Packing Checklist for North Maine Woods — Complete Gear List

No Stores Inside NMW

There are no gas stations, convenience stores, or supply shops inside North Maine Woods. The nearest services are in gateway towns (Millinocket, Greenville, Ashland). Forgot something? You're out of luck until you drive back out.

Vehicle Preparation

Spare tires (2 recommended — flats on gravel roads are common)
Full tank of gas + spare fuel container
Jumper cables
Tow strap (rated 10,000+ lbs)
Basic tool kit (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, duct tape)
Tire repair kit and 12V air compressor
Jack rated for your vehicle
Work gloves
Floor mats or traction boards (for getting unstuck)

Camping Essentials

Tent (with rain fly and ground tarp)
Sleeping bag rated to 30°F (summer) or 0°F (fall)
Sleeping pad (insulated)
Camp stove and fuel (don't rely solely on campfires)
Cookware, utensils, plates, cups
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Camp chairs
Tarp for rain shelter over cooking area
Firewood or axe/saw for gathering deadfall
Fire starters (matches, lighter, backup)
Trash bags (pack out all trash)

Water & Food

Water filter or purification tablets (ALL surface water has Giardia)
1 gallon of water per person per day minimum
All food for your trip (no resupply available)
Cooler with ice for perishables
Bear-resistant food storage (bear canister or hang system)
50 feet of paracord (for bear hangs)
Camp dishes and soap (biodegradable)

Navigation

GPS device (Garmin, phone with offline maps)
Downloaded NMWMap data
Paper map of the region (DeLorme Maine Atlas recommended)
Compass
Pen and notebook (for recording odometer readings at turns)

Safety & First Aid

Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT, or Zoleo) — strongly recommended
First aid kit (wound care, antiseptic, bandages, tape)
Tick removal tool
Antihistamines and pain relievers
EpiPen (if you have allergies)
Emergency blanket (space blanket)
Whistle
Knife or multi-tool
Emergency contacts written on paper
Maine Warden Service: 1-800-452-4664
Fire extinguisher (small, for camp and vehicle)

Clothing by Season

Summer

Moisture-wicking base layers
Quick-dry pants/shorts
Rain jacket
Warm fleece (nights are cool)
Hat (sun and bugs)
Sturdy footwear

Fall

Layering system (base, insulation, shell)
Warm hat and gloves
Wool socks
Insulated jacket (30s-40s at night)
Waterproof boots
Blaze orange (hunting season!)

Bug Protection

DEET or picaridin-based repellent
Head net (essential May-June for black flies)
Permethrin-treated clothing
Bug jacket (mesh over-layer)
Long-sleeve shirts and pants

Permethrin Tip

Treat your clothing with permethrin spray at home 24 hours before your trip. It kills ticks and repels black flies for 6+ washes. Apply to pants, shirts, socks, and hat.