Eden in the Wild Summer 2026 Packing List
There are three distinct parts to this trip- first a week in the Adirondack wilderness, followed by a week in Montreal, followed by a week at camp. Participants will pack two separate bags that we will swap between the canoe trip and before we head up to Montreal. Teens will have a few minutes with both bags to swap over any items they’ll need throughout the trip (think: toiletries, journal, etc.). We will not be doing laundry between the canoe trip and Montreal. Upon their return to camp after a week in Montreal, we will send out the group’s laundry so that they have clean clothes for the remainder of their time at camp.
Due to the split nature of the program, we’ve organized two distinct packing lists. Teens should pack everything they’re bringing on the wilderness portion of the trip in their hiking backpack, and bring a separate duffle with their Montreal/camp clothes.
We know it’s a little confusing! So for your ease of understanding, here is a breakdown of the days of the trip:
July 28th - 30th: Orientation at camp (2 days)
July 30th - Aug 6th: Canoe Trip (7 days)
Aug 6th - 11th: Montreal Trip (5 days)
Aug 11th - 16th: At Camp (5 days)
*we will send laundry out on August 12th, so teens should expect to have 7 days of Montreal / Camp clothes
If you'd like a downloadable or printable copy of this packing list, use this link!
Wilderness Canoe Trip Packing List
This is not a suggested packing guide, this is a mandatory packing list.
We’ve made this list to help make sure you’ll have everything you need, and that you’ll be able to carry it easily in your backpack throughout the trip. In the backcountry, often the difference between a fun time and a really uncomfortable time is having the right gear. In your backpack you’ll need to fit everything you’re bringing, including your sleeping bag, so sticking to this list will be integral in making that possible.
ALL CLOTHING FROM SHIRTS TO SOCKS MUST BE QUICK DRY. Please make sure the clothing that you pack is made from either wool or synthetic materials or labeled “quick dry/moisture wicking” and NOT cotton. You will be getting wet often and cotton does not dry.
Weather: Typically between 50-75 degrees. It will most likely rain at least once.
Laundry: Camp will be bringing biodegradable soap to wash our clothes as needed. You don't need to bring anything for this. You should expect to wash / rewear clothes!
Camping Gear
Hiking Backpack: This should be around a 60 liter hiking backpack with comfortable hip strap support. This will be holding all of your belongings! If you do not have a hiking backpack, camp has a few that are available to borrow. They are on the smaller side (closer to 45 liters) so you’ll have to pack a little lighter. Please be in touch if you would like to reserve a backpack.
Sleeping bag with compression sack: Sleeping bag is a personal decision based on warmth, what you’re willing to carry, and price. We recommend a bag that keeps you warm in 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Your bag should not exceed 7x13 when in its stuff sack. Here is an example of a sleeping bag we’d recommend.
Sleeping pad: Can be foam or inflatable. Inflatable pads will pack up smaller and are often more comfortable. Here is an example. Camp has a few budget foam sleeping pads that are available to borrow. Please be in touch if you would like to reserve a sleeping pad.
Your sleeping bag OR sleeping pad needs to fit inside your backpack with all of your other belongings.
Headlamp: It’s important that you have a headlamp, not a handheld flashlight. Please also pack an extra set of batteries.
Two 1-liter water bottles: We recommend you bring nalgenes, but at a minimum these should be durable and with a tight seal so as to not leak in your backpack. No straw-top or glass bottles.
Clothes
2 Pairs shorts
2 T-shirts
3 pairs underwear
3 pair of socks
2-3 sports bras, if needed
1-2 Long sleeve shirts
Long hiking pants: These should not be jeans. Comfortable to move and hike in, quick-dry and breathable.
Warm bottom layer: These can be sweatpants, legging, something warm for the evenings at the campsite
Sweatshirt: We recommend this be a warm fleece sweatshirt. Fleece will keep you warm even if it gets wet!
PJs: These will just be for sleeping, not hanging out in, and should take up minimal space in your backpack.
Rain coat/poncho
Rain pants (optional): If you have a pair, these are wonderful if it rains, if you don’t it’s okay- you’ll just get a little more wet. Here is an example.
Winter hat: Even in the summer it can be cold in upstate NY!
Baseball/ sun hat
1 Bathing suit
Shabbat clothes: Doesn’t need to be a full outfit, but something white to wear on shabbat.
Shoes
Waterproof sandals with backstrap: We recommend something like chacos or tevas. They should be comfortable, dry quickly, and stay secure on your feet while wading through water. You should expect that your feet will be in the water every time you get in and out of your canoe! No flip flops or crocs. Must have a back strap.
Sneakers: To wear around the campsite and hike in.
Toiletries
Toothbrush/toothpaste, travel size
Deodorant, travel size
Camping towel: This needs to be a quick dry, small and packable towel. Here is an example.
Sun screen: We strongly advise you pack natural sunscreen like this. There are certain lakes and ponds that are so pristine we’d be required to wash off in the forest before entering the water.
Bug spray, travel size: We strongly advise you pack natural bug spray.
Optional/ As Needed
Please note that all optional and additional items must fit easily within your backpack.
Small journal & pen
Small packable camp pillow: Here is an example.
Waterproof watch
Glasses / Sunglasses: If you wear glasses, we highly recommend you get a croakie to make sure you don’t lose your glasses in the water.
Pads/Tampons/Menstrual cup
Inhaler/ Epi Pen
Siddur
Some Resources for Purchasing or Renting Gear:
Purchasing new items for this trip will be a personal and family decision. We highly recommend you borrow anything you don’t already have from friends and family. If you are looking to purchase new gear, we’re hoping to help make that as easy as possible for you. We’ve also run this trip for a few summers and would be happy to connect you with past participants in your area to ask about borrowing gear. Please reach out with any questions!
Gear Acquisition:
New Gear:
Backcountry.com, sierra trading post, and campmor. (high quality at slightly discounted prices)
REI, Patagonia, EMS (high quality at market rates)
Used Gear:
Facebook Marketplace
REI Gear Rentals: for a 12 day trip, renting a backpack, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad will range from $38-$56 per item
Thank you for adhering to these guidelines!
Part of the goal of this trip is for campers to try something new, stretch their boundaries and comfort zones, and get back to the basics while connecting with ourselves and nature. You’ll notice that we’re bringing very minimal clothing. We’re inviting you to lean into living minimally for a week!
Teens will be living out of their backpacks! If it’s packed to the brim and hard to re-pack, it’s going to be a challenge on a daily basis. When teens arrive to camp, we’ll go through everyone’s gear to make sure they have everything they need, it fits comfortably in their backpack, and they can carry it all easily on their back for extended and strenuous hiking. Everything they are packing needs to fit inside their backpack. Either their sleeping bag or the sleeping pad can be strapped to the outside of their pack, but NOT BOTH. Ideally they both fit inside the backpack, but if not, they can strap one of them to the outside.
If there are things on this list that you don’t have and aren’t interested in purchasing for future use, we recommend you reach out to your community to see if anyone has gear you can borrow- especially for things like a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, and quick dry towel. You’d be surprised what sort of gear people have lying around waiting for an adventure!
Montreal / Camp Packing List
Please pack these items in a separate duffle bag. All belongings must fit inside a carry-on sized bag (no larger than 9 x 14 x 22 inches). We will do laundry after 6 days once the group returns to camp. This packing list includes what you’ll need for the week in Montreal and at camp.
Please also bring a small backpack or tote bag to carry your water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and a snack with you during the day.
Clothes
3-4 Pairs shorts
8 T-shirts
10 pairs underwear
10 pair of socks
4-5 bras, if needed
1 pair long pants
Sweatshirt
PJs
Rain coat/poncho
Baseball/ sun hat
1 Bathing suit
Shabbat whites
Water Bottle
Shoes
Sneakers or a pair of closed toed shoes that are comfortable for walking around a city in
Sandals with a backstrap (optional)
Toiletries
Toothbrush/toothpaste, travel size
Biodegradable soap, travel size
Deodorant, travel size
Camping towel
We recommend you continue to use the same towel from the canoe trip. If you’d like to pack a separate towel you can, but a quick dry towel will be the most convenient option as we’re still packing light!
Sun screen
Bug spray, travel size
Optional/ As Needed
Please note that all optional and additional items must fit easily within your duffle.
Small journal & pen
Waterproof watch
Glasses / Sunglasses
Pads/Tampons/Menstrual cup
Inhaler/ Epi Pen
Siddur
Camera