All good advice, ESPECIALLY the part about bug headnets and repellent, also check out the bug resistant clothes you can get, Railriders (just an example) has them. Or, you can do what we did and get lightweight cotton clothes at a thrift store and spray bug repellent all over them. The bugs are not bad all the time, but when they are bad they are a force of nature, you won't be able to keep them off by just putting repellent on your skin. Drybags absolutely. Lightweight group tarp to cook under. Yes on the GPS and extra maps (in waterproof bags) and compass and know how to use them. Binoculars, essential for routefinding and wildlife viewing. And yes sturdy hiking boots, the portages can be VERY rough and you will be carrying a lot of stuff. Bring light sandals ie tevas or similar so your feet can dry the rest of the time. Try to figure out ahead of time how you are going to carry everything, and try to get it so you can carry EVERYTHING (that means boats plus ALL your stuff) in ONE trip, it will literally save you hours if you can do this but it means you must shave ounces as if you were backpacking. Borrow, buy or rent the LIGHTEST canoe you can get your hands on no more than 65 lbs. If it takes 2 people to carry it it is too heavy. Many of the portages are not really doable w/ a 2 person carry, it is too rough and awkward. Carry your stuff in packs that are waterproof but easy to carry (we lined our backpacks w/ trashbags, and put stuff in drybags inside our packs). Remember even if you don't tip over (and you shouldn't!) it will probably RAIN and everything not waterproof will get soaked sitting in puddles in the boat. Basically take what you would take for a litetweight backpacking trip with the addition of boating stuff and the stuff mentioned. DON'T take a heavy axe, you don't need it, a small saw and hatchet is fine unless you are doing ALL your cooking w/ firewood, then a small axe is a good idea. Yes it is a rugged and remote area, but don't be intimidated, just don't plan an overly ambitious trip, it's all beautiful and no matter where you go you will love it. Have fun!
