Canoeing and Paddling the Yukon and Teslin Rivers

River maps (available at many stores in the Yukon) are a necessity. Campsites, points of interest, and mileage are listed. Often you must be on the correct side of the river of a campsite or you will not be able to cut across the river fast enough to approach it. You must have a map. You might also have to keep track of  passports, lists, fishing licenses, firearm permits, journals, and notes. You will want pen and paper to remember addresses and names of people you meet. 

Water can be filtered out of the main river until the mouth of the White River. see map  After the White, water should be filtered out of side streams to keep from "gumming" up your filter with silt. The 2.5 gal. collapsable water container pictured is ideal. They take up little room when empty and , when set with the spout over the edge of a table, are self-draining. Careful, they will punture if dropped on something pointed. 

As we have gotten older,a place to sit has become more important. There are often log rounds to sit on in the early season, but they get used for fuel by late summer. Camp chairs are so small  and compact that there is no reason not to bring one. 

Bring a small shower. You will not regret it. Fill it with water in the morning of a sunny day and lay it on top of your gear in the canoe. In the evening, add enough warm water from the fire to make it comfortable, hang it from a limb in an exposed area to reduce the amount of mosquitoes and you are good to go. A couple liters is enough for most people. Use moist towelettes between showers.