Packing For Camp

Packing is a cognitive first step for your son's time at camp. Packing together, thoughtfully can help fuel his confidence for the Big Moment - when he sets off for his summer adventure.

Use the guide below to help make good choices. When you're ready, print the checklists to help with final stages.

REMEMBER:

• 'Required items' - You must have these!

• 'Recommended items' - For a safe & comfortable time.

• ‘Not recommended’ - For safety, health, & comfort.

• ‘Not permitted’ - DO NOT bring, for safety reasons.

Pathfinder Winter Candy Store

Order items before June 7 for shipment to your home.

ONLINE CANDY STORE

Pathfinder Summer Candy Store

Order items from the Pathfinder Summer Candy Store to be waiting for your camper when they arrive.

GEAR ORDER FORM

Review the Packing Guide below and, when you're ready, use the Printable Packing Checklist to gather items

PRINTABLE PACKING CHECKLIST

Packing For . . .

FAMILY CAMP

SCHOOL GROUPS

Tip 1: Pack with your Camper

Involve your camper in the packing process

Packing together will foster agency and independent ownership of his belongings.

Pack in doses

Packing all at once can be mentally exhausting. Tackle one part of the list at a time.

Have fun Packing!

It's a great time to talk about your son's hopes and worries for his time at camp.

Tip 2: Label Everything

Raincoats, Waterbottles, Hats, Towels, & Sweatshirts are the items that are most commonly misplaced. Be sure to label these along with other valuable items.

Lost & Found works when items are labeled!

We try to connect boys with all their belongings before they head for home. Camp can hold labeled items left at camp until next season. Unlabeled items left at camp may be discarded.

A Sharpie works great or you can purchase labels here: EverythingSummerCamp

Tip 3: Pack for Arrival

When campers arrive, unpacking is the first step to making camp their own . . .

Pack bedding at the top of the trunk so they can make their bed first thing.
Swim test is next, make sure suits are under the bedding
They will need their flashlight as soon as sun sets on their first night. Make sure it's easy to find.
Always be prepared for rain. Keep a raincoat in your day pack on the bus.
Each boy has shelves next to their bed. Items for the shelves can be just under the bedding upon arrival.
Boys will live and organize their days out of their trunk or large duffel, the medium duffel can be used for pillow/bedding/overflow bulky items and will usually be stowed away until end-of-camp packing.

Tip 4: Do I need to purchase items?

Items don't need to be expensive or elaborate, but

Yes, some quality gear is required.

Select items can be pre-ordered in the registration portal using the:

Summer Candy Store - Pathfinder Gear Form

Ordered items will be added to your tuck account and will be waiting for your camper when they arrive. These items are also available for purchase by your son after arrival.

Click through the remaining tabs above for additional recommendations.

Sleeping Bag

The sleeping bag is one of the most important items on the list. Boys will sleep in their bag most nights, and on chilly nights, an appropriate bag is a lifesaver.

In most cases a 20-degree F rating that is highly compressible is a good choice.
Synthetic fill retains its loft when wet, dries quickly, and is perhaps the ideal bag for watery environs of Algonquin.
Down bags are terrific but must be kept dry. It can be done with care, and they're a beautiful lifetime bag. But, if wet, one won’t hold its loft and becomes useless, so the newest dry bag is a must.
Today’s synthetic fill sleeping bags are top-notch. An important tip: prevent any unwanted bugs or mildew coming to Camp -- please be sure sleeping bags are properly cleaned before sending them.
Paying $90 - $200 for a bag is about right. Be wary of chain outdoor stores pushing pricey bags intended for extreme climate mountaineering.
Pathfinder offers an at-cost bag each year, running from $85cn to $110cn generally.

In-camp Bedding

A twin sized fitted sheet and a fleece blanket are all that's needed here. A pillow and extra pillow case are nice to have.

Source Lake evenings are comfortable and the sleeping bag is always a back up on chillier nights.

In-Camp vs. Tripping Clothes

All camp clothes see 'heavy use'. On trip, clothes can get wet, dry-off and get wet again several times a day; they will see sweat, sun, and soot in equal measure. Durable, light weight, quick drying, and comfortable are great qualities in tripping clothes. Keeping a warm dry non-cotton layer inside the dry bag is a must on trips and makes all the difference when sitting around a cozy campfire. In general, cotton should be minimized on trip.

In camp, clothes encounter the fast-paced, rough-and-tumble, messy realities of a boy's day. Cheap cotton t-shirts, shorts with pockets, long sleeves of varying weight. There are more opportunities to dry clothing in camp so cotton is not a problem and often the most comfortable option.

Pathfinder clothing can be purchased from:

The Winter Candy Store - Shipping until June 7

The Summer Candy Store - by using the Gear Order Form

Socks

Trip socks are medium-weight wool or synthetic blends. SmartWool and Darn Tough socks are the popular brands and are worth it. Trip socks often do not survive beyond a single summer of tripping.

In camp socks should be whatever style is most comfortable. Boys are discouraged from wearing shoes with no socks, especially after swimming or with wet shoes. When your active on your feet all day socks can help prevent blisters.

Sun Hats

While paddling on the water, sun hat protection is essential.
A baseball cap is great and a backup in case the first gets lost.
Hats with 360 brims provide even more sun protection.

Sunscreen

Mineral Lotion type sunscreens are best. Please DO NOT send any type of spray sunscreen.

We recommend above all others:

Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry-touch SPF-30 Sunscreen Lotion

Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo

Please help us take care of our lake and the waterways of Ontario!

Acceptable soaps include those from Burt's Bees • Ivory Soap • Camp Suds • Dr. Bronner's • Mrs. Meyers • Honest Company • Sea to Summit • Live Clean

Use of non-biodegradeable products is not permitted at camp.

Small supplies of Dr. Bronner's all-purpose soap can be purchased at cost from the Pathfinder Summer Candy Store - Gear Order Form.

Insect Repellent

Many boys choose to avoid mosquitoes by wearing full length clothing after dusk and, in consultation with their counsellors, lighting mosquito coils in their tent before bed.

If you would like your camper to have some mosquito repellent, please send a small amount:

Please choose 0% DEET products.
ABSOLUTELY no aerosol sprays are allowed.
Consider ordering our recommended all-natural repellent:

BITE plant based insect repellent

Available in the Summer Candy Store - by completing the Gear Order Form

Trunk or Large Duffel

The trunk or large duffel is the vessel the boys will live out of during their time at camp. They will unpack some of their smaller items onto shelves, but their clothing will live in their trunk.

There are many different styles of trunk and a fancy, expensive model is not required. It can be helpful to think about travel here - trunks can be more awkward and expensive when flying.

Trunks and duffels can be purchased from our recommended vendor:

Everything SummerCamp

Dry Bag

This is one of the few items of gear where brand and specifics matter. Boys will use a dry bag on trips to pack their sleeping bag, spare clothes, and sundries. Many years of experience have determined this brand and model:

SealLine Baja Dry Bag, 30L

This is an item that can be purchased via the Pathfinder Summer Candy Store

Life Vest/PFD

Life Jackets will be worn a lot. Get a good quality vest with minimal straps and buckles.

There are generally two styles: vest style with front zipper, or pull-over-head with side zipper. Companies like Lotus and Perception make expensive but excellent paddler’s vests, while makers like Mustang, Salus and Oasis make first-quality front-zip vests.

If your camper is a Loon, make sure his vest is the right style for small kids.

Quality Rain Gear

A Camper’s rain gear should be waterproof/breathable and sized to be non-restrictive for paddling and portaging, roomy enough for layering, and to allow venting of body heat.
Do not send ponchos or value-priced rain jackets that will rip on the trail.
Some families skip the pants altogether but in the event of cold temps and wind driven rain, they're great. Pants will get used less than the jacket.
There is no need to buy top of the line 3-layer bombproof Gore-Tex shell worn by mountaineers. Remember for your young first-time camper, there are decent basic rain jackets that are rubberized, non-breathable but effective in a downpour. Just expect your son’s rain gear to get well used and potentially pine-stained and muddy. After all, they’ll be canoe tripping in the great north woods!

Trip Boots

Yes, trip boots are a must and water shoes or athletic sneakers are no substitute. Your tripper will be in rough terrain with ground debris and under a pack's weight sometimes. Buy trip boots well ahead of time and wear them in! Wear your new purchase around home for a week. There should be ample room in the toe box up front. Imagine walking down hill with a trip pack on your back. You need the toe-room. Try new boots on with the brand of socks you’ll actually be wearing. SmartWool is smart! Many love the Darn Tough brand these days. Plan on wearing one pair of quality socks with your boots. Wearing two pr. socks causes blisters.

There are so many boots on the market right now, it's hard to recommend one brand/model. In general, an ankle height trail style hiking boot that's not stiff is the best call. Gore-Tex-lined trip boots are popular, but can trap stale wetness when immersed – a common occurrence in Algonquin. They can lead to foot troubles unless dried and fresh or dried socks are changed regularly. Work boots like Timberlands and other hikers without a Gore-Tex lining are a good value as well being easier to dry. In the end, it's what is most comfortable and fits best that matters. Note: If a modern trail boot has too much mesh construction, it is likely not very sturdy for weight-bearing portaging.
Open-toed River Sandals or ‘Tevas’ are not permitted on trips or for daily wear at camp, because local conditions (rocks and roots) cause too many foot injuries. These can hamper a trip or ruin a summer. A beat-up pair of sneakers or some Crocs are best to change into on the campsite, or to walk on the Island’s trails. A closed-toe sandal like some Chacos or Keens are great. Crocs are popular and some Campers swear by them because they dry fast and are comfy and ultra light in the pack. Open-toed sandals in-camp are permitted for no more than going to Swim Dock.

Consider Investing in Gear

Trip Gear can take a beating over the course of a summer. If you have older, worn gear, your AA trip is good occasion to replace or upgrade.

If you aspire to join the Pathfinder Trip Staff, this is a good opportunity to consider gear that will last into your staff years. This advice is especially pertinent for items mentioned elsewhere in this packing guide - PFD, rain jacket, and sleeping bag.

Watch this Packing Advice Video from 2024 AA Trip Headmen

High Quality Rain Gear - Jacket and Pants

You can ask any staff on the island about their rain jacket, and about 80% of them will tell you that they’ve had the same rain jacket since they were 15 or 16 years old (if they bought a good one). Those who bought theirs at 16 are usually the guys who realized how important a good rain jacket was on their own AA trip.

One Senior Headmen remarks:

"I bought my first performance raingear when I was fifteen, and I wore it for 8 years straight with no waterproofing reapplied; it lasted me multiple river trips and is honestly still completely functional if a bit battered around the edges. My brother bought a $75 non-gore-tex jacket when he was an AA and it lasted him until day 14 of his 40 day trip. "

Jackets

Gore-Tex is key for any jacket, It's a lifesaver and is the predominant waterproofing material for the outdoors. The second thing to consider is that a good rainjacket is an immediate boost to quality of life on trip, it keeps you dry and warm, and in turn boosts your mood on even the coldest or rainiest of days.

Our Budget Picks:
- Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, Black Diamond Fineline, Marmot Minimalist, Outdoor Research
Performance Models We Like:
- Arc’teryx Beta AR
  - Any Arc’teryx will be super high quality and long lasting. We recommend any of the Beta Jackets.
- Arc’teryx Alpha SV
  - The Alpha is more durable and perfectly waterproof. An expensive purchase, but it’ll be a lifelong jacket.

Rain Pants

Rain Pants are essential on long trips. They will get battered and muddy, perhaps even more so than the jacket. If you are allocating your gear budget, best to prioritize the jacket as it protects your body core. Rain pants can be budget picks. REI, Patagonia, North Face all make appropriate models. Rain pants provide comfort and warmth similar to a rain jacket that is vital on longer trips, so you want to aim for durability and waterproofing when purchasing a pair of these. Remember that AA trips take you through serious bush, which means that they will be constantly put through a beating between the brambles and snags that are all too common to walk through. The reality of these pants is that if you buy a cheaper pair, they will last you until exactly the end of the trip (30 - 40 days) and that is a totally fine thing to aim for if you don’t expect to use them outside of this trip.

Our Budget Picks:
- Outdoor Research, Marmot, Patagonia all have good options that are at a lower price point than the Arc’teryx.
- The Marmot minimalist pant are great, but are likely torn to shreds by the end of trip.

Models We Like:
- Arc’teryx Beta Pants
  - These are awesome, fully waterproof, warm, and won't rip or tear.
- REI COOP Trailmade Rain Pants
  - By the end of the trip, these pants were in tatters, but definitely waterproof. Good for river trips.
- NRS Splash Pants

NEW for 2025 - Waterproof Campsite Shoes

Keeping feet dry and clean at the end of the tripping day is essential for preventing foot fungus and other irritations. The damp environment of northern rivers is hard on feet! In addition to quality trip boots, a waterproof pair of campsite shoes is important for keeping campsite socks and feet dry.

Look for a light rubber or rubber/neoprene combo ankle height shoe.

Any of Muck Brands ankle boots are a great choice for the campsite.

Leak Free Dry Bag

The standard SealLine Baja Dry Bag - 30L is still the appropriate model. If you have a dry bag that has significant miles on the odometer, please consider a fresh replacement. A leaking dry bag can be a significant safety issue in the event of cold temperatures and wet sleeping bags and thermal layers.

Thermal Layers

Base layers

Don't need a super heavy ski base layer but a good merino wool long-sleeved shirt will work well. Lots of brands make these. Ibex is a great company for leggings and top base layers. Leggings will most likely be torn by the end.
Models We Like:
- Patagonia CapAir hoodie and leggings
- NRS Expedition Shirt and Pant
  - Super durable and warm, arguably the best option for long trips.

Mid layer

A good fleece and or a synthetic top is important
Models We Like:
- Patagonia Nano Air hoodie
  - Incredible layer that can be used a main shirt layer. Breathable and INCREDIBLY warm.
  - Synthetic lightweight down jackets are great as they keep you warm while wet.

Sleeping Bag / Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag

The temperature rating of your bag should be between 20°F and 0°F .
While goose down bags are comfortable and breathable, they are risky on long trips because they lose effectiveness when wet. Synthetic is a safer choice here.

Thermarest

Any sleeping pad works as long as it can pack down tightly and keeps you off the ground. When we pack thermarests, they usually go down the back of a pack, so it needs to fold into a thin profile. Do not bring rolling or accordion style foam pads, please.

Other Required Accessories

2 pairs of Gloves (1 for dry warmth & 1 for wet paddling)

Warm gloves
- Important to have on the camp site in the morning and night when temperatures drop.
- A good running glove will suffice, a wool or fleece material is superb.
Paddling Gloves
- 2-3mm neoprene is required
- Level 6 Proton Glove and NRS are great choices

Winter hat

Any toque will work here, again just really nice to have on those long cold days and nights

Socks

WOOL and above the ankle
Darn tough and Smartwool and great options

Buff

Good for windy, cold and wet days and a little bug protection