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09/16/2018 03:33PM |
Big Agnes Copper Spur 3UL tent with footprint. Lighter yet roomier than our old Sierra Designs tent. Easy to set up, room to sit up about anywhere in the tent.
Optimus Vega stove. Lighter than any backpacking/canoeing stove we've owned. Great simmer control, and built-in wings on the control valve allow gaseous (standard) or liquid (cold weather) fuel flow.
NRS Workboot Wetshoe NRS: Simply the best portage boot I've owned.
TZ
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09/16/2018 05:36PM |
BuckFlicks: "melnik: "Katadyn BeFree water filter. I don't use this for backpacking. I don't use it in camp. But there's no better water filter for when your'e humping it across a lake in a canoe. You just stick the squeeze bottle over the side, fill with water, screw on the filter, and drink fresh, cold lake water. The filter flows at a very high rate, so there's no frantic sucking and squeezing to get water. This filter has done more to keep me hydrated when canoeing and portaging than any other method I've tried (although I've only used it on one trip, Sylvania). We had some bluebird 90-plus days, and we all know how those days can bake you in a canoe. This filter was a trip-saver. And I believe it is uniquely suited to canoeing."
Interesting. This is the problem I've had with in-bottle filters - you have to work harder to get the water out than you would to just carry a pump and pump water into the bottle. That's why I never used my Exstream after the first time. I don't remember who made it, but I think it was Katadyn. I'm gonna check this out. "
Another STRONG vote for the Katadyn BeFree water filter (1L). I'm using it on my SHT section hiking, and its a total game changer. I'll for sure bring this to the BWCA. There is ZERO wait time, and I would argue even less effort than a gravity filter. I might go back and get the 3L.
Literally uncap, put in the water, recap, squeeze into your mouth, or another water bottle/pan whatever. Its AMAZING.
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09/16/2018 03:49PM |
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06/21/2018 10:01PM |
UST weatherband radio
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06/24/2018 01:39PM |
Banksiana: "proepro: "
Does it have alerts so it will turn on if bad weather is coming?"
This one offers alerts and weather and no AM/FM interference from the outside world for the same price. It is tiny."
Mine does not have the weather alerts.
Coldfeet just bought the weather radio you mentioned & it was a dud, got nowhere trying to return it.
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06/14/2018 11:39AM |
I've recently purchased a mini travel CPAP and a battery pack that I think will topple the sleeping bag from that top spot, as soon as I'm able to take it camping.
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06/14/2018 12:22PM |
BuckFlicks: "Big Agnes Lost Ranger sleeping bag. Never slept well in the wilderness until I got a sleeping bag that suited my sleep needs.
I've recently purchased a mini travel CPAP and a battery pack that I think will topple the sleeping bag from that top spot, as soon as I'm able to take it camping."
Which CPAP did you get? I have been thinking about getting one for a while.
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06/21/2018 11:24PM |
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06/22/2018 07:19AM |
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06/13/2018 05:23PM |
While packing for my May BWCA trip I could not find my sleeping bag and pad. I then realized that it must be up north at the cabin. No problem, I'll just stop and pick it up on the way to Ely. But when I stopped they were not there. Again, no problem. It was going to be warm so I grabbed a fleece blanket and decided I would buy a new pad on the way or in Ely.
When I stopped at the Northwest Outlet in Superior I found the ThermaRest NeoAir Xlite at 20% off so I grabbed one. For me it was a game-changer. It only weighs a pound, but it is 2 1/2" thick, 77" long, has an R-value of 3.2 and rolls up the size of a Nalgene water bottle! I am a side-sleeper and have never slept very well on wilderness trips, but on this baby my hips and shoulders never bottomed out and I slept very well.
What new piece of gear made your recent trip even better?
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06/13/2018 05:59PM |
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06/13/2018 06:16PM |
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06/13/2018 06:30PM |
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06/13/2018 07:06PM |
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06/13/2018 07:34PM |
A bear resistant barrel and a gravity filter. I used to spend probably an hour a day screwing with hanging the food bag and pumping water. Now I get to fish more!!!!
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06/13/2018 07:37PM |
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06/13/2018 08:14PM |
Wife and I had the same discussion as we paddled out and the winner was....
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 tent - her vote. It rained on us for 4 straight days. I had to set the tent up in the pitch dark and pouring rain, but managed to utilize the tent's ability to set up the rain fly first, and then the tent from inside out. For me, this purchase was a very close 2nd place, but it replaced a half decent Kelty tent I already had.
Garmin Striker 4 depth finder with lithium ion battery - my vote. Man, it is really fun to paddle a deep lake like Knife and just watch for fish as you go, as well as simply to think about the depth of what is below. It's like binge watching an addictive TV show as you paddle. I could also see a well defined, underlying solid rock layer below the bottom of knife, as if I was being able to see two different glacial etching periods.
Good topic.
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06/16/2018 06:39AM |
these folks were at copia, and by the sold out entrees, they must have gotten popular. i bought a years's worth at copia, so far they are delicious.
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06/16/2018 07:21AM |
I switched to a quilt this year. I love it!
I finally broke down and added a pillow, it’s a TNH inflatable. Best $15 I’ve ever spent, if you think a wadded up sweatshirt under your head is just as good think again. I slept great on this last trip.
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06/16/2018 10:50AM |
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06/16/2018 02:50PM |
May I ask how much you ended up paying for the ResMed Mini, and where did you purchase it? I have been looking at that model since it came on the market. What battery pack do you use? I have battery packs for my ResMed AirSense 10 but I never take it with because it large, bulky and I can only get 3 nights on 2 battery packs. I was wondering if the Mini would do better. I also travel often for work and would love to not have to drag the full size unit along all the time.
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06/16/2018 03:33PM |
Blue Skies!
cc
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09/20/2018 06:58PM |
I then ordered a Leki Chiller chair. It weighs 1 pound more than the Big Agnes but my, for a comfortable chair. I highly recommend the Leki if you are on the taller side.
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06/16/2018 03:50PM |
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06/16/2018 05:26PM |
2 CCS Pioneer packs for the kids
1 CCS Traditional pack for me
CCS Thwart bag
2 new 20 degree sleeping bags, don't remember the make off the top of my head
3 Thermarest pads
Kelty Noah tarp
MSR Elilxir 4 tent - just seam sealed it today
MSR cookset
MSR Pocket Rocket
2 inexpensive hammocks
1 Helinox camp chair (we already had 2)
Made 1 paddle, usable but not a piece of art, working on a 2nd, hope to do better
Now we have everything we need except a canoe....can't wait to try it all next month.
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06/16/2018 05:45PM |
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06/16/2018 07:33PM |
mgraber: "Agawa Canyon, Boreal 21 saw. Really an amazing saw. Also, a Trechology camp table. 40.00 for a medium hard top aluminum table that folds up small enough to poke in a pack for a base camp type trip. I would not take the table on one of our long distance trips, but it was amazing for our last base camp trip."
I like that saw also. When I think that I might need more than my 7" Silky, that is the one I bring.
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06/16/2018 08:15PM |
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06/17/2018 06:15AM |
TomT: "I switched from using a pad underneath me in my hammock and bought a Hammock Gear Incubator 20 Underquilt. So much more warm and comfortable!
"
welcome to the uq world.
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10/04/2018 07:52AM |
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09/24/2018 12:36PM |
Used on several trips so far and testing it this weekend in cooler temps.
Cut 6 pounds off my pack weight.
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09/22/2018 06:06AM |
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09/20/2018 12:11PM |
and we also found its break point! that's what we do! woot woot
so we are gonna get a new one eventually lol
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09/18/2018 11:08AM |
2) The Helionox Chair One. What a back saver. We also have some of the cheaper knock offs from Amazon that also perform just as well.
I wouldn't think of going on another trip without both of these.
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09/15/2018 09:11PM |
Zing-it dyneema chord is super light weight, super strong and has nearly no stretch. Best stuff available for ridgelines and guy outs. Dutch hooks, Fleaz, Wasps and Linelocks make knots obsolete.
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10/07/2018 03:32PM |
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10/07/2018 05:08PM |
Another game changer for me came today in the mail- I bought a Sven Folding Saw. I used one one time 30 years ago in Boy Scouts, and I've been wanting one for decades, but I'm too cheap. Couple weekends ago, after using a pruning saw to cut wood for a fire when backpacking, I'd had enough. Sure it was small and light, but it's too much work. So I picked up the 21" model, and it will fit nicely in my canoe bag as well as the side pocket of my backpack (for packing trips).
Oh, and one more- a Trekology inflatable pillow....if you are a side sleeper you need one of these! They are $15 over on Amazon, and are the knockoff version of the sea to summit inflatable pillow.
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10/07/2018 05:58PM |
From generic bag chair to a Marchway Chair (helinox sunset clone.) Awesome improvement, I actually napped in the marchway.
From A 3-21 Duluth Pack to a NRS HD Bill's Bag. The dry bag was everything I wanted it to be.
From Palladium Israeli Desert boots to LL Bean Cruiser Boots. From OMFG cold wet boots every day, to these beauties. This was a huge upgrade.
The addition of a sangean weather radio. This helped us plan our day.
The addition of a little expedition research stainless steel grill. Great for steaks.
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10/04/2018 08:27AM |
CCS Lean 3+ - perfect for 4 guys and a lot of gear. It's nice to have an ultralight shelter that you can stand up in (well mostly). I hate crawling out of a tent on my hands and knees especially when it's wet.
CCS 30L Quad Barrel pack - very comfortable and it's nice having an extra pocket both on top and on the sides. Also purchased a 30l Harmony barrel. I took a cutting board and cut it to a perfect circle on my bandsaw that fits on top of the lid so it won't slide around. It also fits in the barrel itself.
Silky Big Boy 2000 - cuts like a chainsaw both in speed and ease.
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10/04/2018 10:29AM |
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06/13/2018 08:40PM |
Other recent things:
Ridgeline stuff sack for my CCS tarp so I could pre-rig it and deploy quickly and easily even solo.
Ursacks to replace bear canisters, which saves weight and space.
Other things over the years:
Sawyer Water Filter Bottle for drinking on the go; gravity filter for camp vs. pump.
JetBoil Sol stove to replace old Colemans - lighter, smaller, faster, more efficient, more stable, easier to use.
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06/13/2018 09:07PM |
At 6’2” 210 my arms wont be falling off this at night and neither will my feet. Plus the insulation will allow me to use my down bag as a quilt if I need to cool down.
A close second would be my Vasques.
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06/13/2018 09:25PM |
Cold, Tasty, running water whenever you want without effort.
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06/13/2018 10:29PM |
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06/13/2018 10:34PM |
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06/13/2018 11:05PM |
Othello: "Not new, but I finally used my Chota Hippies on my trip in mid-May. I have never had an issue wet-footing, but these were, and will be a game changer for the shoulder seasons. The other little item that I picked up just before the trip was a Tie-Fast tool - game changer on the fishing front."
I looked into the Hippies, but with size 15 feet choices are very limited.
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06/13/2018 11:29PM |
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06/14/2018 07:05AM |
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06/14/2018 08:41AM |
Also i set up my new ccs tarp and marveled at it on my last trip but then the rain stopped. I look forward to getting rained on now!
Freeze dried MRE or back packing style meals were also a huge convenience for my last trip. Easy to cook and I even ate one meal while floating down the beartrap river with the wind at my back. Very nice :)
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06/14/2018 09:42AM |
Muck Boots
CCS Tarp
Gravity Filter
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06/14/2018 12:07PM |
Rs130754: "I like my Fry-Bakes they seem to be really well made. I also like my More pot from 4dog."
+1
I learned of the Fry-bake pans on this site. I have been using the Alpine Deep for several months. Made a pot cozy for it and it now does everything I needed from my 12cm Imuse cup and more.
Just placed and order for the Expedition. Not sure I need it as the Alpine Deep is so near perfect.
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06/14/2018 12:31PM |
Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn't cover it since they already paid for my home CPAP and I still have 2 years before I'm eligible to replace that one.
The only drawbacks I would bother to mention are
1) It is slightly noisy at the point where the air comes in to mask. The hose is thinner than a regular hose AND it narrows down at the mask connector so it does make some noise.
2) It is only compatible with 3 masks (obviously all Resmed) ... the F20 (full face) the N20 (nose only mask) and the P10? (nasal pillows). I used to use the OLD Resmed Quattro mask and liked it, and converted my home mask to the F20 when I got it and used it with my travel CPAP. It's a superior mask.
3) This is the biggest drawback - there is no humidifier. If you need to humidify the air, you have to buy a separate setup kit (hose, connector) and put some HumidX inserts in at the connector. This uses the moisture from your exhalation to humidify the incoming air. It's pretty ingenious, but I haven't used it yet. The sub-drawback is that the humidx inserts are ONLY compatible with the nasal mask or the nasal pillows, not the full face mask. My jaw goes slack when I sleep, so I've always used a full face mask. But I also started using a chin strap and since then, my mouth rarely opens... so I did a trial run on the nasal mask on my home machine to see how I liked it and it worked out just fine (more on that below.)
My first trip with the travel CPAP seemed at the time to be perfect. It easily packs into a small shaving kit and took up no space in my carry-on backpack. Previously, I had to carry a separate bag for my Resmed S9. It worked fine, the noise didn't terribly bother me, and at first I didn't feel any negative effects from the lack of humidification. But it was also a guys weekend, and there was lots of beer consumed, and aspirin taken for a sore back. When I got home, my spring allergies kicked back in and while in the midst of a sneezing fit, I ruptured a blood vessel in my nose and had a massive nosebleed that required a trip to the ER. Doctor said it was multiple issues... dry nose, thin blood from alcohol, platelets "lubricated" from the asprin prevented the bleeding from stopping, and high blood pressure... so I had to make some changes... got on BP meds, stopped taking aspirin, and tried using the nasal mask on my home machine to see if I could tolerate it so I could use it for the travel CPAP with the humidifier inserts. I also regularly use saline nasal spray, especially before I go to sleep and when I wake up. All is well now.
So... long story .... but yes, I give the Air Mini 2 thumbs up now that I've got all the kinks worked out. My respiratory tech recommended against using the Respironics Dreamstation Go because it wasn't much smaller than a home unit but I looked and it doesn't look any bigger than the Air Mini to me, and the two other main travel CPAPS like the HDM Z1 and the Somnetics Transcend, while cheaper, have a lot more problems. I'm happy with the purchase, but it wasn't cheap.
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06/14/2018 01:17PM |
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06/14/2018 01:56PM |
Back to actual canoe gear.
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06/14/2018 03:29PM |
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06/14/2018 04:15PM |
SinglePortage: "Thanks for the CPAP info, I will look into it. As it turns out, I do not mess with the humidifier and I use the nasal pillows so it should work well for me.
Back to actual canoe gear."
Yeah... should be perfect for you.
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06/14/2018 06:57PM |
Cot
Rocking chair
Light weight canoe
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06/14/2018 09:48PM |
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06/14/2018 10:13PM |
Last year I got a Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL4 tent, it's really nice to have a 6lb tent that can handle 3 of us, and the built in lights are nice when the kids are getting ready for bed.
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06/15/2018 08:47AM |
boonie: "Sawyer Water Filter Bottle for drinking on the go"
+1!
I picked up a Sawyer Squeeze just before our trip last month. It was great. We were able to fill it up and have a quick drink on the go. No carrying water or pulling out the gravity filter after a long portage. Small, light, and easy!
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06/15/2018 09:24AM |
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06/17/2018 09:11AM |
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06/17/2018 11:01AM |
Silky Gomboy Saw
Sawyer Gravity Filter
Kelty Noah Tarp 12 ft
Tested in the backyard, but can't wait to put them to real use!
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06/17/2018 11:16AM |
Compact, light, easy to start a fire because of the draft. Thing is very economical of wood in use.
it's right of the fire pit. Sorry no photos in use as it rained every nite.Over the last 45 days it has been used 7 times, 3 nites at Road America 4 nites at Trails End. A commercial (park or gas station) $5 bundle of wood has lasted over 5 hours. No need to split further the bundled pieces due to the airflow. Perfect for public campground use, at lest for me.
butthead
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06/17/2018 12:22PM |
bwcasolo: "TomT: "I switched from using a pad underneath me in my hammock and bought a Hammock Gear Incubator 20 Underquilt. So much more warm and comfortable!
"
welcome to the uq world."
I should have done it years ago but there was always another priority. It’s pretty awesome.
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06/18/2018 12:05PM |
I haven't actually used this yet. It's on its way from Amazon. The reviews look good. I've gone without a fire for several years because I don't enjoy hunting for wood and maintaining a regular-sized fire. This little stove will provide cooking, heat, and ambiance with a small quantity of wood.
Also this single-burner propane stove: https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Portable-Backpacking-ignition-Carrying/dp/B01LW87Z9O?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_dp Used it on a recent trip and loved it.
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06/19/2018 01:46PM |
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06/19/2018 03:32PM |
-Nemo Bugout tarp, I think this thing saved my marriage. Pre-rigged on continuous ridgeline with stuff sack that stays on the line.
-Thermarest Ultralite Cot. Under 3 pounds and finally lets me side sleep comfortably
-Exped Mega Pillow, again, for side sleeping it was perfect.
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06/19/2018 12:55PM |
it has more width and doesn't pinch my shoulders any more and is easier to roll up and over the wall of the hammock. it's just a bit easier.
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06/19/2018 10:45PM |
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06/19/2018 07:41PM |
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06/23/2018 02:55PM |
Swampturtle: "I replaced my small but bulky eton crank/solar weather radio that had unnecessary features with a tiny weather radio that takes 2 aaa batteries (same as my headlamp). I used it last month in the BW. I like to hear the weather trend & it worked perfectly. It has the time, am/fm, weather bands, alarm-set to buzz or radio & its small. Antenna is integrated into the handle. I am happy with it.
UST weatherband radio "
Does it have alerts so it will turn on if bad weather is coming?
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06/22/2018 04:59PM |
The hellinox table we acquired this year worked out great it was a good addition to our kitchen set up
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06/22/2018 10:06PM |
tombo131: "-Nemo Bugout tarp, I think this thing saved my marriage."
Ha! That's awesome, Tom...and duly noted!
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06/24/2018 12:40AM |
proepro: "
Does it have alerts so it will turn on if bad weather is coming?"
This one offers alerts and weather and no AM/FM interference from the outside world for the same price. It is tiny.
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06/24/2018 11:43PM |
They are still great. I know I could go without it, but it's just so nice to have the back support.
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06/25/2018 10:51AM |
dasunt: "Picked up a flexlite chair from REI to replace an old one.
They are still great. I know I could go without it, but it's just so nice to have the back support."
I love my flexlite. Now they have one that rocks but is like $175. I did buy a 2nd ultra light weigh chair on amazon and it was half the price as REI but the same size/weight. Going to see how they both hold up.
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06/26/2018 08:46AM |
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06/26/2018 11:14AM |
melnik: "Katadyn BeFree water filter. I don't use this for backpacking. I don't use it in camp. But there's no better water filter for when your'e humping it across a lake in a canoe. You just stick the squeeze bottle over the side, fill with water, screw on the filter, and drink fresh, cold lake water. The filter flows at a very high rate, so there's no frantic sucking and squeezing to get water. This filter has done more to keep me hydrated when canoeing and portaging than any other method I've tried (although I've only used it on one trip, Sylvania). We had some bluebird 90-plus days, and we all know how those days can bake you in a canoe. This filter was a trip-saver. And I believe it is uniquely suited to canoeing."
Interesting. This is the problem I've had with in-bottle filters - you have to work harder to get the water out than you would to just carry a pump and pump water into the bottle. That's why I never used my Exstream after the first time. I don't remember who made it, but I think it was Katadyn. I'm gonna check this out.
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06/26/2018 12:43PM |
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10/05/2018 09:52AM |
My Exped sleeping pad was a really big one. Being able to get a good night's sleep is a big deal. It is the difference between surviving and thriving.
More recently my CCS Hybrid Pioneer pack is a big game changer. The comfort and functionality make a big difference on little things that can cause undue stress. Like the handles to take it in and out of the canoe. 2 handles to be able to control the weight spreads out the pressure on your back and shoulders conserving energy and reducing strain.
My blue barrel is going to make a big difference too. Haven't used it yet but having the barrel as a table as well as not having to hang it means convenience and less work giving me more time to enjoy being out there.
Lastly is my canoe I just bought. 17' Grumman Eagle. We are used to using 15' canoes of similar weight so the extra space should be nice and it should be easier to paddle as well. It's not as much of a game changer as it is an upgrade that improves efficiency leaving me with more time and energy to do fun things like fishing and swimming.