Use our ultimate WHOA plus Boundary Waters Packing List as a guide for what to bring along while you’re exploring the wilds of Minnesota! We’ve packed this Boundary Waters Packing List with our trail tested favorites and recommendations, plus lots of useful info on the best gear for adventuring in all of Minnesota’s conditions.

Our biggest piece of advice is to pack light and smart, and bring durable, multi use items that you can layer as temperatures and weather changes (because they will)! Test and break in all your gear beforehand and use common sense and your own best judgement and discretion when choosing exactly what you pack. After all, no one knows you better than you! If you tend to run cold, pack an extra layer or two. If you have a finicky stomach, bring extras of your go-to snacks.

We’re firm believers that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear! Stocking up on quality gear from brands who are doing it right will make all the difference for enjoying all your adventures in the great outdoors!

1 THERMAL BASE LAYERs

A thin, snug fitting top and bottom set that you can wear underneath everything. These will regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin. We recommend a sport synthetic fabric like polyester or merino wool. Plus Snow makes high quality thermal tops and bottoms that GAL Andrea loves! She’s even on the website. They are an Australian company so make sure you use their Shop Your Shape function to ensure you get the right fit.

3 PAIRS warm SOCKS

Bring durable, lightweight wool socks. We love Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot Sock in Full Cushion.

SPORTS BRAS

Bring bras that provide support, feel comfortable against your skin, dry quickly and don't bind, smoosh or chafe. We love Superfit Hero.

UNDERWEAR

Bring as many pairs as you know you’ll want! TomBoyX and Go Buck Naked make quality performance underwear.

SWIMSUIT

You never know when there might be an opportunity for a dip! (Hint: Wild swimming is a must in the Boundary Waters and it’s right outside our lodge!)

SMALL DAY PACK OR DRY BAG

You’ll need a bag to carry your gear in when you’re out exploring. We love Gregory because they have an exclusive line of packs for plus-size hikers! If you want to ensure your gear is always dry, another option is a dry pack - it’s a backpack and dry bag in one!

Pro Tip: If you choose to go with the backpack make sure you have a dry bag inside to keep your gear from getting wet.

WATER BOTTLE

Bring a 1L wide mouth, water bottle or BPA free Nalgene.

TREKKING POLES (optional)

Poles are a life (and knee) saver on tricky terrain! Make sure they are collapsible for easy stashing, and simple to adjust for up and downhill. Check out our favs at Leki.

BONUS: You get 15% off Leki poles for being a part of the WHOA family! Just use this special link to see our fav poles and save!

BUFF OR BANDANA

An all around great item to always have with you. You can use it as a neck gaiter, head band, sweat rag, etc. Plus, there are so many different fun designs to choose from!

HEADLAMP + EXTRA BATTERIES

This is an essential piece of gear and should always be in your backpack when you are exploring out in nature. Be sure to start the trip with fresh batteries, and bring a spare set just in case. We love Black Diamond for headlamps.

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

You have to protect your eyes! Make sure they are UV-blocking and polarized. Goodr makes ones that are great (and cute) for hiking and canoeing. And don’t forget your retainer strap so they don’t fall off when you’re on the water.

CAMERA + EXTRA BATTERIES

There are so many amazing photo ops! We highly recommend bringing a camera that is compact and durable. These days most smartphones have great cameras, and we’ve found DSLRs can be cumbersome while trekking, so think twice before bringing anything too fancy. Remember to always pack your electronics in waterproof bags or cases. 

portable battery charger

While you will be able to recharge at the cabin, make sure you have a way to recharge your batteries on the go. We always have a portable battery charger on hand so our camera is charged and ready to catch any spontaneous dance parties that may break out!

MEDS

Consult with your physician on any prescription medication you might need for this adventure. Other common medications you might want to bring along include, pain relievers, anti-histamines, antidiarrheals, etc.

FIRST AID

We’ll have all this stuff on hand, but make sure you have a compact kit with Neosporin, bug spray, band-aids, moleskin, duct tape, anti-septic, etc. We like this one because it’s lightweight, waterproof, and has everything you might need.

SUNSCREEN + LIPSCREEN

This is a must have for being in the strong mountain sun all day! Bring a new, full tube with an SPF rating of 30+. We love Cotz Sunscreen because it works great and is reef friendly!

BUG REPELLENT

Choose a serious one with DEET or a DEET alternative like Picaridin. We really like this Picaridin from Sawyer Products!

Before the trip it’s a good idea to treat all your paddling and hiking clothes, shoes, and pack with Permethrin for extra protection against insects (especially mosquitoes). Please note: When applying Permethrin follow directions to a T, and keep away from children and pets.

TOILETRIES

Don’t forget the travel essentials like travel sized deodorant, lotion, hair ties, hair brush, face wipes, tampons, contact solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, and ear plugs etc. Remember our pledge to keep single use plastics out of the places we love, so pack reusable bottles, bar soaps and biodegradable products. Pack it all in this amazing upcycled toiletry bag!

Shower and BEACH Towel

2 towels - one for the shower and another for the beach/paddling. These can be regular towels or our favorite quick dry towel from Cocoon.

DRY BAGS

When preparing your gear, pack everything in dry bags (or silicone bags for smaller items), we’ll be in the elements so we want to make sure our gear is always protected! We recommend bringing along different shapes and sizes of these to help organize and separate dirty clothing and gear.

For waterproofing your phone/passport/money, we recommend using a dry pouch.

SHOPPING BAG + PAPER BAGS

Having a stash of brown paper lunch bags, sanitary bags, or any form of biodegradable bag is great for collecting and carrying out trash on the trails and when we’re on the go. You’ll also want to bring a small reusable shopping bag to eliminate the need to use a single-use plastic bag for snacks or souvenir stops. They’re also handy to have in case you need another bag to take on the plane. Just another way to make Mother Earth proud!

SNACKS

There’s plenty of hearty food provided at meals, but bring some extra comfort snacks, like crackers and your favorite candy!