Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Winter Camping and Activities :: Got Wood?
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SaganagaJoe |
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WhiteWolf |
quote WildDog: "Great question and always good to hear what others use - there are some really great ideas here and a couple of new ones that I will try. This is basically how I roll. Agree 100%. Good info. |
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WildDog |
Historically I have used a Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw (the best portable bow saw made in my opinion), you can get them at / through Duluth Pack. I really do not care for the Bow Saws you can buy at the hardware store but would still take one of those over a Sven Saw, I never did care for those, the amount of space between the blade and the handle is just too small so cutting anything of any diameter can be a real pain. This year I am going to experiment with my Silky Big Boy saw - it is basically a huge pruning / pull saw... only issue is that it is best operated with two hands on larger diameter wood - that said, if the wood is stabilized somehow it will cut several times faster than any bow saw. For axes, if you are on a budget, you can go with a cheap 2 1/2 pound "boys axe" from the hardware store but put a better edge on it with a file before you head out (and if out for a long time, bring a file) - otherwise, I also own a Gransfor Bruks Small Forest Axe, the temper and edge is second to none (that is what you are paying the big $ for) but honestly I like the handles better on the cheap ones from the hardware store. I also always bring a good fixed blade knife like a Mora (Morakniv), they are cheap and indestructible (you can grab them for like $15 on Amazon), I use them to process dry tinder / firestarter. For firestarter, I bring a gallon zip-lock of dryer lint and birch and use a tiny bit with whatever else I can find to get fires going. I also keep it available for quick / easy access along with a rescue rope for ice travel - that way, if someone goes in, the rope is handy and firestarter is as well. For firewood I usually look for some dead standing that has some BTUs left - finding wood that burns the way I would like is usually the biggest challenge with the whole hot tent thing. |
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Jaywalker |
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RainGearRight |
We set up the tent and then gather a good supply of wood for the first night and morning. while fishing I like scan the woods for decent wood and collect it on the way back to camp. Fire starters usually consist of Vaseline impregnated cottonballs in a ziplock and whatever twigs and sticks we find. I did find a 4lb bag of Garwood sticks at menards and will be bringing along a handful of those. it's nice to have a big pile of kindling set up for the morning to minimize time getting the stove going. I'm pretty good about being the 2nd person out of his bag in the morning once the tent warms up but with just two of us going this year I'm going to have to buck up and light the stove a few times |
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mschi772 |
If I had the luxury and inclination to "idealize" this, it would be: Agawa Canyon Boreal21 saw, Granfors small forest axe, and....don't have a specific pick for a knife Fallkniven (3v or cos steel)? Mora (Garberg, Bushcraft, Companion, Robust)? |
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Gadfly |
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VaderStrom |
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awbrown |
I also built a small wooden box that holds all my fire starting stuff. I like messing around making stove fires, so I have an assortment of goodies in my box. Char cloth, a bag full of short pieces of jute twine, several pieces of fat wood, strike anywhere matches, flint and steel, a magnesium rod, a couple of candles and a pair of stove handling heavy duty leather gloves. My favorite fire starter is home made. I use a cardboard egg carton. Pour in melted paraffin and some pieces of paper from a paper shredder into the cups and you've made yourself some great little fire starters. Once cooled, I cut the carton into individual cups. At the camping site I hunt for dead wood that is dry. If there is a question about it being dry, I'll thump it with my axe. Good dry seasoned wood has a certain distinct ring to it. I'll also test pieces by touching them to my lips. If its wet you will know it. I don't use a hatchet at this time of year. A full size axe is better for splitting and is safer. When in the tent I will often use the knife to baton pieces of wood to make into kindling. It's a pleasure to sit in front of the stove, basking in the warmth while I prepare kindling for the next day. I never use paper to start any fire in my tent stove. The burning paper can go right out the chimney, land on your tent and ruin your weekend in a hurry. |