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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Your best new gear purchase? |
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06/13/2018 05:23PM
Do you have a piece of gear that you recently purchased that turned out to be fantastic, maybe even a game-changer?
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?
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?
06/13/2018 05:59PM
Well, a few years ago when I bought my NEMO Mezzo Loft sleeping bag with the nice pad sleeve. I don't roll off the pad anymore, it's very versatile and so doggone comfy. The material feels like silk spun for an Angel's attire......never clammy. NEMO doesn't make that specific bag anymore, but they make several similar ones.
"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
06/13/2018 06:30PM
I was going to mention "new gear on my trip" in a trip report, but this thread looks better. Biggest purchase was a canoe from Bnd last summer. ...a Northwind 17. Life got busy and I never paddled it until our trip last week. I thought it was an awesome boat. Stable, roomy for gear, fairly fast and easy handling. I really loved it. Second item was a new Sanborn Little Sag paddle. Great paddle. Third was a Garmin Striker that I bought for ice fishing and rigged for the canoe. I thought the unit did quite well and was fairly light and packable.
"What could happen?"
06/13/2018 07:06PM
I've upgraded a lot of gear lately after years of having to make do, but I think you're asking about things that have surprised us with how great they are. With that, I'll say my GSI Ketalist tea kettle. On solo trips it's literally the only cookware I need, and on group trips it's super convenient to make coffee or tea without getting out the cook set. It can be simultaneously ultralight nirvana and also a surprisingly civilized and refined item in the back country.
06/13/2018 08:14PM
I picked up several new toys this winter, with purchasing seemingly getting worse as the long winter dragged on...Compact stove, back rests for the canoe, depth finder, tent, rod holders, map case, cookware, gopro, ugh...actually some more smaller stuff too.
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.
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.
06/13/2018 08:40PM
I have gradually replaced things over many years that have made my trips better. I also like my Neo-Air - light, compact, warm, comfortable.
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.
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.
06/13/2018 10:29PM
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.
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.
06/14/2018 07:05AM
It's been several years now, but as a few others have already mentioned, a gravity filter was a liberating find for us!
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” - Henry David Thoreau
06/14/2018 08:41AM
Sven saw is the perfect bwca tripping saw and im so happy i didnt but another cheap crap saw from the camping isle of fleet farm.
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 :)
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 :)
06/14/2018 11:39AM
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.
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.
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.
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.
06/14/2018 12:31PM
Resmed Air Mini. There are others that are smaller and cheaper, but this had the most features and best reliability/reviews that I could find. Also, the power unit is built in to the body of the CPAP so there isn't a separate power brick. Makes it very easy to transport. Another feature I like is that you can download the "Air Mini" app and control everything through it. You can adjust your pressure up or down, make it so that it shuts off automatically when you take the mask off and start automatically when you put it on (problem with this is if you have a leak, it will shut off, so I turned that option off.) It will also graph your sleep, which is pretty cool. I like the app.
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.
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.
06/14/2018 01:17PM
I bought the 60L barrel pack at the Piragis outlet store in Ely before going in on our latest trip to Carp Lake. It came with a barrel all for $190. It is made by CCS and I am extremely happy with this purchase and plan on using it for years to come.
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.
06/14/2018 10:13PM
Its heavy but I got a Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI mat it is the best I've slept camping in a long time. It is too big to fit in the sleeve in my bag, but its wide enough that I haven't slid off.
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.
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.
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!
06/15/2018 09:24AM
We paddled a river route in early May shortly after ice out (this year). We typically wear portage shoes (with drain holes). Due to the cold water temps, and knowing day 1 was going to be cold and rainy, I ran into the surplus store in Ely and bought some Waterproof Socks by Hanz (made in the USA). They saved us from getting truly cold/chilled/or worse! It was the best 'last minute' $40 I ever spent!
06/16/2018 07:21AM
I bought a couple of sportneer folding camp chairs of amazon, these things are great!
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.
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.
06/16/2018 10:50AM
Just got my wife a new Mountain Hardwear Phantom down 15 degree sleeping bag. She was complaining about being cold in the shoulder seasons in her 32 degree bag. She had been using her 0 degree bag but that thing is very bulky.
"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday.” ~A.A. Milne
06/16/2018 02:50PM
BuckFlicks,
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.
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.
06/16/2018 03:33PM
Haven't had it in the woods yet, but I just got a REI FlexLite Macro chair. Very comfy! Definitely a step up from the camp stool. Can't wait to sit in it by a lake watching the sun set.
Blue Skies!
cc
Blue Skies!
cc
The river calmly flows, Through shining banks, through lonely glen, Where the owl shrieks, though ne'er the cheer of men Has stirred its mute repose, Still if you should walk there, you would go there again.
06/16/2018 05:26PM
We rented our gear for our first couple of trips to the BWCA, and decided to outfit ourselves this time around. Big hit to my wallet, but new this year for us are:
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.
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.
06/16/2018 05:45PM
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.
So many fish,so little time
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.
06/16/2018 08:15PM
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!
"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw
06/17/2018 11:16AM
Not for my canoe camping (although it weighs 2 1/2 pounds and rolls up to a 4 inch diameter), Stainless Mesh Fire Pit
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
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
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
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.
"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw
06/18/2018 12:05PM
UCO fire pit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HZF9FMG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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.
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.
06/19/2018 01:46PM
A Hawkeye portable depth finder. A game changer for me. All those years of guessing. I will never be without one again. It's small (fits in a small Crown Royal bag), lightweight and takes 4 AAA batteries (is easy on the juice). Best of all, it shows depth, temp and marks fish for less than $100.
06/19/2018 03:32PM
-Replaced old Sawyer gravity with newer squeeze style. I can squeeze a bag through on the go and still hook up for gravity once in camp.
-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.
-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.
"Well, sir, it's this rug I had. It really tied the room together."
06/19/2018 10:45PM
I picked up a Kondos pack that holds 2 30L barrels. It's incredible how much easier it is to pack in food for a large group when you have the right equipment.
"Leave it as it is.....The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it." Theodore Roosevelt
06/21/2018 10:01PM
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
UST weatherband radio
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. -Confucius
06/21/2018 11:24PM
Recent gear that stands out includes my Nekteck solar charger and I purchased a couple of these camp tables a couple of years ago and they're great.
06/22/2018 07:19AM
My canoe partner is 67 years old and I am 68. This year we purchased a couple of REI Flexlite chairs. They were great and much more comfortable that the traditional rock or log for sitting and eating or star gazing. They are now a permanent addition to our packing list.
06/22/2018 04:59PM
I upgraded our sleeping pads this year to the Nemo Cosmo insulated 50 pad with built-in foot pump. The pad measures 50 x 72 great for two people. It reduce my backpack bulk quite substantially from the two therma rest that I used last year.
The hellinox table we acquired this year worked out great it was a good addition to our kitchen set up
The hellinox table we acquired this year worked out great it was a good addition to our kitchen set up
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?
The sun sets at home too. Why is it not the same?
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.
Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s going to die.
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.
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. -Confucius
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.
06/26/2018 08:46AM
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.
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.
06/26/2018 12:43PM
Silky Katanaboy and it's not even close. 'Cuts' down on time to gather wood SO much and I always end up leaving extra behind for groups after me now.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
09/15/2018 09:11PM
Dutchware and Zing-it chord. My Dutchware hammock suspension cut six ounces and 1/3 of the bulk off of my hammock weight and made set up much faster.
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.
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.
09/16/2018 03:33PM
Three purchases after our 2017 Quetico trip and field-tested (with flying colors!) on this year's Quetico trip:
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
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
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. African Proverb
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.
“The Wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask.” - Nancy Newhall
09/18/2018 11:08AM
1) Katadyn BeFree Squeeze Water Filter is a game changer when we are on the go traveling or out fishing. At camp we still use a gravity system, but the Katadyn has sure been a real pleasure to have and works flawlessly.
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.
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.
09/20/2018 06:58PM
I have tried several chairs over the years and none seem to fit quite right. This year I made another attempt. I read several great reviews about the Big Agnes Helinox chair one and ordered one up. It is a very nice chair, however, it fits my wife better at 5-2 then me at 6-2, 215 pounds. She scored a new chair!
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.
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.
10/04/2018 08:27AM
For 2018:
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.
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.
10/05/2018 09:52AM
Game Changing? I have quite a bit of gear that was game changing when I bought it. My first chair and rain fly were game changing. A place to sit comfortably makes a big difference.
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.
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.
10/07/2018 03:32PM
Alps Mountaineering Chaos 3 tent... Super easy to setup, great in the rain, lightweight, and love the dual entries. 2nd is my 16 foot Kelty Noah's Tarp. SO flexible! My WORST was Chota Hippies. With a size 14 foot and foot issues, there is no way to make their biggest size comfortable. I'm going to lose both of my big toe nails because of one day with miles of portages. Every single step felt like a root canal... Wet foot it is...
If we aren't actively working to protect our planet, we are acquiescing to those who run their life as if their personal WANTS are the only things that matter. John
10/07/2018 05:08PM
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet.....but as I've gotten older (43 now), my butt has gotten bonier, and sitting on logs/rocks and even picnic table benches when camping has gotten uncomfortable. SO I picked up a thermarest Z-seat, after watching a review of one on youtube. I now have 3 of these now- one in the trunk of both of our cars, and one in my backpack for camping. It has a million and one uses- butt pad, knee pad, door mat when tent camping, and I even use it to fan the fire when am trying to get it going. It's becoming a running joke with my wife and I...."didya remember your ass pad?", haha
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.
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.
10/07/2018 05:58PM
This last trip saw Several gear upgrades, all significant, almost game changers.
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.
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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