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Jhsail
member (13)member
  
01/20/2017 07:00PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Just for fun
What 3 things you have you cannot live without when camping . Not talking about obvious like tent, food, clothes. More like those extra little things that make it a little nicer.
 
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01/20/2017 07:46PM  
Chair, bug shirt, toilet paper
 
mgraber
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01/20/2017 08:16PM  
Fishing equipment, solar shower, canoe seat backs, Helinox chair, oops that's 4:( Guess the fishing equipment isn't really a luxury since I can't imagine getting near water without it.
 
SevenofNine
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01/20/2017 08:17PM  
Chair, Tarp, Toilet paper.
 
mgraber
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01/20/2017 08:20PM  
Hmmm, as far as I'm concerned, the toilet paper is equal to the canoe, tent and food. Yeah I know about the hankie method but that's nasty.
 
01/20/2017 08:52PM  
Nemo bug shelter, MSR reactor,garmin gps
 
01/20/2017 09:02PM  
Chair, sunglasses and head lamp. I would add some of the apps on my device that allow star identification and music and stuff.
 
01/20/2017 09:17PM  
quote mgraber: "Hmmm, as far as I'm concerned, the toilet paper is equal to the canoe, tent and food. Yeah I know about the hankie method but that's nasty."
Totally agree. For me, a Big Agnes Camp Chair, Sea to Summit Mosquito Box Net Shelter and a good book.
 
Minnesotian
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01/20/2017 09:38PM  

Chair
Good book
Camera
 
Northwoodsman
distinguished member(2059)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/20/2017 09:45PM  
Gravity filter, pillow, Sea to Summit pocket shower. Next 3 would be gps, Delorme In Reach and exped synmat 9.

 
01/20/2017 09:50PM  
Nemo bug shelter, Aeropress, small batch roasted coffee.
 
Savage Voyageur
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01/20/2017 10:47PM  
Chair, Montana GPS, Titanium mug.
 
BnD
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01/21/2017 01:01AM  
Helinox Chair, Nemo Air Matress, Platypus Gravity Works......
 
Jhsail
member (13)member
  
01/21/2017 06:05AM  
I would say chair was # 1. I was surprised not seeing map and compass or is that obvious. I guess gps was why.
 
01/21/2017 07:17AM  
Good book - not really gear but gotta have it

5 gallon bucket with Gamma Seal - used as a stool, footrest, storage container and water container

Paracord - lots of it
 
01/21/2017 07:21AM  
Fast dry clothing, instant coffee, fishing gear
 
OldFingers57
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01/21/2017 07:58AM  
A chair, Tarp and a good cup of coffee in the morning.
 
PortageKeeper
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01/21/2017 08:28AM  
quote OldFingers57: "A chair, Tarp and a good cup of coffee in the morning."

Agreed. It's all about sitting in the chair, under the tarp with a good cup of coffee and absorbing the surroundings!
 
s500yards
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01/21/2017 09:25AM  
1. Dutch oven
2. Journal
3. Crooked knife for little projects
 
DanCooke
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01/21/2017 09:45AM  
Camera,
Tarp
Chair
 
OldFingers57
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01/21/2017 10:44AM  
quote Jhsail: " I would say chair was # 1. I was surprised not seeing map and compass or is that obvious. I guess gps was why."


I would consider a map and compass an "ESSENTIAL" piece of gear not something nice to have.
 
billconner
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01/21/2017 02:43PM  
After essentials like shelter, etc., jello mold oven, bota box, seat pad.
 
Bdubguy
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01/21/2017 02:47PM  
quote PortageKeeper: "
quote OldFingers57: "A chair, Tarp and a good cup of coffee in the morning."

Agreed. It's all about sitting in the chair, under the tarp with a good cup of coffee and absorbing the surroundings! "


Totally agree... add a cookie and it don't get much better...
 
01/21/2017 03:46PM  
All I Need

butthead
 
mjmkjun
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01/21/2017 05:03PM  
Chair w/back support, Digital Weather Alert Pocket Radio, Pocket shower.
 
01/21/2017 07:49PM  
Helinox chair, camera, book. And baby wipes- while some consider these extra, I consider them essential with the toilet paper.
 
BlueSkiesWI
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01/21/2017 09:33PM  
A morning cup of coffee, my oil-skin adventure hat, and a journal. I would survive, but don't expect me to be too happy without them!
 
missmolly
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01/22/2017 07:32AM  
Tiny Monster flashlight for when I hear that bump in the night and start bawking. Then I have a monster for that monster.

PLB to try for those unnamed lakes with no portage trails.

New for this coming June: a big net to land big pike.

 
Bede
member (7)member
  
01/22/2017 12:41PM  
Everyone gets a first post - this seems like a good thread to do it. I love gear. It's especially fun to mix classic with new. Actually, I love everything about paddling/camping - but tweaking gear is as fun as most other things we do in our canoes - on the lakes, rivers portages and at our campsites - especially in the off-season when we are dreaming of open water.

I'm scratching my head over the fact that no one seems to have mentioned a gun... I'm guessing that many folks are not wild about the idea of packing one. It's a lot of weight for an item you likely never even use. Unless it's October and you are chasing grouse in season. Others might object to it on principle. It is what it is and we are what we are.

I have carried a Springfield M6 Scout off and on for many years. It's a folding, single-shot .410/.22 with storage for spare ammo in the stock. It looks like a drilled-out skeleton of a frame with no wood or anything. Tough little gun - but don't lose the hinge pin or you end up with a glorified anchor!

Once on Parent Lake in October many years back, while I was in for a grouse hunting/fall fishing trip, I was lazing in camp when this freakin' dude came barging in unannounced. Scared me silly. He was about 220, 5 foot-16 inches tall, carrying what looked like a hand cannon on his hip, stuck out a strangler's hand big as a leg of lamb and said he was "sorry to bug me" but he was scouting good campsites for an upcoming moose hunt. I mean, who DOES that? I wonder what he would have done if he needed me to move out? (Cue banjo...)

Back in around '01 I was in a gun store in Hopkins, MN and there was a cute little old Colt Woodsman in the case. The owner told me it had come from the estate of the late Justine Kerfoot. I don't recall if he had any provenance and I was not too flush in those days anyway, (some things never change!). But I wish I had!

My dad worked as a yard boy for Justine in the mid '30s at the lodge on Gunflint. His older brother was a CCC who did hydrographic surveys in what is now the BWCAW and knew the Kerfoot family. I have his brittle old Fisher map where he tracked the lakes as he surveyed them in a frame now; behind conservation glass.

Dad took up cross country skiing in his late middle age. We skied out of Gunflint once in around '76 when I was a high school sophomore, (I'm 57 now, Dad's age when we took that trip). I don't recall meeting Mrs. Kerfoot. But we did ski to the Canada side and Dad found this beautiful, fabulously ancient First Nation woman with a face like deeply lined old teak, living with no water or power, in the most incredibly tumbledown shack made of logs, boards, tar paper and such. I don't remember her name, but she said she remembered Dad and I KNOW he remembered her as that's why we went. Not sure if she remembered him. We all look the same to them. ;-)

I'll agree with others, a good rope and pulley system turns the food pack hanging into an engineering problem that's way more fun. And looking forward, I think I might try the Joos Orange solar panel to keep the phone charged. Darn Google Pixel takes GREAT pictures. Maybe it'll work, or maybe it'll fall off the list. That's what gear constantly does... I like it that way!

I have not been back in the bush since before my kid was born. 13 years... Way too long. But I finally scratched an itch that had been bugging me since my brother loaned me his Sawyer DY Special in the '90s while he was stationed overseas... I have a brand new We-no-nah Voyager in the Kevlar ultra-light layup stashed at the cabin on the north shore. I actually got to try it recently - on XM Eve day. Open water everyone!
 
01/22/2017 02:03PM  
Welcome to BWCA.com, Bede!

Bit long winded there, but what the hell. I've never considered carrying firearms tripping in a canoe. Unless I am actually hunting (and I have hunted bear there), just too much extra weight and stuff to carry. No problem with me if that's your preference. I have met grouse, duck, moose, bear, deer, hunters in the BWCA, all thoughtful and courteous. Too much work involved for the jerks. Your anecdote sounds more like you were surprised than scared.

That Voyager will get you far. Have fun with it, and keep us informed and entertained.

butthead
 
01/22/2017 06:03PM  
Peace of mind
Solitude
Relaxation
 
01/22/2017 07:03PM  
quote butthead: " All I Need


butthead"

I was waiting for it! ;-)
 
coastwatcher42
member (10)member
  
01/22/2017 07:04PM  
Chair
Bug Shelter
Satphone (for peace of mind)
 
Bede
member (7)member
  
01/22/2017 07:10PM  
This message has had HTML content edited out of it.
quote butthead: "Welcome to BWCA.COM Bede!


"Bit long winded there, but what the hell..."


butthead"


What the Hell indeed... I'm a teacher and I love to write. However, even though I am registered at my share of forums, I don't post often - so fear not. Shoot, I lurked here for years before I joined. I did a bit of poking around this afternoon and I see that Justine Kerfoot's "Woman of the Boundary Waters" makes mention of neighbors across the lake named Plummer. It jogged a memory of my dad saying that name. So it must have been Mary Plummer I met back in the '70s. Peace-out...
 
gymcoachdon
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01/22/2017 09:55PM  
Chair, journal, and some good bourbon. I'll use all 3 every evening.
 
BigCurrent
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01/22/2017 10:34PM  
Headlamp, Survival Knife, Pocket Bellow
 
01/22/2017 11:16PM  

Helionix Chair, Exped UL7 wide mattress pad, bug shelter made from no see-um bug netting hanging from CCS 12x14 tarp
 
01/23/2017 06:00AM  
Chairs: yes 2, one for inside of tent for reading and my raised rocker for the coast line under a tree. (the rockers are elevated )

Cot and Thermal-Rest-Rest: I spend at least 25% of my time using that equipment. Bungy cord the T Rest at foot of cot to to avoid slippage.
 
GoSpursGo
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01/23/2017 08:20AM  
instant coffee, gravity filter, and inflatable bed pad.
 
01/23/2017 08:02PM  
Permethrin on my clothes (it's magic stuff), hammock, GoPro camera
 
01/24/2017 07:43AM  
Gravity water filter system, Exped sleeping pad, folding chair with back rest.
 
01/24/2017 10:05AM  
Chair, tarp, candle lantern.
 
stubnt
  
01/24/2017 09:00PM  
ice, vodka, lime, tonic water - I know you said 3 but these are a set
 
01/25/2017 08:17PM  
Crazy Creek Chair - comfy in canoe and camp/tent; tarp; camera.
 
deepdish71
distinguished member (235)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/25/2017 08:55PM  
Helinox chair
Exped megamat
Baby wipes
 
01/25/2017 11:35PM  

Chair
Gravity water system
Good rain gear /tarp

Went on several trips before purchasing a lightweight camp chair. Makes for relaxing around the campfire much easier. Cooking, cleaning up, putting on the boots; all in the comfort of the camp chair. Won't go without.

First trip I hand pumped water. Spent lots of time pumping, and pumping, and pumping. After all that pumping, still didn't seem to have enough water. I like the gravity setup. Dunk the dirty water bag, hang in a tree. Can fill a water bottle in 30 seconds, without having to do anything but open a valve. Clean water for cooking, cleaning, drinking. All without wasting loads of time.

Been trying to get better at hanging a tarp in camp. Always seems to be too low, loose, not sure. I enjoy having a tarp along though, would likely be happier with it if setup better.




 
01/26/2017 12:20AM  

Although it's tough to limit it to three items, here's my "must haves".

1. Nemo Bugout shelter: Bug free dinning & lounging

2. Helinox Chair: A "must have" after a long day of paddling & portaging

3. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Sleeping Pad: Best night's sleep ever!

Honorable Mention: a good quality camera for capturing the memories.

Hans Solo

 
newguy
distinguished member (321)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/26/2017 08:28AM  
quote HansSolo: "
1. Nemo Bug-out shelter: Bug free dinning & lounging
"


Is that 9x9 or 12x12? Will I find any deals or should I resign myself to paying ~$200? Anybody have DIY options (maybe I should make my own thread..)?
 
01/26/2017 09:35AM  

quote newguy: "
quote HansSolo: "
1. Nemo Bug-out shelter: Bug free dinning & lounging
"


Is that 9x9 or 12x12? Will I find any deals or should I resign myself to paying ~$200? Anybody have DIY options (maybe I should make my own thread..)?"


Greetings New Guy! That's the 9x9 NEMO Bugout Shelter pictured in my post.

I originally ordered the 12x12 from REI during one of their 20% member's Sale. The REI store in the Milwaukee area where I live does not stock the NEMO Bugout Shelters, so I had no way to physically compare the different sizes before I purchased mine.

After receiving the 12x12 NEMO Bugout Shelter though I felt it was way too big and bulky for my needs. That said, before I used the 12x12 I returned it for the 9x9. Fortunately, REI allowed me to apply my 20% discount and my dividend for the 9x9 after I returned the 12x12.

Due to the fact I do many solo trips and/or travel with a group of four or less, the 9x9 was perfect. The 9x9 NEMO Bugout Shelter's weight and pack size is slightly less than that of my preferred solo tent, The North Face Tadpole 23.

I realize many minimalists may consider the trail weight of 4 lbs, 12 oz. and the packed size of 16" x 8" to be excessive, but in my opinion it's worth the extra baggage.

NOTE: As of this morning, I've noticed the REI does not show the 9x9 NEMO Bugout Shelter on their website, only the 12x12. If that's to say the 9x9 NEMO Bugout Shelter is no longer available through REI, other online vendors do stock the NEMO Bugout Shelter and will usually provide a 20% discount to compete with REI during the same time REI has their member's sale.

I can't say enough about having the luxury of using a waterproof tarp with an attached bug net, regardless of manufacturer. I know CCS, (Cooke Custom Sewing) makes a similar product in a 10x10 and 15x15 version. I'm sure the quality of the CCS screened tarps are superb like all of Dan's products. But with a MSRP of $199.95 minus 20%, the 9x9 NEMO Bugout Shelter is much easier on my wallet.

I love my NEMO Bugout Shelter!

Hans Solo

 
newguy
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01/26/2017 04:37PM  
Awesome feedback, thank you!
 
01/26/2017 08:56PM  
Mine:

Petzl headlamp
Mosquito Net Hat
A good book

Wife's

Cottenelle Wipes (yes we pack them out)
A good book
Ibuprofen


 
01/26/2017 09:35PM  
quote Jhsail: "Just for fun
What 3 things you have you cannot live without when camping . Not talking about obvious like tent, food, clothes. More like those extra little things that make it a little nicer."

Great thread Jhsail! Fun and informative. Learning a lot from this one.
 
01/26/2017 10:05PM  
quote HansSolo: "
"


Hi Mark! That's one big foot there!

butthead
 
01/28/2017 10:05AM  
Mask, fins, snorkel.

Lure gets hung up on a rock? Go find it and retrieve the lure. Want to know why you catch fish here and not right over there? Go exploring. Lose an item in the lake, go get it. I take them on nearly every trip and sometimes even take a shorty wetsuit.
 
halvorsonchristopher
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01/29/2017 04:02PM  
Helinox chair
4-5 blue silver Reef Runners (they get pretty beat up)
My cell phone. Your mom gets lonely when I leave for an entire week.

 
BuckFlicks
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01/30/2017 01:18PM  
Hmmm...

Tiny MP3 player and earbuds
Head lamp
Some kind of pillow
 
01/30/2017 11:27PM  
This is a tough one to narrow down... I guess I'd say:
1. Helinox chair
2. Real maple syrup for sweetener
3. Merino wool base layer
 
WisScout
  
06/01/2019 12:24PM  
Royce: "Been trying to get better at hanging a tarp in camp. Always seems to be too low, loose, not sure. I enjoy having a tarp along though, would likely be happier with it if setup better. "

I struggled to find a good technique on hanging a tarp. The past few years I've found having a short loops or strands of bungie cord at the end of your guy lines . It shouldnt be small and thin but a good quality that has solid resistance to it. I found I dont have to adjust my tarp as often and I can pretty much set it and leave it.

(Hope you see this since it's been a while since this thread started)
 
06/01/2019 02:35PM  
Chair
Hammock (even if just for lounging)
Knob Creek Bourbon (to watch the sunset)
 
Pilgrimpaddler
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06/01/2019 06:49PM  
johndku: "Chair
Hammock (even if just for lounging)
Knob Creek Bourbon (to watch the sunset)"

Knob Creek 120-proof. Gotta keep the weight down!
 
06/02/2019 07:40AM  
Chair - good insulated/comfy pad and Luci Light or one like it/ heaplamp
 
06/02/2019 07:09PM  
I'm guessing obvious includes tp, tarp, sleeping bag, food, pots and pans, saw, matches, and tent. As those are essentials :)

So with that I say coffee, cribbage board with cards, whiskey
 
Overcomer
member (44)member
  
06/02/2019 08:00PM  
The 3 C's

Coffee, Chocolate, and Camera
 
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