Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Tips,Tricks & Tools of the Trade.
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Jimmy2toes |
1) Tip canoe over and use as cutting board to filet fish, to clean simply put back in water and catch more fish 2) Portable fold up table, folds up like a sports chair,very light not bulky and came in handy 3) Reel holder, for person in back of canoe while trolling 4) Lighted frisbe, multi use here, fan fire, throw around camp, and most importantly needed for deep woods night time frisbe golf! |
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Mad_Angler |
quote CabSauv: "Who has a suggestion for a descent sleeping pad? ..." Here is a thread that will answer you question: Best Sleeping Pad I have tried many mats. Here are my comments from the other thread: I took my wife for her first trips this year. She wanted a comfortable pad. For the first trip, we used Thermarest base camps. I think they are 2.5 inches thick. They were more comfortable than typical Thermarests but my wife still had shoulder/back pain in the morning. For the second trip, we used Exped Synmat 9's. Wow! Those mats are by far the most comfrtable mats that I have slept on. We also had a dog in the tent with us. I was pleased to find that the mats were tough enough to handle the toenails from the dog... So, I would have to vote that the Exped Synmat 9 is the "best sleeping pad" (Thermarest does have a great product and absolutely amazing customer service. They took back at 20 year old mat and replaced it with a brand new one...) |
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CabSauv |
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emptynest56 |
Sevenofnine, I have admired parties who could single portage. My only concern is that just because a group may be fast, they need to practice good manners and take their turn at a crowded portage landing like everyone else. Don't be put off by this thread! Welcome. |
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Savage Voyageur |
They also work on your tent. Grip Clip |
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spcashin |
His boots were impossibly wet. Rather than leaning them near the fire and risking burning them, he decided there might be something to heating rocks and placing them in the boot. But, being smarter than a rock, he thought rocks heated directly by fire may be too hot and sooty for the interior of his boot. So... he boiled them. The boiled rocks can't get above the boiling point, so he could control the temperature. Plus they were fairly clean. Sure, they start off wet but within a minute the water evaporates. It took him several revolutions of hot rocks into boots but it sure as heck worked. |
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redwood |
Another thing I like to bring is a kitchen sink. No, not the one from the kitchen. Sea to summit makes a collapsible sink that fits right in a pot. Helps doing dishes and rinsing. After reading this thread, I think I'm going to bring a mesh bag for drying. Great idea. |
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Sparetime |
I have tried for years to tie the front of a canoe or kayak down. Then one day, I saw the most simple idea ever. They took a piece of 3/8 inch rope (or so) approximately 15 inches long and doubled it over and tied an overhand knot creating a loop. Then they popped the hood on the car, slid the know unter the hood and between the fender, closing the hood. This left the knot under the hood and a secure loop above the hood to attach bow ties to. Maybe this is something everyone has known about for years, and i was just asleep. Sometimes the cleverist things are cheap, and work better than anything else. Another tip, get a knot book. I wasn't a boy scout, so I've had to learn on my own. The number of times I could have used a truckers hitch..... |
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Wables |
quote Mad_Angler: "Supposedly, the pool noodles are to keep you from cracking your knuckles on the gunwales. I don't usually have an issue with that but some folks do..." I am a bigger guy, and last year I rode in the bow of a MNII for a weekend. Luckily, I had seen MNII's before and I knew how narrow they were for the bowman. I brought 2 18" pieces of 3/4" foam pipe insulation, and they worked fantastic. They are a lot smaller than pool noodles, pre-split, and provide adequate protection for the sides of your legs and knuckles. They are also quiet to rest your paddle or rod on. |
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Captn Tony |
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dalet |
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bojibob |
quote dalet: "I google pecker #3 and all i came up with is porno sites...."Black Diamond Pecker |
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removedmember1 |
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dalet |
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Vanny |
I keep hearing about the Dele-Bobs but have not tried them yet. Looks like I just figured out what the next item is I need to cross off on my "wish-list" |
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bapabear |
I'm not going to mention anything profound about tricks, tools, etc. but my tip would be to absolutely stress common sense safety for yourself and your group. Things like steady the canoe for each other while getting in and out can save a lot of spills and scrapes or worse. Lift with legs and straight back. Wearing your PFD and realizing the danger of wind on a big lake are among little things can make or break a trip so keep them in mind. Gotta mention I finally picked up some Bungee Dealee Bobs so I feel up to speed in that regard |
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nojobro |
I will have to get a mesh bag...great tip. I do freezer bag cooking and have very few dishes, but still that looks great. Wish I liked whiskey to get me some of those purple bags. ;-) And the fire paste is definitely going along next time...more to so preheat the white gas stove than to start the fire, but I'm not using our stove again without preheating. Last time we nearly set the Tyvek tarp on fire. It says right on it to keep it away from flames and we had it set at a low angle. Oops. And a second (or third or eighth) on the Bungee Dealie Bobs...they rock! |
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sethrice1 |
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gutmon |
quote Knoozer: "Borrowed from Cliffy, who no doubt got it from someone else. Use a 2 foot section of clear 1/2" hose (about $.25) to jump start a fire. Much better than sticking your face into the fire grate or fanning the ashes all over camp." Too short/too big- I prefer about 2.5-3feet of aquarium tubing. And, BDB's really are genius. |
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willys53 |
Jeriatric, portage girl? I didn't know you talked Roberta into going!!! |
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PatnAspen |
Has to be a SnapOn mini torch. Weighs less than some fire starters and will get a fire going in seconds, even if its wet. |
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1stSatInMay |
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Koda |
quote Basspro69: "No matter how long it takes, kill every last mosquito in your tent before you sack out, because if one buzzes your ear you wont sleep to good the rest of the night, along with this I try not to get anything out of the tent around dusk, because thats when the tiny little vampires are at their worst." It seems no matter how well I think I've eliminated those monsters, one or two often get me during the night. Or used to. Several years ago I got a bottle of Off! Botanicals insect repellent lotion. It worked nicely to keep the little parasites at bay. It's no longer made but there are other repellent lotions on the market. What's nice about them is that they're non-greasy and (probably) good for the skin. |
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ZIMTLSA |
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RT |
1. Bought a 30gal plastic barrel with a ring top and found that it slipped very nicely into my old military sea bag. The sea bag has backpack straps and, even when loaded wih food, is still strong enough to pull up into a tree by the straps. And as a plus, because of the barrel, the contents stay dry and we save on the number of zip loc bags that we used to repack our food in. 2. An REI duffel bag (heavy duty bag) holds all of our cooking gear. Two stoves, three cans of fuel, utensils, pots, pans and all other assorted stuff. We all use internal frame packs and this is good way for us to keep the food stuff out of our packs (we send it, the duffel, up a tree at night). 3. Caribiners, and not the cheapo's. Get some real ones. We use them to tie the bags to when we send stuff up a tree. Works great, just clip and go. We find new uses for caribiners every year. The last thing I will add (because this is getting long) relates to those trying to get the bear rope over a branch. Learn how to tie a Monkey's Fist and to thow a Rescue Line. In the USCG, after practice, I was able to throw well over 75' of line. I use the technique every year in the BW to get the bear bag up. Here is a link. This woman does it wrong but you can see how she is holding the line. It's all in the hips, and learning to let go at the right time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASoYZs6Uq-M |
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Koda |
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jfred17 |
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mjmkjun |
Mike |
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moosedrool |
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kanoes |
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ktoivola |
10 foot Sein Gerber Axe |
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Benutzer |
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redwood |
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wetcanoedog |
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BigZig |
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Kevlar |
I carry a zip open shaving kit bag for all the small items that I have in my daypack. A gravity-feed water filter to hang in camp. A 4' x 4' heavy plastic sheet to wash dishes--can stack them on it to dry, too. Always have a stool along for old bones. |
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SevenofNine |
I find fire starter blocks (wood shavings and wax) to be far better than fire paste as they last longer. You can cut them up to spread them out or to make them last longer. Use the camp fire you have to dry out wood on top of the grate. Since the vast majority of wood in the BWCA is generally wet wood like Birch and Pine this helps keep the fire going easier. This also makes next day's fire easier. I use the small metal binder clips in place of clothes pins since they are smaller to store. Single portaging makes a journey easier. I have modified a external frame pack to have U shaped uprights that the yoke of a canoe fits into similar to a Knupac. I really feel sorry for people that bring so much stuff that they double portage. I think they are missing the point. A gravity water filter makes life a lot easier when in camp. A small amount of weight/space added to your load but I don't go up north without one. |
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kanoes |
and just what point might that be? |
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rlhedlund |
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SevenofNine |
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Spartan2 |
Simplicity is all very fine. There are only two of us to carry, we usually go out for 10-12 days, and we do not take everything but the kitchen sink. (I do, however, take a lot of camera gear and that is about to become more, not less.) We double portage, and I don't care how many people pass us on the trail, so just enjoy that passage, SevenofNine. It never bothers me one bit. If I'm missing the point, I have been happily missing it for 39 years and hope to continue doing so for a few more. :-) |
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quetico1 |
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Kevlar |
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SouthernExposure |
I have used the bill on a big deep-diving crankbait as an eating utensil once. Lunch found us way away from basecamp and eating something out of a can with my fingers violated my delicate sensibilities. SE |
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onepaddlejunkie |
http://www.crazycreek.com/product/1/66/ |
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Knoozer |
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Koda |
Spartan2, the two spoons comment made me laugh. Reminded me of the time my younger brother and I were camped on an island in the Wisconsin River and discovered we (or rather I) had forgotten utensils. He had two little pocket knives and we found a clamshell, which we scraped and cleaned and it worked great. He enjoys reminding me how he saved the trip. My preference is to double portage, since the unloaded trip enables me to see the surroundings. Bungee Dealie Bobs are easy to make. Mine are non-elastic and hold securely. |
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lars54 |
don't leave home without them |
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mjmkjun |
quote kanoes: "everytime i think about what makes any trip better for me i always come back to the same answer....a light weight camp stool. not a three legger either, those should be illegal. :)" what's negative about 3 legged stools? Is it cuz they dig-in after while? |
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mc2mens |
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fishfry |
Three years ago my sister and her 14 yr old son came with, she told him to pack 5 pair of socks. He got one pr wet getting to camp then slipped on wet rocks and just left shoes an socks off instead of getting wet again. Later that night while in the tent he asked mom why he had to bring 5 socks with. So you know what we call him?? |
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Basspro69 |
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fishfry |
quote bapabear: my tip would be to absolutely stress common sense safety for yourself and your group. Things like steady the canoe for each other while getting in and out can save a lot of spills and scrapes or worse. Lift with legs and straight back. Wearing your PFD and realizing the danger of wind on a big lake are among little things can make or break a trip so keep them in mind. Amen to bapabear, the trip is no fun if you go back in pieces or worse never be able to return. Keep it safe, someone at home loves you. |
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tobiedog |
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Koda |
quote fishfry: "Koda and Sparten2 here's a funny one. No, but you're going to tell us, aren't you? :-) |
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SouthernExposure |
quote Koda:"One of my tried-and-true practices after any kind of exercise is to do yoga." Is that yoga, Koda? Or a cata, Koda? Kudos kiddo. SE |
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Koda |
quote tobiedog: "A hot water bottle comes in handy for aches and pains and to warm up the sleeping bag too. Laying down with that hot pack in my lumbar is so relaxing." Applying warmth to the sore muscles is good, but proper stretching is more effective. One of my tried-and-true practices after any kind of exercise is to do yoga. It's really just a specific set of stretches, bends and twists, done in a careful and focused way. For the lower back, I do several sets of forward and backward bends, side bends, and twists. I do some of these immediately after working, while the muscles are warm, and others after some time has elapsed. The point is to keep the muscles and connective tissue elongated and the circulation flowing. |
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fishguts |
We lash in poles and extra paddle with Bungee Dele Bobs and they keep everything in the canoe so we can Single Portage. Bungee Dele Bobs by Old Scout |
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Chilly |
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That Guy |
Tyvek for ground cloths. Tennis ball for a stick to use as a tarp poll. Basketball net as an anchor/cooler. 5 gallon bucket as seat/anchor/drift sock. Being on the water by ?? and off by 2:00 to secure a site. A stove you made to save weight and space. How about your favorite knife or piece of gear? What makes your trip easier and or more enjoyable? Sky is the limit. |
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gutmon |
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SunCatcher |
I love em to put stuff in with the drawstring and all. Soft and Adds a little color to my pack (Purple) However...Butthead is right on with the Bungee Deely Bobs, I bought 48 of them for three canoes and wouldn't leave home without em. SunCatcher |
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SunCatcher |
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whiteh20 |
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campnscrap |
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Jeriatric |
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SunCatcher |
SunCatcher |
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butthead |
BDB's, good idea! "What makes your trip easier and or more enjoyable? Sky is the limit." For me it's just being out there. butthead |
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butthead |
butthead |
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butthead |
butthead |
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tremolo |
I always pack a frisbee-- works as a holding place for random things in your tent, like your head light, so it is easy to find when you get up to pee in the middle of the night. You can sit on it when the ground is damp. You can eat out of it. Whack mosquitoes with it. You fan the flames with it. And you toss it. I use it to as a paint palette too. |
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brerud |
2. Leaving all of the non-essentials at home so you can spend more time just soaking in the experience. 3. Single portaging 4. Tyvek - or old cheap (lightweight) shower curtains for floor savers and tent liners 5. fishbaskets - keeps fish alive until you are ready to eat, turtles and otters can't get them overnight. 6. Securing empty 2 quart juice containers under the seats of the canoe with duct tape - so we can use them for water, juice, etc. in camp and they don't take up valuable space in packs. |
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fishfry |
quote Basspro69: "Fishfry im still waiting to hear what you call the kid with five pair of socks ?"He brought up 5 socks not 5 pair. Now his camping name is 5 socks. |
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Grandma L |
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Koda |
quote bradcrc: "looks like we scared SevenofNine off pretty well btw. poor guy never knew what hit him. " I hope not. Makes me wonder how many newbies here have been put off by the occasional rough-and-tumble. |
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mrgreen |
Mr. Green |
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removedmember1 |
This is not my picture, I borrowed it. |
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jkahler |
I would guess not many. This board is pretty tame. One trick I use while backpacking when it's cold is to throw some of my clothes in my sleeping bag with me. It's just not very comfortable to put cold clothes on in the morning. |
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Koda |
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MrWalleye |
2. single kool-aid or knock-off brand packets for a tasty nalgene full of water, orange and fruit punch mixes well with vodka for around the fire 3. BDB's and larger bungees 4. good portage pads 5. an extra fishing pole in case one breaks 6. small weatherband radio to check rain/storm/wind forecasts 7. live and artificial bait for options 8. a few lighters just in case one gets wet 9. an extra paddle for the group 10. if you pack light on the food like we do, it's nice to have a couple snacks ie: candy bar, beef jerky, nuts 11. plenty of rope 12. pancake mix, its light, easy to make, and delicious; oatmeal is gross(right kyle?) |
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Koda |
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That Guy |
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bojibob |
I have several others of these on: Camp set up Tent set up Bear hang Wash point set up Latrine set up (Quetico) Let me know if you would like me to post |
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jfred17 |
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QueticoMike |
I also didn't see anything about using birch bark to start a fire with, maybe that tip is way too obvious, but I don't need fire paste if I have a pocket full of birch bark. |
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Mad_Angler |
They are useful for many things: - help sort food - protect food from rodents - protect food from water - provide camp tables - provide chairs I put 2 square buckets in the bottom of a standard Duluth pack. They work great. Pictures? Sure... |
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Mad_Angler |
Unless your route has a tremendous amount of portaging, a portable depth finder is well worth the weight. You will definitely cathc more fish. Depth finder thread Here are my comments from the other thread: We base camped on Horse for a week. On the first day, I accidentally found a submerged island. I was trolling and caught a fish. When I looked at the depth finder, it read 5 feet. I was suprised since the rest of the area was about 20 feet of water. After paddling around the area and confirming the depth with my achor rope, I realized it was a submerged island. The island came to within 5 feet of the surface. All around the island was 20 feet of water. On the first day, I just fished for a while and caught 2 walleye and a smallie. On the second day, I fished for about an hour with my 7 year old daughter. We caught about 10 smallies ranging from 16 to 20 inches. Here is a good picture. Notice the bend in my daughter's rod while I hold the previous fish. a a a a a a a a Later, I took my 13 year old daughter. We both caught 21 inch smallies. Here is a picture of hers: a a a a a a a On the fourth day, I fished for about an hour and caught 2 walleye and 4 smallies. I never would have found the spot without a depth finder. My depth finder is a Lowrance X67 Ice Machine. It worked great all week. The battery ran out about 1 hour before we left. It is a great depth finder for the BW and for ice fishing. |
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Koda |
quote BigZig: "mesh bag for drying clean dishes - keeps them out of the dirt." One small pot with lid, one small frying pan, one spoon. Utter simplicity. |
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tremolo |
Kevlar-- Thanks. 7of9-- My daughter and I were not strong enough to single portage and we probably will never be strong enough to single portage except for day trips, but there is no need to feel sorry for us. |
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mc2mens |
One of the things I bring with me that causes me to double portage is my 9 year old son. Unfortunately, the little bugger is not able to carry enough "stuff" on his little back to allow us to single portage. Maybe I outta keep him at home, but the "point" is to introduce him to the wilderness and prepare him to enjoy paddling, camping and tripping so that someday he can do his own tripping or allow me to tag along with him when I'm an old man. We enjoy our double portages - and that is the "point" for us - to enjoy ourselves. So - you go ahead and pass us up on the portage trail. We'll say "hi" and wish you a good day. Meanwhile, we'll be having the time of our lives. And, if you're paying attention, you'll see that. |
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moose plums |
Bungee dealie bobs...one of the best inventions ever! |
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Kiporby |
I enjoy portaging and the walks back and forth. My kid and I have some of our best talks along the way. |
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Mad_Angler |
For example, here is a similar thread with lots of great ideas: Little things that make a Big difference Here are a few of my tips: - leather gloves for cooking and messing with the fire - screen house without the poles for those bad bug evenings - Bungie dealie bobs - Take a depth finder and you'll catch more fish - CCS stuff is great - Fires are a lot easier with a sven saw and a small Gerber/Fiskars hatchet - Comfortable life jackets aren't much money and make the trip much more pleasant - SR canoes can handle really big waves even with beginning paddlers ... |
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Lemieux |
Sevenofnine I get your point. |
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mjmkjun |
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BearDown |
My tip to you and everyone is: To each their own. I (as I imagine most people do) go to the BWCA/Q to enjoy myself. Each trip I go on is ussually differant. I've been on trips with all gung ho guys, who can carry a pack and a canoe or two packs on every portage so we can traval fast and light. I've been on trips with younger kids where a slower approach is advisable. I've been the kid in the last example. I've enjoyed myself and have had a great time on all these trips. Thats the point of my trips. On some we traveled far and fast and liked the feeling of accomplishment we had. On some I have worked harder to make up for my kids so I can introduce them to Quetico. On one, I was recovering from a car accident and couldn't use my right arm, other people had to pick up my slack. I'm sure on your trips this would be unacceptable and you would just have left me at home. When I'm older I plan on having my kids to help me when I'm not as strong as they are. Maybe when your kids or paddling partners leave you at home because you can't keep up you will finally get the point. (But you probably still won't, cause most bigots never do) Can I single portage? Yes and I ussually do. Do I need to prove how great a man I am by belittling others who don't single portage? No. I'm very grateful that my first trip (when I was 12) was with someone smart enough to know that if they forced me to single portage, I probably would hate the trip and never revisit the BWCA. I can't begin to imagine how many people detest the BWCA, because some bigot like you told/made them single portage when it wasn't right for that person. |
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knothead180 |
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Koda |
quote BearDown: "SevenofNine, I'm guessing this point of yours is to prove how manly you are ... some bigot like you told/made them single portage when it wasn't right for that person. " Down, Bear! Everyone at some time says things that come out more narrow-minded than they intended. Let's all cut each other some slack, eh? |
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Mad_Angler |
quote SevenofNine: "Single portaging makes a journey easier. I have modified a external frame pack to have U shaped uprights that the yoke of a canoe fits into similar to a Knupac. I really feel sorry for people that bring so much stuff that they double portage. I think they are missing the point. ... I think nearly all of us agree with guy but he took it further than we would. Consider seeing guys with 2 coolers, lawnchairs, and a screen house while doing a portage. Nearly all of us would say that those folks "are missing the point"... Relax. He didn't question your manhod by implying that single portaging is better. It was just his measure of having the right amount of stuff... |
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Voyageur |
Seriously the point is to enjoy yourself and there is no one way or correct way to do it. Like Bigzig I hang dry all the dishes and utensils it keeps them up and out of the dirt and it's impossible to misplace them. I Hang the TP bag also, It's easy to find and if it's not there the thunderbox is occupied. |
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nojobro |
Freezer Bag Cooking website |
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Unas10 |
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izzy |
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waterdog |
Tip: My dad taught me to always have a spare key hidden and well-secured on the truck - accessible from the outside (under the bumber, behind the license plate, etc.) This is a great time-saver in the BW/Q or anywhere...if the keys get locked inside. |
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Mad_Angler |
quote BearDown: "I just get frustrated with people who think theirs is the only right way. If it was a tip, it could have been said like Actually, his tip was the exact same tip that every outfitter will give on your first conversation: "don't bring too much stuff" He also probably didn't know about the sensitivity of this topic due to numerous heated discussions. |
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nojobro |
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Basspro69 |
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Basspro69 |
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hapstap |
Second, looks like a highjack into the single vs double portage once again. Once in awhile I am in "I get the point camp", but mostly I am in the "misses the point" group, but still enjoy the trip just as much or maybe a little more. Tuff to get good views from under the canoe at the many falls, rapids, wildlife etc. |
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TomT |
Chapstick. Nuff said. |
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jb in the wild |
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ekffazr |
nice thread hijack I like to bring a very small (hand size) billow, for when the wood is a bit wet and stubborn |
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TomT |
If you want to beat the morning portage crowds at your put in you need to start very early in the morning. If you are camping the night before you enter, a good idea is to keep all your packs ready to load into the canoe. Don't use your canoe gear to camp in. I take an older tent and pads and use blankets. Then the tear down is quick and you can have breakfast out of a cooler like cereal and juice or doughnuts. Hit the first portage at daybreak and you'll beat the rush hour. |
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BearDown |
"I single portage and it saves me a lot of time." Not, "I really feel sorry for people that bring so much stuff that they double portage. I think they are missing the point." The way he said it sounds to me like "I feel bad for the poor saps who double portage, they are such losers and shouldn't even be aloowed to come up here" I ussually single portage and it does save time for me. But there are lots of reasons to double portage and it doesn't bother me if someone else double portages or if I find myself in a position where double portaging makes more sence. |
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otter1 |
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Koda |
quote Mad_Angler: "Actually, his tip was the exact same tip that every outfitter will give on your first conversation: "don't bring too much stuff" 7of9, don't let this thread put you off. Make a blanket statement and someone might take exception to it - oh, well. It's hard to predict other people's tender spots. Now how about sharing some of your techniques for whittling down your gear to a small enough package that you can single portage? Some of the double portagers (like me) would like to reduce their loads, and maybe you have something to teach. |
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TomT |
He's young, able, and gung ho. Tact usually comes later in life for most people. |
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mc2mens |
I also hear you on the wool sock thing Tom. I try not to bring any cotton clothing into the wilderness and stick to wool or poly. It wears better than cotton and retains it's insulation value better. BTW - I do occasionally single portage when tripping with just the old guys, depending on the circumstances. And these old guys are pretty gung ho ourselves. You don't have to be a young pup to kick a little ass! And for the record, I enjoy the experience more when double portaging. |
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mc2mens |
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BlackMagic |
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kanoes |
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gutmon |
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Koda |
quote gutmon: "I think I'm going to try triple portaging this year- one extra trip carrying nothing just to look, listen, taste, touch and smell..." On my trip last fall from Lake One to Snowbank I double-carried until the Hudson-to-Insula portage. Here's what my trip report says: "I've been double carrying, but I break the load down into three trips for this portage. I find it's not only a lot easier, but I also get to walk more, and all the rest of the portages from this point are triple carries. (It's a good thing all the portages are dry; I'm sure I'd change my tune if they were boot-sucking mudholes.) Some say triple portaging takes a lot more time, but I don't think so. On one 40-rod portage the third carry takes an extra six minutes; and on the last portage - 140 rods - it takes another 20 minutes, measured from the moment I drop the second load to the moment I drop the third load." |
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removedmember1 |
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That Guy |
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myceliaman |
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BlackMagic |
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BlackMagic |
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Knoozer |
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mc2mens |
quote Knoozer: "Another trick of mine is to double portage. By doing that you can get that great campsite that someone is in no hurry to leave but as you lolly gag up to it an hour after the guy that ran past you on the portage past it up cuz it was still occupied, you get to find it empty." Too funny! |
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bradcrc |
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jb in the wild |
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Basspro69 |
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Koda |
quote spcashin: "His boots were impossibly wet. Rather than leaning them near the fire and risking burning them, he decided there might be something to heating rocks and placing them in the boot. But, being smarter than a rock, he thought rocks heated directly by fire may be too hot and sooty for the interior of his boot. So... he boiled them." OK, now that is truly ingenious. |
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Traveler |
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Big Tent |
Old Scout makes these at his home. I bought a reflector oven and some BDB and picked them up there. I live in the neighborhood so it was very easy to set up. Jay |
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Traveler |
HREF="http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005919516141a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all-search_redir&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=luggage&Ntk=Products&sort=all&PrevQuery=luggage&N=4904&redirect=true&Nty=1&cmCat=search_redir" TARGET="_blank">Available at Cabelas I also like the small carpenters apron tied around a tree to help keep things organized and off the ground. Leather gloves always. Always double portage. I don't take a lot of gear but I am never in a hurry and I am not young and tough enough to do it all in one trip. |
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nojobro |
quote spcashin: "But, being smarter than a rock, he thought rocks heated directly by fire may be too hot and sooty for the interior of his boot. So... he boiled them." Marvelous! I tried similar with trying to dry out my pants. But I couldn't find just the right kind of rock (didn't look very hard, either, I admit). I had a big wet spot, and I felt cold, and my idea was to sort of "iron out" the wet spot. Guess I could have also heated a pot of water on the stove and then set that on my pants....without me in them, of course. ;-) |
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Basspro69 |
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Big Tent |
Jay |
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SouthernExposure |
quote Big Tent: "I take a piece of Duct tape....then before bed you locate the little bugs in the tent and touch them with the sticky side. Jay" Oh, oh, ok. Catch and release! Kewl. How very Zen. SE |
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kanoes |
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cowdoc |
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That Guy |
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TomT |
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fishguts |
Here is that link you tried,Travelers Cabelas Link You have the formula wrong....send me an e-mail and i'll send it to you, your e-mail address doesn't show....I tried to post it but it turns into a link...;) |
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moose plums |
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SouthernExposure |
It's not perfect, but it will give you a big advantage. SE |
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mc2mens |
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Kevlar |
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fishfry |
Put dishes on after washing, fold over half to keep things clean. A table cloth. Cover a wet log to sit on. Door mat out side your tent. Slip over packs to keep dry. Slip foot of sleeping bag into if low end of tent becomes a lake. Put stinky clothes in. Carry out large amounts of trash someone left at camp site (Ramshead). And in on case a ground tarp for a tent. |
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jackson |
Also, for those cold nights, boil some water at the end of the day, pour it into a nalgene bottle, put the bottle inside a spare wool sock or two, and put it in the foot of your sleeping bag. The sock is to regulate the temp so you don't burn your toes and to make the heat last longer. Enjoy- |
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fishfry |
quote forestmaven: "Making a packing list, reviewing the list after the trip, and refining it with ideas you get here." If you write down everything in your pack that you did not use then before heading out on your next trip determine if you really need it. When I drop my load at the end of the portage if a group just arrived I help them unload and then offer to carry a pack to the other end. No one has refused the help yet. Pass the kindness forward. Just because. |
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fishfry |
I bring the 16 by 24 in flexible plastic cutting sheets you can buy at wal-mart and just wash them off when done. |
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snakecharmer |
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Vanny |
I also bring a lil' tube of Gorilla Glue. That + duct tape fixes has fixed 99% of the problems we have had. |
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bradcrc |
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canoller |
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Savage Voyageur |
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Kevlar |
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Ralphthewonderllama |
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bradcrc |
quote jackson: "If you don't want to bring a cooler but still enjoy a good steak the first night, pack frozen steaks (well wrapped) at the center of your clothes bag. The clothes will insulate the frozen items for at least a day." Why are the bears following me? :) |
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Basspro69 |
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ThisGuy |
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Koda |
quote QueticoMike: "When it has been raining a lot and you can't find any dry wood, look for thick bark on a dead pine tree." Good idea, Mike. In addition, it helps to remember that all you have to do to get dry wood is split a branch or log. |
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jfred17 |
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Mad_Angler |
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bojibob |
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kanoes |
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bojibob |
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bojibob |
Best Methods for Getting Bear Rope into the Tree |
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nojobro |
quote bojibob: "I tried to capture all the best ideas from BWCA.com on how to set up your canoe for tripping." Boji, go for it. Also, what are the pool noodles for? |
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bojibob |
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bojibob |
Sample of Camp Layout "Bear-muda Triangle" |
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bojibob |
quote kanoes: "you sick sick puppy. :)" I knew the abuse would come..... and where it would come from :-) |
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danhawk |
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wetcanoedog |
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