'll probably never need them, but you'll thank your lucky stars if you do!

                          Wide Brimmed Hat: We've all seen them, the large saucer-shaped hats on trippers.  Like them or not, they provide unparallelled protection from the sun and rain.  They're tough and will take years of abuse.  If you get bored, you can use it as a frisbee too!  If wide brimmed isn't your thing, throw on a baseball cap.  Remember; heat stroke is downright dangerous!

                           Footwear:  Even if you're planning on tackling some touch portages, sturdy hiking boots are not the best choice for paddling.  It's recommended that you bring two pairs of footwear.  One for the canoe that will be constantly wet (look for quick drying materials), and another for around camp.  Taking one pair can be risky as footwear tends to "blow out" or get swallowed by moose muck on the trail.