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spud
member (37)member
  
02/15/2021 11:29AM  
I'm not sure how many others are out there like myself, but I like to research and purchase gear during the winter, as a way to get myself thru the withdrawals of camping/canoeing.. With this, I like to improve one or possibly more pieces of gear each year.. last year I bite the bullet and got a new Northstar before they become a hot item...
I understand that tripping styles dictate different gear so that would influence recommendations.. Since it is hard to recommend without knowing what i have, I have attached a few images with my gear list (I stole the spreadsheet from a backpacking coworker)..
I typically camp in shoulder seasons, and our group moves frequently.. The first images are the personal items and the last the community gear.. (Not all gear on the list gets brought for each trip)

So, if you were me, what would you splurge on or add this year?

 
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02/15/2021 01:17PM  
How about an Enlightened Equipment Revelation 30 degree top quilt or a Cooke Custom Sewing 10'x12' or 10'x14' 1.1 oz. sil-nylon Tundra tarp?
 
02/15/2021 02:08PM  
If you go with a carbon paddle you can get into the 15 oz range instead of the 24 oz shown. Carbon paddles have been our best recent equipment upgrade.

TZ
 
spud
member (37)member
  
02/15/2021 03:32PM  
I like the ideas so far.. At this stage, Im trying to balance which item give me the best improvement (performance, or weight savings), or something that i dont have that would make a trip better.. I do have an aquaquest sil-nylon tarp that has been working for me, which is why I was hesitant on getting a new CCS one just yet.. Both the quilt and a CF paddle has been something i've considered but I just never knew if they were worthwhile upgrades.. Its encouraging to hear your take on the paddle, tho.

 
mschi772
distinguished member(806)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/15/2021 04:59PM  
Honestly, you don't really need anything. That looks like a fine list populated by good stuff I see no reason to go out of one's way to replace. Top quilt is all that really came to mind for me, but it's not like you really need it. Carbon fiber paddle isn't a half-bad idea, but again, you hardly need it.
 
gymcoachdon
distinguished member(599)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/15/2021 05:01PM  
I have a hammock Gear 20 Degree top quilt that with stuff sack, weighs 20.2 ounces. That is 15 ounces less than your sleeping bag, but I don't know it's rating, or how new it is. Maybe not time to replace it yet.
I have a Zaveral Powersurge medium weight paddle that weighs 11 oz. I consider it the best money I have spent on equipment. That would save you 13 oz.?
 
spud
member (37)member
  
02/15/2021 05:03PM  
Yes, I am very grateful to be in the situation with regards to the gear I have, which is not lost on me or something I want to take for granted. I don't really buy anything for myself throughout the year, so its the one category that once a year i try to buy something for me and to upgrade something in my gear closet..
 
02/15/2021 05:04PM  
Wow! My entire gear collection list is in my head, along with locations, house, garage, outbuilding, cabin...and my packing seems to happen the afternoon and evening before the departure. At what point there is usually one or two moments of panic when I can't find a particular piece of gear.

This particularly efficient (time) style of packing is likely what led me to once arrive at the lake with everything but my paddles...fortunately we were only about 30 minutes from home, so a quick trip back and we're good to go.

Sorry - I have no original recommendations. My gear shopping is usually done after a few whiskeys. Inhabitions and wallets get looser!
 
spud
member (37)member
  
02/15/2021 05:13PM  
Speckled: "Wow! My entire gear collection list is in my head, along with locations, house, garage, outbuilding, cabin...and my packing seems to happen the afternoon and evening before the departure. At what point there is usually one or two moments of panic when I can't find a particular piece of gear.


I put the list together over the winter last year while dreaming of being in the woods and after watching too many videos on youtube from what is now Lost Lakes Backcountry Angling... The person I stole the spreadsheet from was at 31lbs for his entire backpacking trip (including food), so it was his detailed like an I just adapted it for my stuff :)
 
02/15/2021 05:52PM  
If you really must buy something this winter, get the paddle. You won't regret it!
 
02/15/2021 06:31PM  
Oh, happy happy: I love gear spreadsheets and weight reduction...

Excellent suggestions by unshavenman and trailzen; the paddle (ZRE or for less $, a GRB), topquilt (EE Rev or Enigma 100%) and tarp (CCS of course unless you go to the next level with DCF) are all more-or-less 200-350 bucks to get about a pound of weight savings for each item.

The one other thing you could look at is your pack. I own the same one and for base camping with the family that's what we take. But with an experienced group that is moving, I am taking a backpack - probably a 33oz 60L Gossamer Gear Mariposa (if solo I'm in a 40L pack). 60L may not be big enough for you, but with your base weight it just seems that a 67oz 121L pack is pretty huge...might be able to cut a pound or two here - if you don't need that much volume.

 
jfinn
distinguished member (256)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/15/2021 08:58PM  
I love this group.

As I looked at the list, my thoughts were already answered by #1 and #2.

EE Quilt (you will drop over a pound.

ZRE paddle-your paddling will never be the same. If you ever put in big miles or are on a big lake, there is no comparison.

You don't need anything, but it is good therapy!

John
 
02/15/2021 09:22PM  
Replace Nalgene water storage with Platypus bottle. Save a few ounces for a few dollars. Sit back and ponder some more :)
 
02/15/2021 09:47PM  
spud: "I like the ideas so far.. At this stage, Im trying to balance which item give me the best improvement (performance, or weight savings), or something that i dont have that would make a trip better.. I do have an aquaquest sil-nylon tarp that has been working for me, which is why I was hesitant on getting a new CCS one just yet.. Both the quilt and a CF paddle has been something i've considered but I just never knew if they were worthwhile upgrades.. Its encouraging to hear your take on the paddle, tho.


"
A paddle would be your best upgrade . A ZRE would be my recommendation
 
02/16/2021 01:10AM  
The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe.
 
andym
distinguished member(5340)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
02/16/2021 04:32AM  
I’ve read the comments but not your spreadsheet. I agree with getting the carbon fiber paddle. You pick up that weight over and over and over again. A light, efficient paddle just makes life nicer.
 
TipsyPaddler
distinguished member (315)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/16/2021 06:19AM  
andym: "I’ve read the comments but not your spreadsheet. I agree with getting the carbon fiber paddle. You pick up that weight over and over and over again. A light, efficient paddle just makes life nicer. "


+6 or 7?...I would go with the paddle upgrade too.

Got a ZRE Medium PowerSurge a couple years ago.

Pricey but a great piece of gear.
 
02/16/2021 08:34AM  
dschult2: "The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe."

I had the same thought. I would have left it if you said you trip in summer, but since you mention shoulder season I thought this is worth looking into. The Sven saw is light, but the triangular shape limits the size of what you can cut somewhat. The Boreal 21 looks great to me, the Silky’s have amazing blades (I use a Bigboy), and some love their Irwin’s. For the GF axe options, it boils down to weight vs performance. A little bigger axe will help you process more/bigger wood easier. The Outdoor or Wildlife axe would keep weight down, or the small Forest axe would give you more splitting power. I bring the Small Forest Axe, but also go early or late and don’t worry about weight as much.

I also have the REI flex lite chair and have had thoughts of upgrading to a Helonix to save a bit more weight. If I recall correctly, there is a significant difference.

I also thought of a carbon fiber paddle, but that’s been mentioned a lot. Only thing I’ll add is that while the Zavs are popular on this site, there are other carbon fiber paddles or carbon fiber blades out there. I have a Northstar straight and really like the feel and smell of the cedar shaft and grip. I may add a bent version.

And finally, if it were me, I’d retire the Crocs and replace them with, well, literally anything ;-)
 
goetzc
senior member (52)senior membersenior member
  
02/16/2021 09:23AM  
So, if you were me, what would you splurge on or add this year?


If you haven't already tried the BeFree Katadyn Befree water filters - they are a great alternative to the Sawyer. Not really a "splurge" as they're comparable in price to the Sawyer filters - but I much prefer them after having used them for the last year or two on 10-12 trips. The personal filters and gravity filter use the same filters interchangeably and also fit the Hydrapak collapsible containers.

Also(they're impossible to find right now it seems) but a MSR Whisperlite Universal could replace all of our your existing stove options if you wanted to consolidate/simplify that aspect of cooking.

Another small weight savings option would be swapping out your current fishing pliers at 8oz for a pair of forceps at around 2oz. Something like these on amazon.

A true splurge could be getting a new pack - I also have a GG canoe pack but prefer my HMG Southwest 3400 on most short/lightweight trips. That would save half the weight of the GG Superior 1 albeit not a "canoe pack".
 
mschi772
distinguished member(806)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/16/2021 10:44AM  
goetzc: "Another small weight savings option would be swapping out your current fishing pliers at 8oz for a pair of forceps at around 2oz. "


I'm a stickler for paying what is necessary to buy quality goods from reputable makers/sellers, so if anyone knows where I could find a quality hemostatic forceps made for anglers/mechanics that isn't just some cheap roll of the dice from one of a hundred Amazon resellers, please let me know. As of now, I just watch for used equipment on ebay or labx when I want something like this, but one can wait awhile for if they don't want to be buying something excessive.

Would be nice if someone made forceps with reliable quality control but without the extra expense of having to make sure they're surgical grade. I currently use a 7" sternal needle holder with tungsten carbide jaws by Spectrum that I got lucky to snatch once upon a time, so I'm good for now, but I still get upset seeing so much cheap junk out there that's not even with the couple bucks it costs. People shouldn't have to cross their fingers and wonder if what they just bought might be one of the ones that will last or one of the ones that will rust or snap right away.
 
02/16/2021 11:35AM  
The addition of bug whackers for each tent will be appreciated if you travel during mosquito seasons. Keep them dry. Saves time killing the buggers and saves the scenic inside of your tents from the spatter. In addition, these work much faster and more efficient than hand swatting and has a much higher kill rate than hand swatting. Come at them from below. As of last year, the bugs have only perfected the art of seeing in all directions except for from below.
 
Chuckles
distinguished member (256)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/16/2021 12:15PM  
dschult2: "The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe."


I know you're looking to upgrade, instead of eliminate, but we travel in the shoulder seasons and have never found need for an axe/hatchet. We cook and warm ourselves over the fire; we don't bring a stove. With the saw and splitting wedge we process everything we need. That would shave 2 lbs off your load and not cost you a penny. Then you could bring 2 more pounds of crucial gear like chocolate or alcohol...
 
spud
member (37)member
  
02/16/2021 04:45PM  
Thanks all for the recommendations! The saw is something that I overlooked because it is such a utilitarian type of item..

I know there are some things that I do choose to leave behind, depending on the tripping partners and the type of trip..

Based on the suggestions, I'm leaning towards the EE quilt, and leaving my sleeping bag for tent trips or the kids.. But the paddle really is tempting and not something Id thought would be such a big upgrade. The nice thing is either would go towards helping a small business..

It may seem dumb, but while I dont _need_ anything at this point, it helps to build excitement towards the upcoming season.. And If I can add or upgrade one thing each year, it allows to be more flexible in the future for trips(ie hammock, 2p, 4p tents etc) and is easier than buying multiple things later on..
 
02/17/2021 12:02PM  
It may seem dumb, but while I dont _need_ anything at this point, it helps to build excitement towards the upcoming season..

Trust me, it doesn't seem dumb. There are plenty of folks on this site that didn't need a dozen paddles or a half dozen canoes, but somehow over time this is where we end up ;)
 
MReid
distinguished member (443)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2021 12:24PM  
unshavenman: There are plenty of folks on this site that didn't need a dozen paddles or a half dozen canoes, but somehow over time this is where we end up ;) "

Well, maybe YOU don't need them......
 
02/17/2021 02:09PM  
unshavenman: "
It may seem dumb, but while I dont _need_ anything at this point, it helps to build excitement towards the upcoming season..

Trust me, it doesn't seem dumb. There are plenty of folks on this site that didn't need a dozen paddles or a half dozen canoes, but somehow over time this is where we end up ;) "


"Just one more"...
 
02/17/2021 03:18PM  
You already have one!
But dear it was such a good deal I couldn’t afford not to buy it!
 
02/17/2021 04:44PM  
Captn Tony: "You already have one!
But dear it was such a good deal I couldn’t afford not to buy it!
"

This explains why I have three CCS Tundra tarps......
 
spud
member (37)member
  
03/26/2021 12:18PM  
I think I'm done for the year :)

Used my 11% home depot rebates for a Silky Saw so it was free to me, and my other purchase arrived... Can't wait to try it out!

 
03/26/2021 07:59PM  
Related to the wool items, I have found Woolpower base layer and two shirts, Lite and 200 or 400g, to be among my top investments. I use the Lite long-sleeved top year round. Sometimes I need it on August trips, and it's always part of layering for long winter day trips. I took an accidental swim in North Hegman late one October. Having the Woolpower Lite to change into was a dream! Thanks for sharing the list!
 
03/26/2021 08:19PM  
dschult2: "The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe."


+1 Silky Bigboy. The thing is obscene in the same great way lists like this are so enjoyable.
 
03/27/2021 08:56AM  
Just purchase a Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Mat. Going from my 2 inch mat to 4 inches 61 year old body will appreciate it. Still pretty light weight 18 oz and pack size
 
schweady
distinguished member(8071)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/27/2021 10:44AM  
Platypus is discounting their 2L, 4L, and 6L gravity filter systems and various related components by 25%. A number of suppliers have them offered on their sites, including Backcountry.
 
03/28/2021 09:01PM  
I also don't "need" much but I like to have a couple new things each year to bring along that upgrade the experience. This year I bought a down blanket that will allow me to bring a more comfortable(higher temp rating but wider cut) sleeping bag and still be warm. Also a new lightweight chair in the vein of the Helinox but with a higher back, a 330 lb rating and a much more reasonable price tag. Tried it out this weekend camping and it is awesome, very comfortable and user friendly. Not backpack lightweight but compact and a lot lighter than what I used to bring.

Otherwise it is usually easy to upgrade apparel, there is always something that catches my eye. Found a few items that will be on my trip that should add to versatility and weight savings.

Guess it is a good thing that I don't need to add to my equipment, but rather tweak a few things each year. Always fun to do.
 
03/29/2021 09:59AM  
Did not really read this thread till today, so a bit late. It seems lindylair and I think alike, a camp chair. Not a necessity but you seem to have gear mostly covered so time to think comfort!

butthead
 
Abbey
distinguished member (278)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/30/2021 11:04PM  
Looks like you already got the ZRE? All carbon is all about performance, but I will put in a plug for traditional wood with enhancements of the carbon backed blade version of Sanborn paddles. I have the Nessmuk and Gunflint with carbon, and they swing so nicely. Not as light as the ZRE, but most of that weight difference is in the shaft, which doesn’t make as much performance difference since the shaft isn’t moving as far.

With the axe discussion, I baton with a parang. It’s heavier than a large knife but lighter and safer for splitting than an axe. Can get a Condor full tang with 12” blade for $70. It’s robust.
 
spud
member (37)member
  
03/31/2021 06:46AM  
I did take a flyer on the ZRE based on all the threads I searched on here.. I really was surprised by the amount of people that said a CF paddle was such a game changer.. but If there is one thing I have learned, is that if numerous people on here make the same recommendation for something, there has to be something to it..

This might now lead to next years over-indulgent purchase of another CF straight paddle that gets strapped in as the backup paddle.. No point in having a light canoe and then adding the weight back in with the spare!
 
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