Curious what new gear you have or are contemplating for the 2020 paddling season.

I had Dan Cooke convert my 10 x 10 tarp into a screen tent, and I cannot wait to give it a whirl come June! As is true with anything he makes, the design is amazing and the workmanship top notch.

How about you?

2020 will see a my hammock setup completed for 3-season camping. I have a Warbonnet minifly over a SLD streamliner with bug net; just need quilts yet.
If things go especially well in the money department, my gf might be able to pull-off her own Amok setup in 2020.

Barrel harness is on the 2020 list as well. Maybe a Silky saw since the Sven's quirks have gotten tiresome. Otherwise we have all the gear we need already. It's mostly wardrobe stuff I'm interested in now both daily and backcountry. I'm trying to cull as much cotton from my daily life as I can (not just because it sucks in the wilderness but because I'm just generally not fond of it), relegating it to a few items like jeans and dress shirts. I like synthetics, but I've decided to try to avoid them when I can for environmental reasons. I have a couple of wool blend shirts and t-shrits from Icebreaker already, and I love them (yes, even in summer), and I've been eyeballing a lot more wool, alpaca, and yak wool items that I've discovered.

I so want to buy new stuff... like anything but I really can't justify it. I have everything I need and it is all still in decent shape unfortunately.

x2jmorris: "I so want to buy new stuff... like anything but I really can't justify it. I have everything I need and it is all still in decent shape unfortunately."

Good problem to have!

I have been thinking about this a bit. Usually I ask for some gear for Christmas. Getting more difficult as I get older and have more of what I need. A lean has come to mind. Maybe a lighter more compressible sleeping bag. Don't really ..need..anything.

I have a basket of suggestions. Anything specific?
Well that's been done, but as for me other interests have surfaced. Mostly a return to my motorhead habits of the 1960's thru 1980's. Be happy to recommend an inter-cooler for a turbocharged motor.
Still camping a bunch and will dabble a paddle on a long distance trip. Consider the "WindTamer" stove tent as a first 2020 piece of gear, but more for base camps. Surely there will be more!

butthead

I could use a new sleeping bag. This is kinda funny, my wife just told me to quit buying gear, because the kids don't know what to get me for christmas.

I have most everything I need. What comes to mind is a new high quality pancake flipper. Something which can withstand higher heats than the cheaper models.

I am also looking for a new multitool as my Leatherman took a plunge last year.

Frenchy19: "I am also looking for a new multitool as my Leatherman took a plunge last year. "

Here's a few Mark, AG Russell
My personal choice in the Gerber Needlenose but there's a bunch to choose from!

butthead

I've been slowly shopping for a sitting canoe since kneeling is getting quite painful and causing me to shorten my day trips. I figure I might as well get something fast so there is some upside to not kneeling. I don't plan to sell any of my kneeling canoes since I may get a new knee someday and I hate to have to buy stuff over again...plus they are loyal friends so they're not going anywhere.

butthead: "

Frenchy19: "I am also looking for a new multitool as my Leatherman took a plunge last year. "

Here's a few Mark, AG Russell
My personal choice in the Gerber Needlenose but there's a bunch to choose from!


butthead"

Thanks for that link, Ken. Some sweet looking pieces!

Looking at a Tarptent Scarp 1 for cooler weather trips. Solid walls and more room than my Bowfin 1

Subbed
(is there anyway to subscribe to a thread, without actually posting something?)

I bought a Primus Powertrail New Stove a couple days ago. It's only my 4th stove in close to 40 years of camping.

I'm also getting the Agawa Canyon Boreal Saw for Christmas. I really want an Garmin Inreach but my wife says to just rent. I'm hoping she's bluffing and I'll see it under the Christmas tree. :)

I'm also looking into getting a strong plastic container similar to tupperware to hold my cook kit, stove, gas, utensils etc. A BWCA .commer I paddled with last fall turned me on to his organizational system inside his pack. He uses two of them side by side. I like his idea. I'm planning a trip to The Container Store in the near future. That's about it for this year.

I broke the bank last year with a new canoe. Frenchy, I pulled the trigger on a Swift Shearwater.

Just ordered some upgrades for my hammock setup. Dynemma tarp and DH Darien hammock. Its going to cut my current hammock setup weight in half. Also just picked up a Nova Craft Fox. Hope one day to have another Swift.

I've has the Scarp 1 for a bunch of years now. It is great!

How do you like the Swift Shearwater, Tom? I'll bet it's easier to carry and easy to paddle too.

I'm putting the same saw on my list.

Hope the stove works out well. I may replace my old JetBoil one of these days. It's getting old like me.

TomT: "I bought a Primus Powertrail New Stove a couple days ago. It's only my 4th stove in close to 40 years of camping.


I'm also getting the Agawa Canyon Boreal Saw for Christmas. I really want an Garmin Inreach but my wife says to just rent. I'm hoping she's bluffing and I'll see it under the Christmas tree. :)


I'm also looking into getting a strong plastic container similar to tupperware to hold my cook kit, stove, gas, utensils etc. A BWCA .commer I paddled with last fall turned me on to his organizational system inside his pack. He uses two of them side by side. I like his idea. I'm planning a trip to The Container Store in the near future. That's about it for this year.

I broke the bank last year with a new canoe. Frenchy, I pulled the trigger on a Swift Shearwater.



"

BEAUTIFUL!!! Have to let me know your thoughts. I love mine, but yours sure is much more pretty!!

TomT: "I bought a Primus Powertrail New Stove a couple days ago. It's only my 4th stove in close to 40 years of camping.


I'm also getting the Agawa Canyon Boreal Saw for Christmas. I really want an Garmin Inreach but my wife says to just rent. I'm hoping she's bluffing and I'll see it under the Christmas tree. :)


I'm also looking into getting a strong plastic container similar to tupperware to hold my cook kit, stove, gas, utensils etc. A BWCA .commer I paddled with last fall turned me on to his organizational system inside his pack. He uses two of them side by side. I like his idea. I'm planning a trip to The Container Store in the near future. That's about it for this year.

I broke the bank last year with a new canoe. Frenchy, I pulled the trigger on a Swift Shearwater.



"

That is such a sweet canoe!
Recently Ted Bell made me a Northstar Magic in carbon with wood trim, and it's hanging in my garage waiting for the next paddling season. That pretty much took care of my budget for new gear!

Just bought my 3rd and last CCS tarp this weekend, looking forward to setting that up when it gets here. About to buy an Osprey Aether Pro. Debating buying a Garmin gps.... the more I think about that $600 the more I remember how easy it is to get around on map and that I've never been lost. I did just get some new icebreaker merino long underwear im looking forward to using. Might make a slingshot for 2020, I use 1.75mm Lash it for a bear rope and it'd be so slick to shoot the rope over branches with a small nut on the end. I'm also thinking of picking up another UGQ quilt, rated for zero (current top quilt is a 40F). Oh! Im gonna buy a coffee making option, I don't drink coffee but I've noticed I can't start cracking the whip to get a move on until everyone's got coffee in their mug and I'm not the type to hope someone brings their own coffee and coffee maker lol. For 2020 I picked up a 9 tray excalibur dehydrator, along with mylar bags you can pour boiling water into to rehydrate food, excited to step my dehydrating game up. Going to be buying another water filter option, water filter life span is a constant problem in the algae rich lakes of bwca. And I need a cool looking hat that doesn't look nerdy...hmm

Frenchy19: "Curious what new gear you have or are contemplating for the 2020 paddling season.

I had Dan Cooke convert my 10 x 10 tarp into a screen tent, and I cannot wait to give it a whirl come June! As is true with anything he makes, the design is amazing and the workmanship top notch.

How about you?"

Great minds think a like. I was thinking of converting mine as well. Still thinking.

I rented a Bell 20’ canoe last summer to fit the 4 of us for our trip. I think I want to order one and customize it. I just didn’t like the additional seat placements. But I’d need to sell my Quetico 18.5...I can’t fit both in my garage and financially it makes more sense, but I don’t know if I can get rid of it :)...

T

I'd really like to downsize my Wenonah Solo Plus to a Swift Prospector 14...

The Solo Plus is a great boat; but I think the Prospector will do everything I want and is lighter, shorter....

So it might become new gear next spring.

boonie: "How do you like the Swift Shearwater, Tom? I'll bet it's easier to carry and easy to paddle too.
"

I had practiced about 5 times on local forest preserve lakes and never in a wind or fully loaded but our first day in Quetico I was paddling half of Basswood Lake. The wind came up and there were a couple of rain squalls. Using my Kayak paddle I ran into some difficulty keeping it from weather vaning when the swells were quartering behind me. I never had this happen in my 55# Blackhawk solo.

The Shearwater was 31# before adding skid plates and foot braces so I'm assuming the light weight had something to do with it. I used my Lightweight bent shaft Zav Rec paddle on the paddle out on Basswood and fared much better. I'm done using a Yak paddle for the time being. Other then that issue the boat is fantastic. Quite a difference on portages too.

Frenchy19: "I had Dan Cooke convert my 10 x 10 tarp into a screen tent"

I didn't realize this was an option. Do you have any pictures? What did it cost you?

eagle98mn: "

Frenchy19: "I had Dan Cooke convert my 10 x 10 tarp into a screen tent"

I didn't realize this was an option. Do you have any pictures? What did it cost you?"

No pics as it is in storage for the winter. Looks exactly like the ones posted on his site, however. Sent it to him in its original stuff sack, and it came back with a compression sack.

x2jmorris: "I so want to buy new stuff... like anything but I really can't justify it. I have everything I need and it is all still in decent shape unfortunately."

My suggestion is a luxury for people who can afford it, but if you have everything you need but still enjoy getting new stuff, you could sell/gift stuff away and buy new stuff to try. You'd get to play with different toys, and others would benefit from your second-hand gear.

Frenchy19: "

eagle98mn: "

Frenchy19: "I had Dan Cooke convert my 10 x 10 tarp into a screen tent"

I didn't realize this was an option. Do you have any pictures? What did it cost you?"

No pics as it is in storage for the winter. Looks exactly like the ones posted on his site, however. Sent it to him in its original stuff sack, and it came back with a compression sack. "

I was also unaware that it was an option to have your tarp converted. What did this cost you? I see the new 10 x 10 with screen is $575 new.

Maybe also in the market for some new boots. Wish Chotas came in half sized. Those curious about having Dan modify an existing tarp, I suggest you contact him for pricing and other relevant information.

I forgot that I picked up a Big Agnes Big Six camp chair. Have used it at our fire pit at home, and am looking forward to the comfort it brings come paddling season.

2019 i bought quite a lot. (For me anyway)
1. New tent
2. New gravity water filter setup
3. Bag liner
4. Bear spray (more for Wyoming)
5. Another #3 Duluth pack
6. Pillow
7. Twig stove

2020
1. Garmin inreach explorer
2. Camp chair

New gear for next year will be a new InReach Explorer + communication device, zip off pants, and way too many fishing lures.

I'm in the market for a daypack. I like to carry a daypack when I carry my canoe, but I don't want it to be too high volume, otherwise I'll fill it to the brim and then suffer under the canoe/pack load. Thinking Kondos daypack might fit the bill, but I've never actually seen one in person.

Also hoping to pick up a 10 x 12 ccs tarp and a small saw of some sort.

tomo: "I'm in the market for a daypack. I like to carry a daypack when I carry my canoe, but I don't want it to be too high volume, otherwise I'll fill it to the brim and then suffer under the canoe/pack load. Thinking Kondos daypack might fit the bill, but I've never actually seen one in person.


Also hoping to pick up a 10 x 12 ccs tarp and a small saw of some sort."

For a daypack, check out the CCS rucksack. May be just what you are looking for.

CCS Rucksack

Frenchy19: "Maybe also in the market for some new boots. Wish Chotas came in half sized. Those curious about having Dan modify an existing tarp, I suggest you contact him for pricing and other relevant information. "

Yea if you contact him he can give you a quote. Roughly...take the price of the screen tent, subtract the price of the tarp. That will get ya close unless he decides it is too much of a PITA then I’d charge more if I was him :)

T

Got the large CCS hybrid pack at the Midwest Mountaineering fall expo to replace the previous “chuck wagon”.

Also already replaced the sleeping pad that I had been using in my WBBB hammock. Haven’t done the underquilt route as the “pocket” in the double bottom WBBB works well. Had been researching about found this for almost half off.

Klymit insulated hammock pad

Still thinking about getting a twig stove, not because I need it, but it’s intriguing.

I am planning a hiking trip on the Kungsleden so bought some lighter hiking gear this year. No new gear planned for this coming year, just saving up $ for travel plans.

2019 purchases:
CCS Lean plus 1 (new to me)
Deuter Aircontact Lite 40+10 Backpack
Thermarest Z seat cushion
CCS Bushcrafter Pack
Evernew 2000L water canteen x 2
Mountain Summit Gear Feather Lite Table
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent
Set of Titanium tent stakes
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove

Spent a bit of time poking in the piles-O-stuff, came to a major decision!
Need to sell old stuff in order to fit any new. Will see how that turns out.

butthead

butthead: "Spent a bit of time poking in the piles-O-stuff, came to a major decision!
Need to sell old stuff in order to fit any new. Will see how that turns out.


butthead"

I don't really need much, but you have my attention, neighbor.

This year I got a CCS Bushcrafter and I'm very happy with how versatile it is (not just a camping/canoeing pack). I also got a MSR Pocket Rocket and some other odds 'n ends. My wife is just getting into camping with me so it's a slow transition from car camping-focused, lower quality items to trying to convince her that weeks of research and an extra $XXX are worth it for a given item...

For Christmas I asked for a BOREAL21, the Morakniv for batoning, and Banks Fry-Bake set. This site is basically a giant advertisement for quality gear.

I'm going to try out a couple of the other brands of filters aside from the regular Sawyer mini that I've used most often. I've been getting moldy filters more often so I'm looking into if the others are more sustainable longer term. It may be that I need to spend more time cleaning at the end of trips too.

I follow the instruction to run a bleach solution through prior to long term storage and have never had any mold problem.

boonie: "I follow the instruction to run a bleach solution through prior to long term storage and have never had any mold problem. "

I typically did, so this last year when I went to use mine I was not amused when mine apparently was put away without treating. Yuck! I tried and tried to revive it... no luck!

My new gear for 2020 will be a walker the way I’m going! Haha.

New gear for me in 2020 is a bridge hammock with stowable bugnet that I ordered the materials to make last night.

This has been a dangerous topic for me this past week. Just ordered my Garmin GPSMAP 66i and fry bake pan.

neoprene spray skirt, wet suit, and boots
I couldn't resist buying another lightweight hammock and tarp, it was simply too cheap to pass on

Looking at this to make an awesome custom water filter system!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JX0QP4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QDKJ66Q/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATAKSNAY2PYHR&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RC9BZ4G/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A27G0H0XHR1CBW&psc=1

Just picked up a drysuit for cold water paddling. Should be good for the year...

This year we are doing a secret Santa. The amount to spend is $100. I let everyone know that a Tilley LTM6 airflo hat would be just what I would want. I cant see spending $90 on a hat, but if it's a gift, that's another story.

movington: "This year we are doing a secret Santa. The amount to spend is $100. I let everyone know that a Tilley LTM6 airflo hat would be just what I would want. I cant see spending $90 on a hat, but if it's a gift, that's another story. "

Ask for a Stetson so you don't look like a 75 year old nerd!

What if I am a 75 year old nerd? LOL
Do you have a stetson that you recommend?

Frenchy19: "

tomo: "I'm in the market for a daypack. I like to carry a daypack when I carry my canoe, but I don't want it to be too high volume, otherwise I'll fill it to the brim and then suffer under the canoe/pack load. Thinking Kondos daypack might fit the bill, but I've never actually seen one in person.



Also hoping to pick up a 10 x 12 ccs tarp and a small saw of some sort."

For a daypack, check out the CCS rucksack. May be just what you are looking for.


CCS Rucksack "

I looked at the rucksack (online), but I think it may be too big for what I'm looking for. I don't like to carry much while I'm portaging my canoe, so am looking for (i think) a smaller daypack than the rucksack that I can sling on and carry while portaging without turning it into a slog (I believe my solo set-up will be a large pack with most everything, a day pack and a canoe. Thinking I'll be double portaging--canoe/daypack, then pack, paddles, etc.).
Though truth be told I haven't seen either in person. The css rucksack is 2156 cubic inches and the kondos daypack is 1,500.

I have an Exped Torrent pack I like that I carry with the canoe. The small one should suit your needs.

tomo: "
Though truth be told I haven't seen either in person. The css rucksack is 2156 cubic inches and the kondos daypack is 1,500."

I have a CCS Wanderer and being smaller than the Rucksack it might be what you're looking for. It's a sweet little pack. They show purple but I like mine in olive green.

CCS Wanderer

movington: "What if I am a 75 year old nerd? LOL
Do you have a stetson that you recommend? "

I have a Stetson Gallatin ($80) that is crushable wool which is my favorite hat but can be too much hat for 70 degree days but otherwise can't be beat. And i have a stetson nylon mesh "safari" hat ($45) which I easily put the most miles on here in MN with the warmer more humid air. They also have a waxed cotton bucket hat I've been eyeing. Just my personal take on Tilley but they're the nerdiest looking hats out there and they scream "my wife finally let me leave the house and go on a camping trip".

https://www.stetson.com/store/mesh-covered-safari-7.html

I almost forgot that I had ordered a bunch of freeze dried food from MH at 30% off during Black Friday weekend, I''ll be eating good and travelling light!

ZaraSp00k: "I almost forgot that I had ordered a bunch of freeze dried food from MH at 30% off during Black Friday weekend, I''ll be eating good and travelling light!"

Well traveling light anyway.

Out of all my trips I've brought a tarp maybe twice, a big oversized blue tarp. Last May on a trip it rained the whole time and that tarp saved that trip from being a cold/wet disaster. I'm going to splurge and get myself a CCS tarp before next tripping season.

I would love to try out hammock camping. Something all-inclusive with a bug net and tarp. Not sure where to start but accessible price would be great.

That Kevlar canoe is out there for me someday too....

pastorjsackett: "I would love to try out hammock camping. Something all-inclusive with a bug net and tarp. Not sure where to start but accessible price would be great.


That Kevlar canoe is out there for me someday too...."

I used a variation of this for 2 or 3years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075YX6KK6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_bP4aEb7MB8FKR

It was a cheap intro to hammock camping, and worked great.

Eventually I upgraded to a warbonnet.

SammyN: "
I used a variation of this for 2 or 3years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075YX6KK6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_bP4aEb7MB8FKR

It was a cheap intro to hammock camping, and worked great.

Eventually I upgraded to a warbonnet.
"

That looks like a real good intro hammock. Just remember to lay on a diagonal to get the flattest lay. If you sleep in the banana position you could really hurt your back. Try to have your feet slightly above your head and stuff some clothes under your knees. Also start watching Shug videos on youtube if you haven't already.

This year I sort of settled into my career, definitely a little spoiled and couldn't be more excited for 2020! Well this is probably half of the gear I got for 2020....


Sewed some patches onto the CCS


Bought my 3rd and final CCS tarp. 1.1 oz Coyote Brown rigged up with Lash-It ridgeline and Dutchware titanium hook and wasp.


Rain can bring it


I LOVE cooking in the BWCA. Now I'm gonna try my hand at baking in the BWCA.


Luci Lights are such a solid product, I had to pickup the String Lights they now offer. My tent will now be complete with patio lights!


Stepped my dehydrating game up to a 9 tray excalibur


Finalized product from dehydrator, mylar bags and impulse sealer! These bags are made for boiling water to be added, just throw that bag in the fire when you're done!


Stepped my knife sharpening game up too. 10" DMT Duosharps


20F Underground quilt, my 40F is heaven but I'd like to be able to go camping in March/April without worry. UGQ is the best quilts around, hands down.


The icing on the cake. Garmin GPS Map 66i with Inreach capabilities. Can't wait to put this to work.

Thanks for the hammock tips!

GearGuy: "This has been a dangerous topic for me this past week. Just ordered my Garmin GPSMAP 66i and fry bake pan. "

Good choice on the 66i. I bought a Garmin InReach Explorer last summer, that was a MISTAKE. And I would tell anybody that...the 66 and 86 units are much better GPS units than the InReach, and have all the capabilities.

I was also looking at a fry bake pan but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I got one of those copper colored frying pans (as seen on TV) with a folding handle for $15, to try.

I am going to get a gravity filter system before my next trip, too.

Joe

Bearpath9: "I could use a new sleeping bag. This is kinda funny, my wife just told me to quit buying gear, because the kids don't know what to get me for christmas. "

That happens around here all the time. Same for birthdays, Father's Day ...

I got the final piece for Christmas.
A new Prism

Well, I did get Batman socks for Christmas! May upgrade my chair. Currently have REI one... I’d like to get a Helenox.

Wife got me a Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 sleeping bag. It is part of their sleep system bags where the bag attaches to a sleeping pad. I toss and turn a lot at night and it really seems like it is going to help me from getting all twisted up in my bag. Being semi rectangular, I can still comfortably side sleep. I really think this is going to increase the quality of sleep I get when camping. Now to find a decent pillow.

Inmyelement: " Now to find a decent pillow.


"

Might I recommend this Thermarest Compressible Pillow it fluffs up really nice.

My wife has that pillow and is a big fan. I just wish it packed better. I've been trying the lightweight and better packing pillows but am pretty close to going for comfort/sleep over weight and size

Inmyelement: "My wife has that pillow and is a big fan. I just wish it packed better. I've been trying the lightweight and better packing pillows but am pretty close to going for comfort/sleep over weight and size"

I have that pillow and see no reason to change. My down quilt packs down smaller than the pillow but the pillow is sooooo comfortable that it’s worth the pack space.

I pretty much gave up canoes for long trips due to back issues, so shifted to kayaks. I wonder how that would work for your knee issues, or are you a hardcore Canoe lover?

Inmyelement: "Wife got me a Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 sleeping bag. It is part of their sleep system bags where the bag attaches to a sleeping pad. I toss and turn a lot at night and it really seems like it is going to help me from getting all twisted up in my bag. Being semi rectangular, I can still comfortably side sleep. I really think this is going to increase the quality of sleep I get when camping. Now to find a decent pillow.
"

I also roll around and hate finding myself off the therm-a-rest and/or the RidgeRest underneath. So I'm trying a new setup: RidgeRest on bottom, army surplus Gore-Tex bivy on that and inside, a tapered pro-lite Therm-a-rest and my bag. Only tried it once so the jury is still out.

I wanted a super powerful flashlight, for: 1) checking the yard for skunks and critters before letting my dog out at night and 2) camping/canoe trips. Got one for Christmas, an Outlite which is adjustable up to 2000 lumens. It is really fantastic! And quite compact as well, maybe the length of trump's hand at most.

HowardSprague: "I wanted a super powerful flashlight, for: 1) checking the yard for skunks and critters before letting my dog out at night and 2) camping/canoe trips. Got one for Christmas, an Outlite which is adjustable up to 2000 lumens. It is really fantastic! And quite compact as well, maybe the length of trump's hand at most. "

This will light your world and possibly cook your food.

100000 Lumens Hand Held

WOW!

Needed a new headlamp, and my daughter Allie took care of that for me for Christmas.

TomT: "I bought a Primus Powertrail New Stove a couple days ago. It's only my 4th stove in close to 40 years of camping.


I'm also getting the Agawa Canyon Boreal Saw for Christmas. I really want an Garmin Inreach but my wife says to just rent. I'm hoping she's bluffing and I'll see it under the Christmas tree. :)


I'm also looking into getting a strong plastic container similar to tupperware to hold my cook kit, stove, gas, utensils etc. A BWCA .commer I paddled with last fall turned me on to his organizational system inside his pack. He uses two of them side by side. I like his idea. I'm planning a trip to The Container Store in the near future. That's about it for this year.

I broke the bank last year with a new canoe. Frenchy, I pulled the trigger on a Swift Shearwater.



"

nice canoe!

SaganagaJoe: "
nice canoe!"

Thanks! It's my forever canoe. My son got me an Agawa Boreal 21 saw for Christmas so besides a couple of maps and some food I think I'm good for 2020.

SaganagaJoe: "

TomT: "I bought a Primus Powertrail New Stove a couple days ago. It's only my 4th stove in close to 40 years of camping.



I'm also getting the Agawa Canyon Boreal Saw for Christmas. I really want an Garmin Inreach but my wife says to just rent. I'm hoping she's bluffing and I'll see it under the Christmas tree. :)



I'm also looking into getting a strong plastic container similar to tupperware to hold my cook kit, stove, gas, utensils etc. A BWCA .commer I paddled with last fall turned me on to his organizational system inside his pack. He uses two of them side by side. I like his idea. I'm planning a trip to The Container Store in the near future. That's about it for this year.


I broke the bank last year with a new canoe. Frenchy, I pulled the trigger on a Swift Shearwater.





"

nice canoe!"

What a beautiful canoe!

A solo canoe and a tandem would be nice!

jillpine: "What a beautiful canoe!"

Thanks Jill. I think I bought the last Shearwater from Swift. They discontinued the line although will build one if someone’s interested. They gave me a really great deal on this one as it was sitting in their shop for a couple of years. It’s a fine fit for me and my 50 lb. dog. I hope to be tripping in it when I’m 90.

VaderStrom: "I'm going to try out a couple of the other brands of filters aside from the regular Sawyer mini that I've used most often. I've been getting moldy filters more often so I'm looking into if the others are more sustainable longer term. It may be that I need to spend more time cleaning at the end of trips too."

Ignorant question maybe - how do you tell it is moldy? Does it smell or can you see something? I have the larger Sawyer filter (maybe three of them) and it is all enclosed in plastic. Never considered mold...

I got a couple gear surprises from the wife & kids this past Christmas... a pocket bellows & packable tent booties, plus a gathered end hammock w/integrated bugnet. The booties have already made their first trip when I was at Northern Tier over NYE with Scouts. Worked great, and I'm looking forward to using them during cold weather camping. The bellows are going to be especially helpful, and one can never have enough hammocks when family camping, it seems. =)

This was a big year for me....Baffin swamp buggy shoes, a pocket solar shower, a new life jacket for Miss Amelia, and......a used Souris River Quetico 18! Loads of maps of course, but maps don't count do they?
And barrel buckets.

I got my son a Manta double bend paddle.

I think that's it...

Inmyelement: "My wife has that pillow and is a big fan. I just wish it packed better. I've been trying the lightweight and better packing pillows but am pretty close to going for comfort/sleep over weight and size"

I opened mine up and removed about half of the stuffing. It still has plenty of loft, but packs smaller and weighs only 4.7 oz.

Inmyelement: "My wife has that pillow and is a big fan. I just wish it packed better. I've been trying the lightweight and better packing pillows but am pretty close to going for comfort/sleep over weight and size"

Nemo Fillo

I have the original an really like it. A few size options these days.

GearGuy: "Just bought my 3rd and last CCS tarp this weekend, looking forward to setting that up when it gets here. About to buy an Osprey Aether Pro. Debating buying a Garmin gps.... the more I think about that $600 the more I remember how easy it is to get around on map and that I've never been lost. I did just get some new icebreaker merino long underwear im looking forward to using. Might make a slingshot for 2020, I use 1.75mm Lash it for a bear rope and it'd be so slick to shoot the rope over branches with a small nut on the end. I'm also thinking of picking up another UGQ quilt, rated for zero (current top quilt is a 40F). Oh! Im gonna buy a coffee making option, I don't drink coffee but I've noticed I can't start cracking the whip to get a move on until everyone's got coffee in their mug and I'm not the type to hope someone brings their own coffee and coffee maker lol. For 2020 I picked up a 9 tray excalibur dehydrator, along with mylar bags you can pour boiling water into to rehydrate food, excited to step my dehydrating game up. Going to be buying another water filter option, water filter life span is a constant problem in the algae rich lakes of bwca. And I need a cool looking hat that doesn't look nerdy...hmm"

I got anxiety reading this.

I've got a Katadyn pocket filter which is excellent, but I'm looking to try a Platypus 4L gravity system.

Need a Shelta hat. I wear ball caps because I hate how the bill of most boonie style hats flaps around in the wind.

I'm spoiled and don't know what else I need at this point!
Joe

Ok, I gave in and bought a new sleeping bag. My current down bag I have had since 1985 and this summer I had to admit it is getting rather thin and ineffective. So I just bit the bullet and ordered one that was on sale.

straighthairedcurly: "Ok, I gave in and bought a new sleeping bag. My current down bag I have had since 1985 and this summer I had to admit it is getting rather thin and ineffective. So I just bit the bullet and ordered one that was on sale."

If you've never washed it, or very infrequently, you may discover it has new legs as a loaner after a good bath and re-fluff in a dryer with tennis balls. Down gets more ineffective the dirtier & more weighed down it gets with sweat, body oils, and trail grime.

Enjoy the new bag!

Haven't gotten much yet, just a new power bank for Christmas and some light weight carabineers. But before this summer's trip I'm looking at getting a Spring creek yoke/seat, a NRS Chinook PFD, and a bent shaft wood paddle.

I'm almost certain to get the yoke/seat because I had issues with my yoke last year and this should fix all that, but the paddle and life jacket are luxuries that I might hold off on.

My big ticket piece of gear this year will be a new right knee.
MB

TomT: "I bought a Primus Powertrail New Stove a couple days ago. It's only my 4th stove in close to 40 years of camping.


I'm also getting the Agawa Canyon Boreal Saw for Christmas. I really want an Garmin Inreach but my wife says to just rent. I'm hoping she's bluffing and I'll see it under the Christmas tree. :)


I'm also looking into getting a strong plastic container similar to tupperware to hold my cook kit, stove, gas, utensils etc. A BWCA .commer I paddled with last fall turned me on to his organizational system inside his pack. He uses two of them side by side. I like his idea. I'm planning a trip to The Container Store in the near future. That's about it for this year.

I broke the bank last year with a new canoe. Frenchy, I pulled the trigger on a Swift Shearwater.



"

Whoa!
She's beautiful.
How's dealer support in Minnesota?
You got to let us know, what did you pay for her?
I think a new Langford or Swift are in my future!

Inmyelement: "Wife got me a Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 sleeping bag. It is part of their sleep system bags where the bag attaches to a sleeping pad. I toss and turn a lot at night and it really seems like it is going to help me from getting all twisted up in my bag. Being semi rectangular, I can still comfortably side sleep. I really think this is going to increase the quality of sleep I get when camping. Now to find a decent pillow.
"

This the best set up I’ve tried, but pillows are different for everyone. Sold my Nemo and expeds. Goose feet pillow with exped insert

It is very light, adjustable, large and packed down very small. I got the extra down fill version. Not cheap though.

T

halvorsonchristopher: "Whoa!
She's beautiful.
How's dealer support in Minnesota?
You got to let us know, what did you pay for her?
I think a new Langford or Swift are in my future! "

It was on the floor at Canoecopia for the last two years. They discontinued the model and needed to sell this one so I got a pretty great deal. Swift are good people. There’s new you tube videos of the new 2020 canoes. Look ‘em up and talk to Bill Swift at Canoecopia in March. Buy one off the floor take it home and save money.

Cc26: "

GearGuy: "Just bought my 3rd and last CCS tarp this weekend, looking forward to setting that up when it gets here. About to buy an Osprey Aether Pro. Debating buying a Garmin gps.... the more I think about that $600 the more I remember how easy it is to get around on map and that I've never been lost. I did just get some new icebreaker merino long underwear im looking forward to using. Might make a slingshot for 2020, I use 1.75mm Lash it for a bear rope and it'd be so slick to shoot the rope over branches with a small nut on the end. I'm also thinking of picking up another UGQ quilt, rated for zero (current top quilt is a 40F). Oh! Im gonna buy a coffee making option, I don't drink coffee but I've noticed I can't start cracking the whip to get a move on until everyone's got coffee in their mug and I'm not the type to hope someone brings their own coffee and coffee maker lol. For 2020 I picked up a 9 tray excalibur dehydrator, along with mylar bags you can pour boiling water into to rehydrate food, excited to step my dehydrating game up. Going to be buying another water filter option, water filter life span is a constant problem in the algae rich lakes of bwca. And I need a cool looking hat that doesn't look nerdy...hmm"

I got anxiety reading this."

New gear for you in 2020 includes a xanax Rx!

I got a new Northwind Solo canoe in the starlite layup courtesy of Northstar for winning the Ely Marathon-Canoe Portage Division and breaking the previous record. That’s my only new piece of gear.





Tony

This is an awesome thread. The Emberlit twig stove mentioned by a few is intriguing. Has anyone used this reliably for frying fish in a skillet?

For our Quetico trips we picked up a titanium Purcell trench stream side voyageurs grill for fish fries over the fire. Pretty happy after our first trip using it. Otherwise I use my MSR pocketrocket stove to quickly scramble some eggs or boil water.

On a related note, does anyone have any tips to minimize the fire soot/tar that builds up on the bottom/sides of a skillet or pot? This seems especially problematic for us with the skillet after a hearty fish fry.

Looking to acquire a new lightweight skillet that can handle fish fries for 4-5 people. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

GopherAdventure: "I got a new Northwind Solo canoe in the starlite layup courtesy of Northstar for winning the Ely Marathon-Canoe Portage Division and breaking the previous record. That’s my only new piece of gear.

Tony"

You have to be a special kind of crazy to run a marathon portaging a canoe :)
Congratulations!!!

BWCAgoer: "Looking to acquire a new lightweight skillet that can handle fish fries for 4-5 people. Any recommendations?

Thanks!"

2 different recommendations that I'm in love with.

First off is the bulletproof 25 cm Primus Skillet (pretty much 10" skillet) this skillet has a handle that folds down underneath the skillet when you're not using it. It's around 1 lb 6 oz total which is light for a SS skillet. If you have it on your pocket rocket, which has a super narrow heat focus, the stainless steel will spread the head much better. My favorite thing about this skillet is that it came with a REALLY NICE canvas bag that doesn't take up any more space than the skillet itself. So when you get it sooty, it's safe in it's own little canvas bag. This thing cooks for a group of 5-6 with ease. My favorite for frying fish. Gotta have that even heat for a better cook.

The other recommendation is the 10.5" Aluminum Fry Bake Pan. This Pan has the added benefit of being used as a little tiny oven. The total weight is 1 lb 13 oz. Little heavier than the SS skillet. The trade off is that you can bake by making a little twig fire on the lid, and maintaining a low heat on the bottom from a stove. The quality of the aluminum used for the skillet itself is high, it's much thinner than the Primus skillet, and so heat distribution will be a problem if you're cooking at higher temperatures. Long term life of the Aluminum is questionable, by that I mean I doubt it will hold it's nice flat little shape for very long. It works really cool as an oven though, I've made make shift pizza in it at home, loved it. On the flip side, this skillet DID NOT come with a bag to keep it in. Which I was really bummed about considering it was almost 3x the cost of the Primus. Haven't tried yet but I wonder how it'll do for a fish fry