BWCA Being a good trip mate Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Trip Planning Forum
      Being a good trip mate     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

Outlander99
member (5)member
  
06/18/2018 10:31PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I have been incredibly lucky and found some folks willing to take me along on some trips this summer. The folks I am going with are all experienced and well equipped. They have been more than kind about sharing advice, etc. I want to make sure I show my appreciation by doing as much extra as I can around camp.

So here's my question(s). What, in your opinion, makes a good paddling partner? What do remember someone doing on a trip that caused you to think "I want to go with them again?". Any tips or suggestions at all are appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
06/19/2018 01:43AM  
Keep smilin!
SouthernExposure
distinguished member (455)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 06:37AM  
When I am organizing a trip that includes someone that we haven't camped with before, I always tell them this. "The best groups have been when everyone is willing to do anything and everything all of the time." Camps run effortlessly and smoothly when we embrace this saying.
mastertangler
distinguished member(4432)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/19/2018 06:49AM  
A positive attitude is #1. Easier said than done when you’re dragging, fish aren't biting and it's the third day of cold wet rain.

As per fitting in. I like to find out what the general customs are. Early risers or do they sleep in? If they are early risers I make sure I am not the last one packed. If my group likes a fire to cook on or enjoy in the evening I will take that job for the entire trip and make certain ample properly processed firewood is cut and stacked. Or perhaps I will assume dish washing duties.

I prefer to have dedicated jobs for each member for the entire trip. No words need be spoken, no awkward negotiations, no one is feeling like they are being "bossed" around. Just do your job.
Bumstead
distinguished member (332)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 07:12AM  
My number one criteria when selecting new guys to go with me every year is this:

Are they going to have a good attitude if the fish aren't biting, our targeted campsites are taken and it's raining? If I can picture them still having a good time, I know I've invited the right guys. Gotta roll with what comes when in the BW! (and be willing to see things that need done around camp...that helps too).

I've been fortunate to have seven different guys with me over the past three years who I certainly consider excellent trip companions.
Jackfish
Moderator
  
06/19/2018 07:44AM  
A positive attitude and a willingness to pitch in and help around camp. Someone who simply enjoys being on the trip, regardless of the weather, slow fishing, etc., makes it fun for everyone.
tarnkt
distinguished member (366)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 07:51AM  
scat: "Keep smilin!"


As others have said a good attitude is by far the most important thing (no complaining ever!!!!). I go up there to have a good time and I remember that much more than who did what in camp or who carried what across the trail.

That being said if you want to pitch in around camp if you’re not sure what to do just ask. After a couple days it will become obvious what needs to happen and helping out with chores is always appreciated. Also if you’re up for it offering to carry the canoe or heavy pack on a portage is a nice gesture that will get you remembered too.
treehorn
distinguished member(715)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 08:12AM  
Man, I wasn't sure what my answer to this question would be when I first read it...but reading the responses, it really is obvious.

A positive attitude - or at the very least not a negative one - is the best thing anyone can bring along to a trip. When I think back on past trips and the guys I've been with, I don't think about who did the most dishes or hung the tarp or collected all the firewood. Those things are great and you should make sure you're doing your part, but what I think back about are the guys that were simply fun to be with, or on the other hand, miserable to be with.

I know we can't all change our personalities, or just become the funniest guy in the group if that's not what comes natural, but we can make sure we're not the one complaining about things, or barking orders at people, or trying to dictate the trip and everything that happens in camp. Just be cool, and people will be happy to have you along.
mutz
distinguished member(1267)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 08:45AM  
I think it has been covered, a good attitude no matter what, no whining and figure out what needs to be done and just do it, purify water, gather firewood and step up to help wash dishes. If you see others working around camp, don’t be sitting down on the big rock looking out at the lake.
campcrafter
distinguished member (238)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 11:03AM  
I don't know your experience or skill level, but What everyone has said plus my two cents of what first timer should do to prepare and be good trip mate. Last trip had guy along who didn't read the information we sent him or understand it was an adventure, not a resort vacation. ( but of course for we who love it, it is the best vacation)

Before - Prepare!
Know hat you are getting into, base camp or move everyday across rugged portages? Are you in shape for the latter?
Portages aren't like backpacking , packs are often bigger and less comfortable, the trails are often mosquito infested, wet, boot sucking mud up to your knees. But they end soon at another beautiful lake.

Read some trip reports here and watch some you tube trip videos.

Do you have the gear you need or renting it. Talk to your trip mates, check online gear lists and make sure your gear is what you need and adequate. Check it twice, thrice so you don't forget something.

On the trip up i the car/truck be careful stowing or moving gear in vehicle, don't break the fishing rods!

Does your group imbibe around the fire at night? Bring a flask to share!

Relax - you're the newbie, ask what you can do to help get ready, but don't be a worrier second guessing your "hosts" about details.

During - Be Prepared - Be helpful.
As everyone said - the worst trip mate is the whiner, complainer, slacker.
Do your part. Help with camp chores: set-up tents, collect/process firewood, wash dishes, tear down camp.

If you snore, bring earplugs for your tent mates. Bring them for yourself, your tent mate may snore.

Help keep a clean camp.
Keep track of your gear and the groups gear.

Be careful, don't get over enthused or try to prove anything on portages or with sharp tools! The second worst trip mate is the one who ruins the trip by stupidly getting himself injured.

As bowman watch for rocks hiding under the water, help avoid them.
Don't drop the canoe! Don't let the canoe float away!

Take things as they come and be in the moment.
Take photos. Especially ones of your camps and trip mates.
Relax - Enjoy the adventure.

Don't whine or complain! Remember there is difference between talking about how tough the portage was and complaining about how tough it was.

After
Thank your hosts.
Buy the first round.
Help or at least offer to help clean and put away gear when you return home.
Post pictures and trip report on BWCA.com
Start planning your next trip!

Blue Skies!
cc
Oldtown13
distinguished member (153)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 11:35AM  
Agree that attitude is most important. My rule of thumb when work is being done is to do the group chores before my own. So before I set up my own tent, I'll help hang the group tart or filter group water, etc. Simply you asking your question gives me great confidence in you as tripping partner. Well done.
06/19/2018 12:07PM  
The most important characteristic I look for in a tripping partner is their willingness to provide quality single malt whisky. Oh, and a good attitude is probably number two.
HayRiverDrifter
distinguished member(928)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 12:30PM  
The fact that you are even asking this question tells me that you will be a great trip mate. Just be yourself and ask how you can help during the trip and you will do fine.
06/19/2018 01:12PM  
I think you'll be just fine.

Best things you can do is have a good attitude even when things don't go as you had planned of hoped for. You'll probably come to a point on a portage where you are hot, tired, hungry, sore, and just want to relax. If you can smile through it and enjoy it for the adventure that it is then you've passed the biggest test.

In camp just make sure to help where you can. If you don't know what to do or how to do it just ask. No task is overly complicated so 2 seconds of instructions should have you on your way in a competent fashion.

If you really want to earn your keep then help keep the group smiling. If you're good for a laugh then you're a sure keeper. If all else fails stash a surprise bottle of something good to sip on into your pack. Just make sure you put it into a plastic bottle. Then break it out one night while sitting around the fire. I'd suggest your last night or on a night where the group had a particularly hard day and could use a pick up.
andym
distinguished member(5337)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/19/2018 01:37PM  
Help out. The best trips are when everyone is looking for what needs to be done and just does it without being asked. As a newcomer, you might ask things like, "I see the dishes need to be done, any advice on how to do them?" That will save you from mistakes like washing them in the lake (soap, even biodegradable soap, is very bad for the lakes). Or, "do we need more firewood, I'd be happy to go get some. And advice?" Or just ask if there is something you can help with.

My most difficult few days in the BW were with a bunch of nephews who just didn't know how to do anything. I was so busy! But the rest of that trip was great. Once each of them picked a chore to specialize in and had it figured out, I barely had anything left to do besides relax.

Be sensitive to the mood of the group. Groups have dynamics and as a newcomer you need to figure that out and be part of it. Sometimes it might be very merry around the campfire. Other times it might be silently paddling so you might get to see wildlife.

Other than that, have fun. That's the whole goal, after all.
06/19/2018 02:18PM  
Trying to do more than your fair share of camp chores and attitude can't be overstated. Unless you are getting fully outfitted as a group, you are bound to be using more of their gear than they are of yours. You want to contribute something. Putting in effort where they have gear makes for a decent trade off.

On the contribution topic. It does help to at least buy some gear that could go on future trips too, if you plan on going again or could use it elsewhere. It is the symbol of pitching in as well as having your gear at risk too if something goes wrong. The extra bonus is that you add a bit to your gear so the next trip you have a bit more of a head start.
MikeinMpls
distinguished member(1334)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 04:27PM  
Great question/topic!!

As others, I'd say positive attitude. I've been with negative attitude partners... they really can drag everyone down. Always being the first to volunteer... or taking on the unpleasant tasks, is a big help, too.

But the other thing is being in good shape. People who are obviously not minimally physically ready for what a BWCA trip entails can also bring a group down. They become, in essence, another big piece of equipment that everyone else must carry. In this, I mean that (on a portage for example) they become limited in what they can carry and the distance they can carry it. They become a risk for injury. And, even if they have a great, sunny disposition, they are too tired and miserable to share it back in camp, especially when they should be pitching in with chores. Lastly, it's tough to watch someone who is physically unprepared. They're miserable and misery doesn't love company.

One more thing: bring everything on your packing list. The person who borrows stuff all the time has given the message that they didn't bother to pay attention to the packing list.

Or.... arrive with a helpful skill that others may not know. Practice it before you embark. Like specialty knot tying or a special camp treat you can cook... you get it.

Consider bringing a gift for the group to show your appreciation. I dunno what that might be, but you get the point.

Hope this helps.

Mike
missmolly
distinguished member(7681)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/19/2018 04:40PM  
Keep your wallet handy on the drive and pay your way. You're using their gear and perhaps eating their food, so on the way up and back, be ready to buy gas, food, and bait.
06/19/2018 06:00PM  
Don't be lazy and don't be a jerk
RTurner
distinguished member (150)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 06:44PM  
I've been the guy asked to join established groups a couple of times...I always brought chocolate chip cookies
analyzer
distinguished member(2157)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 08:10PM  
From everything I've read on this site, beyond the things mentioned in this thread, the most important aspect of a tripping partner, is keeping your commitment to go.

Almost all of us have had experiences, where we invite a partner, he says "yes, I'm in", and at the last minute, pulls out.

If several people are going car camping, and someone can't go, it's no big deal.

Dropping from 6 to 5 or 4 to 3, in a boundary waters trip, especially in the last couple weeks, is really tough on the group. If you commit to go. Go!

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. But it's priority one for me.
thlipsis29
distinguished member(1260)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/19/2018 09:36PM  
Part of the attitude is the humility to learn. While there's more than one way to do things in the wilderness, respect your trip leader's experience and knowledge. It's amazing how many greenhorns think they know how to do something better than a seasoned veteran. Any experienced trip leader knows what works from experience and the wisdom of others. If it doesn't make sense, don't be afraid to ask questions, which again, will show an willingness on your part to figure it out.

One other thing I haven't seen mentioned here is flexibility. Things can very quickly change based on the weather, the availability of campsites...so instead of complaining, roll with the punches. That will make things more tolerable for everyone in frustrating circumstances.

Lastly, have fun, laugh (even at yourself). Laughter is a huge stress reliever and actually a way of connecting with the people around you.

Hope you enjoy your trip and the group is so impressed with your attitude and work ethic they invite you back!
06/20/2018 03:53AM  
I find it fun to bring people who are excited the whole time. I always liked the adventure part of a trip. And never back out or demand a trip to be cut short.
Also someone who has respect for the land and water leaving a minimal amount of a footprint.
All part of that good attitude I guess.
06/20/2018 06:54AM  
If the group has any "do" or "don't do" rules, try to follow them. If you don't know why they have that rule, ask. We don't have many hard rules, but our big one is let the others know if you leave camp, especially alone in a canoe. It is just a safety issue.

Be sociable, but don't talk nonstop! I think most of us that go to the BW appreciate some quiet time.

As many have said, good attitude and flexibility.
Minnesotian
distinguished member(2308)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/20/2018 08:07AM  
Blatz: "Don't be lazy and don't be a jerk"


+1
SevenofNine
distinguished member(2472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/20/2018 08:56AM  
Blatz: "Don't be lazy and don't be a jerk"


+2

And don't talk the whole time. We go to the woods to see and hear nature. Nobody wants to hear you talk the entire trip.
06/20/2018 10:22AM  
Attitude is everything. The trip is supposed to be fun - so be fun, be nice, be well mannered and be productive. Be silly too.
analyzer
distinguished member(2157)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/21/2018 12:13AM  
Try to be safe. Someone who is careless, can jeopardize the trip for everyone.

Wear your PFD.
Don't run on portages (I know you're trying to be helpful, but a sprained ankle may kill the trip)
Use proper lifting techniques.
Careful with the axe, saw etc.
Careful getting in and out of the canoe, and shifting your weight.
Be careful not to run your canoe into the rocks....the canoe owner will appreciate it.
Be careful casting your lures, and even more careful when you are trying to free yourself from a snag.
Don't drink too much.
buzz17
distinguished member (303)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/21/2018 05:11AM  
thlipsis29: "Part of the attitude is the humility to learn. While there's more than one way to do things in the wilderness, respect your trip leader's experience and knowledge. It's amazing how many greenhorns think they know how to do something better than a seasoned veteran. Any experienced trip leader knows what works from experience and the wisdom of others. If it doesn't make sense, don't be afraid to ask questions, which again, will show an willingness on your part to figure it out.


One other thing I haven't seen mentioned here is flexibility. Things can very quickly change based on the weather, the availability of campsites...so instead of complaining, roll with the punches. That will make things more tolerable for everyone in frustrating circumstances.


Lastly, have fun, laugh (even at yourself). Laughter is a huge stress reliever and actually a way of connecting with the people around you.


Hope you enjoy your trip and the group is so impressed with your attitude and work ethic they invite you back!"


This is so important. I was not properly informed on my first trip, and am grateful I wanted to keep going. I have not always been the best trip partner, but eventually I learned to respect others ideas and ways of doing things even when they were different than mine. I also learned to do the duties I disliked. At first, all I wanted to do was fish and let everyone else take care of the "other stuff". I now clean the fish, force myself to gather fire wood (my least favorite duty), help when I can with food prep and try to help out when I see a need. If you are not sure, ASK!


We all trip for different reasons. Doing your part to make sure the people with you get to fully experience their reason is the true joy of wilderness tripping. It took me a while to figure that out.
BuckFlicks
distinguished member(628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/21/2018 12:28PM  
Most everything has been covered, and covered well. People who have been doing this longer and more often than I have are the ones to look upon. Here's my opnion from the perspective of when I joined a new group rather than the established group:

1) someone mentioned that the fact you are even asking this question shows you likely won't have a problem. Don't just ask it here. Ask the group. This may be a group that doesn't like a lot of silliness and conversation - they may prefer the silence and sounds of nature to incessant yammering. Conversely, they may like to goof off during all waking hours. Nothing wrong with either approach, but when it's not the desired behavior of the group, it's resented... tensions will rise. It's good to know ahead of time what kind of vibe they group enjoys: it'll be easier to go with the flow, rather than trying to figure it out as you go. Same goes for division of labor. Good to know ahead of time what your role is rather than stumbling through it the first couple nights of camp.

2) Everyone said positive attitude. This is very important. But also don't be a Pollyanna. This is an equally annoying groupmate for a group that isn't interested in a motivational speech every quarter hour.

3) If you bring some unique awesome snack or adult beverage (or display top notch camp chef skills,) you will probably be invited back every time from here until the end of days.

FishBrain
member (37)member
  
06/24/2018 10:19PM  
TominMpls: "The most important characteristic I look for in a tripping partner is their willingness to provide quality single malt whisky. Oh, and a good attitude is probably number two."


Love your reply.

Art mom
Guest Paddler
  
06/25/2018 10:26AM  
Don't forget that planning, organizing, navigating, coordinating, etc are work too. I mostly travel with my kids, so though they do a lot of the physical chores I've always done all the brain and emotional work for the trips. When my daughter started doing trips with her friends she was the most experienced, so she just mimicked me and took all that on. It ended up leading to conflict with her friends, especially since my daughter is petite and can't do a lot of the physical work. She was totally exhausted and over worked, but her friends perceived her as not pulling her weight.

Know the plan, know the route, help decide which meal to have, suggest in camp activities, go off and entertain yourself for a bit, learn how to set things up and take the lead in doing it. Remember that not all the work is physical, and make sure whoever is doing the emotional work gets some down time too.

I'm super excited to go on a trip this year with my daughter now that she's led 4-5 trips with other people because I know it's going to be a total change in how we make decisions and share work. And, both of my other kids are now bigger than me and can portage canoes! My days of carrying the food pack and the canoe over every portage, and cooking every meal, are over!
Outlander99
member (5)member
  
06/26/2018 09:56AM  
Many thanks and much gratitude for the input from everyone. Even an old fart like me picked up several good tips. Guess you really don't get too old to learn.

My basic plan is to ask, listen, and do as many of the camp chores as I can. The portages are going to be calm, slow and relaxed, in keeping with the overall theme that is a fun activity and a timed death march.

We launch Thursday morning for 12 days. I am really stoked. Going to be a great trip.

Thanks again for all the input. I appreciate you sharing your hard earned experience.
mapsguy1955
distinguished member(583)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/27/2018 08:57AM  
All of these are great thoughts. If there is any one thing common here, participate and don't hold the group back. I love the quiet here. Many of us go for the solitude. Most of us come from a place where there is little so in our lives we are used to chattering about anything/everything. Sometimes it is hard to shut down the need to communicate all the time, but you shouldn't have to hide from the group to find quiet time. Quiet time in the BWCA or Quetico is so special. Cherish it. You will miss it when you leave.
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Trip Planning Sponsor:
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters