So you want to camp out at Green River Reservoir, Waterbury Reservoir, or somewhere else only accessible by boat. Where do you start? How’s it different from car camping? Esquif Prospecteur 16' canoe, packed and ready for the next waterway. Photo by Dustin Silvey. Transportation to your Site First, think about your mode of transportation and what it can carry. A canoe or pack boat is your best bet, as it has the most space and load capacity. A standard-sized tandem canoe can easily carry enough supplies for two people on a weekend trip (or longer, honestly!). If you’re traveling with a kayak or SUP, things get a bit trickier but are still doable. You may need to consider items that are “backpacking” specific, like a tent and a sleep system that compresses down very small. You may also need to reconsider some “wants” over “needs” - for example, can I go without a big campfire? (and needing to bring in several pounds of firewood?) You have less space to work with, but the challenge is doable if that’s your only option. A canoe is secured to a silver car without a roof rack parked at Umiak in Stowe, Vermont. If you’re looking to rent a boat for a campsite, consider Umiak Outdoor Outfitters! Overnight rentals are available from both our Stowe and Richmond locations. We'll help you safely secure the boat to your vehicle, provide transportation tips, and make sure you're ready for your adventure. We can accommodate nearly any vehicle setup, and all boat rentals include paddles and life jackets. Umiak offers a range of rental canoes, including lightweight composite models that are easy to handle on and off the water, as well as durable plastic boats built for rugged use. Lightweight composite canoes make portaging and transportation easier while delivering excellent paddling performance. If you're ready to own your own boat, we also carry a wide selection of canoes, kayaks, and other paddlecraft for sale, with options for every paddler, adventure, and budget. If you're heading to Waterbury Reservoir (850 acres) for an overnight camping trip, be sure to launch from the Moscow Paddler's Access (also known as Cotton Brook Boat Launch) Blush Hill Access Dam Access Littler River State Park access is for those who have reserved a cabin, lean-to, RV campsite, or tent campsite. As well as those visiting their many miles of hiking and biking trails. The Waterbury Center State Park access and boat rentals are day use only. If you know your campsite number, consult the Waterbury Reservoir map to determine the most convenient launch site for your trip. If you're choosing to camp at Green River Reservoir (653 acres), the primary access point is located at the southern end of the reservoir on Green River Dam Road. As a designated "quiet" lake under Vermont's Use of Public Waters Rules, only human-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors limited to 5 mph are allowed. Be sure to reserve your campsite in advance, as sites are limited and often fill quickly during the paddling season. Reservations can be made through the Vermont State Parks reservation system: Online through the Vermont State Parks reservation website By phone through Vermont State Parks Reservations Planning ahead will help ensure your preferred campsite is available and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip. Luggage A well-weighted canoe will rarely tip over, but it’s important to be prepared just in case! There are several options for carrying and waterproofing your belongings, with a range of prices and ease of use. Trash bags and Ziplocs – you probably have them on hand already! They can tear easily and may be hard to carry, but they get the job done. Hard-sided coolers, plastic bins, or buckets with lids - bulky but durable and not hard to find for cheap. Great option for food or other heavy/fragile items that might not fit best in a plastic bag. An adventurer with dry bag and canoe navigates a rocky lakeside landscape. Photo by SealLine. Dry bags – Dry bags are one of the best ways to keep your gear protected from water while also providing excellent durability. Because they can be used repeatedly for years, they're a reliable choice for anyone who spends a lot of time on the water. Available in a wide range of sizes and materials, dry bags can accommodate everything from electronics and extra clothing to sleeping bags and camping gear. Lightweight options are ideal for organizing and protecting smaller items, while larger, heavy-duty models with carrying straps are built to handle extended trips and rugged conditions. Trusted brands such as NRS and SealLine have long been favorites among paddlers and outdoor professionals, offering durable construction along with warranty and repair programs. Food Storage Since your car will be unavailable overnight, you'll need to have a plan for food storage. Overnight food storage is an important part of a safe and enjoyable camping experience. Check out the camping area’s website or call to get their recommendations for this- some provide bear boxes (Green River Reservoir does at most sites, Waterbury Reservoir currently does not), some might recommend other strategies like using bear-proof canisters or hanging food. For example, some places like the Adirondack Park require specific canisters. Waterbury Reservoir recommends hanging food bags to help protect both campers and wildlife. A limited number of food-hanging bags are available for use at the reservoir, generously provided through donations from the non-profit group Friends of Waterbury Reservoir. Campers are encouraged to properly store all food and scented items to help keep campsites safe and minimize wildlife interactions. A black bear steps out from the thick forest, its eyes sharp and attentive, as it moves through its natural environment. If your best option is to hang your food, you’ll need to pack a rope (or paracord) and a bag large enough for all your food to hang in. If you have a lot of food, you may even want to consider several pieces of rope or a 2:1 system so it’s easier to hang. When you’re setting up camp, look out for a tree branch that is high enough (and sturdy enough) to suspend your food without it touching anything else around it. This is important for smaller critters that can climb, like squirrels or mice. A Suggested Packing List Lastly, canoe-camping is so rewarding because it really feels “out there” - quiet and immersed in nature. However, it can be quite annoying to have to head back to your car for supplies you’ve forgotten. Make sure you have everything you need before you head out! Here is a suggested packing list for your canoe-camping adventure: Canoe travel basics a. Boat b. Paddle(s) c. PFD (Life jackets save lives!) d. Map and/or GPS; campsite reservation information e. First aid supplies (Wound care, sunburn and bugbite care, consumables like aspirin and Benadryl, CPR mask, etc.) f. Throw rope (rescue equipment that can double as a clothesline or be used to anchor your boat to shore at camp!) g. Boat care supplies (Sponges, bailer, or bilge pump) Shelter – Something to sleep under. If you’re expecting rain, an extra shelter for relaxing at camp might be the move. a. Tent, tarp, hammock with rainfly, or other as preferred Sleep system – It's important to sleep well, even when you’re camping. At the very least, a sleeping bag and mat to insulate you from the ground. If you are stuck in a lightning storm, an insulating mat can also be a critical piece of safety gear to prevent lethal ground strikes. a. Sleeping bag b. Sleeping mat (yoga mat, closed cell foam pad, or inflatable) c. Pillow 4. Cooking supplies – whether you choose to cook everything on a campfire or on a camp stove, it’s important to have all the tools you need. For best results, however, don’t rely solely on one way or another. a. Stove and fuel b. Lighter(s) and backup matches (in waterproof container) c. Fire starters (can be as simple as cotton balls or dryer lint with petroleum jelly). Cooking on a hot pan over an open campfire, surrounded by nature. You will also need cookware, depending on the meals you plan on bringing. Cooking over a campfire can damage your regular kitchen pots and pans, so choose something durable like cast-iron, other camping-specific cookware, or something you don’t mind getting soot all over! Also, plan for a way to handle hot cookware safely and clean it after using. This can look like: a. Cast-iron pan b. Pot(s) c. Pliers (for handling hot pots and pans) d. Scraper and sponge (cleaning tools) e. Biodegradable soap, like green soap or Dr. Bronner’s 5. Kitchen supplies – These are the items that you will need to eat your meals. Think about what you’re planning on eating and plan accordingly. This can look like: a. Plates and/or bowls b. Eating utensils c. Cups, water bottles, or mugs (for hot beverages) d. Serving utensils like tongs or a large spoon e. Cutting board and knife (as needed) f. Can-opener (as needed) g. Aluminum foil (as needed, for sealing opened food or cooking over the fire) h. Trash bags i. Paper towels Food – goes without saying! a. Breakfast, lunch, and dinners! b. Cooking oil or butter (optional) c. Spices (optional) d. Coffee or tea (optional) 7. Water – most canoe-camping will not have spigots nearby, and drinking water from a reservoir or lake may not be safe. Bringing your own water is recommended, with a backup water purification method for emergencies. a. Water (jugs from the grocery store work just fine, or purchase a reusable dromedary bag or jerry can) b. Aquamira, iodine dropper, or similar 8. Food Storage a. Durable drybag, storage bin, or cooler b. Rope for hanging (if needed) 9. Waste disposal – things we often forget about. Most campsites will have moldering toilets, but you probably will need to pack out your garbage. Make sure to also critter-proof your garbage with your food at night. a. Trashbag(s) b. Toilet paper c. Hand sanitizer Standing on a rock amidst a serene body of water, wearing hiking boots and trousers. 10. Personal items a. Clothes – at the very least, something to change into to sleep. You don't want to sleep in wet clothes! b. Raincoat c. Footwear – It’s important to keep your feet covered around camp and while walking (or jumping) in the water. Who knows what kind of glass or other small, sharp things could be on the ground. d. Self-care supplies (hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, electrolytes, etc.) e. Headlamp or flashlight f. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap or lotion as desired) g. Medications, including inhalers or EpiPens (as needed) h. Glasses or backup contacts, contact lens solution (as needed) i. Menstrual products and Ziplocs for safe disposal of used products (as needed) 11. Entertainment/creature comforts (all optional) a. Hammock or camp chair b. Analog games or books c. Binoculars d. Camera e. Portable speaker (take note of quiet hours!) f. Camp Lantern g. Dining Fly Remote camping offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature's quiet beauty. With thoughtful planning, the right gear, and a focus on safety, you can enjoy a memorable adventure on the water and at camp. For quality paddling equipment, expert advice, and outdoor essentials, Umiak Outdoor Outfitters can help you get ready for your next unforgettable paddle-in camping experience.

Mad River Canoe Malecite sits on a grassy lawn, awaiting some much-needed upgrades. Scott bought a Mad River Canoe Malecite about six years ago. He did the right thing, treating the gunwales every fall with Watco oil, but storing the canoe outdoors one foot off the ground took its toll. Moisture, especially snow, caused the gunwales to rot.    Scott decided to do the repairs himself, with some guidance from Umiak staff.   We had the gunwales in stock. The deck plates are unique to different years of Mad River Canoes, but the serial number gave us the info we needed to give him the correct replacements.   Scott says, “My canoe took its maiden voyage today with the new gunwales and decks… here are some pictures of the process. Bonus points if you can identify the body of water. (Steve got it right). What a satisfying experience to do the repair myself."   Installing new gunwales on the canoe, with clamps in place to secure the wooden rails. “Trimming the gunwales was every bit as tedious as you warned, clamping them into place over and over and over to check length and angles. I think I pre-drilled my screw holes slightly off on the starboard side, resulting in a tiny gap at the stern and an overshot at the bow. Also, the foremost and aftmost screws didn’t quite curve the gunwale ends into each other. I filled the gaps with two-part epoxy and then sanded the heck out of it.   “The seats were narrower than the natural curve of the hull (which explains why they were very hard to remove), and when I reinstalled them, the outer gunwales cracked a bit longitudinally. It seems like it didn’t compromise their strength, but I’ll fill the cracks with more epoxy when I put the boat away for the winter, and I’ll keep an eye on it next year.” Malecite is ready to embark on its next adventure.   We’re always happy to hear successful stories like Scott’s, as they inspire others to take on their own boat projects with confidence. If you’re considering a boat repair or upgrade, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you whether you need high-quality materials or expert advice. We’re committed to helping you achieve professional results! A joyful day on the lake, paddling the Malecite canoe with new gunwales under a clear blue sky, surrounded by stunning autumn foliage and cherished family moments.

Cold weather can be challenging, especially when you want to remain comfortable while staying out for an extended period of time. Dressing properly for the cold is not just about piling on clothes but about choosing the right layers that work together to keep you warm, dry, and cozy. This guide breaks down the essential cold-weather dressing, offering practical layering techniques to ensure you’re perfectly prepared for the Vermont elements. If you’re unsure about your gear, stop by Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe, where our expert team will help you dial in your layers for maximum comfort or help you pick out new gear to add to your wardrobe. Start with a Good Base Layer The base layer is the foundation of your cold-weather outfit. Its main job is to manage moisture by wicking sweat away from your skin. This helps your body stay dry and prevents chills caused by damp clothing. Avoid cotton at all costs because it traps moisture and makes you colder. Choose long underwear tops and bottoms made from materials like merino wool or synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon blends. These fabrics are breathable and dry quickly, making them perfect for active days in the cold. For example, a merino wool base layer can keep you warm even when damp, which is ideal for winter hikes or outdoor sports. Add a Warm Mid Layer The mid layer’s purpose is to trap body heat and provide insulation. On very cold days, wearing multiple mid layers is a smart strategy because you can remove one if you start to overheat. Look for synthetic or wool fabrics for your mid layers. Synthetics, like fleece, are lightweight, breathable, and dry quickly, while wool offers excellent warmth and natural odor resistance. Protect Yourself with an Outer Layer Your outer layer is the shield against wind, snow, rain, and ice. It should be windproof and water resistant to keep the elements out. A shell jacket or jacket with extra insulation works best in cold conditions. Choose an outer layer that fits comfortably over your base and mid layers without restricting movement. Features like adjustable hoods, cuffs, and ventilation zippers improve comfort and protection. Cover Your Face and Neck Cover your neck and face with a scarf, neck gaiter, balaclava, or other face coverings. These accessories block cold air and prevent frostbite on exposed skin. A neck gaiter can be pulled up over your nose and cheeks on windy days. Don’t Forget Your Hat, Socks, and Gloves Heat escapes quickly from your head and feet, so covering these areas is crucial. Wear a warm hat that covers your ears, and choose socks made from wool or synthetic fibers to keep your feet warm. It may be worth bringing an extra pair of socks to change into so you always have a fresh, dry pair! Protect your hands with high-quality insulated gloves or mittens. Waterproof and windproof gear is essential. Use Hand Warmers and Toe Warmers for Extra Warmth On especially chilly days, disposable or reusable hand warmers and toe warmers provide an extra layer of heat. These small packets generate warmth for hours and can be slipped inside gloves or boots. You can find these warmers at Umiak Outdoor Outfitters and other outdoor shops. Having these on hand makes a big difference during long outdoor activities. Bring a Hot Drink to Stay Cozy Holding and sipping a hot drink warms your hands and body from the inside. If possible, bring a thermos filled with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate before, during, or after your outdoor adventure. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters provides a hot drink on every tour, but having your own allows you to enjoy warmth whenever you need it. This simple step adds comfort and helps maintain your body temperature. Keep Active The best way to maintain your body heat is to keep moving! Whether we’re trekking through the snow or exploring a viewpoint, staying active helps our bodies generate natural warmth. Don't be afraid to keep those toes wiggling and your arms moving to keep the blood flowing!

Discover exciting employment opportunities in the outdoor industry. Explore our job listings and find your next career move with us today! Employment Job Listings Filter by Job Type Select Job Type Filter by Season Select Season Early applications will receive first consideration. Email your resume and cover letter to: info@umiak.com o r mail to Umiak Outdoor Outfitters, 849 South Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672 To learn more about our job and internship openings feel free to contact us at 802-253-2317 Number of jobs found: 0

Discover our services for boat repairs, equipment repairs, and bulk boat orders. Visit us for a demo test paddle and experience the umiak difference. Services Daily Demo - Try Before You Buy At Umiak, we offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that allows you to try out equipment before making a purchase. Learn More Equipment Repairs Our service does not end when you make a purchase and walk out the door. We will continue to offer you expert advice on the maintenance and repairs when possible. Learn More Team Building / Group Programing Customized group activities, from team-building exercises to guided adventures, designed to provide a memorable experience tailored to your group's interests. Learn More Certifications Discover the diverse range of courses offered through Umiak, all led by experienced ACA instructors dedicated to advancing paddlesports education. Learn More Bulk Watercraft Orders We provide bulk purchases at discounted rates to camps, schools, non-profits, government groups, etc. Learn More Long Trail Hikers Resupply Attention Long Trail through-hikers, Umiak Outdoor Outfitters is pleased to accept packages as well as help with last-minute resupplies while on the trail. Learn More Tours and Shuttles We have been providing unforgettable outdoor experiences since 1991, offering both guided and self-guided adventures for all skill levels! Learn More Equipment Rentals We offer high-quality rentals so you can enjoy Vermont’s outdoors without your own gear, with reliable equipment and expert support for an enjoyable experience. Learn More Instructional Classes Instructional classes that build confidence and skills through hands-on guidance, tailored to all experience levels in a supportive environment. Learn More

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