The following items and suggestions are only recommendations. What you may actually bring on your trip depends greatly on the season, length and nature of your particular route, etc.
 

As a premier Maine outfitter, we have several different types / models of canoes and kayaks available from the Old Town Discovery 174 to the Old Town Loon 138 kayak. We make these available for your trip or if you just want to get away with the family for a day as well.

 
   Paddled tandem or solo, the Discovery 164 canoe features a sharp entry to split waves and undercut tough headwinds, a rounded bottom for agility and excellent secondary stability, and a carrying capacity that handles the unexplored wilderness as easily as a family day trip. The Discovery 174 can take all the punishment the river can give out. Along with its sharp V-entry and straight keel line, the 174's glossy surface literally slips through the water. It glides over rocks and it’s quiet.
 

  
   The Loon 138 is a stable yet efficient solo kayak with a folding, high back bucket seat. The large cockpit allows for a child or pet to come along for the ride. We also have the Loon 138T, a two-seater model for those of you who want to travel together. Both of these kayaks have storage space in the front and rear.

    Plan your trip carefully. Please take the time to be as accurate as possible. Basically, what we need to know is how many people in your party, the number of canoes you will need, and whether you will be using a Katahdin Outfitters vehicle for your transportation or will we be shuttling your personal vehicle.

 We will also need to know the date and approximate time (plus or minus on hour) that you will be arriving at the Katahdin Outfitters base: again, try to be as accurate as possible.

     We will also need to know the date and approximate time (plus or minus on hour) that you will be arriving at the Katahdin Outfitters base: again, try to be as accurate as possible.

   If you are not sure, or have questions, let us know what your interests are and how much time you have, and I am sure we will be able to tailor a unique and pleasurable trip in the Katahdin Region for you.

Rubber-Bottom, Leather-Topped Boots; such as the kind sold by L.L. Bean 10" or 12", well greased.

Wetsuit Booties; (optional) worn under oversize sneakers; for cold water (Spring and Fall) wading.

Socks; (inner) 3 or 4 pairs cotton, silk, or "wickaway" material.

Underwear; 2 or 3 pair.

T-Shirts; 2 or 3

Sweats or Long Underwear; for sleeping, etc.

Fleece Jacket

Pants; 2 pairs; l pair cotton/poly work type (Dickie) etc, (all cotton such as blue jeans get heavy when wet and are slow to dry).

Shirts; l or 2 light or medium weight (chamois-type or wool long sleeve).

Wind Pants

Jacket; l medium to heavy weight (wool or insulated) Spring or Fall

Gortex coat and pants

Rain Gear; 2 piece suit or poncho

Hat; wide-brim felt, knit or visor cap

Wool Gloves or Mittens; (Spring or Fall) some people wear paddling gloves.

Bandanas;

Leather Belt;

Personal Gear

Day Pack; for personal items, and sidehikes.

Toothbrush, Paste, Toilet Tissue, Face Cloth, Hand or Bath Towel, Mirror, Biodegradeable Soap, Sewing Kit

First Aid Kit; at least one per party

Flashlight; extra bulb and batteries

Jackknife or Sheath Knife

Axe Lightweight or Hatchet; folding saw

Sunglasses; and strap (Croakies)

Binoculars

Insect Repellent; ie. (Bens l00) (Natrapel Pump), not as effective as "Deet" but contains no harsh chemicals.

Maps and Compass

Camp Gear

Tent; with "no-see-um" proof screen netting and waterproof fly.

Tarps ( 2 ); approx. l0' x l0' nylon reinforced poly-type. Erect near fire or over cookstove for cooking and eating during rainy weather. Can also be used in canoe to cover equipment.

Sleeping Bag; filled with a 'synthetic down' material as ie. (Hollofil II or Quallofil, etc.) synthetics dry faster and wick moisture, so as not to get a "clammy" feeling. Bag should be rated to 25F spring and Fall, and 40F Summer.

Lantern; (Coleman type with extra mantels and fuel).

Cooking

Cookstove; (Coleman type with fuel and spare generator) 2 burner.

Cooking Utensils; pots, plates, bowls, cups, can opener, spoons, forks.

Frying Pan; cast iron or stainless steel (no teflon)

Stainless Steel Pot Scrubber

Miscellaneous Gear

Bungee Cords Nylon Rope or Cord

Waterproof Matches Paper Towels

Sun Screen Water Tabs (optional)

Zip Lock Bags (2 qt) Bailer

Mosquito Head Net Pocket Guides (plants, etc.)

Butane Lighter Playing Cards

Star Chart Sponge

Army Surplus, Ammo Cans, Duct Tape (very handy)

Food

   Every type of food conceivable has been taken down the rivers, so anything is possible. Try to eliminate packaging. This is where Zip locks come in handy. Try to plan by meals and then double the portions. Better to have some leftover than to go hungry the last days of your trip. Bring plenty of high energy snacks.

   Ice Chest, Cooler; "dry ice" wrapped in several layers of newspaper and , placed in the bottom has been known to keep pre-frozen meats frozen for up to a week even in summer. Pre-freezing all freezables will allow longer freshness.

   White 5 Gal. Buckets with Covers; (very versatile container, try to limit number used, not very space efficient), ie, one for mess kit, one for dry goods, especially useful for large groups. Makes good campsite seat.

   Trash Bags; (extra large and extra strength) 2 bags together, placed in an Army Surplus canvas Duffel, makes a good inexpensive alternative to a waterproof duffel, ie. L.L. Bean's "River Duffel".

Fire Grate; all campsites on the Allagash and West Branch have fire grates.

Folding Shovel; all campsites on the Allagash and West Branch have "privies".

Camera and Film; in a waterproof container, cushioned inflatable bag, ie. (Sima Sport-Pouch).

   The current philosophy on the waterways is, "Carry in Carry out" with an emphasis on trash reduction. The amount of non-disposable trash ie. tin cans, glass containers, non-burnable plastic, aluminum beverage cans, etc. should be kept to a minimum. You are responsible for your trash disposal.