Northern Forest Canoe Trail Round 2 + Gear 2025

All winter while I was grinding away making money I kept my mind open to possible adventures for this summer. I researched a few trails, watched videos on some great paddling spots but nothing felt right. The NFCT kept sneaking into my thoughts but I kept it to myself, not wanting to get Henry's hopes up because I knew he would paddle it again in a heartbeat. After a few weeks I decided to read my old journals to remind myself of the hardships but I still could not talk myself out of it. One night I asked my Tarot cards and pulled the Star, which in itself is a positive card meaning anything is possible and magic is flowing around you. But I was stopped short by the art on the card- it showed a woman with braided pigtails skinny dipping in a pond. Rain fell on her shoulders, an eagle flew above her and she was surrounded by frogs. All in all, a perfect rendering of me living my best life on the NFCT.

That night I finally asked Henry if he would want to paddle it again and after a few minutes of realizing I was not messing with him he said "Absolutely, of course I would 100%".

So here we are, on our way to Old Forge once again! This time with a much greater understanding of what gear to bring, or more accurately, what gear not to bring. I am keeping my pack as light as possible while still bringing a few comfort items that make me happy.

Clothing (Worn)

Allagash hat <3, sunglasses, Bedrock sandals, sports bra, random button up for when I'm not wearing sun hoodie, Patagonia capilene cool sun hoodie, random thrifted shorts, Exofficio underwear

Clothing (packed)

Topos trail runners, Frogg Togg rain jacket, Marmot rain pants, Montbell puffy, Patagonia dress, Senchi (Alpha 120, I'm a cold girlie), Senchi pants, Smartwool 250 base layer top, Kahtoola nanospikes, one pair lightweight Darn Toughs, one pair midweight Darn Toughs, one pair mountaineer Darn Toughs (for sleeping), bikini, bandana, Buff, loose cotton pants (these were one of my favorite pieces of gear last year), Minus 33 base layer bottoms, Altera alpaca gloves, Patagonia Barely sports bra, extra pair of Exofficio underwear

20 liter personal dry bag:

Bug spray, sunscreen, my mini paint kit and sketchbook, guidebooks, spork, OR sun gloves, NRS neoprene gloves, binoculars, NRS neoprene booties, bug net

Main Gear:

The big beast ULA Catalyst with Sea to Summit 65 liter Big River dry bag liner, NeoAir XLite sleeping pad, Sea to Summit pillow with silk pillow case, Flextail air pump (another gear favorite, blowing up our pads is my least favorite camp chore without it), Enlightened Equipment zero degree (I said I'm cold ok), Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 tent (favorite tent I've ever had)

Electronics:

Ravpower 26,800 mAh battery bank, Anker 20,000 mAh battery bank, JBL waterproof speaker, Anker charging blocks, Kindle <3, charging cords, bluetooth keyboard (to blog teehee), Nitecore headlamp, Zoleo satellite, Anker soundcore headphones

Kitchen:

Collapsible bowl and cup, lighter, GSI Glacier camp stove, fuel, Aeropress, MSR Guardian water filter (this is new and I can't wait to see how we like it. Filters 2.5 liters per minute omg), Nalgene, Cochlan cook pot, two 2 liter water bags

Toiletries and First Aid:

Thermarest patch kit, medications include: cramp bark (menstrual cramps and sore muscles), aleve, dramamine, benadryl, immodium, alcohol pads, leukotape. Wipes, Deuce of Spades trowel, hand sani, tampons, mini hairbush, toothpaste/toothbrush, mirror, glitter, hair scrunchies, small microfiber towel, aloe (was an iconic much needed addition last year), moisturizer, face sunscreen

Other

Suspenz Heavy Duty Mid V wheels, Six Moons Designs UL umbrella, Thermacell (maybe my #1 piece of gear ever), Rite in the Rain journal and pen, passport, wallet, tripod, NRS Ninja life jacket, ZRE paddle, Nomadix towel

Fanny Pack

ULA fanny pack, Kula cloth, phone floaty, tiny tarot <3, swiss army knife, lighter, chapstick with SPF, (snacks also go in here)