Howdy all!

I'll try to keep it short (but I type a lot) - it's been years since I've canoed in the BWCA. I'm going in August with my best buddy and his father-in-law and some of their friends. I am excited!

I'd like to make it a 'regular' thing for myself again (it used to be when I was a youngster - my gramps would take me every year - sometimes twice in a year) so I'm looking at getting some gear as I get back into things. We always base camped as a kid, this camping trip will be much more 'on the go', including some portaging.

I'm a big fella at 6'6" and weighing in around 275, so gear/clothes/everything has always been a little tricky for me. What works for most I have to consider very closely and often find that I need to go a different direction because whatever it is doesn't fit or doesn't handle my size/weight.

Our goal is to hammock camp - I've got a hammock that I like (that I have slept / camped in before and regularly enjoy in my backyard) and I've got a little mosquito net that slips over/around it. It's not an expensive one, but it works and handles up to like 4-500 lbs.

Question 1: Sleeping pad? Underquilt? Can I just line the hammock with a sleeping bag and call it good? I don't mind chilly weather and run a bit warm.

Question 2: Tarps - I'll need a good quality tarp to cover my hammock, any recommendations? I would love to move into tarp camping as well at some point (or maybe try it on this trip!) so I will probably be looking at a tarp large enough to work for that as well if possible.

Question 3: Shoes / boots? As a kid we just wore work-boots that would be laced loosely so we could kick 'em off if we tipped over (luckily never happened). I recently was at a box store checking out some shoe options and saw some 'shoes' that essentially looked like a very sturdy sandal that slipped on with sides similar to a shoe, but they had a lot of mesh, including some mesh holes on the sole. Any thoughts on those?

Question 4: Packs. I realize this is a pretty opinionated topic - I've been googling and reading thread after thread - portage packs, dry packs, duluth packs, etc... and a lot of those threads from google seem a bit older - so I'm interested in hearing if anyone has any more modern opinions on things. I have an old school army style duffel bag that has shoulder straps - would just getting some big tough liners for that and using that work?

Obviously there is a lot more gear that will be needed - if you think of anything that is a "must have" or something you wish you would have known at the start of your trips - I'm all for hearing about that gear as well!

Additionally - at my size? I realize 'ultralight' isn't exactly in my vocabulary and I'm okay with that. I also realize that it's also not in my budget! Some of that gear is PRICEY! I'm not opposed to spending some money on something that lasts (like a good quality pack or tarp that can last for many trips/years); but I do like to try and stretch my dollars as well, for example: if work boots are still a decent idea to use? I'm fine with that! All ideas and thoughts are welcome!

Cost effective, well made packs are the ones from EarthPak Earth Pak

I use the 55L for my solo trips, but if carrying a bit more gear, go with the 85L. Keeps gear very dry.

There is a recent footwear discussion and the choices are so varied. My personal preference is a mid height boot like the Merrill Moab. I am not a fan of anything that is easy for sand or dirt or small stones to enter from the sides.

I'll add that Aquaquest makes relatively lower-cost but effective tarps in a range of sizes to hang over your hammock. Sleeping pads run the gamut from cheap and heavy (but comfortable!) to lighter, insulated and therefore expensive (or I should say can be expensive). Thermarest makes decent inflatable sleeping pads and you can sometimes find them for less than $100. Have fun shopping! :)

Whitefly: "...

Our goal is to hammock camp - I've got a hammock that I like (that I have slept / camped in before and regularly enjoy in my backyard) and I've got a little mosquito net that slips over/around it. It's not an expensive one, but it works and handles up to like 4-500 lbs.

Question 1: Sleeping pad? Underquilt? Can I just line the hammock with a sleeping bag and call it good? I don't mind chilly weather and run a bit warm.

Question 2: Tarps - I'll need a good quality tarp to cover my hammock, any recommendations? I would love to move into tarp camping as well at some point (or maybe try it on this trip!) so I will probably be looking at a tarp large enough to work for that as well if possible.

...
"

I hammock camped for about 2 years with a bad hammock and a sleeping pad + sleeping bag inside. An appropriately long hammock with an under-quilt changed my life. If you are happy with your hammock you're half way there, For Summer temps camping you should be able to pick up a 40* under-quilt at a reasonable price. Any tarp will keep rain off of you. I really like my Superfly but if you need to choose between under-quilt and Tarp, I'd definitely suggest under-quilt first.

Hey Whitefly,

This isn't a question on your list, but you did say "our" goal is to hammock camp. It can be challenging to find ideal (or any) hangs for multiple folks at some camp sites–particularly in burn areas. If many people in the group are planning to hang, take a close look at your route and plan accordingly.

1. In August you won't need much insulation so personal preference–either should work fine.

2. Any tarp that covers your hammock should do. The trick is test driving your setup at home before your trip (seriously, there's a learning curve to getting a great hang and you don't want that during a thunderstorm or mosquito frenzy).

3. This deserves its own thread–and you'll find plenty if you page through the forum. Really comes down to personal preference.

4. I've seen people use duffels and everything else you mentioned. I find portage packs (big fan of CCS & Granite Gear) to be the most efficient for gear hauling (wasting time adjusting packs at portages is a big pet peeve of mine). Definitely use pack liners for anything that needs to stay dry.

Consider renting packs and other gear before you buy. Outfitters can answer any questions you might have too (not to mention great deals on quality used gear). Have a great trip!

I'm not an expert on many things, but camping on a budget is right in my wheelhouse.
There are very few things that NEED to be high-end. I've been camping ultra-heavy for years; it's fine. You will need a real pack; rent at first. Then buy something you like used from an outfitter.
I use knock-off Muck boots to paddle (dry and ankle-biter-proof) and old sneakers in camp.
Can't help you on the hammock stuff.
Lots of camping stuff--clothes, plates, cups, utensils, etc--can be had for a song at Goodwill, especially if you are willing to re-purpose things and keep an open mind.
Here's a shot of me in Goodwill clothes.
Remember, life is not a beauty contest. It's a fishing contest.

Whitefly,

Email me; I'm going to be going through stuff I have accumulated over the years and getting rid of some. Some may be useful to you.

RE Question #1: Short answer: avoid lying on a sleeping bag, and use an underquilt instead.

Long answer: In August you MIGHT be able to get by with just a sleeping bag in the hammock, but (there's always a but) when you lie on the sleeping bag, any loft/insulation it did have will be compressed by your body weight making the insulation value nearly zero. Even if you're IN the sleeping bag, the insulation will be lost. Also, as you move around in the hammock, the bag may move to the side, slide down to your feet, etc. CBS (cold butt/back syndrome) could very well be in play, even in August with just the slightest of breezes, and make for miserable sleeping.

For several years I've used a DIY underquilt I made from a cheap down throw from Costco. Worked just fine. However, just THIS MORNING I purchased a budget underquilt from Amazon and I'm really looking forward to trying it out. On Amazon search for Ayamaya underquilt - right around $50 for the double size, good reviews. Would I use it January? Probably not. Will I use it in June, July, August and September? I fully expect to.

Thank you all for some great feedback!

All wonderful things to think about. boonie, I dropped you an email!

I am finding researching gear to be an absolute blast and appreciate you all taking the time to offer feedback on my questions, thank you.

lundojam: "I'm not an expert on many things, but camping on a budget is right in my wheelhouse.
There are very few things that NEED to be high-end. I've been camping ultra-heavy for years; it's fine. You will need a real pack; rent at first. Then buy something you like used from an outfitter.
I use knock-off Muck boots to paddle (dry and ankle-biter-proof) and old sneakers in camp.
Can't help you on the hammock stuff.
Lots of camping stuff--clothes, plates, cups, utensils, etc--can be had for a song at Goodwill, especially if you are willing to re-purpose things and keep an open mind.
Here's a shot of me in Goodwill clothes.
Remember, life is not a beauty contest. It's a fishing contest. "

I'll second the Goodwill gear. Clothes are expensive but important to get the right materials. Cotton is rotten. You need 100% synthetic or wool. Gym pants from Goodwill were my go to for years. The only cotton you should have is for sleeping gear. Don't cheap out on the socks though.

I don't use bowls or cups. I do have a cheap blue ceramic coated metal mug that you can pick up anywhere for cheap that I use as a bowl and a cup. Plates are just pieces of plastic. Whatever size works for you and packs small enough. Just make sure you have a set so they stack nicely and not multiple different styles. They do not need to be nice.

I would agree that the pack is one of the most important pieces of equipment that can make or break a trip. If carrying things is miserable, you will not have a good time. Same for the canoe and portage pads. I never rented but maybe I should have.

Tarps are not super important other than just having one at all. Buy something cheap and you might be surprised at how long it lasts you.

Footwear is highly subjective. Do you want or need ankle support? I encourage it myself. Wet foot or dry foot? I love my Keen Voyagers and will walk straight through streams with them. There is no need to tie them loose because you wear a PFD at all times. Footwear is a discussion of it's own though and something I didn't change until several years later. You would be fine just using what you have for now or buying thrift store boots that will last 1 or 2 trips. Just make sure you have a camp shoe as well.

Economical outfitting with light to ultra light equipment can be done via the used marketplace. Generally look for a 50% reduction in price simply because it is used. Quality down sleeping stuff, shelters, cooking gear, packs all things I have bought used at very affordable costs.

butthead

If you're going to plan on hammock tenting exclusively for the foreseeable future, as you noted you want to make this a regular thing, then the one item I would splurge on right now is a tarp, go with the best. The last thing you want is a cheap tarp tearing or wetting out in a rainstorm and end up having all your sleeping gear soaked, or even worse yet, wake up in an overnight storm soaked head to toe.

With that said, in my experience as lightweight human, I have found that a quality pack with a good harness and maximum comfort can make or break a trip as well, since I am not keen to carrying a lot of weight on my torso for long distances. I learned the hard way, and since upgraded to a smaller CCS pack and I carry far less weight in it now as well.

High quality tarps don't come up on the used market as often as packs since many people buying those tarps keep them for 15-20 years, but if you keep your eye on the classifieds here you might snag a good one at a reasonable price. Packs seem to be popping up all the time as folks change up their loadouts and packing style, and I often see Granite Gear packs go on sale from a number of online vendors as well. They aren't the best quality on the market these days but they are far better than the off-brand stuff, and they have a comfortable harness.

Well welcome back! I am not a BW paddler but I'm over in the Adirondacks of NY and in Vermont and most of the gear stuff will be at least similar.

There are so many topics you bring up. I could type for hours. But, to start you off... Here are some thoughts.

Buy the best you can afford. Yes, that does run somewhat contrary to "in a budget". However, most of us have a budget to live with... We can't all just order everything from Arc'teryx, North face, Patagonia, MSR, and so forth. But one thing you definitely do not want to do is get junk, even as a temporary measure. The Ozark Mountain stuff at Walmart is not going to be fun.

I always think "value". As cost goes up, generally speak, quality goes up. But at some point on the graph, quality does not go up as fast. You want to be in a zone where the quality is good and the price is not the highest. I always get a laugh at the articles in the blogs... "What is the best XYX?". The best? What, the most expensive? The one I like the best? The one YOU like the best? The most durable? The highest performance or thr lightest? "Best" is arbitrary, at best.

I usually will go for used gear.... At least until I'm absolutely sure that I want that EXACT thing...(like my new Boreal 21 folding saw from Agawa.)

If you are HIKING, a pack is REALLY important. If you are canoeing... A pack has to be fairly comfortable for the portages you plan on. If you read the gear forums here, all the way back in time, you'll see so many discussions about gear... Pros and cons. You should read a lot of that. That's what I do. Some people don't function that way. That's okay too. You have to be prepared for more "learning by mistakes" that way though.

I would suggest keeping an eye on your Craigslist. Put in a search and save the search so you get notified when items get listed. I have picked up a number of good used dry bags from Sealine and SeaToSummit.... Including a really nice Sealine Boundary Pak 70L for $40. Same for camp stoves, tents and canoes.

After almost 40 years of tenting, I gave up on that and am sleeping outside, in a hammock and tarp, year round, in Vermont. I freaking love it. However, the hammock gear thing is a serious rabbit hole. We each have our own gear and approach that we like. There's no general beat approach.

Regarding tarps, you do not have to get a $300 CCS tarp to be completely protected. It may be tru that a CVS tarp will last twenty five years, but FOR ME,... I am happy with a nice big pretty durable fairly light tarp that I will get 10 years out of. I like the Unigear tarps on Amazon. Good tarp with good tie outs ...say...10'x 12' for $35. DD tarps are a little bit more expensive but not by much...I just got a DD Hammocks 4mx4m (13'x13') for $100. Great tarp. Three things that are important for me....good tie outs...well reinforced. 12+ ridgeline length...needed to cover suspension straps at either end of a 11' hammock...and being a le to get the edges of the tarp down near the ground for weather protection.

Anyways...there are a few thoughts. I thing that footwear is probably the one item of everything that you should just go to stores, find out what feels the best, what is the most durable...get the advice from smart sales staff...and pay whatever it takes. Bad footwear will ruin everything.

Good luck and have fun!

You can build up your gear over time. Borrow what you can at first and let your experience tell you what to upgrade. I did everything on the cheap for the first several years and I survived. It's been over 10 years since I started canoe camping and I have my gear pretty dialed in at this point.

August is a easy time of the year. The bugs should be light, weather is stable, water is warm, so you wont suffer much if you don't have ideal gear. It's good to suffer a bit so you are motivated to improve.

Shoes: two pairs: one gets wet, the other stays dry for in camp. Must have dry feet in camp. Buy a pair of wool socks. Any wool socks. They do not stink even after days.

Hammock setup: 'Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock, Premium 14.7ft/12ft/10ft/8ft Rain Fly Cover' on Amazon. $30 to $40 and they are decent tarps. Get a 10' x 12'. I used a sleeping pad in my hammock to start. Even a thin foam pad will work, but bring something.

Pack: Whatever you bring, fill it with your gear and go for several hikes on a trail in the woods. Fill it with all your gear. The best way to get in shape to portage is to portage

It's a great journey building up your gear. Good luck.

You really have to have insulation under you, trust me on this. Sleeping bags offer near zero insulation underneath as they are compressed, which is why we use pads with significant R value. Many people have made this mistake with both hammocks and tents with low quality pads. Under insulation is equally important as the bag you use. I've lost count of the people I've seen try to sleep warmer by getting warmer and warmer bags when all they needed was a good pad, or in the case of a hammock, a good underquilt. An underquilt is by far the best solution. If down is too expensive, look at Arrowhead Equipment as they sell high quality synthetic insulation. Remember, northern Minnesota can dip in to the 30's (or lower) any month of the year including July and August. We've seen 32 deg in early August once and 30 deg in mid July. The records are June-15 deg F, July 24 deg F, and August 21 deg F. The 21 deg in August was on the 2nd. This would NOT be fun with no insulation underneath, trust me! A DECENT pad will work inside your hammock, if you have one.

Sleeping bag...Kelty rambler 50 is pretty cheap
sleeping pad...go to Walmart, get a yoga mat. that'll be nice and flexible for a hammock
Tarps...I bought 2 cheap ones off Amazon. The crappier one, one of my nephews tied up without a ridgeline and it filled with rain....lots of it. It stretched but did not tear. That was this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZV9S3X/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I call it "crappy" because its stretchy.

Look for 201T polyester. This one is great but no longer available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RG73XB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Footwear...I have been a proponent of Keen sandals but this year they tore the top of my feet up. I am going with some Teva water shoes that lace for portages and crocs for a dry shoe in camp. Don't skimp here.

Packs! My first year taking my kids I went cheap. my food pack was an old army duffle lined with a yoga pad and carrying (2) 5 gallon buckets. The gear bags were also army duffles. Army duffles are great for old Soldiers but suck for teenagers. They still haven't quite forgiven me. But I thought they worked just fine. Just make sure they are not from the prime deployment era of 2004-2015. Those have el cheapo stamped buckles. You will end up setting you strap length with knots.

God bless Amazon! Shop and check reviews and you will find something to fit your budget.
Do not cheap out on your PFD, If it doesn't fit comfortably you won't be wearing it when you ride up on a submerged rock and tip over, banging your head on said rock, leaving you unconscious and unable to kick off your heavy work boots and trying to breath water and thus rendering the decision on bag/quilt moot.

PFD- in the early and late seasons...a serious PFD is real good to have. In the warm months, I use an inflatable AM-24 from Onyx. They take a CO2 cartridge and blow up instantly when you need it. So they are very light weight and unobtrusive to wear in the summer. Both in terms of sweating and also the bulk of a standard PFD which often interferes with kayak and pack-boat seats.

I have used Keen and Teva water shoes over the years and have been dissatisfied. The ones I had were not durable. I have Choata water shoes and they are great but they stink like crazy. Not sure why. None of my other footwears stinks. I now have Solomon Amphib on the recommendation of guys here. Great wet shoes. Crocs are great around camp and dry almost instantly. Use wool socks. Leave all the cotton stuff at home.

I like taking lightweight hiking boots too. Obviously if you're going hiking, but also on the trips through forest to gather firewood and when it's cold at night.

The NRS neoprene Paddle Water Shoes are about 10" high boots with soles on them are good for early season and late season too. Do fine on portages. Although still "wet-footing", they keep your feet warmer than water shoes.

For mosquitos, you cannot beat the devices from ThermaCell. The Backpacker model uses standard butane gas cylinders and is extremely fuel efficient. They work really well in my experience. They don't do much for black flies however.

I favor the Platypus 4 Liter gravity water filtration system.

The little cheap chinese one burner camp stoves on amazon, with the attached fuel hose, are great. To me, these are way better than the much more expensive "pocket Rocket" because they have a lower center-of-gravity (more stable with pots) and the fuel is more "remote" for safety...especially if you use a heat shield.

The old Mirro boy scout aluminum mess kit (small pot, plate-bowl and fry pan) will do you just fine for many years if you are solo. Lightweight, efficient, durable and inexpensive.

I like the Estwing 22A hatchet with solid steel shank and leather-washer handle. Beautiful, efficient, well-balanced, indestructible and pretty affordable.

Again...save searches on craigslist. "Camping", sleeping bag...dry bag...etc.

Check the DIY forum here. You can make some of your own gear. Also, Ripstop-By-The-Roll has many fabrics and kits as well as patterns and advice for making all sorts of tarps, underquilts, tents, bags, etc.

Cordage....avoid paracord. It's too stretchy...especially when wet. There is thin nylon/poly line for guy lines and misc use around camp that is lighter, stronger and still very affordable.

Church / charity stores are worth checking as well.

Also: learn the sacred trinity of knots for camping.
The Bowline
The Tautline Hitch
The Truckers Hitch.

Oh, also, if camping regulations allow for it, 5 gallon buckets make good inexpensive "bear-proof" and critter-proof dry storage containers for food. Get a new clean 5 gallon bucket. Get a Gamma-Lid. Lowe's has them. These lids have a ring that fastens to the bucket and you can caulk the joint with sealant. Then a circular lid screws onto the ring. They are almost waterproof, and probably almost as effective as an expensive "Bear Vault Nimbus 5000". Bucket maybe $5 and Gamma Lid maybe $10. Also makes a good seat and table at camp.

Great ideas and thoughts across the board here - thank you all for your input!

I've been doing a lot of digging online in the spare time I've been able to get lately (super busy as of late with travel and family obligations).

I think looking for gear and trying to plan this out has become a big part of the excitement for me!

I really appreciate the input and time taken to provide me with some help!