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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum What is your one item? |
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01/16/2018 10:16PM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Trying to self-outfit and think I'm getting close. Looking for the one thing (or more) you have found to be useful that doesn't appear on a standard list of what an outfitter provides on a complete package. Thanks
01/17/2018 06:42AM
listed under previously mentioned items......
the best lightweight tarp (w/bug screening?) you can afford. worth every penny on those all-day rainy days when in basecamp mode. it's the kind of item you wish you had when stuck in confines of a tent for too long.
hurrah for open air/breezes
edited to add:
a foot of tenacious tape
am/fm/weather radio (Sangean DT 400w)
the best lightweight tarp (w/bug screening?) you can afford. worth every penny on those all-day rainy days when in basecamp mode. it's the kind of item you wish you had when stuck in confines of a tent for too long.
hurrah for open air/breezes
edited to add:
a foot of tenacious tape
am/fm/weather radio (Sangean DT 400w)
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Sir Isaac Newton
01/17/2018 06:54AM
I'm not sure what's on all outfitters' lists; they are a good starting point, but you need to develop your own packing list. One thing I'll note is that I don't bring everything that's on a lot of those lists, and a lot of what I bring is probably a little different.
I don't bring a chair, although I did graduate to a "butt pad" last fall. Other things I don't bring are an ax, saw, lantern, reflector oven, extensive kitchen items, food pack and hanging paraphernalia (I don't), fishing equipment, solar shower, etc.
Things that may not be on there that I find useful are "painters". I also bring a spare paddle. Other stuff would be more personal items - not necessary - like a small notebook and pen. A camera. Plackers.
I don't bring a chair, although I did graduate to a "butt pad" last fall. Other things I don't bring are an ax, saw, lantern, reflector oven, extensive kitchen items, food pack and hanging paraphernalia (I don't), fishing equipment, solar shower, etc.
Things that may not be on there that I find useful are "painters". I also bring a spare paddle. Other stuff would be more personal items - not necessary - like a small notebook and pen. A camera. Plackers.
01/17/2018 08:15AM
Two here. First the seat pad, sort of like a canoe seat but folds out triple. I've never not found a great spot for it, light, indestructible, and helps a lot if you have a pad failure. I discovered it was the preferred seat for Philmont rangers over any folding chair or stool.
Second, a piece of heavy plastic - mine is about 2' x 3' - which I call a table cloth - to put food on and keep the dirt and pine needles and such out of food. After meals usually on a slightly sloping rock it's where I wash, rinse, and dry dishes.
Second, a piece of heavy plastic - mine is about 2' x 3' - which I call a table cloth - to put food on and keep the dirt and pine needles and such out of food. After meals usually on a slightly sloping rock it's where I wash, rinse, and dry dishes.
01/17/2018 08:38AM
Pretty much always self-outfitted, but have gone over outfitter lists. Most are awfully compete or almost excessive to me.
2 things they cannot supply, good attitude and sense of humor.
butthead
2 things they cannot supply, good attitude and sense of humor.
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
01/17/2018 09:29AM
Here's one I just remembered - the most useful change I've made recently is my Sawyer Water Filter Bottle for drinking on the go vs. carrying bottles full of water, so you might want to think about a water filter bottle. A gravity filter is a great thing for camp, btw.
01/17/2018 09:42AM
Sorry, more than one, all up to personal preference:
1) More paracord than you think you'll need
2) Extra TP in a sealed plastic bag
3) Luci Lights (replaces much heavier lanterns and flashlights)
Things I have taken but no longer take:
1) Solar Shower/Camp Sink
2) Extra hat
3) Extra food - (we eat fish whenever we can, and always end up with much leftover dehydrated stuff)
4) Saw/hatchet (we baton small downed wood with a full tang knife)
5) 70% of the fishing gear I used to take stays home
1) More paracord than you think you'll need
2) Extra TP in a sealed plastic bag
3) Luci Lights (replaces much heavier lanterns and flashlights)
Things I have taken but no longer take:
1) Solar Shower/Camp Sink
2) Extra hat
3) Extra food - (we eat fish whenever we can, and always end up with much leftover dehydrated stuff)
4) Saw/hatchet (we baton small downed wood with a full tang knife)
5) 70% of the fishing gear I used to take stays home
01/17/2018 12:54PM
Really? One item?
There is no such thing! One item just leads to the next and on and on it goes. Why do you think my garage is full of canoeing stuff? I keep accumulating just one more thing year after year. New stuff comes out and I just keep picking up that "just one more item."
Really, I think it may be an illness.
Likely listed on the mental health DSM codes.
There is no such thing! One item just leads to the next and on and on it goes. Why do you think my garage is full of canoeing stuff? I keep accumulating just one more thing year after year. New stuff comes out and I just keep picking up that "just one more item."
Really, I think it may be an illness.
Likely listed on the mental health DSM codes.
01/17/2018 03:04PM
A box of wine.
Sounds ridiculous but we have a glass or two the night before Then another glass or two a night. 4 bottles in one box seems like a lot, but with 4 guys that's a bottle a person over however many nights. After going with 2 guys and bringing less, I'd bring the box again and just not worry about finishing it. The cardboard can be crushed or burned to make it pack smaller. We always either cut off or crush the corners.
Sounds ridiculous but we have a glass or two the night before Then another glass or two a night. 4 bottles in one box seems like a lot, but with 4 guys that's a bottle a person over however many nights. After going with 2 guys and bringing less, I'd bring the box again and just not worry about finishing it. The cardboard can be crushed or burned to make it pack smaller. We always either cut off or crush the corners.
01/17/2018 03:06PM
I bring an 8" X 36" thin, light weight laminated board for fileting. I place it right across the gunnels while out on the water and clean fish in the canoe. Usually less bugs, less back ache and just toss the guts over the side.
01/17/2018 05:17PM
AmarilloJim: "I bring an 8" X 36" thin, light weight laminated board for fileting. I place it right across the gunnels while out on the water and clean fish in the canoe. Usually less bugs, less back ache and just toss the guts over the side."
I'm a BWCA newb, is tossing fish guts over the side allowed by the wilderness rules?
01/17/2018 05:32PM
In the theme of thread: Do not bring fishguts (not permitted for water dumping) to BWCA. For me, I bring a liter of water per person. Gets you closer to the first night location without having to worry about water and served as a drinking container while at our base camp. Bring a different brand so to keep who owns what.
the greatest come backs are reserved for those with the greatest deficits.
01/17/2018 08:22PM
A1t2o: "A box of wine.
Sounds ridiculous but we have a glass or two the night before Then another glass or two a night. 4 bottles in one box seems like a lot, but with 4 guys that's a bottle a person over however many nights. After going with 2 guys and bringing less, I'd bring the box again and just not worry about finishing it. The cardboard can be crushed or burned to make it pack smaller. We always either cut off or crush the corners."
...or three...
01/17/2018 08:23PM
bwcadan: "In the theme of thread: Do not bring fishguts (not permitted for water dumping) to BWCA. For me, I bring a liter of water per person. Gets you closer to the first night location without having to worry about water and served as a drinking container while at our base camp. Bring a different brand so to keep who owns what."
What ever happened to fishguts? I miss his posts here...
01/17/2018 11:43PM
Bungie Dealy Bobs for tying things to canoe, or several other uses. Mine secure my painters, my spare paddle, my GPS, and have one looped onto thwart to carabiner my water bottle to while underway. I hate when they fall over and roll around on the bottom of the canoe.
01/18/2018 08:31AM
mc2mens: "bwcadan: "In the theme of thread: Do not bring fishguts (not permitted for water dumping) to BWCA. For me, I bring a liter of water per person. Gets you closer to the first night location without having to worry about water and served as a drinking container while at our base camp. Bring a different brand so to keep who owns what."
What ever happened to fishguts? I miss his posts here..."
Me too!
01/18/2018 09:08AM
All good suggestions above. I will add that I bring a couple of old canoe kneeling pads that I can throw on the ground for kneeling in front of the fire or in front of the tent. They get stowed in the inside zippered portion of my CCS pack.
Endeavor to persevere.
01/18/2018 07:24PM
A1t2o: "A box of wine.
Yes, a box of wine and a lightweight chair. Oh, and a cigar that costs more than a dollar. They make me a happy boy.
And as butthead mentioned, a sense of humor is a wonderful mixer. Mainly I laugh at myself.
Dave
01/19/2018 05:18AM
A1t2o: "A box of wine.
Sounds ridiculous but we have a glass or two the night before Then another glass or two a night. 4 bottles in one box seems like a lot, but with 4 guys that's a bottle a person over however many nights. After going with 2 guys and bringing less, I'd bring the box again and just not worry about finishing it. The cardboard can be crushed or burned to make it pack smaller. We always either cut off or crush the corners."
i was on a solo trip a few years ago and i set up my hammock and got camp ready for a couple nights, when in the shade of the trees was this box of wine. it had been there a while as the cardboard was wet from rain, but it was not , or hardly opened.
i must say, not being a wine drinker, i enjoyed it :)
01/19/2018 07:16AM
bwcasolo: "A1t2o: "A box of wine.
Sounds ridiculous but we have a glass or two the night before Then another glass or two a night. 4 bottles in one box seems like a lot, but with 4 guys that's a bottle a person over however many nights. After going with 2 guys and bringing less, I'd bring the box again and just not worry about finishing it. The cardboard can be crushed or burned to make it pack smaller. We always either cut off or crush the corners."
i was on a solo trip a few years ago and i set up my hammock and got camp ready for a couple nights, when in the shade of the trees was this box of wine. it had been there a while as the cardboard was wet from rain, but it was not , or hardly opened.
i must say, not being a wine drinker, i enjoyed it :)"
Thanks for packing out the other people's trash. ;-)
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Sir Isaac Newton
01/19/2018 04:06PM
It depends on the season.
If it is bug season, an Original Bug Shirt in cotton, or its equivalent.
Seriously, if I had to choose between that shirt and fire during bug season, I don't know which I would choose.
Or that great 100% DEET, if you can get some (I have a lifetime supply), and can stand the smell and feel.
In the shoulder seasons, I would recommend a chair. I don't personally take one, but I might start. I have never liked sitting on wet ground or wet logs.
In the winter, yes, whatever liquor your heart desires. Relax and take a real moment for yourself, and savor the warmth, flavor, and sheer comfort that some of the good stuff can bring in an otherwise hostile environment. Put it in tea or coffee if appropriate. Worth a million bucks. :)
If it is bug season, an Original Bug Shirt in cotton, or its equivalent.
Seriously, if I had to choose between that shirt and fire during bug season, I don't know which I would choose.
Or that great 100% DEET, if you can get some (I have a lifetime supply), and can stand the smell and feel.
In the shoulder seasons, I would recommend a chair. I don't personally take one, but I might start. I have never liked sitting on wet ground or wet logs.
In the winter, yes, whatever liquor your heart desires. Relax and take a real moment for yourself, and savor the warmth, flavor, and sheer comfort that some of the good stuff can bring in an otherwise hostile environment. Put it in tea or coffee if appropriate. Worth a million bucks. :)
01/19/2018 10:00PM
I bring a good wool blanket. (usually it's one my dad bought 25 years ago with marlboro points, which cracks me up that I still have it)
Night is a little warm, just use the blanket and add the sleeping bag as extra padding. I avoid mummy sleeping whenever I can.
Night too cold, it goes over me and the sleeping bag,
Normal night, gives the dog something to use in the tent.
A little cool around the fire at night? Grab the wool blanket.
Want to star watch and listen to loons? Wool blanket makes that rock you're sitting on a little better.
It's my one "extra" item. It could be replaced with different clothing and sleeping systems, but I love it. So does the dog, it's like a travel crate, she'll end up wherever I put it:
Night is a little warm, just use the blanket and add the sleeping bag as extra padding. I avoid mummy sleeping whenever I can.
Night too cold, it goes over me and the sleeping bag,
Normal night, gives the dog something to use in the tent.
A little cool around the fire at night? Grab the wool blanket.
Want to star watch and listen to loons? Wool blanket makes that rock you're sitting on a little better.
It's my one "extra" item. It could be replaced with different clothing and sleeping systems, but I love it. So does the dog, it's like a travel crate, she'll end up wherever I put it:
01/20/2018 03:39PM
Permethrin.
It's not really an item you bring with, but kindof. Learning how to treat clothes and soft goods with permethrin has been a game changer for bug season outdoors.
If not that, then a UCO candle lantern. The small warm light is all you need in camp, and way more pleasant than a glaring headlamp.
It's not really an item you bring with, but kindof. Learning how to treat clothes and soft goods with permethrin has been a game changer for bug season outdoors.
If not that, then a UCO candle lantern. The small warm light is all you need in camp, and way more pleasant than a glaring headlamp.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul" -John Muir
01/21/2018 07:26PM
billconner: " Second, a piece of heavy plastic - mine is about 2' x 3' - which I call a table cloth - to put food on and keep the dirt and pine needles and such out of food. After meals usually on a slightly sloping rock it's where I wash, rinse, and dry dishes. align="left" > "
That is a great idea on the plastic.
01/21/2018 07:32PM
AmarilloJim: "I bring an 8" X 36" thin, light weight laminated board for fileting. I place it right across the gunnels while out on the water and clean fish in the canoe. Usually less bugs, less back ache and just toss the guts over the side."
Guts are to BURIED in the BWCA. Ya' know, what happens if an hour later someone comes along to acquire their drinking water right where you dumped out guts?
01/22/2018 11:55AM
Thanks for all the responses, some great ideas. I'm considering Thermocells during bug season and walkie talkies since it's a group trip. Also some type solar charger for GPS or depth finder batteries. Anyone have any input on those ideas? Thanks
01/22/2018 12:32PM
WIMike: "Thanks for all the responses, some great ideas. I'm considering Thermocells during bug season and walkie talkies since it's a group trip. Also some type solar charger for GPS or depth finder batteries. Anyone have any input on those ideas? Thanks
"
Just my opinion, but leave the walkie talkies at home. If you're close enough for them to work, you don't need them, and when you need them you'll be too far apart. Worrying with a marginally-useful electronic device's charge, placement, protection, etc. will just get in the way of your wilderness experience - and possibly that of other wilderness users.
I've also been interested in Thermocells, but a combination of permethrin, deet, and a bug tarp has always done the job for me. If I carried canister fuel anyway I'd be more tempted to try it, but being a liquid fuel guy, it would commit me to carrying another fuel type.
01/22/2018 02:52PM
I have walkie-talkies but have never brought them with me. In my experience there is never enough sun on the days/times when I am not moving for a solar charger (I have one of these also). I love my Theracell's but they don't work worth a darn if there is any sort of breeze. Out of these 3 items, the Thermacell would be the "one" item to make my list.
01/23/2018 11:31AM
KarlBAndersen1: "AmarilloJim: "I bring an 8" X 36" thin, light weight laminated board for fileting. I place it right across the gunnels while out on the water and clean fish in the canoe. Usually less bugs, less back ache and just toss the guts over the side."
Guts are to BURIED in the BWCA. Ya' know, what happens if an hour later someone comes along to acquire their drinking water right where you dumped out guts?"
There is some debate on this. On one hand burying does serve to remove them from sight and eliminates most of the smell, but something is likely to dig them up. Then you are attracting animals with food, including bears. Sinking on the other had can suck if others are collecting water nearby, but with the amount of already living and dying in the lake is this really an issue? Plus with crayfish, turtles, other fish and birds, the remains get eaten and disposed of faster.
Personally I like the idea of sinking away from the campsites but near shore. This gets them eaten the fastest and should be the least likely to attract bears. No pollution for water gathering either since it is not near camp and you don't get water near shore when you have the choice.
I know what you are trying to say, just saying there are valid reasons to do otherwise.
01/23/2018 12:45PM
A1t2o:
There is some debate on this. On one hand burying does serve to remove them from sight and eliminates most of the smell, but something is likely to dig them up. Then you are attracting animals with food, including bears. Sinking on the other had can suck if others are collecting water nearby, but with the amount of already living and dying in the lake is this really an issue? Plus with crayfish, turtles, other fish and birds, the remains get eaten and disposed of faster.
Personally I like the idea of sinking away from the campsites but near shore. This gets them eaten the fastest and should be the least likely to attract bears. No pollution for water gathering either since it is not near camp and you don't get water near shore when you have the choice.
I know what you are trying to say, just saying there are valid reasons to do otherwise."
I found this. It may help clarify.
"Do not throw fish remains or litter in the lakes. Bury fish remains 150 feet or more from waters edge. "
http://bwca.cc/tripplanning/rules.htm
01/23/2018 12:50PM
There's also this (seems to imply burial but room for interpretation):
"Food and Fish Remains
Try to plan your meals so you don't have leftovers. If you do, pack them out.
Dispose of fish remains by traveling well away from campsites, trails, portages and shorelines."
https://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=/permitgeneralrules_72600.html
"Food and Fish Remains
Try to plan your meals so you don't have leftovers. If you do, pack them out.
Dispose of fish remains by traveling well away from campsites, trails, portages and shorelines."
https://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=/permitgeneralrules_72600.html
01/23/2018 12:51PM
epiphany pocket bellow fire tool. when the wood is wet or trying to start a fire in bad conditions these are very cool weigh almost nothing and work great. platypus water filter system free up some time and always have filtered water
01/24/2018 08:54AM
A1t2o: "A box of wine.
Sounds ridiculous but we have a glass or two the night before Then another glass or two a night. 4 bottles in one box seems like a lot, but with 4 guys that's a bottle a person over however many nights. After going with 2 guys and bringing less, I'd bring the box again and just not worry about finishing it. The cardboard can be crushed or burned to make it pack smaller. We always either cut off or crush the corners."
+1
I got lots of crap from my buddies the first time I pulled out the ole wine bladder - i just leave the box at home - but a mug of wine with dinner is very nice. now the wine is on the official group packing list!
"Every day on this side of the dirt is a good day." ~ My Grandpa
01/25/2018 10:50AM
I would have gear repair kit similar to some that are commercially available. at bare minimum, I would have some K-tape for fixing any tears or damage to tents. I can tell you that anyone you hire to sew up a hole in a tent will be thankful that you did. Lots of people use duct tape, and it will gum up the sewing machine, where the k-tape they can actually sew right over it without any issues.
Some of the items in my kit are
K-Tape
Seam Sealer
small sewing kit
duct tape
small tube to repair broken tent pole
patches for thermarest
zip ties
p-tex (you can find in ski repair shops)
spare buckles
Some of the items in my kit are
K-Tape
Seam Sealer
small sewing kit
duct tape
small tube to repair broken tent pole
patches for thermarest
zip ties
p-tex (you can find in ski repair shops)
spare buckles
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