Isle Royale Packing List

What’s the weather going to be? The weather on Isle Royale during the summer months is generally very nice, however
, it’s always good to be prepared for any conditions we might encounter. We suggest you think carefully about what
personal clothing you’ll need and try to limit yourselves to the bare necessities.

NOTE: Regardless of what month, a stay of several days any time of the summer without at least some rain is uncommon; either bring rain gear or plan on spending time stuck in your tent or a shelter.

• June – Average daytime high temperatures can range from the upper 40’s all the way into the mid 60’s,
  with lows dipping as low as the mid to upper 30’s at night. Early July – Average daytime high temperatures can range from the mid 40’s all the way into the upper
• Early July – 70’s, with lows dipping as low as the mid to upper 30’s at night.
• Late July/Early August – Average daytime high temperatures can range from the low 50’s all the way
  into the upper 80’s, with lows down into the low-mid 40’s at night.
• Late August/Early September – Average daytime high temperatures can range from the mid 40’s all the
  way into the upper 70’s, with lows dipping as low as the mid to upper 30’s at night.

 One synthetic shirt such as polypropylene, capeline or polyester to wear as an insulating layer under your wetsuit
in the event of cool weather. (Cotton should be avoided.)
 Swimsuit to wear underneath a wetsuit (We provide the wetsuits, feel free to bring your own if you own one. You do
not need to buy one special for this trip.)
 Neoprene oGore-Texex gloves for paddling in cool weather
 A Gore Tex hooded jacket – -multi-use in rain or as a windbreaker
 Rain pants (optional)
 One fleece jacket or sweatshirt for cool weather.
 One pair of shorts & a T-shirt/casual wear for warm days.
 One long sleeve T-shirt for cool days casual wear
 One pair of quick drying long pants for cooler evenings
 Water shoes or neoprene boots for kayaking work best, sandals are ok. (Going barefoot is ok)
 Fleece or other synthetic socks are nice for wearing on cool nights
 Water bottles: Nalgene wide-mouth bottles work best for water filter use (at least 2 quarts per person/per day)
 Sunscreen and lip balm
 Hat for protection from the sun. Possibly a hat for warmth
 Sunglasses (and eyeglasses)/ sun/eyeglass strap/cord
 Flashlight or Headlamp
 Bandana (has many uses)
 Binoculars (optional)
 Bug spray and/or bug net
 Camera (film is expensive in Copper Harbor- we suggest for you to bring some with you if you don’t have a digital
camera)
 Biodegradable soap and shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, other personal toiletries, etc…
 One pair of tennis shoes for day hikes
 Sleeping Bag – – small, compact backpacker type only to fit inside of kayak hatches with limited storage volume
 Compact Sleeping Pad

Download the printable PDF version here

Please call us before going out and buying any additional expensive gear for this trip. It is most likely unnecessary.
Storage space inside of the kayaks is limited and you should plan to take only essential items and limit yourself to
carefully selected items of clothing…less is really more! Dry-bags are provided and all items must be able to fit inside of
the dry-bags and through the hatch portals that are a maximum size of 14” x 8”. This list is only a recommendation,
please feel free to add to or delete any items according to your needs and contact us with any questions you might have.