Hi,

I have been traveling in the BWCA for years but always just went with an outfitter. After my last trip last month I decided I am done with that. Bulky/heavy/worn gear. So with $3,000 in my hand I am going on a shopping spree. Here is what I have so far. Any recommendations on it please let me know as I can change the order for a few days still. Or if anything I missed you think might be helpful also.

- MSR Quick 2 Cook Set
- Garmin 64st
- Thermacell system for iso fuel
- Valtcan 750ML Kettle/Cup
- GG Kitchen Sink
- GCI SitBacker Canoe Seat
- Garnwhal Gear 12x9 Tarp
- Silky BIGBOY saw
- MSR Whisperlite Stove
- MSR Quick Skillet
- MSR Alpine Kitchen Set
- Nemo Disco 30Deg sleeping bag
- Nemo Dagger 3p Tent w/ foot print
- MSR Gravity Water filter
- Garmin Stricker 4 w/ Portable Kit

Already got a thermolite ultra lightweight pad and cot, lightweight chair. But need to get bags still - Kondos? GG? Duluth Pack? I am not sure what brand to go with yet.

Canoe I may still rent or might pick up a Northwood 16 Magic Solo if I can push my budget another $2500. I paddled a 17' Northwood last week and just loved that thing.

Anything you think I might of overlooked? My goal is to get down to a single portage or double at max. My last solo trip with outfitter gear I was doing 3-4 trips and it just was heavy. All the gear I picked should be under 15 pounds, add some clothes, shoes, flashlight and I'll be around 25pounds max.

Advice?
Sign up on this forum become a contributor to the posts. Stretch your $$$ by perusing the Sale/For Sale forum, lots of great deals regularly pop up. Lots of private forum dedicated to specifics such as GPS, solo tripping, DIY, recipes-------------

butthead

Thanks. I actually did have an account, just didn't remember till you said something. Been reading pages after pages of posts before posting, so many differing opinions.

What Butthead mentions is good advice if you need to stretch your dollars.

I didn't see a tent in your list? What will be your shelter?

What about food storage? I would get an Ursack unless you want a barrel.

I prefer a CCS tarp as I like all of the loops that come with the tarp. This allows for endless ways to help tighten your pitch.

I do shoulder season trips so I bring a 20 degree sleeping bag so for me I wouldn't buy the bag you mention. If I was travelling in warm season canoeing I would get a quilt perhaps a Enlightened equipment convert.

Good luck with your purchase.

Test would be the Nemo Dagger 3p. I was torn between MSR and Nemo but the Nemo seems to get better reviews for wear. I'll look at that bag you said, thanks.

Themagicone: "Test would be the Nemo Dagger 3p. I was torn between MSR and Nemo but the Nemo seems to get better reviews for wear. I'll look at that bag you said, thanks."

Yeah, I overlooked the tent in your list. :-) Nemo is a great brand and their stuff looks quite well engineered. I don't think you can go wrong with your choice.

It looks like you have way too much cook gear so you may want to rethink that. Also you may want something to secure your food unless you feel like hanging it.

Pack choice will depend on your portaging strategy. If double portaging I like to use a smaller pack that will hold 15-20 lbs to carry with the canoe and then a big one for everything else. Personal preference plays a huge role but I like the CCS rucksack to carry with the canoe. You could get a 30 liter barrel with harness and you would have food protection covered. Also any backpack you have laying around would probably get you by if you don’t want to purchase now. For a main pack all the brands you listed work well, just find one that fits in your canoe and decide how much you want to spend.

Good luck hunting!! I miss those days.

Themagicone2: "....

-MSR Quick 2 Cook Set
...
...
- Valtcan 750ML Kettle/Cup
-...
...
...
...
- MSR Quick Skillet
- MSR Alpine Kitchen Set
-...

Canoe I may still rent or might pick up a Northwood 16 Magic Solo ...

"

If going solo, seems like A LOT of pots, pans ect. If going with a group, seems like a lot of pots, pans ect. In my experience, the "Cook Sets" rarely offer the best value or utility. If you can find a 12 cm IMUSA mug in your local Walmart, you will consider it the best $4 investment ever. When solo back packing, this and a spoon represent my entire Cook Set. 12 cm IMUSA mug

The most versitile skillet worth its weight on the trail:
Fry-Bake Alpine Deep
Alpenglow Adventure Sports occasionally has sale and always free shipping, Alpenglowgear.com

You seem to favor MSR products so, consider stepping your stove up to the Whisperlite Universal. This will allow you to switch over to canister fuel if desired. If Solo tripping forget the Whisperlite and get a PocketRocket 2 or for 1/3 the cost get the Primus Trail Classic. Size and weight savings will be significant.

Primus Trail Classic
PocketRocket 2
Whisperlite Universal

Good Luck and Happy shopping

I'm torn on the cooking stuff. Part of me wants to go ultra light weight and just stick to simple add water meals. Then I wouldn't need pans, plates, etc. Just a skillet for fish. But I like eating so a nice cook set would be nice also. Right now the plan is to Frost River this fall so lighter the better.

Themagicone , a member for some time eh!

Cheep plug for my s--t but I have a Whisperlite and a REI Half Dome 2 in sale forum.

The tarp you list is a hex catenary cut with minimal tie out loops. It will not offer much coverage beyond 1-2 people. Understand the cost point but here you will see many recommendations for a square cut CCS tarp. Reviews here are much better than anything online. Your list is heavy on the cook gear side, lots of duplication.

More info on group size expected and desires would help much.

butthead

Like some others, when I solo I have a pretty minimal "kitchen". Just a JetBoil stove/pot, a coffee mug, spoon, cozy for rehydrating meals. Nothing to clean up, so I don't take the kitchen sink". I use Ursacks/BearVaults for food storage. I also don't take a cot, chair, canoe seat, or usually even a saw. YMMV, but if you think it might work for you, you should try it before spending that money.

I don't have experience with Nemo gear, but believe it to be quality gear that should work well for you. I also trip when temps may get below 30 degrees, so have a warmer bag, but depends on when you go.

I double portage like tarnkt. Any of the packs you listed will work for you along with CCS (Cooke Custom Sewing) packs. Some people like the waterproof packs like SealLine, Sea-To-Summit, and various others. You just need to get one that's big enough for your stuff and comfortable enough for you.

butthead: " Themagicone , a member for some time eh!


Cheep plug for my s--t but I have a Whisperlite and a REI Half Dome 2 in sale forum.


The tarp you list is a hex catenary cut with minimal tie out loops. It will not offer much coverage beyond 1-2 people. Understand the cost point but here you will see many recommendations for a square cut CCS tarp. Reviews here are much better than anything online. Your list is heavy on the cook gear side, lots of duplication.


More info on group size expected and desires would help much.


butthead"

Mostly will be solo for now. Might have my 5 year old with a few times. Won't be much more until both my kids get older in 4-5 years. My goals are do the Frost River route this year solo, next year may be a 2-3 week solo trip to deep inside Quetico.

As for the tarp, I'm thinking about scrapping it completely. I've carried a heavy Kondo Kitchen Tarp on every trip to never use it except to throw over my bags in the rain. I do like the CCS gear though.

I've been self-outfitting for about 15 years now and have acquired much wisdom and gear based on comments from this website. Over the years we've tweaked this and that and have dialed it in pretty good. Here's a copy of our typical equipment list for a group of 4-6 people, basecamping for a week. I don't have specific brands listed but you decide what works best for you. There also may be more gear here than you're interested in bringing. That's OK too. It's your trip, do what works for you.

Paddling Gear
- Canoe and paddles
- PFD’s (1 ea)
- Mesh bag and rope for anchor
- Maps (more than 1 set)
- Sponge
- Rope
- Straps
- Canoe seat
- Duct tape

Fishing Gear
- Fishing rods (2 piece rods), reels and tackle
- Leech lockers
- Fishing net and stringer
- Filet knife
- Fishing license
- BDB’s (to lash rods to canoe while portaging)

Camping Gear
- Portage Packs
- Day packs
- Sleeping bag (w/waterproof compression sack)
- Sleeping pads
- Pillows (small camp pillow)
- Hammocks
- Tents/ground covers
- Tent rugs
- Tarps (3+) and rope (paracord)

Cooking/Kitchen Gear
- Soft sided cooler (small enough to fit in blue barrel)
- Blue Barrels w/harness
- Water bags
- Water filter (gravity) and one pump for backup
- Backpack stoves w/fuel canisters
- Boiling pots (2 sizes)
- Fry pans (2 large lightweight)
- Plates (plastic camp plates)
- Cups (camp cups)
- Spatula, spoon, fork, knife, tongs (cooking utensils)
- Flatware (plastic eating utensils)
- Cutting board
- Coffee making setup or Via coffee from Starbucks
- Dishsoap/handsoap
- Dishtowel(s)
- Sponge/scotch pad
- Kitchen sink (Sea to Summit camp sink)

Clothing
- Hat w/visor
- Swim trunks
- Light weight shorts with zip-off bottoms
- Water shoes (Keens or other)
- Crocs (for camp)
- Wool or poly shirts/sweaters (long and short sleeve)
- Wool or poly long johns and underwear
- Bandana
- Rain gear (coat and pants)
- Socks (smartwool)
- Thin stocking cap
- Gloves

Miscellaneous
- Personals – toothbrush and paste, advil/aspirin, ear plugs
- Camera
- Watch
- Lighter, waterproof matches
- Water bottles
- Camp chairs
- Camp tables
- Maps, compass
- Camp towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug juice (deet)
- Knives
- Head lamps (LED)
- Ziplock bags (for lunches and to stash garbage)
- Clothesline rope
- Lightweight camp saws
- Small axe
- First aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Extra rope
- Extra batteries
- Cable lock (to lash blue barrel to tree in camp)

Themagicone2: "Hi,

- MSR Quick 2 Cook Set
- Garmin 64st
- Thermacell system for iso fuel
- Valtcan 750ML Kettle/Cup
- GG Kitchen Sink
- GCI SitBacker Canoe Seat
- Garnwhal Gear 12x9 Tarp
- Silky BIGBOY saw
- MSR Whisperlite Stove
- MSR Quick Skillet
- MSR Alpine Kitchen Set
- Nemo Disco 30Deg sleeping bag
- Nemo Dagger 3p Tent w/ foot print
- MSR Gravity Water filter
- Garmin Stricker 4 w/ Portable Kit

Already got a thermolite ultra lightweight pad and cot, lightweight chair. But need to get bags still - Kondos? GG? Duluth Pack? "

Boreal 21 saw over the Silky Bigboy...just comes down to cost.
Pathfinder Skillet over the MSR Alpine skillet for the same reason. Cost.

I’d choose between the quick two or the alpine kitchen, but not both.

Great choice in depth finder.

Bag wise I went with a Sea To Summit 90 liter. With a Haversack for my fishing gear. Shameless admission I copied a YouTuber and dont regret it. Great setup.

As for portage bags, I really have enjoyed the seattle sports omno dry backpacker. Its 8900 cu in. Its a fold top dry bag with backpack straps and cinch straps (no hip belt). They are on amazon right now for about $50 (https://smile.amazon.com/Seattle-Sports-Omni-Dry-Backpacker/dp/B000VZIRWW/ref=sr_1_38?ie=UTF8&qid=1530237499&sr=8-38&keywords=seattle+sports) but I picked mine up 2 years ago for $25 each. My tripping partner and I have used them for 8 trips and they have help up great and kept all gear dry without needing to store under a camp tarp. I have loaded them full with 50+ pounds of gear without issue.

mc2mens: "I've been self-outfitting for about 15 years now and have acquired much wisdom and gear based on comments from this website. Over the years we've tweaked this and that and have dialed it in pretty good. Here's a copy of our typical equipment list for a group of 4-6 people, basecamping for a week. I don't have specific brands listed but you decide what works best for you. There also may be more gear here than you're interested in bringing. That's OK too. It's your trip, do what works for you.


Paddling Gear
- Canoe and paddles
- PFD’s (1 ea)
- Mesh bag and rope for anchor
- Maps (more than 1 set)
- Sponge
- Rope
- Straps
- Canoe seat
- Duct tape


Fishing Gear
- Fishing rods (2 piece rods), reels and tackle
- Leech lockers
- Fishing net and stringer
- Filet knife
- Fishing license
- BDB’s (to lash rods to canoe while portaging)


Camping Gear
- Portage Packs
- Day packs
- Sleeping bag (w/waterproof compression sack)
- Sleeping pads
- Pillows (small camp pillow)
- Hammocks
- Tents/ground covers
- Tent rugs
- Tarps (3+) and rope (paracord)


Cooking/Kitchen Gear
- Soft sided cooler (small enough to fit in blue barrel)
- Blue Barrels w/harness
- Water bags
- Water filter (gravity) and one pump for backup
- Backpack stoves w/fuel canisters
- Boiling pots (2 sizes)
- Fry pans (2 large lightweight)
- Plates (plastic camp plates)
- Cups (camp cups)
- Spatula, spoon, fork, knife, tongs (cooking utensils)
- Flatware (plastic eating utensils)
- Cutting board
- Coffee making setup or Via coffee from Starbucks
- Dishsoap/handsoap
- Dishtowel(s)
- Sponge/scotch pad
- Kitchen sink (Sea to Summit camp sink)


Clothing
- Hat w/visor
- Swim trunks
- Light weight shorts with zip-off bottoms
- Water shoes (Keens or other)
- Crocs (for camp)
- Wool or poly shirts/sweaters (long and short sleeve)
- Wool or poly long johns and underwear
- Bandana
- Rain gear (coat and pants)
- Socks (smartwool)
- Thin stocking cap
- Gloves


Miscellaneous
- Personals – toothbrush and paste, advil/aspirin, ear plugs
- Camera
- Watch
- Lighter, waterproof matches
- Water bottles
- Camp chairs
- Camp tables
- Maps, compass
- Camp towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug juice (deet)
- Knives
- Head lamps (LED)
- Ziplock bags (for lunches and to stash garbage)
- Clothesline rope
- Lightweight camp saws
- Small axe
- First aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Extra rope
- Extra batteries
- Cable lock (to lash blue barrel to tree in camp)
"

Excellent list. I used one pretty close to this when planning my last trip. I found it works well to put it into Excel and print it off so I can keep track of things as I put them in a pack. I also update the electronic version and include used/didn't use columns so I can pare down the list over time.

Hope this helps and good luck with your trip!

Brandon

Themagicone2: "

Already got a thermolite ultra lightweight pad and cot, lightweight chair. But need to get bags still - Kondos? GG? Duluth Pack? I am not sure what brand to go with yet.

th outfitter gear I was doing 3-4 trips and it just was heavy. All the gear I picked should be under 15 pounds, add some clothes, shoes, flashlight and I'll be around 25pounds max. "

I think your list is a great start. I have been soloing for 12 years now, both as a canoeist and backpacker. I have found my biggest weight savings to be with food and clothing, followed by sleeping bag and tent. If I were you, starting out as you are, I would concentrate on getting the best sleeping bag for the seasons you are going and the lightest but still roomy tent that is under 4 lbs.

Do you need the cot? Its the one that only weighs 2 lbs, right? Even so, if you don't need it, there is 2 lbs right there that you don't have to portage.

I get by with one cooking pot and a bowl to eat from. Sometimes I just eat out of the cooking pot, not even dirtying my bowl. And even sometimes I can just heat up water in the pot and cook everything in a freezer bag. That method of cooking has saved considerable weight. For a 2 week canoe trip, my food bag (with morning granola and trail mix lunches along with 14 dinners) typically weighs between 15 lbs and 20 lbs. It can all fit in a 20 liter roll top drybag, which is simple to hang. If you want to start with freezer bag cooking, here is where I learned: Freezer Bag Cooking

Also, my stove is a canister stove, which is lighter and easier to use then a Whisperlite. I use a Soto Stove because it has simmering capabilities and a regulator, which means I can use it in colder temps and won't loose any output. Soto Stove

Finally, whatever gear you do eventually get, you will be constantly refining it. After a decade of doing trips, I am finally in the phase where I don't need any gear, doing little upgrades where I think it needs it.

Have a great time!

Give a hammock a try, after camping a for 30 years I switched to hanging and will never go back - unless I am in a place with nearly no trees -. No poles and putting a hammock and even an under quilt into a stuff sack is very compact and light. Tons of threads here on the pros & cons of it.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am aiming for comfort as I've had numerous back surgeries. Sleeping in a hammock nor on bare ground work anymore.

I find it inspiring how little some of you can go on. Finally understand how people single portage and are done in seconds.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I am aiming for comfort as I've had numerous back surgeries. Sleeping in a hammock nor on bare ground work anymore.

I find it inspiring how little some of you can go on. Finally understand how people single portage and are done in seconds.

Lots of talk about cookware; I agree that it seems like a lot. The thing that stood out to me on this list is your stove. There are many lighter options than an MSR Whisper Light. My group has been using the MSR Pocket Rocket and it works great. Super small, light, and efficient. We cook two meals a day for 3 to 4 people for 4 days on 16 oz. of fuel.

I'm also a backpacker. My gear choices are influenced by that and I would echo some of the advice given here.

I prefer a 20 degree bag anywhere outside of high summer, it provides that extra level of security on my most critical piece of safety gear.

Agree with others that you have listed a lot of cooking gear. I carry a very small brs3000t titanium canister stove, cheap and light from amazon. I have a 750ml titanium pot, but find it too small for a hot drink and my boil-water meal, so almost always carry an 1100, even when backpacking with a 22# carry weight. Canoe tripping, I use the cheapest lightest skillet I can find at a discount store and replace it every few years when the non-stick wears out. I I carry a very light alcohol stove and a few ounces of fuel for a backup.

A headnet is lighter than a thermacell, but I just go to bed when I hear the mosquitoes warming up their wings, so only use mine for no-see-ums. I can usually hear them about 10 minutes before they start biting.

A three person tent is a palace, and you may like that. At 6'2" I use a solo REI quarterdome, because I'm only in my tent for sleeping, and use a sil-nylon tarp for rainy days hanging out. Several pounds lighter and several hundreds of dollars cheaper than a 3 man.

Agreed on others about a cot. Cots are cold because you have no insulation below you. I use one for base camping, and it's nice, but I still need a pad for warmth. When tripping or backpacking, I use an insulated inflatable at least 3 inches thick - Alps Mountaineering featherlight 4s for me. I sleep equally well on that compared to a cot, but the pad is much lighter.

I've done about a dozen solo trips up to about 2 weeks and have a learned a few things. I can't safely single portage, but definitely don't want to triple portage since I like to travel and explore. I also wanted to do longer solos (more than 5 days) like you're talking about - 2 weeks plus - and realized quickly that I would need to cut weight somewhere since every additional day adds considerable food/fuel weight - about a pound and a quarter per day at a minimum and that's eating like Minnesotian.

I also found out that a lot of things weighed more than I would have guessed and it all counts. Things like clothes, repair kit, first aid kit, personals, ditch kit, PFD, paddles, cordage, stuff sacks, maps, camera equipment, fishing equipment, batteries, weather radio, emergency communication device - the packs themselves (and liners) will add 6-8 lbs. It helps to be able to weigh things even if it's not down to the last gram. I was surprised to learn that the minimal fishing equipment I took weighed 5-6 lbs.

Just some things to think about and look into if your goal is a 2-3 week solo and single or double portage.

Gman42: "Lots of talk about cookware; I agree that it seems like a lot. The thing that stood out to me on this list is your stove. There are many lighter options than an MSR Whisper Light. My group has been using the MSR Pocket Rocket and it works great. Super small, light, and efficient. We cook two meals a day for 3 to 4 people for 4 days on 16 oz. of fuel. "

Cool thing about the pocket rocket is it can heat a cup of water within 30 seconds.....not boiling hot, but hot enough to brew.

I would replace the Silky BIGBOY saw with a SVEN SAW. It is a very different design that is much more supportive of the blade. Its inexpensive and works very well.

I just picked up a ccs tarp for my last trip and it seems to be the best tarp imaginable.

MSR whisperlite stove is what I use and its plenty small and reliable.

I will second, third, fourth and carry the motion that an MSR Pocket Rocket is preferable to the Whisperlite, unless you're planning on going in sub-freezing weather and absolutely only want to buy one stove for all seasons. The Pocket Rocket is smaller, lighter, safer, easier to use, and has far fewer moving parts than the Whisperlite. Also about half the price for the hardware. You'll probably pay more in the long run for fuel canisters than for white gas and refillable fuel bottles. But I think in the long run, it'll still come out in your favor. Canisters are much easier to use than white gas. I loved my old Whisperlite in the 90s and early 2000s, but I hated messing with open containers of liquid fuel, potential of spilling, pumping, priming, clogged lines, etc. Switching to the Pocket Rocket was one of the better moves I've made to simplify my camp and lighten my load. I don't do much (any) fancy cooking while camping and it suits my needs perfectly.

That said, I didn't know about the new Whisperlite that could also run on cannisters. I just looked it up and it's nice. It runs about $100 more than the Pocket Rocket, gives you some versatility, but also has more moving parts (ie more failure points) than the Pocket Rocket.

I think you have enough kitchen gear for car camping for a group of 15... but I guess what you need depends on how many people are in your group and how many are going to have their own kitchen gear. Also what kind of cooking you're doing. I am a minimalist in that regard (if it's not ramen or freeze dried meals, I'm probably not bringing it if it needs to be cooked.)

Anyway, I'm not saying your choices are wrong... whatever works best for you is the best gear. Just how I look at it. Also, more from a backpacker's perspective than a canoeist's.

I have the Whisperlite and the Pocket Rocket. I usually bring both on canoe camping trips. The Whisperlite is a better stove for cooking - it has the ability to simmer. The Pocket Rocket is a more efficient stove for boiling, but it's also more tippy, since it sits on top of your fuel canister. I picked up one of these a few years ago to remedy that.

Well I got everything and sorted it all out. Swapped a few things based on the advice given. Total weight so far with nearly everything except fuel for stove is 32lbs. Thats pack, tent, sleeping bag, chair, cot, tarps, stove/pans/etc, thermacell, fishing net, and so on. Only thing left to go in the pack would be a dry bag with clothes/pillow. That would put my gear bag at around 50lbs. Not bad. Figure 25-30 lbs for a food barrel and I am well on my way to some really easy portaging!

Thanks everyone!