What are you using this year for new gear?

I have a new tarp that I'll be trying out and will maybe comment on later, but also wanted to mention my recent purchase of an Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 saw. After purchasing from agawacanyoninc.com, I received an email from one of the guys there, perhaps one of the owners, personally thanking me for the purchase.

Now that's the kind of business I'm glad to purchase from. Excited to try it out in the BW in a few weeks. Anyone have any comments on this saw specifically?

Bumstead, you made a great purchase. The Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 is an excellent lightweight efficient saw for the BWCA. I've tripped with a Sawvivor, Sven saw and the Irwin saw, and the Agawa Canyon has been my go-to saw for the last couple of years.
Regarding new gear, I've taken the plunge and purchased a Zaveral carbon paddle for this summer's trips. I'm excited to see how it compares to my wood paddles.

I am excited to try out this canvas organizer that I plan to tie around a tree in camp. I look forward to being more organized in camp by placing common group items in it (saw, lighter, maps, etc). I find a lot of the time I'm just digging around in bags looking for stuff or helping others locate items. Not anymore! ..hopefully. I think I saw GrandmaL has made something similar, from doing a search on the site. https://springbar.com/products/tent-hanging-organizer

Also, I just got a small camp table that I might bring. Definitely a luxury item, but I can think of some uses while with a larger group.

I want to buy another bent shaft paddle before my next trip. Searching craigslist every day for that one.

We love the ACB21 saw. Also love the Silky saws but find I can cut a lot more wood without grip or wrist fatigue with the Agawa Canyon, especially if you have to saw one handed like when processing firewood. It is a much more natural hand position. Anxious to try out my new InReach MIni. Well, actually, I have mixed feelings about having a communication device but I know the kids will feel better with their mother and I not being out of touch for 2 weeks. I will still carry our Acr ResQlink as it is superior for actual rescue signals.

Part of my REI dividend got me a Platypus 4-liter gravity filter. It replaces a Pur/Katadyn Hiker we've been using for many years.

TZ

Tarptent Moment DW

A Warbonnet Diamondback 20 degree top quilt for my hammock.

The last few years of Wabakimi Project trips we used an AC Boreal saw which the manufacturer donated to the Project. Many of us found it to be very superior to what Uncle Phil supplied before, a Canadian made Trail Blazer saw which is the tubular aluminum saw in which all parts fit into the tube.

Bumstead: " ...After purchasing from agawacanyoninc.com, I received an email from one of the guys there, perhaps one of the owners, personally thanking me for the purchase....."

Wow, that says a lot about the type of company it is!

mgraber: "... Also love the Silky saws but find I can cut a lot more wood without grip or wrist fatigue with the Agawa Canyon, especially if you have to saw one handed like when processing firewood. It is a much more natural hand position.... "

I've had the same trouble with my Silky - great for two handed clearing of portages, but tired hand when processing wood in camp with one hand on saw and one on log. Looking at the ACB21.

I have a new CCS Explorer pack to try out, and a Garmin In-Reach Mini that has yet to be tested. I had the Garmin all last year but did not active it in favor of continuing to bring my ACR-PLB, but with this lousy pestilence likely to be around us for a while, I like the idea of the Garmin more than ever.

My solo canoe, Tarptent Bowfin 1, and a new sleeping bag (finally retired my 35 year old down sleeping bag). Counting the days and crossing my fingers.

Jaywalker: "

mgraber: "... Also love the Silky saws but find I can cut a lot more wood without grip or wrist fatigue with the Agawa Canyon, especially if you have to saw one handed like when processing firewood. It is a much more natural hand position.... "

I've had the same trouble with my Silky - great for two handed clearing of portages, but tired hand when processing wood in camp with one hand on saw and one on log. Looking at the ACB21.


I have a new CCS Explorer pack to try out, and a Garmin In-Reach Mini that has yet to be tested. I had the Garmin all last year but did not active it in favor of continuing to bring my ACR-PLB, but with this lousy pestilence likely to be around us for a while, I like the idea of the Garmin more than ever. "

I also have a new CCS Explorer that I will be using this spring. I’ve got it filled and ready to go!

Bought a used Northwind 17 this spring, which is what we usually rent but is exciting to own. Picked up a depth finder and a new Pflueger President/Fenwick HMG combo to go with it as well. Also upgraded the reservoirs for our DIY sawyer gravity system so we'll be able to get 10L at a time instead of 3.

New to me CCS Lean One as a bug/rain shelter.

CCS Bushcrafter pack purchased last year but making its first trip this year.

A new NorthStar Canoes foam seat in my solo canoe.

I have been wanting to buy something new for so long. Biggest desire is for a decent tarp and not the cheap menards tarps that I can't compress very small. I hesitate though cause the bwca tarps are not cheap and I don't want it to be ruined after a trip or two. Also I desire a new tent but that one is really for no reason other than I want new.

A new solo tent, a Durston X-MID 1P. This 28 ounce tent cuts my tent weight from 4lbs+.
A new CCS tundra tarp replacing an ancient Campmor tarp at a much lighter weight.
A new gravity water filter system replacing an old First Need pump.
Possibly a Sea to Summit double bug shelter. This would eat up some of the weight I saved on other items, but I think I will like it.
A new bent shaft paddle that is taking form in the shop.

sedges-

I'd be interested to hear a review of the Durston tent after you use it.

Just picked up a used Souris River Quetico 17. Adding some modifications to make it mine so to speak but excited to get out on the water.

PatrickE: "Just picked up a used Souris River Quetico 17. Adding some modifications to make it mine so to speak but excited to get out on the water. "

Patrick - Curious, where did you get your SRQ from? Outfitter or private sale? I've been looking to add one (have an old SRQ in Duralite that we're thinking of replacing). Thanks

HawkInCT: "

PatrickE: "Just picked up a used Souris River Quetico 17. Adding some modifications to make it mine so to speak but excited to get out on the water. "

Patrick - Curious, where did you get your SRQ from? Outfitter or private sale? I've been looking to add one (have an old SRQ in Duralite that we're thinking of replacing). Thanks"

I'm quite a ways south (Orlando, FL). Someone posted on the buy/sell thread about wanting to buy a used SRQ and a great couple responded from Fort Meyers. I ended reaching out to them and making the trek down there a few weeks back. They had picked it up new from Dan at Red Rock a number of years back.

The market down here for Kevlar canoes is not the best so I jumped at the opportunity. From what I've read about Dan, he's a huge advocate of this model and routinely has them for sale ( Used canoes for sale ).

I have not bought any new gear since George Bush was president, senior that is.....

nooneuno: "I have not bought any new gear since George Bush was president, senior that is....."

You must have legendary discipline!! Or indestructible gear. Or both!!

I'd love to buy a quality gravity filter.

Jackfish: "I'd love to buy a quality gravity filter."

I've used the Platypus for the past 3 years and have been very happy. I just bring a spare filter cartridge. Another camper one year brought the Katadyn which was brand new....stopped filtering on day 2 and we couldn't get it running despite multiple attempts to unclog.

x2jmorris: "I have been wanting to buy something new for so long. Biggest desire is for a decent tarp and not the cheap menards tarps that I can't compress very small. I hesitate though cause the bwca tarps are not cheap and I don't want it to be ruined after a trip or two. Also I desire a new tent but that one is really for no reason other than I want new."

Get on the CCS website and take the plunge. A quality tarp will last if you just take a little care, not to mention they are a joy to use in the woods.

I have a ZRE Power Surge Extreme straight shaft carbon fiber paddle on the way. I have the same in bent shaft that I love for tandem paddling, I want to try the straight shaft for solo paddling. I also have a new power pack to try out on a river trip coming up next week.

fadersup: "

x2jmorris: "I have been wanting to buy something new for so long. Biggest desire is for a decent tarp and not the cheap menards tarps that I can't compress very small. I hesitate though cause the bwca tarps are not cheap and I don't want it to be ruined after a trip or two. Also I desire a new tent but that one is really for no reason other than I want new."

Get on the CCS website and take the plunge. A quality tarp will last if you just take a little care, not to mention they are a joy to use in the woods."

What Fader said. Best investment in camping gear that you could make. Ruined after a trip or two? You can ruin a Menards tarp after 10 minutes. The CCS tarps are sewn to last.

I made a bridge hammock during last winter. Now that I also have an underquilt for it I'm excited to try it in my backyard before taking it out into the field.
I've also made a few round barrel organization bags.

Right now I'm working on a portage pack. Should be done with it later today.

PatrickE: "

Jackfish: "I'd love to buy a quality gravity filter."

I've used the Platypus for the past 3 years and have been very happy. I just bring a spare filter cartridge. Another camper one year brought the Katadyn which was brand new....stopped filtering on day 2 and we couldn't get it running despite multiple attempts to unclog. "

In addition to bringing a spare filter cartridge, we also bring a large syringe to backflush the filter with. Depending on the lake (and the carefulness of the waterboy), we might need to backflush up to every other day. Some trips - none needed.

We are consolidating packs a bit this year so no “day pack” for me. Our plan is to try the 1.5 portage method. To keep some items at hand I picked up a Yeti waist pack.
I added a tactical belt to fashion (hopefully) a not-too-odd looking fanny pack. The Yeti pack is reportedly water tight so my phone, map, sunscreen, permit, fishing license, and compass will go in there. I tested it in the kitchen sink by dunking it and holding it submerged. No water inside so it is making the trip.

Working on my brother to support my desire to bring my new “gazebo.” We camp in one spot for 5 days and if the black flies are bad...

I finally Googled how cold it has to be for the mosquitoes and black flies to retire for the night. (50°) Three nights’ forecast the week before Memorial Day has lows over 50°. (Also, I bring a digital thermometer.)

My bro suggested one of those 1’ diameter thermometers to hang in a tree so it can be seen from across the lake. (I think he was being sarcastic but did I mention I’m his older brother?)

Imagine: You spent 6 hours fishing and you get clean-up duty. I’ve seen others who lug in tables but minus that, bending over the dirty dishes for 15 minutes, spending half the time balancing dishes on semi clean, (lichen is clean, right?) flat rocks? Nope, dish rack this year.

I brought TWO of those blue lounge chairs last year. Those folding camp chairs are not posturepedic. My little bro says maximum two trips for the portage. There is ONE portage to Ensign, sibling rivalry much?

There will be four of us and we’re thinking of renting the three-man canoes... for my stuff!

p.s. You will not see a fishing net in our midst. Non-negotiable.

x2jmorris: "I have been wanting to buy something new for so long. Biggest desire is for a decent tarp and not the cheap menards tarps that I can't compress very small. I hesitate though cause the bwca tarps are not cheap and I don't want it to be ruined after a trip or two. Also I desire a new tent but that one is really for no reason other than I want new."

If you're looking to save money, I got two of these tarps by Unigear and am impressed with the quality, especially the 3000 mm coating: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076C716QL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Also for the bargain hunter, I'm tempted by these tents: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D4J3J2R/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A1VKFK3KWZHS26&psc=1 Check out the 5000 mm coating. Same as you---no reason, I just like buying tents. :-)

Dutchware Chameleon Hammock over here, with an ENO Housefly tarp for over top. Headed out on our first trip of the year on May 29 and we cannot wait.

A Solo Stove. Gratuitous, but it was a gift. Will bring this and fuel stove this year on a minimal portaging trip for field comparison. Would be nice to get away from fuel canisters.