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Gear

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Gear

Gear

 

Canoes

Bearskin Outfitters uses ultra light canoes from Souris River, Northstar and Nova Craft.  We choose our modes with an eye towards stability and seaworthiness to fit a wide range of paddlers.   Our Kevlar canoe rentals include light weight bent-shaft paddles and comfortable PFDs

Tandem Canoes

Very stable and extremely seaworthy, the Quetico 17 is one of the most popular hulls in the BWCA.  Both light and durable, this is a great canoe for fisherman and photographers.
Quick but still stable, the Northwind is a favorite of both new and experienced paddlers.  Those looking to cover lots of territory will appreciate its glide and light weight on portages.

3 and 4 person canoes

The Quetico 18.5 is a great family hauler and fishing canoe.  Great for 3 adults, because of it's width groups often can fit two smaller kids side by side in the center seat.
The Northwind 18 is a great canoe for families and groups of adults who are looking to see a lot of country.
The big canoe!  With four seats and plenty of room you can fit all kinds of things in this canoe.

Solo Canoes

The Magic is the best fast touring canoe available.  When paddled with a kayak paddle even beginner paddles can cruse right along.  Unlike other canoes built for speed, the magic has enough rocker that it is easy to maneuver through the smaller waterways of the BWCA
The PAL is a small tandem canoe set up as a solo.  While not as efficient as the Magic, it is very comfortable to paddle and it's extra width is reassuring to new paddlers.  For serious fisherman, paddlers with lots of gear or the solo paddler who'd like to bring their dog the PAL is a great choice

Tents and Shelter

We use high quality dome tents for our group outfitting .  All of our tents have full vestibules for gear storage, and are lined on the inside with a durable waterproof ground sheet.  

For solo paddlers or odd numbered groups we rent lightweight solo tents and Hennessey Hammocks, complete with bug netting and rainflies.

All of our trips are send out with a lightweight Cooke Custom Sewing tarp and rope to use as a dinning fly.

 

Packs

 

We pack our gear in Duluth style pack from Cooke Custom Sewing and Kondos.  These packs are made out of heavy duty Cordura Nylon, making them incredibly strong and durable.  When outfitting through us all of our packs come with a waterproof liner.  We supply each person with a large dry bag for clothing, as extra insurance that your camp clothes stay dry.

Food is pack in either a barrel pack or insulated food pack.  The Barrels are waterproof, smell proof and crush proof.  Because the contain odors, you do not need to hang them as a bear precaution.  For trips with lots of fresh food we use insulated pack, which keep food cool and fresh longer.  These packs come with a waterproof liner and a system to hang them with.

 

Sleeping Gear

A good nights sleep is essential to a good day of paddling.  We rent warm and comfterably mummy style bags rated to 20 degrees.  We think a good sleeping pad is as important as your sleeping bag, and use thick neo-air air pads from Thermorest.  

 

 

Cooking Gear

Cooking in the backcountry doesn't have to  be a chore.  We have a variety of pots, pans and skillets depending on what kind of meal your cooking, and how large your group is.  For coffee drinkers we have percolators, drip presses and french presses.  All of our cooking gear can be used over a fire, which we think is an important part of canoe tripping.

Our lightweight stoves are powerful and provide a stable platform for cooking.  For large groups we have the option of a light weight two burner stove to speed up meal prep.

 

Gear You Should Bring

When traveling with a Kevlar Canoe, you’ll need to get out of the canoe in the water at landings. In the summer most people prefer to bring two pairs of shoes, one for paddling and one for camp. Your camp shoes can be nearly anything comfortable, although it’s always nice if they don’t take up too much room or weigh too much in your pack. Shoes or sandals that expose your bare skin sometimes leave an easy target for biting bugs. While paddling it’s best to wear shoes that are made to be in water or that dry quickly. Running shoes or lightweight hiking boots work very well. Water shoes or sandals are also good, although you should make sure they offer enough support for portages since you usually have to carry some weight on your back. Sandals can also leave your feet exposed to bugs and your toes exposed to rocks, both on the trail and underwater at landings. Wool or polypropylene socks will keep your feet warmer and more comfortable when wet. Avoid cotton socks.
In the Fall when the water is cold many people prefer waterproof footwear. Inexpensive rubber boots keep your feet dry, but can be uncomfortable and don’t offer much insulation. Higher quality rubber boots, and neoprene rubber boots are nicer to walk in. Tall rubber overshoes, worn over sneakers, are a very good cold water option. Water proof hikers will not always be tall enough.

 

Weather can vary quite a bit in the BWCA and it’s a good idea to play it safe and prepare yourself for a wide range of environments.  It’s a good idea to avoid blue jeans and other cotton clothing since they dry very slowly and insulate poorly when wet.  Fleece and wool are wonderful materials for top layers because they dry relatively quickly and still keep you warm if they get wet.  Fleece is generally lighter and dries much faster than wool, but requires more caution around a camp fire since sparks can melt small holes.  Quick drying pants are a must for Kevlar canoe travel because of the amount of time you’ll spend in the water.  It’s not a bad idea to bring two pairs of pants and keep one dry, especially if it’s cold.  Good wool socks are hard to beat, and it’s important to keep at least one pair dry for camp.  Dressing in layers will also help keep you warm.  Lightweight wool or poly long underwear is good to have regardless of the season, as it adds a lot of warmth with little bulk or weight.  When deciding between two items of clothing, lean towards whatever will dry quickest.  Even if you never get wet on your trip, it’s sometimes nice to be able to dip a dirty piece of clothing in the lake and have it be dry the next day.   And last of all, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit during the warm summer months.

A brimmed hat will help keep the sun of your face, and the rain out of your eyes. Sunglasses are a must have, on a sunny day the glare off the water is intense. If it’s cold, neoprene or fleece gloves can be helpful while paddling. A pair of work gloves add an element of safety to camp chores and cooking, and keep bugs from biting your hands. A stocking hat doesn’t take up much space, but will make you feel much warmer in the cold.

In the summer most people will want bug spray. The sun can be fairly harsh while you’re on the water, so sun block is also a good idea. Your lips don’t tan, only burn, so chap-stick with some UV protection is a must. Sunglasses give your eyes a rest from the glare of the water. We supply you with a headlight, but it’s good to bring a flashlight as a back up. If you’re planning to fish bring your equipment, but try to scale down your tackle box. Most of the time you’ll only use a few lures, so cutting back on tackle is desirable. A pocket knife is a useful tool, and if you plan to eat fish you’ll want a fillet knife. Bring a good book to read. If you don’t, you’ll be kicking yourself when you’re stuck at camp because of the rain or wind. A camera will help you remember your trip for years to come. We send you off with a very basic first aid kit, but please bring any extra safety items you think you might need. Most, if not all of these items are available for sale at the outfitters.

 

 

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