BWCA Little things that make a BIG difference Boundary Waters Gear Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Gear Forum
      Little things that make a BIG difference     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

Mad_Angler
distinguished member(1720)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/13/2009 12:39PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I can think of a zillion things fit this description. Many were learned on this forum.

What little things have others used to make things better/easier in the BW??

Here are few to get things started:
- Bungee Dealee Bobs
- Leather work gloves: great for hoisting the food bag and working firewood
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
04/13/2009 01:10PM  
Those really TINY little LED lights that weigh nothing and take up almost no space at all. I keep one in my personal pack and if I can't get to sleep at night because Spartan1 is snoring (sleep apnea--can't use the CPAP machine in the BW)I can read until I get really sleepy. Or write in my journal.
 
Humdinger
distinguished member(578)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/13/2009 04:29PM  
I haven't been in since I joined the forum, but things I learned and will be using on this summers trip:

1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too.
2. Better bear bag hanging methods & ways to throw ropes over.
3. Basketball nets for anchors.
4. I'm not the only person to bring a plastic bucket in.
5. Sources for better tarps.
6. Blue barrels are not bear proof, but I got one for $18 from a craigs list posting I saw here.
7. Be careful reading the gear forum... I'm investing in better gear each time I go in and it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other.

 
silverback
distinguished member(585)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/13/2009 05:35PM  
The one luxury item that I must have, is a camp chair with a back on it.
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
04/13/2009 06:13PM  
A hammock gets my vote, great after a long day.
 
Vikinfan
distinguished member (312)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/13/2009 07:07PM  
For those who focus on fishing a basketball net anchor (or two) is one o the best and simplest solutions I have found on this board. Not sure who cme up with it.
 
kennk
distinguished member (416)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/13/2009 07:19PM  
Can someone elaborate on the bungee dealee bobs?

Do I need 24 of them too? Maybe 36 would be better?
 
04/13/2009 07:32PM  
 
dschuett
member (24)member
  
04/13/2009 07:33PM  
Nothing beats the convenience of a head lamp.
 
04/13/2009 08:20PM  
a journal and a pen.
 
wetcanoedog
distinguished member(4442)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
04/13/2009 08:21PM  
fingernail clippers..i can't stand a torn or busted nail..works for opening freeze dry meal pouches also--
 
SIRT
distinguished member (236)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/13/2009 08:33PM  
Bear bag pulley system! I used to do it the hard way, never again will I fight to get the food pack off the ground. Sometimes I lower the food pack just so I can remember how easy it is to raise it back up. Good stuff

My two cents,
Travis
 
04/13/2009 08:38PM  
ill add this too. the counter assault bear keg. piece of mind is a great thing.
 
oth
Guest Paddler
  
04/13/2009 09:12PM  
Entry Badge spring clips used for clothespins to hang wet socks.
 
04/13/2009 09:24PM  
My Katadyn Extream. My buddy forgot to fill up his nalgene before we headed out on our last trip, and all I had to do was dip ....

 
04/13/2009 09:29PM  
Smartwool boxers. Need I say more?
 
04/13/2009 09:31PM  
ok..one more. baby wipes. (along mergansers line)
 
04/13/2009 11:34PM  
Leatherman (or similar) multi tool and duct tape. Dont leave home without them.
 
Mad_Angler
distinguished member(1720)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/14/2009 08:02AM  
Okay, I'll add some more too:

- crazy creek chairs
- basketball net for anchor rocks
- headlamps (definitely a must)
- hammock (defintely a must too)
 
bassmaster
distinguished member(758)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/14/2009 08:46AM  
Yard Guard for a relaxing time at the latrine.
 
lansford2002
senior member (70)senior membersenior member
  
04/14/2009 09:11AM  
1. Permethrin that I put on my clothing
2. Ursack with an aluminum liner (so great not to hang food)
 
dicecupmaker
distinguished member(2102)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/14/2009 03:25PM  
Zip strips (2 or 3 sizes) and of course Duck Tape. "If you can't be hansome, might as well be handy" I can't spell, but my math sucks.
 
MrWalleye
distinguished member (365)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/21/2009 01:31PM  
Flavorpacks to put in the water bottle. Orange and Fruit Punch get my vote.
 
04/21/2009 04:57PM  
not all of these are "little" things, but they all make a big difference

headlamp
crazy creek long back chair
gulp
kevlar
tyvek
merino wool
modern synthetic fabric clothing
updated maps

 
04/22/2009 07:38AM  
Yard Guard - 5 sec around the perch, and relax.
 
lsvanderploeg
distinguished member (108)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/22/2009 09:13PM  
One thing that always make a huge difference is duct tape.
Takes care of almost everything.
 
neverfales
distinguished member (117)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/22/2009 10:51PM  
Individual hot sauce packets from Popeyes chicken. Tabasco sauce packets, if you can find them. An easy way to make every dinner better.
 
Woodbender
distinguished member (257)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/23/2009 06:33AM  
Spare hank of 500lb para chord (3/16" stuff) for tarp engineering.
Chair for my Dad.
Food bucket for the crushable stuff - makes a great seat for the cook (gets hung in the bag at night)

Foot long (or more) velcro straps to wrap around thwarts etc on portages (don't have BDBs yet). Buy it by the yard at a fabric store. Get the "real" stuff not the "arts and crafts" crap.

Cedarstrip canoe (not "little thing" but essential).

 
04/23/2009 08:41AM  
I generally leave all electronics behind but on the last two trips I took small walkie-talkies and found them VERY useful when two canoes needed to communicate. I like to send one canoe looking for a campsite one direction while the other looks elsewhere and then use the walkie-talkie to compare notes. Also useful for keeping in touch when fishing or exploring different areas.
 
Needleguy
senior member (78)senior membersenior member
  
04/23/2009 09:31AM  
Duck Tape! you can do anything with this stuff. Broken ankle 15 miles in.
 
natnkath
member (39)member
  
04/23/2009 10:21AM  
Some are not so little but make life easier

1.Bungee Dealee bobs

2. Solar shower Only goes when the wife and daughter come

3. Basketball net for anchor

4. Block and tackle for lifting food pack

5. Looking forward in trying out the tennis ball with rocks for throwing the rope up for food pack and hanging tarp. And then using the same tennis ball for the tarp if I need a center pole.

 
Bearfoot
distinguished member (192)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/23/2009 02:23PM  
TP is small in size but very important. Trips would be alot different without it. :)

C
 
04/23/2009 07:28PM  
Baby wipes! I laughed at my brother when he brought them. Now I'm a believer.
 
Woodbender
distinguished member (257)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2009 06:43AM  
Needleguy - that's a great demonstration of the fine qualities of duck tape. But I can think of better circumstances. What trip was that on? Was that your ankle?

BTW - nice splint work.
 
marsonite
distinguished member(2468)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2009 08:01AM  
Dried hamburger
 
bmac78
senior member (93)senior membersenior member
  
04/24/2009 10:41AM  
Yeah nice duct tape, but it looks like you got your butt kicked by Macgyver
 
apaulsen5
distinguished member (144)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2009 10:47AM  
Kool-aid mix
Rain Fly- Nice to relax under on those rainy days
 
card0056
senior member (61)senior membersenior member
  
04/24/2009 12:55PM  
Rod floater's: You only have to lose a pole once to start using these. Swim Goggles: You only have to lose a pole once to wish you had a set of these to find your fishing pole that you wish you had a rod floater on.
 
PolishPaddler
distinguished member (105)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2009 04:06PM  
-Permethrin for the ticks and bugs
-Sponge for the canoe and also to wipe dew off of anything in the morning.
 
Merlin
distinguished member (377)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/24/2009 04:33PM  
Gold Bond
 
Needleguy
senior member (78)senior membersenior member
  
04/24/2009 05:46PM  
August 08'- Sawbill Entry point. It happen to be my first trip in many years. My buddy (a first timer) broke his ankle while trying to retrieve his fishing lure from an over hanging tree along the shoreline. His ankle wedged between two rocks as he lost his footing and fell sideways.
 
04/25/2009 07:21AM  
Hand lotion
chapstick
moleskin
extra pair of sun glasses
and finally...
the pee bottle
 
04/25/2009 08:17AM  
Have never used a pee bottle camping. Past Jan. backpacking trip I got up 3 times one night (15 deg w/ 25 mph wind)so I may give it a try. Thanks TomT.
 
Merlin
distinguished member (377)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/25/2009 09:46AM  
I don't want to hijack this thread but...
I went winter camping twice this past year. One night the temp got down to -25. I had to get up twice to go (had a few cocktails that evening). It was cold and inconvenient but I still would NEVER consider a pee bottle. I just don't get that.
 
bmac78
senior member (93)senior membersenior member
  
04/25/2009 10:15AM  
Safety is key . for me anyways
 
Big Ying
distinguished member (178)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/26/2009 09:59AM  
Freezer bags work great as a substitute for a pee bottle. Greater margin for error too.
 
04/26/2009 10:40AM  
I'll start another thread for pee bottles.
 
04/26/2009 02:46PM  
glad, write-on freezer bags. just copy the cooking directions.
 
04/26/2009 03:00PM  
"""it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other."""

I don't know about the rest of you, but i found that to be a very funny (and true) statement.
 
minnesotamatt
distinguished member (156)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/01/2009 11:11PM  
headlamp and duct tape
 
JJD
senior member (67)senior membersenior member
  
05/02/2009 09:43PM  
o.k. some unmentioned items

neoprene socks
a fish cleaning glove
zip ties
surgical needle and thread(sewed our wounds more than once)
iodine
tweezers and a razorblade
 
05/03/2009 07:37AM  
What is a fish cleaning glove?

This sounds like a good idea. I'd like to get my son and nephew to start learning how to filet and protection is a good idea.
 
Castaway
distinguished member (218)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/03/2009 07:47AM  
Here you go, Tom: Rapala Fillet Glove
 
lundojam
distinguished member(2726)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/03/2009 06:44PM  
One time I was cleaning out the garage, and grabbed an old-fashioned aluminum lawn chair and was struck by how very light it was. I brought it to the BWCA and everyone laughed at me, but it worked GREAT. Bungeed it to the Duluth pack for portaging, and it kept the pack off the floor enough to keep it dry. About one-third the weight of a chair in a bag, but the big draw-back is it LOOKS DUMB. Any way, I recommend it. They cost a dollar at gargae sales.
 
indyjoe
member (44)member
  
05/07/2011 10:46PM  
quote Humdinger: "I haven't been in since I joined the forum, but things I learned and will be using on this summers trip:

1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too.

2. Better bear bag hanging methods & ways to throw ropes over.

3. Basketball nets for anchors.

4. I'm not the only person to bring a plastic bucket in.

5. Sources for better tarps.

6. Blue barrels are not bear proof, but I got one for $18 from a craigs list posting I saw here.

7. Be careful reading the gear forum... I'm investing in better gear each time I go in and it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other."

Humdinger,
great tips. how does one make BDB's? Thanks.
 
05/08/2011 02:27AM  
#4- sharp axe and knife
#3 rope
#2-- dry matches along with canoe paddles --- Solo trip, you lose a paddle and you better have an axe.
#1-- a good attidude among group memembers no matter what the situation.
 
520eek
distinguished member(1384)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/08/2011 03:39AM  
Reading all the different info on this site....really helps in mental preparation! It's all good!! : )
 
jrlatt
distinguished member (479)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/08/2011 09:53AM  
Adams Sunblocker Hat. I have been told it is very ugly. It is one of my best pieces of gear that I always take. It is good in rain and sun. When I am getting hot I will dunk it in the lake. I us it a lot. If it is raining I will take my hat before an umbrella. I have also used it reroofing a couple of houses.

Adams Sunblocker

Jrlatt
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
05/08/2011 10:15AM  
1) wool socks
2) knee high rubber boots
3) Permethrin
4) basketball net anchor
5) keens
6) BDB's
7) wood clothes pins
8) CCS tarp
9) waterproof matches/firesteel
10) gamma seal lids on buckets


You can take a trip and not bring any of these things listed but they sure make things better.
 
05/08/2011 10:28AM  
XXL Zip-Loc bags. Perfect for lining your Duluth Pack. And, a pair of pliers.
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
05/08/2011 04:59PM  
quote Scout64: "XXL Zip-Loc bags. Perfect for lining your Duluth Pack. And, a pair of pliers."

I just have been using the heavy bags to roll up. Where do you buy bags that have a ziplock feature for a Duluth Pack?
 
05/08/2011 05:09PM  
My permit. :)

After that, a good butane lighter.
 
Noslen
senior member (80)senior membersenior member
  
05/08/2011 06:37PM  
Savage Voyaguer--HomeDepot, Lowes, Target all sell XXL Ziploc bags (believe 3XL). I use the same, work great.
 
moosewatcher
distinguished member (152)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/08/2011 07:07PM  
Been bringing baby wipes for ten years. Don't leave home with out them.
 
moosewatcher
distinguished member (152)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/08/2011 07:07PM  
Been bringing baby wipes for ten years. Don't leave home with out them.
 
Frenchy
distinguished member(1065)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/08/2011 08:31PM  
Zip-loc reusable vacuum bags.
2-3 pulley food bag hanging system.
Jello-mold oven. (Mine cost $1.99 at good will store)
I carry gorp in plastic koolaid containers with screw on lids.They float and keep it dry.
 
Humdinger
distinguished member(578)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/08/2011 08:40PM  
quote indyjoe: "
quote Humdinger: "I haven't been in since I joined the forum, but things I learned and will be using on this summers trip:

1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too.

2. Better bear bag hanging methods & ways to throw ropes over.

3. Basketball nets for anchors.

4. I'm not the only person to bring a plastic bucket in.

5. Sources for better tarps.

6. Blue barrels are not bear proof, but I got one for $18 from a craigs list posting I saw here.

7. Be careful reading the gear forum... I'm investing in better gear each time I go in and it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other."

Humdinger,
great tips. how does one make BDB's? Thanks."

The old scout ones are pretty good, but I wanted mine slightly longer and heavier t-bars. We made 144 of them for our boy scouts crew so we had lots of free labor too ;-)

Buy 1/4" pex tube in a five foot length at menards or home depot, cut to length desired, buy 1/8" elastic cord and ecliptical cord locks from REI, and we made a little drill jig fixture for drilling.
Cut the loops to length and burn the ends after you tie the knot.
 
05/08/2011 08:44PM  
Mini-fan that runs on 2 AA batteries. It's a great way to stoke a fire
 
dsk
distinguished member (228)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/09/2011 02:22AM  
Windscreen for the stove.
The 20 gram alu sheet secure the dinner making, when its windy.
dsk
 
05/09/2011 07:42AM  
quote Needleguy: "Duck Tape! you can do anything with this stuff. Broken ankle 15 miles in. "


Maybe I have missed this story on this site before but - HOLY COW!!!
That is impressive and must have made for an intersting trip out...
 
OBX2Kayak
distinguished member(4401)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/09/2011 09:50PM  
A pair of pliers (or similar tool). Use them to grab hot pots, adjust a hot grate and, for repair tasks.
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
05/09/2011 09:56PM  
quote wb4syth: "
quote Needleguy: "Duck Tape! you can do anything with this stuff. Broken ankle 15 miles in. "



Maybe I have missed this story on this site before but - HOLY COW!!!
That is impressive and must have made for an intersting trip out..."



Nice job on the splint. Must have been painful getting that duct tape off with all that hair. Did you pull it off fast or slow?
 
05/09/2011 09:57PM  
quote moosewatcher: "Been bringing baby wipes for ten years. Don't leave home with out them."

I gotta agree. Baby wipes. Little things...BIG difference.
 
LoneWolf
distinguished member(1480)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/09/2011 11:03PM  

-Gamma Seal and 5 gallon buckets
-BDB's
-Contractor Bags for liners
-Baby wipes

 
Mad_Angler
distinguished member(1720)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/10/2011 07:43AM  
Some of my favorites (may al;ready be listed in this thread):

Rawhide leather gloves. Great for hoisting bear bags and playing with the fire.

Kitty litter buckets. Great for protecting and sorting food. Also provide places to sit and surface to cook on.
 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
05/10/2011 08:05AM  
quote Humdinger: "1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too."

I don't think the name is trademarked, but there's only one BDB. In fairness to Old Scout and his business, homemade knockoffs probably shouldn't be called BDBs. Maybe a little anal, but that's how I feel about OS and his gear.
 
bobber#3
Guest Paddler
  
05/10/2011 06:44PM  
mesh dish drying bag. Wash, rinse and toss your dishes into a mesh bag to air dry. Hang on tree nearby, and they are ready for the next meal. No towel drying needed.
 
jrlatt
distinguished member (479)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/10/2011 10:34PM  
Bobber#3 That is something that I will try my next trip.

Jrlatt
 
05/11/2011 08:32AM  
Chocolate.
 
PineKnot
distinguished member(2021)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/11/2011 09:48AM  
Bic Lighters

Digital Voice Recorder (about twice as big as a bic lighter)

1" Black Pipe Insulation Foam (similar to noodles used by kids in swimming pools) for the gunwales on the bow...my son loved the confort after bruising his knees/shins on a 10-day trip the year before.

 
redoleary
distinguished member (429)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/11/2011 10:37AM  
Head lamp.

Knowing the right knot for a given job, and how to tie it.
 
Old Hoosier
distinguished member(636)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/11/2011 12:25PM  
My list includes:

1) Jello mold oven
2) Solar shower
3) LED head lamps
4) Broiling fish (no oil)
5) Hammock versus tent
6) kevlar canoes

Old Hoosier
 
mc2mens
distinguished member(3311)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/11/2011 11:48PM  
quote Jackfish: "
quote Humdinger: "1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too."

I don't think the name is trademarked, but there's only one BDB. In fairness to Old Scout and his business, homemade knockoffs probably shouldn't be called BDBs. Maybe a little anal, but that's how I feel about OS and his gear."

I agree with this sentiment.
 
05/12/2011 02:52AM  
Clothespins (non-spring kind)
Some type of fire starter (I prefer fatwood)
Learning how to tie good knots.
Tennis ball for topping a tarp pole.
 
jjjds1999
senior member (91)senior membersenior member
  
05/12/2011 08:14AM  
What is a jello mold oven? I've seen it mentioned a couple times.
 
jjjds1999
senior member (91)senior membersenior member
  
05/12/2011 08:37AM  
quote jjjds1999: "What is a jello mold oven? I've seen it mentioned a couple times."

I found the thread on the jello mold oven. Sounds great! I'm going to look around for a jello mold & surprise my husband by baking on our next trip! We have a Coleman oven for car camping, but can't take that when weight and space are at a minimum.
 
05/12/2011 12:17PM  
My Wife!
 
mr.barley
distinguished member(7231)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
05/12/2011 02:20PM  
quote snakecharmer: "Baby wipes! I laughed at my brother when he brought them. Now I'm a believer."

I laugh at your brother's "ways" all the time.
 
letsgoagain
distinguished member (117)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/12/2011 09:43PM  
Welding glove "blue beast" - use as a heavy duty oven mitt. You can pick up any pot or pan, or a potato straight from the coals. Or you can pick up the coals and logs themselves to rearrange the fire.
 
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/05/2012 10:52AM  


I always bring a few of these little S-biners. Great for hanging wet clothes (ones with a loop)out on the line or branch without having them blow away. Also works to clip my water bottle to my vest or pant loop so I can hike hands free. Lotsa uses, Use your imagination.
 
Old Hoosier
distinguished member(636)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/05/2012 11:41AM  
I posted in 2011, but would add:

1) foam pipe insulation for bow paddlers' knee protection
2) battery powered fish finder. It really,really helps.
3) refrigeration free packets-mayo,ketchup,mustard,relish,hot sauce, etc
4) KMnO4 and glycol fire starter
5) foil packed tuna and chicken
6) NIDA whole dehydrated milk

Old Hoosier
 
mjmkjun
distinguished member(2885)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/05/2012 03:32PM  
A good nights sleep is taken for granted till you don't get one. So, I'd say the ExPed Air Mattress is #1. Sweet dreams.
2. Fire Paste.
3. Pee Bottle. Have been so glad to just step outside the tent for it instead of getting dressed, finding flashlight, get assaulted by skeeters, etc. An idea I learned about here. It's so simple, so convenient but would have not thought of bringing one. In the light of dawn, after I empty it, I rinse with light solution of 3 drops Clorox + water which disinfects, deodorizes the container. Totally non-gross.
 
Intrekid
distinguished member (172)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/05/2012 05:51PM  
quote neverfales: "Individual hot sauce packets from Popeyes chicken. Tabasco sauce packets, if you can find them. An easy way to make every dinner better."



Heck ya! Popeye's is somewhat of a pre-trip tradition for me- great place to stock up the mess kit! Louisiana hot sauce, Cajun Sparkle seasoning, lemon and honey all in neat little packets!
 
01/05/2012 06:50PM  
For me, a good map case makes a difference.
 
jeroldharter
distinguished member(1531)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/05/2012 06:56PM  
Not much missed on all these posts. The only thing i have to add is knots.

Knowing a wide array of knots can solve alot of problems. Along with that, lightweight rope like Zing-It is really nice, especially with Dutch clips and Dutch Flys for hanging ridge lines and clotheslines. I rig up a Lean or hammock, a tarp, and a clothesline so having ultralight rope with ultra-quick setup/takedown is really nice.
 
OBX2Kayak
distinguished member(4401)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/05/2012 07:23PM  
quote Savage Voyageur: "A hammock gets my vote, great after a long day."


+1 I'm sold on hanging.
 
01/06/2012 03:31PM  
quote mjmkjun: "A good nights sleep is taken for granted till you don't get one. So, I'd say the ExPed Air Mattress is #1. Sweet dreams.
2. Fire Paste.
3. Pee Bottle. Have been so glad to just step outside the tent for it instead of getting dressed, finding flashlight, get assaulted by skeeters, etc. An idea I learned about here. It's so simple, so convenient but would have not thought of bringing one. In the light of dawn, after I empty it, I rinse with light solution of 3 drops Clorox + water which disinfects, deodorizes the container. Totally non-gross."

I always take in a 32 oz. gatorade (or equivalent, the wider top the better) and consume on the first day in. The empty then becomes my pee bottle for the duration. No confusion with the other bottles, no disinfecting at the end, just discard after you're out. Easy.
 
jb in the wild
distinguished member(2651)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/06/2012 03:41PM  
quote Spartan2: "Those really TINY little LED lights that weigh nothing and take up almost no space at all. I keep one in my personal pack and if I can't get to sleep at night because Spartan1 is snoring (sleep apnea--can't use the CPAP machine in the BW)I can read until I get really sleepy. Or write in my journal."


Spartan2 all I can say is ear plugs. Just 1 more tip hope it helps.

JB
 
01/06/2012 05:26PM  
Toilet paper; forgot it once, never, ever again.
 
jackson
member (34)member
  
01/10/2012 03:19PM  
quote OBX2Kayak: "
quote Savage Voyageur: "A hammock gets my vote, great after a long day."



+1 I'm sold on hanging."


+2 never to sleep on the ground again. my back thanks me.
 
Naguethey
distinguished member (222)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/10/2012 07:16PM  
Taking the time to build a really comfortable canoe seat with a back rest and adding footrest to the canoe... Worlds of differance in lower back strain and a long day of paddling.

And a hammock for relaxing later.

And most important.. Old plastic army canteens full of rum to mix with coolaid at night =)
 
01/11/2012 07:29AM  
A comfy padded seat.

Phillips Amareto to go in the coffee in the mornings.

Hammock.

A good tough fishing rod.

A hat with a 360 degree brim.

Sunglasses.

Allen Mountaineer pack saw.
 
TIMMY
distinguished member (270)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/11/2012 09:00AM  
KEVLAR.
TITANIUM.
CARBON FIBER.

Ok, maybe those are BIG things that make a BIG difference. I'll try again.

Little things:
HOT SAUCE
MSR SALT/PEPPER SHAKER
CAMP CHAIR (MY BIGGEST LUXURY)
REI MINI SPATULA
http://www.rei.com/product/765767/rei-campware-mini-spatula
SNOWPEAK 600 TI MUG
ZEBRALIGHT HEADLAMP
GSI COFFEE FILTER
VELCRO WRAPS (PREFER OVER THE BUNGEES)
OLD LITTLE SILVA COMPASS
BIC LIGHTER

 
01/11/2012 09:40AM  
Little things:

Bungee Dealy Bob's #1
Leatherman Tool on my side
Lanyard with nippers and wistle around my neck and tucked in my shirt.
Headlamp Tikka Plus
Small Flashlight Princton Tec BLAST Flashlight with Carribeaner to hang inside of tent. (GET ONE OF THESE YOU WILL LOVE IT)
Butt Wipes
Permethrin on my clothes (pre-treated before trip)
Cotton Balls smeared with Vasoline in STUFFED in Film Canister for starting fires
SunCatcher
 
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/11/2012 10:13AM  


The spice wheel!

But, the mouse comes in handy for browsing on bwca.com :)

Indispensible gear

Cant go without
 
Darcyn
distinguished member (225)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/11/2012 11:28AM  
My old Fire fighter gloves. Great for grabbing pots, rearranging a fire
 
Stumbler
member (18)member
  
01/12/2012 07:11AM  
Swimming Noodles for knee and leg protection against canoe sides, a shaker of Johnny's seasoning salt(best season salt ever and now need for a spice wheel or multiple shakers) and a lot of the other stuff mentioned.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next