What to "Carry On" With You On Ferries and Planes

PLEASE NOTE: Whether you are traveling on the ferries or the seaplanes--YOU WON'T HAVE ANY ACCESS TO YOUR BACKPACK (OR LUGGAGE) DURING THE TRIP TO/FROM THE ISLAND. You also will likely not have access to it for roughly 30 or so minutes before and after your time on the ferry. SO, remember to bring a small bag or pack (or big pockets) with things you believe that you might need during that period of time. (A seaplane trip may be only 30 minutes in duration. A ferry ride can range from 1.5 to 6 hours depending on the boat and your destination. So, what you may want to bring with you will vary).

Some things I have been known to bring (at various times--depending on the trip and mode of transportation) include:
-- A jacket or fleece of some kind to wear on the boat. It is usually COLD when traveling on Lake Superior--even in warm months. Sometimes, I will bring my wool cap on the boat--if I think it will be particularly cold. I usually bring a hat with a brim with me on the boats--because the sun bouncing off the water can give a sunburn.

--I bring rain gear of some kind. It might be sunny when you depart--but raining when you reach your destination. There are few things worse than standing on a dock for 30 minutes in the rain--waiting for them to unload your backpack or luggage--and your rain gear is in the backpack. Also, on the ferries, you may WISH to be out on the deck of the boat--or you may NEED to be out on the deck of the boat for a reason like seasickness. If it is raining (or if the waves are spraying you on the boat deck) it is sometimes nice to have rain gear for such a situation.

-- Any money, credit card, ID, park pass, or other things that you think that you might need in order to board the boat or plane or when getting your permits. Sometimes there are small purchases that you can make on the ferry. Also, some people pay their park fees or buy their park pass when they arrive at the Island. (The daily park fee is $7 per day--or having the appropriate park pass). You may want/need your boat/plane tickets or reservation paperwork. [2022 Update: The National Part Service only accepts CREDIT CARDS and not cash.]

--Any medications that you might need during your trip to/from the Island. My seasick medication always comes with me. If I am on any prescription medications--and if I may need a dose during the trip to/from the Island-- I bring those doses with me in a small ziplock bag.

--If I have any reason to suspect that I will want to view my map or guidebook during the voyage--I bring it. I bring a copy of my itinerary--either on a piece of paper or in my head--for when I get my permit.

-- If I think I will be hungry during the voyage (or if I will be traveling during mealtime), I bring something to eat or snack on.

--Camera or cellphone--if I think I will want to take photos.

--Sunglasses (if they are something you routinely choose to wear). The sun can be bright bouncing off of Lake Superior.

--If you have a long voyage and plan on playing a game or reading a book or magazine to pass the time--bring those things.

--Particularly on the Ranger III--there may be an opportunity to charge an electronic device--if an outlet is available.

--I sometimes bring sunblock--or sometimes apply it before boarding the boat. This is particularly true if I am traveling on the Voyager II for five hours going around to the other side of the Island. Being outdoors on the deck of the shiny (reflective) aluminum Voyager II for five hours--while it is sailing on the shiny (and reflective) Lake Superior on a sunny day--is a great way to get a sunburn.

--Some people bring something on which to listen to music or podcasts during their voyage If that is your desire, bring that device and your earbuds or headphones.

Everyone's list of items to bring for use during their trip to/from the Island will vary--depending upon their situation and their personal preference. However, perhaps this list (and any items that people place in the comments section) will give you some ideas to consider when making your own choices.