Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and picture your favorite place to escape and relax. It may be a beach, an artic getaway, or a place hunkered in the woods. When we think of a place to disconnect, we picture the Quetico Provincial Park located in Atikokan, Ontario, Canada.
The Quetico is a different location that the iconic Boundary Waters Area and Wilderness (BWCAW) as it is located in Canada vs The United States. The Quetico is recognized for over 550 well maintained portages and hundreds of lakes within the region. The Quetico stretches 60 miles from east to west and 40 miles north to south, so this area of wilderness is recognized as one of the best areas in the world to canoe. Due to its remote location, its well-known for being a secluded and private area.
To access this region of wilderness from the US, one must acquire a passport and an RABC permit, or otherwise known as a Remote Area Bordering Crossing Permit. The RABC is for both those driving to the location and or portaging across by boat or canoe. To ensure you receive your permit in time for your upcoming adventure, plan ahead, and mail in proper documents at least a month prior to your excursion. Similar to BWCAW permits, one must request and submit a permit application for designated entry points. For the Quetico, there are over 20 entry locations to select from.
If you’re interested in fishing, as we recommend, you will need a fishing license. They are incredible reasonable, and you will need an Outdoors Card in order to cast. We highly recommend reading the regulations as they may differ from your home state. If you are planning on bringing your dog with you, they are required to have all updated shots and vaccines with proof as well.
Now that you submitted proper documents and requests to enter the Quetico, you may be wondering what to pack. This is where Duluth Pack is your one stop shop to outfit you properly, whether you shop our website at DuluthPack.com or visit our flagship store at 365 Canal Park Drive in Duluth, Minnesota.
First, you will need to haul and portage all of your gear with the original company of canoe packs, Duluth Pack. Fun fact, Duluth Pack’s founder, Camille Poirier patented the legendary device – the tumpline on December 12th, 1882. As for canoe packs, it truly depends on the length of your trip, but the top-selling canoe packs we recommend include the following styles:
Have you ever reached your campsite after dark and found your food at the bottom of one bag, pots and pans in another, and all your cooking utensils scattered on the ground? Talk about chaos! The Camp Kitchen pack is a must-have accessory that fits all of your camping kitchenware for your trip, so no more bringing extra bags for every kitchen item. The Camp Kitchen is designed to make packing for your camping trip easier than ever. Fit with extra-large side pockets for bulky kitchen items, detachable utensil roll, and a spacious inside, the Camp Kitchen is your go-to campsite accessory.
The legendary outdoor pack that outperforms all others. For those rugged individuals who demand a dependable pack that not only survives but thrives in a wilderness setting. The Bushcrafter Pack by Duluth Pack sets the standard. Built with an 18” long axe sleeve for your preferred hatchet or saw, comfortable paddled leather shoulder straps, and an adjustable sternum strap for extreme stability, the Bushcrafter Pack is the elite choice for outdoorsmen and women. Designed by founder and head instructor Mike Lummio of Bushcraft Northwest, the Bushcrafter Pack is loaded with technical features that will carry everything you need and nothing you don’t. Buy it once. Have it for life.
One of the original designs created by Duluth Pack’s founder, Camille Poirier. The #2 Original Pack by Duluth Pack has been time-tested for over a century. Constructed of our rugged canvas, the #2 Original Pack sports three guaranteed for life buckle straps closures, a wide full compartment opening, and completed with an internal slip pocket for quick access to your smaller accessories like a phone, snack, headlamp, or dog treats. Handcrafted with our heavy-duty tumpline for ultimate body alignment and two premium American leather shoulder straps, which ensure years of comfort and use. This rugged and durable pack is a top-seller for generations of wilderness travelers, canoeist, and outdoor enthusiasts. Ideal for those who demand rugged durability for any of their most adventurous treks. This is a solid pack for canoeing, hiking, camping, and travel.
A traditional styled canoe pack that has been an essential for outdoor travels for generations. The craftsmanship of the #4 Monarch Pack by Duluth Pack is in its own class. The rugged design is built with hardcore use in mind. Larger in space than the #3 Monarch Pack, the #4 Monarch can hold a larger capacity of gear and ensures optimal organization. This spacious pack is constructed of rugged canvas for extreme durability, leather padded shoulder straps for immediate comfort, removeable and adjustable waist belt, a sturdy and clip-on sternum strap for additional security, and a built-in large compartment that includes a deep tarp / sleeping pad for extreme cushion on your back. The #4 Monarch is designed to ride low to allow access for carrying a canoe properly while wearing. The #4 Monarch Pack is the ultimate classic canoe pack ready for your next outdoor trek in the wilderness.
This robust pack design was built to withstand any outdoor adventure. The #2 Cruiser Pack by Duluth Pack is a continual best-selling backpack among canoeists, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to gear up. The #2 Cruiser Pack is ready and willing take the backcountry head on due to its functional and timeless design. Equipped with four guaranteed for life buckle closures and rust-proof hardware, this pack is set for the conditions. Access to the main compartment can hold camping and canoeing equipment and accessories with ease, an internal slip pocket for smaller essentials like a phone, headlamp, or your keys, and two side external pockets for snacks, fire starters, maps, and water bottles, the #2 Cruiser Pack is calling for adventure.
This robust and traditional pack design was built to withstand any outdoor adventure. The #3 Cruiser Pack by Duluth Pack is a continual best-selling backpack among canoeists, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts. Larger than the #2 Cruiser Pack, the #3 Cruiser Pack can hold a larger capacity of gear and ensures optimal organization. Equipped with five guaranteed for life buckle closures and rust-proof hardware, this pack is set for the conditions. Access to the main compartment can hold camping and canoeing equipment and accessories with ease, an internal slip pocket for smaller essentials like a phone, headlamp, or your keys, and two side external pockets for snacks, knives, fire starters, maps, and water bottles, the #3 Cruiser Pack is calling for adventure. The #3 Cruiser Pack is recognized as a go-to food pack on outdoor excursions, a canoers top-choice for paddle trips, and or an ideal choice for a long week trip to the cabin.
The Front Portage Pack makes your venture from land to water, an easier transition while still being able to carry your belongings along the way. Simply clip the handy bag to the front of your canoe pack and hit the trail. The Front Portage Pack is designed to make your outdoor treks easier to manage with any Duluth Pack portage bag system.
Duluth Pack selected pieces from their top-selling canoe and camping gear and created an exclusive set for those seeking the ultimate products for their upcoming outdoor adventure. You don’t have to compromise quality for quantity with this set of premium American Made items. The Canoe Starter Kit includes the best-selling #60 Utility Pack in the legendary and rugged Olive Drab canvas color, a Map Case, a 20’ Anchor Bag by Spring Creek Manufacturing, and is completed with a Poly Pack Liner for extra protection while you are out in the elements with your pack. All products in the Starter Kit are proudly Made in the USA and come with a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship and hardware. These items separately would cost $277, save 21% by buying this Starter Kit!
If purchasing a pack is currently not of interest to you, you’re welcome to rent a canoe pack with Duluth Pack that is only $7 per day + tax. Otherwise, we suggest our interest-free payment program with Affirm, available at checkout at www.duluthpack.com.
Additional gear we highly recommend you bring include:
- Water Filter / Purification System
- Sleeping Bag and Bed Roll
- Proper Rain Gear
- Anchor Bag
- Tuff Camp Saw
- Drop-In Seat
- Stabilizers
- Dry Bags
- Food
- Maps
- Tent
- Small Camping Stove
- Water Bottle
- A Good Book
- Headlamp
- Knife
- Cookware
- Sunscreen and Hygiene Products
- Bug Spray
- Wax Canvas Starters
For additional details on portaging, canoeing, packing, and how to light a fire without matches, head to our blog; The Pack Report.
As always, if you have additional questions about how to properly set yourself up for success on an upcoming trip, give the Duluth Pack Gear Experts and Customer Service a call at 218-722-3898 or contact us [email protected]. Otherwise, visit us in-store and our team will help outfit you with all of your needs and answer any additional questions or concerns you may have.
Remember to respect the outdoors and wildlife and to enjoy taking in all of Mother Nature’s glory.
Happy Adventuring, Friends!
