Putting together this feature was a lot of fun, although a bit chaotic trying to wrangle a toddler while setting up for the shoot and then trying to get said toddler to hold still while taking the photos—at naptime, no less. Thankfully he cooperated for just long enough to get the shot. We can’t wait for another summer of canoe tripping.
— Marissa Trepanier
Editor, Paddling Magazine
Marissa Trepanier
With a love for storytelling and SEO, Marissa has been at home in the digital content space for almost a decade and an editor at Paddling Magazine since 2019. Her offline pursuits include camping, downhill skiing, ice cream eating, and book reading.
10 Essentials For Canoe Camping With A Toddler
When I started planning my one-year-old son Sebastien’s first few canoe camping trips, I knew we were kissing single-carry portaging goodbye. As we upgraded our tripping kit, I kept a few questions top of mind: what would keep my son safe and comfortable, and make life easier for us as parents? After a summer of trial and error, here’s what earned a permanent spot on our packing list.
What’s In Editor Marissa Trepanier’s Kit For Canoe Camping With A Toddler
Marmot Limestone 6P
MSRP: $599
The Limestone has large vestibules for storing gear, two doors so we’re not climbing over a sleeping child at 3 a.m., and plenty of headroom to keep from feeling claustrophobic amid everything that needs to be kept in the tent (like: more diapers than you think). At 15 pounds, the Marmot Limestone 6P is one of the lighter and most compact six-person tents out there.
Legit Camping Hammock
MSRP: $34.97
A hammock is a multipurpose tool with kids, great for winding down for naptime and ramping up for playtime. Any hammock works, but I like this one from Legit Camping because it’s compact and easy to hang.
Bright Starts Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster
MSRP: $29.97
It’s nearly impossible to get Seb to sit still while he’s eating, making this collapsible booster seat a must on camping trips. Walking while eating poses two problems: it increases the risk of choking and makes it difficult to maintain a clean campsite when bits of food are dropped everywhere.
Salus Nimbus PFD
MSRP: $108.95 CAD
Between paddling and playing near the shore, Seb spends a lot of time wearing his life jacket. So finding a PFD that fit comfortably was non-negotiable. The Salus Nimbus isn’t too tight around Seb’s neck and it doesn’t ride up high when he’s sitting. It’s so comfortable that he even asks to wear it around the house.
MEC Newt Suit
MSRP: $79.95 CAD
A good rainsuit can make the difference between a completed trip and one you bail on. The MEC Newt Suit’s elastic cuffs and hood, along with the high collar, provide full coverage and confidence that your little one will stay warm and dry in the rain. Plus, it’s durable, meaning your kid can do kid things.
Ostrom Winisk Canoe Pack
MSRP: $310 CAD
A family-sized kit calls for a family-sized pack. An Ostrom Winisk pack—or two—cuts down on our number of carries across the portage and Tetris skills are not necessary thanks to the pack’s cavernous interior.
JDR Harmonica
MSRP: $24.99
Excitable kids who won’t nap or sit still need something to keep them busy in the canoe. A harmonica provides long-lasting entertainment, not to mention accompaniment for many classic camp songs.
BabyDeeDee Sleep Nest Travel
MSRP: $55.99
The BabyDeeDee Sleep Nest Travel uses classic sleeping bag material that can be wiped clean and a sleep sack design with arms, ensuring warmth and eliminating the hazard loose blankets or a too-big sleeping bag pose to a small child. Removable arms make it versatile for warm and cool nights.
Patagonia Baby Capilene Silkweight Bottoms and Long-Sleeve
MSRP: $39 each
The thought of slathering sunscreen on my son’s arms and legs every couple of hours all day had me searching for long-sleeved UPF-protective clothing. The Baby Capilene Silkweight collection provides breathable sun coverage and stands up to inevitable tumbles.
Seb’s bucket
Depending on when you’re starting your little one canoe camping, they may not yet be stable enough to stand or sit unassisted in the canoe. A generic tote with a blanket was my what-do-I-have-at-home solution to providing extra support on Seb’s first canoe outing.
This article was part of our Build To Last series from issue 75 of Paddling Magazine. In this informative gear series, five editors open their hatches and dry bags to reveal the gear they trust for family canoe camping, river running, sea kayak missions, shoulder-season trips and professional raft guiding.
Kaydi’s Paddle-in Shoulder Season Kit
Field-tested favorites for late fall and spring canoe camping.
Maddy’s Sea Kayak Day Trip Guiding Kit
What the longtime kayak guide refuses to leave behind.
Marissa’s Toddler-Friendly Canoe Camping Setup
What she won't leave home without when canoe camping with her young son.
Joe’s Class Fun River Running Kit – coming soon
Eleven whitewater favorites from Joe's gear closet that he won't paddle without.
Brenna’s River Guide To River God Kit – coming soon
A longtime raft guide, Brenna's rafting essentials may surprise you.
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