Looking at way to lose 10# from my pack, reason I want to do a longer route next solo, it's about 40# now, things I'm working on, taking a smaller tarp next trip never even set it up this last trip, losing some cook kit and food weight, liter camp shoes and working on other stuff to.

What are some of the ways you cut weight?

Isn't the real question "how do you make a liter lighter?" :-)

The more pounds you lose, the harder (or more expensive) it is to lose a pound :).

Do you have a list of everything (and its weight) you took on this one?

You probably already know (and have done) most of this. The first things to look at are the heaviest - canoe, tent, sleep system, pack. Food, of course, is big on longer trips, but I don't think you're going to cut much more there.

Or you could train to be stronger and have more aerobic capacity.

Or both. But I'm just getting older.

You know how I do my food and the minimal gear it requires - dehydrated, eat-out-of-the-bag, JetBoil. I think you already do much the same. I got an Ursack to replace the BearVault.

I'm thinking I'll take a Lean and save a couple of pounds there. Maybe I could leave the tarp behind and just use the awning. But I might regret that if the weather is really foul. I got a lighter sleep pad and bag to save a pound there.

If I got everything in one pack and could lift and carry it, I'd save the weight of the second pack.

Clothes are another area for me to look at. Maybe water purification.

I don't take a saw or hatchet. No chair, no solar shower, no fishing gear, no reflector oven.

But there are also some compromises I'm not ready to make.

It gets harder and harder. Or more and more expensive.

If you haven't already, get a small scale and weigh EVERYTHING. Make a spreadsheet and start finding ways to reduce the weight of every item, starting with the heaviest. Also, look at what you could leave out. For backpacking, my gear (minus food, water and fuel) is 14-18 lbs, and there are a lot of people who consider that too heavy. I still have a number of luxury items I could cut but anything under about 30 lbs is good for me.

My solo cook kit consists of a SnowPeak 700 mug with a homemade reflectix cozy. Inside of that I keep a Sea to Summit X Mug and a Trangia stove and wind screen. The next item is a luxury item and that’s an 8” Frybake pan and lid. It doubles as a plate and I can use it to bake or as a fry pan. I store a clickstand stove stand, spork, and metal spatula as well.

Most of my solo meals are freezer bag type meals and I usually have oatmeal for breakfast and the Sea to Summit mug works good to me to have a cup of VIA coffee while I eat my oatmeal out of the 7oo mug, then I put the mug back on the Trangia and heat up some more water for a big cup of coffee while I pack up my gear.

The main reason that I have gone with the alcohol Trangia stove is because it has a simmer ring that I can use under the Frybake. I usually have pizza at least twice on a 10 day trip. It also makes good bannock. It also has a screw on cap that allows you to store alcohol in the stove so that you don’t have to drain it out when done with it, just allow it to cool. I take a 20 oz. pop bottle with more yellow heat in it for fuel. I can also use the Frybake without the Trangia in or on the fire pit.

I use the hammock on solo trips and use my SuperFly. I also bring a CCS 10X10 tarp along but don’t always use it unless it’s real crappy out. But it's real nice to have when needed. With the hammock tarp I can have to down and low, in front porch mode, or in the skins ready to come out if needed.







May not work for everyone, but my system works for me. My gear pack always comes in under 30 pounds and I do bring a saw, ax, chair, and shower.

If you would like some of the reflectix, don’t go and buy any as I have a roll and can bring some along next get together.

Housty9,

I know you have a lot of experience and have probably thought of most ways to lose weight already. You say your pack weighs 40 pounds now. Does that include food, water, and fuel? For how many days? As other have said, if you have not done so already weigh everything and write it down. Then look very hard at what you need vs what you want to take on the trip. The very first thing to do is to look at luxury items and decide if they really add enough value to your trip to be worth the weight. Then look at redundant items, if any, and decide if you can safely eliminate them.

Others have mentioned replacing heavy items with lighter items, but this can get expensive fast. I always look at weight when replacing items, but I think you can reduce a lot of weight just by leaving stuff not absolutely needed at home.

On my last solo canoe trip my base weight (pack weight without food, fuel, and water) was 7.49 pounds. This was a short trip, just 3 days, so with food, fuel and a full water bottle my pack weighed 12.79 pounds. Since it was a short trip I was carrying some relatively heavy food items that were not dehydrated, like cheese. For longer trips I use almost all dehydrated foods.

For safety I carried a PLB. I could have saved 5.13 ounces leaving it at home. Was it worth the weight? Hard to say, but I chose to take it. We all have to decide what we're comfortable leaving behind. I also carried camp shoes. I like dry feet in camp, so decided they were worth the weight. When travelling solo I do not take a tarp. I do freezer bag cooking and take just one pot that also serves as my mug.

All my "stuff" fits in one pack, so I save the weight of a second pack and can more easily single portage. The pack goes behind my seat and I trim the canoe using the sliding seat. I'm currently using a Granite Gear 3.5 that weighs 18 ounces. It is a much, much bigger pack than I need and I am thinking about looking for a smaller, lighter replacement. If I do not find another pack, I may remove the hip belt, since with a pack that weighs under 20 pounds I really don't need it and that would save a few more ounces. Even though my pack is already relatively light, I'm still looking for ways to save weight and bulk without compromising safety and comfort. Comfort is a two edged sword, though, with camp comfort being weighed against comfort on the water and portage trail.

I could go into more detail about what I use, but the point I'm trying to make it what you choose to NOT take makes a huge difference and ounces turn into pounds very quickly. Look particularly closely at extra clothing. Do you really need all of it? Once you cut out the redundant items and some (not all) of the luxury items you can decide if spending more money on a piece or two of lighter gear is worth it. I would, however, advise going slow on replacing gear. What you have is time tested, works for your tripping style, and is paid for.

Hope my ramblings have helped.

I don’t know how you guys do it. My food pack weighs 20 LB for my upcoming 14 day trip. Something I have that would fit your tripping stile is my food pack it is a GossamerGear Gorilla back pack. I carry it with my canoe. Empty it weighs 25.5 Oz . You could use it as your main pack. http://gossamergear.com/

Seems to cost me about 10 bucks for every pound I drop , tents , sleeping bag, etc, etc...

I think the stove is one area to get lighter. An esbit (fuel tablet) or alcohol stove is good but there are stoves that burn twigs for fuel.

I use a hammock w/superfly tarp but converted to a 3LB two man tent when I'm with my dog. Food is primarily instant oatmeal with dried fruit for breakfast (light and fast) and freeze dried/dehydrated for dinner. I splurge with salami and cheese on crackers for lunch. Assorted trail bars and a few cookies complement the meals.

No fry pan, I cook fish filets in foil on the coals. I've decided I won't bring a saw (or axe) next time. I use my crazy creek canoe seat to sit on in camp. My luxuries are a book and daily journal and small point and shoot waterproof camera.

Sierra Designs "Lightning 2"

had some free time today and played around with weighing and packing, everything fit in my ccs explorer, including simulated packed ursacks. total weight (minus food and EC) was 24 lbs, I could drop 1-10 if the flexlite was left at home.

weighing things separately gave me some surprises...

-rain gear, which I thought was pretty light, came in at 1-13.
-clothing came in at 3-2.
-sleeping bag/dedicated long johns/dedicated socks/pillow weigh 3-6.
-heaviest combo was the tent/ti stakes/innie/outtie at 4-5.
-the cordage for the tarp weighs almost as much as the tarp itself (1.1 oz 8x10 ccs tundra).

this trial was not as much about weight as it was about volume. my goal was to get down to one pack to be able to carry the canoe by itself without shouldering a small pack. I succeeded.

now, on to the canoe...

magic - 36 lbs
ccs saddle bag seat w/odds and ends in the bags - 4 lbs
2 paddles - 1.25 lb

Kanoes, what does your cooking outfit look like? What do you take?

gsi soloist, snowpeak Ti stove, gsi insulated mug, spoon, campsuds, wash cloth and towel, salt/pepper, and onion flakes. its all fits in the soloist at a total weight of 1 lb 3 oz. 2 cans of snowpeak iso will add 24 oz.

kanoes-

I'm going to have to get around to weighing and test packing to fine tune things and I'm wondering if I can get it low enough to get in one pack, so a couple of questions:

I assume the 24 lbs. is everything but the food itself and the stuff listed with the canoe plus your PFD. . . ?

I assume everything is compressed that can be compressed to make it fit in the pack.

How much do you estimate the food at and for how many days?

What kind of weather does your clothing and your sleep system anticipate?

housty-

I've decided the quickest (probably most expensive too) way to lose a bunch of weight would be to get a super light canoe. I suspect the canoe, yoke, and paddles makes up at least 35-40% of the total load . . .

boonie, ive never weighed food for any trip but ill make a guess of 12 lbs for a 10 day trip.

everything compressible is compressed.

clothing and sleeping...id be good down to the upper 20's/lower 30's. its all about layers.

good point, I forgot to weigh and list my pfd.

quote HappyHuskies: "On my last solo canoe trip my base weight (pack weight without food, fuel, and water) was 7.49 pounds."

with a claim like that I need to see an itemized list, please.

Kanoes,

Not sure how to take your request, but here is a list of items, not including food, water, and fuel. Also does not include canoe, paddles, yoke or clothing worn. This was a short three day trip.

Clothing Carried
Stoic Down Jacket 6.50
Zpacks Rain Kilt 1.90
OR Rain Jacket 5.13
Terra Mar Silk Long Underwear 3.50
Liner gloves 1.00
Ice Breaker Socks 2.50
Mtn Hardware Beanie 0.75
Zpacks Dry Sack for Clothing 0.88
Camp Shoes (New balance Minimus) 8.90

Sub Total
21.28 oz.
1.33 lbs.
0.60 kg

Shelter
Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus with Pole and 10 Ti Stakes 19.25
and Polycro Ground Sheet
Hammock Gear 20* Quilt 21.00 (3 oz over stuff)
Zpacks Dry Sack for Quilt 0.88
Thermarest Neoair Short 9.00





Sub Total
50.13 oz.
3.13 lbs.
1.42 kg

Packing
Granite Gear 3.5 Portage 18.00

Gossamer Gear Pack Liner 1.28

Sub Total
19.28 oz.
1.20 lbs.
0.55 kg

Misc
Compass Suunto M2 1.25
Mackenzie Maps – 2 3.00
Toilet Paper 0.75
Zebra Light H51 w/ AA Battery 3.00
First Aid Kit 2.00
Toiletries 3.50
Fire Kit Matches, Fire Starter, Mini Bic Lighter 1.50
3 one quart zip lock freezer bags 0.75
PLB 5.13
Sub Total
15.75 oz.
0.98 lbs.
0.45 kg

Kitchen
Two Water Bottles ½ Liter 1.75 (Recycled bottles)
Evernew 640 L with Fissure Stove with Esbit burner 5.75
Zpacks Food Bag 1.40
Sara's Food Cozy 1.13
Sea to Summit Long Ti Spoon 0.38
Aqua Mira and Pre Mix Bottle 1.88
Lite Load Towel 0.63
Pocket Knife 0.50
2 one gallon zip lock bags, one to hold kitchen misc and one for trash 0.75
Sub Total
13.40 oz.
0.84 lbs.
0.38 kg

Total Base Weight:

Total
119.83 oz.
7.49 lbs.
3.40 kg

thank you.

Your welcome. By the way, your food weight is very impressive. I've never gotten the weight as low as you have per day. Not even close. Do you dehydrate your own? How do you package it?

I'm a little cowardly when it comes to food and usually pack a little extra. But even with that as a consideration, my food per day is generally around 1-1/2 pounds. More if I'm carrying non dehydrated or freeze dried for lunches.

backpacking background? another question...how much tp is in .75 oz?

food. that weight was just a guess but I do consider trips to be a good weight loss program..i have a hard time eating a lot during a trip. for dinners I depend on mountain house.

did zpacks die? website is dead.

quote kanoes: "backpacking background? another question...how much tp is in .75 oz?

food. that weight was just a guess but I do consider trips to be a good weight loss program..i have a hard time eating a lot during a trip. for dinners I depend on mountain house."

Was and still am a backpacker, so my gear sees double duty. How much TP is .75 ounces? Gee, I don't know. I just unroll what I think I'll need and weigh it. Note that the weight of the baggie is listed separately. I do not take a whole roll and i definitely do not take the cardboard liner. It does not take a lot for a short trip. If I come back with a lot of any one thing, including TP, I make a note of it on my gear spreadsheet and take less the next trip. TP weight does go up with longer trips;)

Things like Aqua Mira are also repacked in smaller lighter bottles. I don't need full bottles for a trip, so don't take it in the original heavy bottles. I do the same thing with items like sun screen.

As far as I know Zpacks is still around. I have not been on their website lately, as I have not been looking to buy anything, but I thought they were doing ok. Small cottage company though, so who knows. I like their gear, so hope they are still around.

It seems to me that I remember them doing a new website a few months ago. Maybe an issue with the hosting provider?

kanoes- I usually estimate my food at 1.25 lbs. per day, but am usually slightly lower than that these days, so that's probably about right.

The way it looks to me, you'll be slightly over 80 lbs. with everything - gear, clothes/sleep to mid-20's, 10 days food, canoe, paddles, PFD, and 10 days of TP, which will weigh 2.5 oz. ;).

Happy Huskies- you're probably just bigger, younger, and hungrier :).

I do eat a lot of nuts and stuff that has a high calorie count per ounce. It usually comes to about 2200-2400 calories per day; additional calories come from fat-burning ;). I primarily buy dehydrated meals that come in light weight packaging (Hawk Vittles & Outdoor Herbivore) or I repackage.

quote kanoes: "did zpacks die? website is dead."

Company is alive, but the site has been down a day or so.

quote boonie:

I do eat a lot of nuts and stuff that has a high calorie count per ounce. It usually comes to about 2200-2400 calories per day; additional calories come from fat-burning ;). I primarily buy dehydrated meals that come in light weight packaging (Hawk Vittles & Outdoor Herbivore) or I repackage. "

Boonie - I need to thank you. It was one of your posts that put me onto Outdoor Herbivore. Tasty stuff, with reasonable caloric content. Really enjoy some of their cold salads for lunch.

Very polite of you to say that I'm probably younger and bigger. By some measures I'm afraid I have achieved senior citizen status and have never been very bit (could stand to drop 5 or 10 pounds though) I am probably hungrier (maybe a bigger pig) and my appetite seems to increase when I'm in the woods.

HappyHuskies-

Which ones of the cold salads have you liked? I haven't really tried those.

At 64 I think I have achieved senior citizen status by almost all measures ;). At 145 lbs. a lot of these guys are nearly twice my size :).

I noticed when I started soloing that I didn't eat as much on trips as I thought - took way too much the first few times. I've decided that a lot of that has to do with there being no "social" aspect to it, so food just becomes fuel. I've also noticed that the extra physical activity sometimes leaves me less hungry (but thirstier) like kanoes. This is especially true the first few days.

Boonie - Good points on the social aspects of food influencing how much we eat and the tendency to take too much. I definitely still take too much food and should pare back. I always take an extra days food, but have only used it once and that was not in the BW. It was a fly-in trip in Manitoba and the weather turned cold and wet and the planes were icing up and couldn't come get us until two day after the agreed time. Between fish and misc. food left we didn't go hungry, but had some unusual food combinations.

The cold Outdoor Herbivore meals I've tried that I like are the Hop Pea Slop and the Sunny Sunflower Salad. OF the two, I like the Sunflower Salad the best, but like the Hop Pea Slop enough to continue to carry it. The Hop Pea Slop probably would not be to everyone's taste though. I know my wife would not eat it, for example. I've also got a couple of packs of the Waldorf Slaw that I ordered this year, but have not tried them yet.

Most of my trips are 7 days or less, so easier to keep weight down than on longer trips where food really starts to add up. I took an early retirement buyout when I was 51 (I'm 57 now) and live near the BW, so I can get out frequently and don't have to wait for vacations to roll around.

quote cycle003: "

quote kanoes: "did zpacks die? website is dead."

Company is alive, but the site has been down a day or so."

The site is up, but if it is still not loading for you, you need to clear browser cache.

quote boonie: "housty-


I've decided the quickest (probably most expensive too) way to lose a bunch of weight would be to get a super light canoe. I suspect the canoe, yoke, and paddles makes up at least 35-40% of the total load . . ."

Canoe weights 32#, extra paddle, 1 fishing pole, yoke, seat back, cushions, rope, bungies another 5# or less, that weight didn't bother me, it's more Back pack weight, started re-weighing stuff last night, update later.

Kind of embarrassing here. I work at less bulk and ultimately weight, but I don't lose to much sleep over it. I won't ever be Mr Ultra light. Some of the stuff and food I bring is part of the experience. I find myself cutting back more and more, but I want to enjoy the ride. Housty, I don't know what you bring, but I do know food is one of my biggest draw backs. The other thing is fuel... I was raised with the concept to wash dishes right you have to use pretty warm... almost hot water. To accomplish this out in the wild I realize takes a lot of fuel. I'd use plenty of water so I think I used more fuel to heat water then to cook the meals. I found campsuds to work well for the most part. But a little Dawn is good to have for the more oily greasy things like a fish fry. So while I'm cutting back on food amounts I think fuel will be a big change for me. I'll still heat some but less and use more efficiently. I saw the pack Magic Paddler has... I think it's amazing and look forward to seeing it and him in action. Part of my bulk is the Bear Vaults. I think it's the mouse protection more than the bear thing I worry about. I have yet to see the Ursack close up to where a mouse couldn't squeeze through the opening. I plan to try them out. It also appears to me that it'll take at least two Ursacks to hold as much as one Bear Vault. I can't eat a little Oatmeal in the morning and get too far without needing FOOD. Oatmeal is a regular thing but I enjoy eggs, pancakes, frybread. I find that I can keep the servings down and hope I don't cut back to much. I eat good and still lose a good amount of weight. Clothes too can be part of it. But on a longer trip you can only cut back so much. Some things weigh almost nothing that people obsess about. TP is one that compresses very well and if you have a bout with gardia could come in handy to have a little extra. To obsess over not taking the cardboard thing is nearly immeasurable. And them are the things that come in handy for additional firestarter material... especially on a late night run to the outhouse with an unexpected detour. :)

Ben I've trained myself over the years to not eat breakfast, but by mid morning when traveling I do need some snacks to make it to supper, I found out on this last trip I need a few more snacks, M&M's just don't cut it. I did bring 2- 1/2 rolls of tp and only went through one, never fail always happens on long portages, the spade is a must.

Sleeping bag ? is it worth $340 to cut 1-3/4#'s, same temp rating 35 degree, the bag I'm looking at is 16 ounces and packs to 6" x 10" are there cheaper options?

Housty9 - Can't tell you if it is worth it to you, but that is a significant amount of weight to save and at 16 ounces it's very light. I'm guessing as well as saving weight, it would take up less room in your pack too. Pay attention to the dimensions of the bag. Some ultralight bags are also pretty snug. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to keep in mind.

If you don't mind my asking, what brand bag is it?

If your willing to entertain a quilt instead of a bag you might save a few dollars, but for a 16 ounce bag with a 35 degree rating that's a reasonable price/

I expect to do my first solo this August.
Over the past few years I have been hiking and have got my base load down to about 14-15 lbs.
This thread is very encouraging.
It looks like I might actually be able to single portage most of the time.
Thanks, folks.

quote housty9: "Sleeping bag ? is it worth $340 to cut 1-3/4#'s, same temp rating 35 degree, the bag I'm looking at is 16 ounces and packs to 6" x 10" are there cheaper options? "

As HappyHuskies said, that's a personal choice, but one thing that I would point out is that cutting weight/bulk can also have a cumulative effect. As your gear gets lighter and smaller, so do the packs and/or dry sacks you put them in.

I'll probably never be an ultralighter, but I recently acquired some UL gear, and it has allowed me to drop weight even with bringing luxury items. For example, on my upcoming backpacking trip, my gear weighs just over 17 lbs and that's with a tarp (in addition to a tent), a battery charger, camp shoes, and a Helinox chair. Without those luxury items, I would be at about 12-13 lbs before food and water.

It's a good start if you can get your tent, sleeping bag and pack to each be under 2 lbs.

quote HappyHuskies: "Housty9 - Can't tell you if it is worth it to you, but that is a significant amount of weight to save and at 16 ounces it's very light. I'm guessing as well as saving weight, it would take up less room in your pack too. Pay attention to the dimensions of the bag. Some ultralight bags are also pretty snug. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to keep in mind.


If you don't mind my asking, what brand bag is it?


If your willing to entertain a quilt instead of a bag you might save a few dollars, but for a 16 ounce bag with a 35 degree rating that's a reasonable price/"

Western Mountaineering Highlite, at Hikelite.com

Western Mountaineering makes top flight bags. You aren't going to get any better quality!

quote kanoes: "-sleeping bag/dedicated long johns/dedicated socks/pillow weigh 3-6.
"

Jan just wonder what sleeping bag do you use?

quote housty9: "

quote kanoes: "-sleeping bag/dedicated long johns/dedicated socks/pillow weigh 3-6.
"

Jan just wonder what sleeping bag do you use?"

marmot arroyo (discontinued). its an 800 loft mummy bag, EN rated for 30. I mostly use it as a quilt. I wear the johns and sleep right on the exped. its the long, weighs 1-15.

I didn't realize how light my tent was until I bought one from the for sale thread. I now appreciate it more. Also going to the 1.1oz CCs rain fly helped. I'm working on other things too, like rope... I used to bring heavier stuff. Knives, I used to bring a couple heavy ones. I don't use little utensils... There are light options without using kid size stuff.

quote nctry: "I didn't realize how light my tent was until I bought one from the for sale thread. I now appreciate it more. Also going to the 1.1oz CCs rain fly helped. I'm working on other things too, like rope... I used to bring heavier stuff. Knives, I used to bring a couple heavy ones. I don't use little utensils... There are light options without using kid size stuff."

My tents a little heavy at 3.13#, but I like it being one piece no rain fly and the extra room. My utensils were a spork and switch blade, dehydrated food you don't need much.

quote housty9: "

quote boonie: "housty-



I've decided the quickest (probably most expensive too) way to lose a bunch of weight would be to get a super light canoe. I suspect the canoe, yoke, and paddles makes up at least 35-40% of the total load . . ."

Canoe weights 32#, extra paddle, 1 fishing pole, yoke, seat back, cushions, rope, bungies another 5# or less, that weight didn't bother me, it's more Back pack weight, started re-weighing stuff last night, update later."

Yeah, but with a 23-lb Savage River canoe you'd save 9 lbs. and you could carry a 10-lb pack with it ;).

I can't wait for the day I can buy a brand new Magic in black. I'll shave 12-15 lbs. instantly off my current rig.

Reading this thread has me thinking about the past. I'm thinking of the old timers like Sig Olson and Bob Cary. I wonder what they would think about a thread like this? :)

There's a saying in personal development that goes "Don't wish for things to be easier, wish for yourself to be better". What if we just got ourselves stronger? What if we got serious about working out 4-5 months prior to a trip and were able to handle our current load with more ease?

I'm probably ticking off some of you but I'm talking about myself here too. Has all this technology gotten us soft? Dorothy Molter is somewhere laughing right now. :)

quote TomT: "I can't wait for the day I can buy a brand new Magic in black. I'll shave 12-15 lbs. instantly off my current rig.


Reading this thread has me thinking about the past. I'm thinking of the old timers like Sig Olson and Bob Cary. I wonder what they would think about a thread like this? :)


There's a saying in personal development that goes "Don't wish for things to be easier, wish for yourself to be better". What if we just got ourselves stronger? What if we got serious about working out 4-5 months prior to a trip and were able to handle our current load with more ease?


I'm probably ticking off some of you but I'm talking about myself here too. Has all this technology gotten us soft? Dorothy Molter is somewhere laughing right now. :)


"

No argument from me. Being (more) fit is always good.

quote TomT: " There's a saying in personal development that goes "Don't wish for things to be easier, wish for yourself to be better". What if we just got ourselves stronger? What if we got serious about working out 4-5 months prior to a trip and were able to handle our current load with more ease?"

I started working out before Christmas and I work with my arms all day on cars, I just want to get lighter for longer trips and more portages, I'll never get to where I can single portage, being shorter makes it more of a challenge for me, but I do enjoy the getting out of the canoe time.

quote TomT: "

I'm probably ticking off some of you but I'm talking about myself here too. Has all this technology gotten us soft? Dorothy Molter is somewhere laughing right now. :)


"

Funny, I was just talking to my chiropractor the other day. He is 73 and told me I should be able to carry 100 pounds with ease if I would just work out. He's a power lifter at 73. 6'5" and he can bench press 250 pounds something like 18 reps.

When I talked about buying a new pack to drop a couple of pounds he laughed. I have started working out and lifting specifically. My goal right now is to be able to carry a 40 pound pack and my 44 pound canoe for a mile. After that, two miles. If I can get there, most portages will be pretty easy.

Besides the aluminum tank of a canoe, Dorothy Molter would portage a "kicker" outboard and gas.

quote housty9: "

quote nctry: "I didn't realize how light my tent was until I bought one from the for sale thread. I now appreciate it more. Also going to the 1.1oz CCs rain fly helped. I'm working on other things too, like rope... I used to bring heavier stuff. Knives, I used to bring a couple heavy ones. I don't use little utensils... There are light options without using kid size stuff."

My tents a little heavy at 3.13#, but I like it being one piece no rain fly and the extra room. My utensils were a spork and switch blade, dehydrated food you don't need much. "

that knife looks heavy. ;-)

also, look forward to that light my fire spork to break at some point.

3.13 lbs? what tent? does that weight include an innie or an outtie...or both?

To me it's not about being soft, it more about making my body last longer, after demoing and racing cars for 30 years my body needs all the help it can get by getting lighter, I see other people a little older then me having knee, shoulder, hip and back problems, I'm lucky I haven't had those problems yet, weight loss should help some.

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "

quote nctry: "I didn't realize how light my tent was until I bought one from the for sale thread. I now appreciate it more. Also going to the 1.1oz CCs rain fly helped. I'm working on other things too, like rope... I used to bring heavier stuff. Knives, I used to bring a couple heavy ones. I don't use little utensils... There are light options without using kid size stuff."

My tents a little heavy at 3.13#, but I like it being one piece no rain fly and the extra room. My utensils were a spork and switch blade, dehydrated food you don't need much. "

that knife looks heavy. ;-)

also, look forward to that light my fire spork to break at some point.

3.13? what tent? does that weight include an innie or and outtie...or both?"

Knife's a little heavy, but that goes in my waist pack, my tent is a Sierra Designs lighting 2 ul weights 3.14#, missed a ounce, no innie or outie. My spork has been around on all 8 solo's, I have 3 more, might have to bring an extra one along on the next long solo.

so its 3 lbs 14 oz not 3.14 lbs, right? big difference there.

3lbs 14oz, like I said it,s a little heavy, but starting to look at different one's.

It is nice having the extra room on a long trip.

quote housty9: "3lbs 14oz, like I said it,s a little heavy, but starting to look at different one's. "

I wasn't suggesting it was heavy, I just wanted to be clear about your terminology....3.14 lbs. v. 3 lbs. 14 oz.

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "3lbs 14oz, like I said it,s a little heavy, but starting to look at different one's. "

I wasn't suggesting it was heavy, I just wanted to be clear about your terminology....3.14 lbs. v. 3 lbs. 14 oz."

I'll have to weigh mine, but the copper spur is billed at 2lb 12oz trail weight at REI. I thought it was 3 something pounds. I still think anything 2 man under 3.5 or 4 pounds pretty good.

Dang it housty, now you have me figuring out how I can lighten my load. This could be an obsession. Let me get this straight... Go buy every piece of equipment imaginable. Then figure out what all you can leave at home. :) My personal bag... Clothes, sleeping bag, air mattress, tarp, tent and a few more things like that is like carrying around a big pillow. My food/equipment pack is what I have to work on. I think I've got the meals trimmed a little more. Fuel will be cut back a lot too. I tend to have extra this and that just in case... I'll cut back on that too. I got a new pack for this and cutting out a big day type pack I usually take... I think. I'm pretty careful not to have any loose stuff to worry about on portages and such. I get home today for a week. I'll be working on things pretty hard. Might even buy a scale.

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "3lbs 14oz, like I said it,s a little heavy, but starting to look at different one's. "

I wasn't suggesting it was heavy, I just wanted to be clear about your terminology....3.14 lbs. v. 3 lbs. 14 oz."

I thinks it's a little heavy, my 1 man spitfire weighs about 2 lbs. 10 oz., but not a lot of room to move around in, What does your new tent weigh?

quote nctry: Dang it housty, now you have me figuring out how I can lighten my load. This could be an obsession."

I know, ever since I started traveling further it's been that way, just trying not to get to carried away spending, but it's hard not to.

quote walllee: "Seems to cost me about 10 bucks for every pound I drop , tents , sleeping bag, etc, etc..."

Ii think when I re-geared for Philmont I spent about $100 for each pound cut. Sleeping bag alone was nearly $500 to cut from 4 1/2 to 1 1/2; another $150 to cut 2 pounds from pad. Tent was around $300 to get from 5+ to under 2 pounds. Not that I haven't used those things a lot since but just saying $10/pound seems miraculous.

quote billconner: "

quote walllee: "Seems to cost me about 10 bucks for every pound I drop , tents , sleeping bag, etc, etc..."

Ii think when I re-geared for Philmont I spent about $100 for each pound cut. Sleeping bag alone was nearly $500 to cut from 4 1/2 to 1 1/2; another $150 to cut 2 pounds from pad. Tent was around $300 to get from 5+ to under 2 pounds. Not that I haven't used those things a lot since but just saying $10/pound seems miraculous. "

I agree way more then $10, sometimes more then $100

quote housty9: "

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "3lbs 14oz, like I said it,s a little heavy, but starting to look at different one's. "

I wasn't suggesting it was heavy, I just wanted to be clear about your terminology....3.14 lbs. v. 3 lbs. 14 oz."

I thinks it's a little heavy, my 1 man spitfire weighs about 2 lbs. 10 oz., but not a lot of room to move around in, What does your new tent weigh?"

3-6 but a bit lighter now because I substituted Ti stakes. that weight doesn't include the foot print and innie.

Jan do you carry a pack, when carrying your canoe across a portage?

quote housty9: "Jan do you carry a pack, when carrying your canoe across a portage?"

I wont be anymore. :)

Well there's always exercise, lose weight... I'm training for a 40 mile mountain bike race. I'm sure that will help me on my trip, even though I'll be bringing the same stuff as last year to the BWCA.

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "Jan do you carry a pack, when carrying your canoe across a portage?"

I wont be anymore. :)"

I carry a waist back, helps with a lot of the smaller stuff, tackle, tape, headlights, knifes, 1st aide kit, and other stuff I want to get to easy.

quote ILcdr: "Well there's always exercise, lose weight"

I hiked all winter till the week before I left on my trip, 4 1/2 miles 2 or 3 times a week, plus I paddled 7 Saturdays in a row before my trip, turning wrenches all day helps also, my weights not a problem.

I look at it a few ways. I don't like to carry too much stuff, especially if I'm not going to use it, or it becomes too heavy. But, it is my vacation, and I want to enjoy myself. This means, maybe a little too much fishing gear, some extra food, and maybe a chair or amenity that I don't actually need, but find comfort in it.

A few things can make the difference in enjoying the trip or not. So, going the lightest you can, may not always be the right way for me.

quote gnegard: "A few things can make the difference in enjoying the trip or not. So, going the lightest you can, may not always be the right way for me."

I agree, everybody trips differently.

If your wives are like mine.. .she pointed out that I can drop 30 pounds and take what I want for free.

quote markaroberts: "If your wives are like mine.. .she pointed out that I can drop 30 pounds and take what I want for free."

:)

If I lost 30 lbs., I'd barely outweigh my gear! :).

quote housty9: "

quote gnegard: "A few things can make the difference in enjoying the trip or not. So, going the lightest you can, may not always be the right way for me."

I agree, everybody trips differently."

I agree totally. I like this thread as I'm all for ideas to lighten my load where I can so I can bring a few extras.

Our group has taken a different approach in the last two trips. We base camp on Seagull, with no portages from the outfitter to the base camp. Then we paddle in to adjoining lakes with just fishing gear and day packs. In that way, pack weight is not an issue as we never carry the larger packs through a portage.

We have done trips with anywhere from 3-6 portages to our base camp. ( we take up 9-18 guys every year, splitting in to 2-3 groups.) They were pretty unanimous in no portages to the base camp approach, allowing them to do day trips to lakes with portaging only canoe and day packs.

PS: We eat REALLY well. No dehydrated foods. Big breakfasts and dinners, and of course muffins or cookies each night around the fire fresh from the reflector oven. Can't get that kind of food and gear down to 40 lbs packs.

Well, you could go with a Hornbeck canoe and reduce your canoe weight to 24 lbs or less. Of course you would likely have to lighten your pack a bit just to get it in the canoe.
Has anyone tried tripping in one of these? Hornbeck Canoes

quote arcadie: "Well, you could go with a Hornbeck canoe and reduce your canoe weight to 24 lbs or less. Of course you would likely have to lighten your pack a bit just to get it in the canoe.
Has anyone tried tripping in one of these? Hornbeck Canoes "

No, but they look interesting.

I've never paddled a Hornbeck but I understand that some models are available with clips which attach the canoe to a packframe enabling a single carry without need for a portage yolk.

I don't know which of these might be suitable for tripping but the Blackjack New tricks 12 weighs 13 lbs!

The dealer (from whom I purchased a Wenonah Advantage last fall) described paddling them as a "waterspider kind of experience". The 14 footer I looked at was beautifully made.

The Knu Pac is not made anymore alas..
Hornbecks are usually now carried on top of internal frame backpacks.

I don't have one but do have the sturdier and faster Placid RapidFire.

Hornbecks are a light layup designed originally for Adirondack bushwhacking.. Pretty common there.

Cook kit weight, my weighs in at 1 lbs 11 oz. that's coffee pot, pan, spork, pliers, 2 cups, camp soap, dish rag, dish towel, and gas stove, my cans of gas go in another bag separate from cook kit and knife goes in my waist pack. What does yours weigh?

It depends on how many people you are cooking for. My group is typically 6-8 men. I bring two dutch ovens (aluminum); reflector oven, Flash stove, aluminum fry pan, standard fry pan, GSI pot/cook kit, utensil roll.

It also depends on what you cook. We bring the aluminum pan (bought from Piragis) for the fish; the reflector oven for the pizzas, muffins,etc. We cook most dinners in the dutch ovens and use them for biscuits in the morning.

I should point out that we are not back packers. We do spend a lot of time outdoors, however, hunting, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. As such, the main goal is packs that "fit" in the canoes or kayaks.

IN the BWCA I alter our packs by how many portages we are doing and their length. We have moved to base camping locations that have no portages from the put in, then we "portage" empty boats on day trips. We don't see any more people then those that paddle "way in" because we go early May of mid to late September.

The camping itself is a big part of what we do as is times around meals and campfire. For us, its not about miles.

quote markaroberts: "It depends on how many people you are cooking for. My group is typically 6-8 men."

Seeing as how this thread is in the "solo" forum, I suspect most replies are referring to cooking for one person. But that's just a guess,,,,,,,, ;>) ;>)

My bad. . .didn't even look to see what section it is in. Given that, if soloing, I bring the Jetboil Flash stove, a mug,plate, spork and a bowl. Use dehyrated meals only when soloing.

I need to pay more attention to these threads in the future!

quote markaroberts: "My bad. . .didn't even look to see what section it is in. Given that, if soloing, I bring the Jetboil Flash stove, a mug,plate, spork and a bowl. Use dehydrated meals only when soloing.


I need to pay more attention to these threads in the future!"

I do the dehydrated thing also, but looking for some other options for meals.

quote housty9: "

quote ILcdr: "Well there's always exercise, lose weight"

I hiked all winter till the week before I left on my trip, 4 1/2 miles 2 or 3 times a week, plus I paddled 7 Saturdays in a row before my trip, turning wrenches all day helps also, my weights not a problem. "

I have not worked out in 22 years (until recently). But 22 years ago I was in world class shape. A long time ago. Recently, I have pushed myself to do "anaerobic" training again. I had been splitting wood by hand etc, and all that stuff , but never really got a serious anaerobic (google it-- it is not what you think) workout going -- until recently. Since I started more anaerobic exercises (swimming hard core) I have noticed quickly my stamina improving -- more so then any aerobic deal I do ( jogging , walking with a heavy pack, splitting wood, general exertion). Anaerobic workouts force you to burn more O2 then allowed by your body,, and thus you feel "pain" or "soreness" or a mental thought, "what the hell is this" (Lactic acid) This is your body wanting to call "911" and basically wanting to call it quits due to natural shutdown. However-- this process is huge for getting in shape. The less oxygen you can use in "anaerobic" workouts, the more you get in shape for aerobic efforts in which you have access to more O2 (Portaging-- canoeing etc.) Swimming is huge because you are also working on your wind power in your lungs ( you can't breath all the time) -- which is a key to getting in shape via the process of O2 through your lungs and heart.. Trying wearing a mask covered in rubber the next time your on the treadmill or running -- restrict the flow of O2 to your body WHILE you work out = getting in shape. I highly reccm swimming to get both your heart in shape, but also your lungs. Making your heart/lungs max out to what O2 your getting is called in getting in shape. Swimming is not for everyone, but it is one of the best ways to get your heart/lungs in tip top shape. Weight of an individual doesn't mean all the time they are out of shape. (see NFL lineman) But losing weight helps the mass of your body to work better. Sorry for the ramble-- but it is what I do, or did , and starting up once again in my old age. It hurts like the dickens- but if it was easy, anyone would do it. But it is a "good" pain. Well worth it.

quote yellowcanoe: "The Knu Pac is not made anymore alas..
Hornbecks are usually now carried on top of internal frame backpacks.


I don't have one but do have the sturdier and faster Placid RapidFire.


Thanks
I was not aware of those.
About 25 lbs?

Have you tripped with it in the BWCAW?

The light weight of the hull is attractive but I wonder about drawbacks?

quote WhiteWolf: "

quote housty9: "

quote ILcdr: "Well there's always exercise, lose weight"

I hiked all winter till the week before I left on my trip, 4 1/2 miles 2 or 3 times a week, plus I paddled 7 Saturdays in a row before my trip, turning wrenches all day helps also, my weights not a problem. "

I have not worked out in 22 years (until recently). But 22 years ago I was in world class shape. A long time ago. Recently, I have pushed myself to do "anaerobic" training again. I had been splitting wood by hand etc, and all that stuff , but never really got a serious anaerobic (google it-- it is not what you think) workout going -- until recently. Since I started more anaerobic exercises (swimming hard core) I have noticed quickly my stamina improving -- more so then any aerobic deal I do ( jogging , walking with a heavy pack, splitting wood, general exertion). Anaerobic workouts force you to burn more O2 then allowed by your body,, and thus you feel "pain" or "soreness" or a mental thought, "what the hell is this" (Lactic acid) This is your body wanting to call "911" and basically wanting to call it quits due to natural shutdown. However-- this process is huge for getting in shape. The less oxygen you can use in "anaerobic" workouts, the more you get in shape for aerobic efforts in which you have access to more O2 (Portaging-- canoeing etc.) Swimming is huge because you are also working on your wind power in your lungs ( you can't breath all the time) -- which is a key to getting in shape via the process of O2 through your lungs and heart.. Trying wearing a mask covered in rubber the next time your on the treadmill or running -- restrict the flow of O2 to your body WHILE you work out = getting in shape. I highly reccm swimming to get both your heart in shape, but also your lungs. Making your heart/lungs max out to what O2 your getting is called in getting in shape. Swimming is not for everyone, but it is one of the best ways to get your heart/lungs in tip top shape. Weight of an individual doesn't mean all the time they are out of shape. (see NFL lineman) But losing weight helps the mass of your body to work better. Sorry for the ramble-- but it is what I do, or did , and starting up once again in my old age. It hurts like the dickens- but if it was easy, anyone would do it. But it is a "good" pain. Well worth it."

I'm not a swimmer, don't even like jumping in water anymore (showers only), I can carry the weight, just don't want to carry the weight, just trying to make my body last for many more years of tripping, cutting 5 to 10 lbs off my main pack will help.

I hear ya.. Sorry for potentially jacking the thread. But getting in good shape makes an extra 5lbs or so like nothing. But 5lbs is 5lbs no matter what shape you are in. Sorry for the rant-- but it is truthful. Maybe why I go a "bit" heavy compared to others--- and then get in shape too late :O)

quote WhiteWolf: "I hear ya.. Sorry for potentially jacking the thread. But getting in good shape makes an extra 5lbs or so like nothing. But 5lbs is 5lbs no matter what shape you are in. Sorry for the rant-- but it is truthful. Maybe why I go a "bit" heavy compared to others--- and then get in shape too late :O) "

Good info, no need to be sorry.

quote housty9: "What does yours weigh? "

cook kit...1 lb 3 oz. I looked into getting a Ti pot but for me, shaving a few ounces wasn't worth losing the non stick coating on my soloist pot. some meals (knoors) I cook in the pot.

As this board has confirmed, going solo, food and fire lose their importance.

My kitchen is a utensil and a small pot to boil water, a small shaker of tony c's, three five hour energy drink bottles cleaned and refilled with olive oil, and tin foil. Everything else is gorp and mediocre food in a bag. I go the added step of only buying mountain house beef stroganoff to force me to fish harder or risk the same meal. I am yet to hear of a solo tripper complain of or worry about lack of food.

I don't worry about a tarp solo either, if I were tarp bound I'd rather be sleeping in the tent!

What I save in kitchen supplies I lose in a giant awesome wool blanket I would use over a sleeping bag in most conditions.

quote Duckman: "As this board has confirmed, going solo, food and fire lose their importance.


My kitchen is a utencil and a small pot to boil water, a small shaker of tony c's, three five hour energy drink bottles cleaned and refilled with olive oil, and tin foil. Everything else is gorp and mediocre food in a bag. I go the added step of only buying mountain house beef stroganoff to force me to fish harder or risk the same meal. I am yet to hear of a solo tripper complain of or worry about lack of food.


I don't worry about a tarp solo either, if I were tarp bound I'd rather be sleeping in the tent!


What I save in kitchen supplies I lose in a giant awesome wool blanket I would use over a sleeping bag in most conditions."

There is a TON of wisdom in that post right there... ***Like***

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "What does yours weigh? "

cook kit...1 lb 3 oz. I looked into getting a Ti pot but for me, shaving a few ounces wasn't worth losing the non stick coating on my soloist pot. some meals (knoors) I cook in the pot."

? what are knoors, do you mean knorr a type of pasta.

Knorr is a brand name for prepackaged rice and noodle side dishes.

...Like Rice-a-Roni.

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "What does yours weigh? "

some meals (knorrs) I cook in the pot."

Is there 1 or 2 that are your favorites? I'd like to try them before I take them on a trip, thanks Jan.

oops, dreaded double post

quote arcadie: "

quote yellowcanoe: "The Knu Pac is not made anymore alas..
Hornbecks are usually now carried on top of internal frame backpacks.



I don't have one but do have the sturdier and faster Placid RapidFire.



Thanks
I was not aware of those.
About 25 lbs?


Have you tripped with it in the BWCAW?


The light weight of the hull is attractive but I wonder about drawbacks?"

I don't paddle the BCWAW.. Havent since 1989. I do paddle Wabakimi and Quetico.. due to travel the BWCA is the hardest to get to. I have paddled Rapid in the Adirondacks, Lake Superior and Algonquin, which is a hiking park with a canoe problem.. Lots of portages.
Trips are usually ten days.
Those light boats in a good layup are pricey.. You can spend some less if you find 35 lbs acceptable. Finding one used is not easy. I like my RF so much it will be with me to the end.

I have unfortunately dropped RF down a cliff in Temagami. Hornbecks are lighter but I think I would have been picking up pieces rather than continuing my trip.. I am rough on boats.

Placid Boatworks , a great way to get lighter.

quote yellowcanoe: "

quote arcadie: "

quote yellowcanoe: "The Knu Pac is not made anymore alas..
Hornbecks are usually now carried on top of internal frame backpacks.



I don't have one but do have the sturdier and faster Placid RapidFire.



Thanks
I was not aware of those.
About 25 lbs?



Have you tripped with it in the BWCAW?



The light weight of the hull is attractive but I wonder about drawbacks?"

I don't paddle the BCWAW.. Havent since 1989. I do paddle Wabakimi and Quetico.. due to travel the BWCA is the hardest to get to. I have paddled Rapid in the Adirondacks, Lake Superior and Algonquin, which is a hiking park with a canoe problem.. Lots of portages.
Trips are usually ten days.
Those light boats in a good layup are pricey.. You can spend some less if you find 35 lbs acceptable. Finding one used is not easy. I like my RF so much it will be with me to the end.

I have unfortunately dropped RF down a cliff in Temagami. Hornbecks are lighter but I think I would have been picking up pieces rather than continuing my trip.. I am rough on boats."

Your boat is what, 14'-7" or something like that? How is the carrying capacity, tracking, rough water capability of such a small boat?

looking to order a new sleeping bag, any thoughts on lighter one's that weigh around 1# or less.

Check out zpacks. I wrote a review of mine.

quote cycle003: "Check out zpacks. I wrote a review of mine."

Thanks, I might go with one of these.

quote housty9: "looking to order a new sleeping bag, any thoughts on lighter one's that weigh around 1# or less. "

I had a Western Mountaineering Highlite that I was very happy with. Its 35* rating was dead on, imo. It packs down to the size of a small grapefruit, and the advertised 16 oz. weight is correct. This model bag has been around a long time, and as long as you take care of it, it really holds its value. I had mine for 5-6 years and sold it for $50 less than I paid for it. I did buy it used though.
These super light bags are to be treated lightly as well. The fabric is super thin and the zipper is light duty. You don't take this one out on a rock to watch the stars. Pay attention to the girth size before purchasing. I am broad shouldered so I would have a difficult time getting the zipper closed. There is always a price to pay when going that light.

quote PortageKeeper: "

quote housty9: "looking to order a new sleeping bag, any thoughts on lighter one's that weigh around 1# or less. "

I had a Western Mountaineering Highlite that I was very happy with. Its 35* rating was dead on, imo. It packs down to the size of a small grapefruit, and the advertised 16 oz. weight is correct. This model bag has been around a long time, and as long as you take care of it, it really holds its value. I had mine for 5-6 years and sold it for $50 less than I paid for it. I did buy it used though.
These super light bags are to be treated lightly as well. The fabric is super thin and the zipper is light duty. You don't take this one out on a rock to watch the stars. Pay attention to the girth size before purchasing. I am broad shouldered so I would have a difficult time getting the zipper closed. There is always a price to pay when going that light. "

I was looking at that one, but thinking the zpacks 20 degree bag in my height only weighs 7 more oz and a few more dollars.

Bit the bullet and bought a new sleeping bag, I ended up getting the Nunatak Sub Alpinist 35 degree 17oz bag, now I need to decide what else I can lighten up.

Just waded thru your photo collection and would suggest, replacing the yellow PVC bag with a lighter combination. The abundance of storage bags and bottles. I try to minimize the number of separate bags by grouping things together best as possible and eliminating bags. Bags I use are now all sil-nylon and big enough to accommodate. I put sleeping bag, mattress, clothes, toiletries, in one compression bag, all food in one sil-nylon rolltop lining my Ursak, Leave behind most cover bags as for my Flexlite Chair, and only stuff my tent body in a small bag, fly, poles, stakes, go in a pack pocket no bag, same with tarp. Another thing is the weight of the cordage, you can save a lot by using 3mm cords for most everything.

butthead

Ended up ordering a new tent, so between the tent and sleeping bag I should lose a little over 3 lbs or more.

quote housty9: "Ended up ordering a new tent, so between the tent and sleeping bag I should lose a little over 3 lbs or more. "

What are you going to take in it's place? :) I'm pretty sure my Copper Spur is lighter than my old one. I hope it holds up.

I'm working on being about 25lbs lighter myself compared to the last trip I took. Almost half way there.

quote nctry: "

quote housty9: "Ended up ordering a new tent, so between the tent and sleeping bag I should lose a little over 3 lbs or more. "

What are you going to take in it's place? :) I'm pretty sure my Copper Spur is lighter than my old one. I hope it holds up."

A sea to Summit Specialist Solo tent 19.7 oz, and no I didn't pay the price on there website.

quote outdooraddict: "I'm working on being about 25lbs lighter myself compared to the last trip I took. Almost half way there."

Congrats, I need to get back on my hiking routine, I've got a little lazy after my spring trip.

after a trip with it make sure to tell us how you like the single wall and non free standing construction. do you trip with trekking poles now or, what are you going to use instead?

I like true solo tents but that one is even too small for me.

without actually weighing things I think my solo in August (2nd solo) is going to be close go 25 lbs lighter than my solo last fall.
3 lbs new tent(2 man instead of 3 man), 3 lbs bearvault instead of blue barrel, 5 lbs for summer clothes and sleeping bag vs fall clothes and bag, 1 lb fishing gear, 2 lbs various camp gear, 10 lbs Northstar Northwind Solo instead of SR Q16.

quote kanoes: "after a trip with it make sure to tell us how you like the single wall and non free standing construction. do you trip with trekking poles now or, what are you going to use instead?

I like true solo tents but that one is even too small for me."

I'm going to try and lighten to poles some, or find something lighter, might tie them in the canoe instead of the pack, I will update how it works when I use it.

More concerned about pack weight then carry bag and waist pack weight.

These folks have aluminum poles at a good price. Quest outfitters

quote MagicPaddler: "These folks have aluminum poles at a good price. Quest outfitters "

Thanks for the info, this will give me another option.

Just for reference. On the 2nd to last portage coming out last week I ran into a guy in his early 60s. This was piled at the end of the portage when I got there. Met him going across and he had 2 duffel bags. At the far end was a crappy tandem fiberglass canoe. He had a couple bags left so I grabbed them. Met him at the other end and talked for awhile as we waited on a passing thundershower. He was going for 6 weeks. In talking to him he had spent a lot of time in WCPP and surrounding canoe country, he was definitely no rookie. He was at least 5 tripping...maybe 6 or 7 timing the portage. T shirt and blue jeans. He obviously hadn't read this thread. :)

quote hobbydog: "Just for reference. On the 2nd to last portage coming out last week I ran into a guy in his early 60s. This was piled at the end of the portage when I got there. Met him going across and he had 2 duffel bags. At the far end was a crappy tandem fiberglass canoe. He had a couple bags left so I grabbed them. Met him at the other end and talked for awhile as we waited on a passing thundershower. He was going for 6 weeks. In talking to him he had spent a lot of time in WCPP and surrounding canoe country, he was definitely no rookie. He was at least 5 tripping...maybe 6 or 7 timing the portage. T shirt and blue jeans. He obviously hadn't read this thread. :)


"

Diehard:)

That just shows that there is no real right way to do it. There are certainly things that can make tripping safer or more enjoyable to each of us, but even those are not universal. I, however, can not imaging tripping in blue jeans. They will be insanely heavy when wet and probably will not dry out for the rest of trip (although I guess 6 weeks would be long enough to dry).

quote hobbydog: "Just for reference. On the 2nd to last portage coming out last week I ran into a guy in his early 60s. This was piled at the end of the portage when I got there. Met him going across and he had 2 duffel bags. At the far end was a crappy tandem fiberglass canoe. He had a couple bags left so I grabbed them. Met him at the other end and talked for awhile as we waited on a passing thundershower. He was going for 6 weeks. In talking to him he had spent a lot of time in WCPP and surrounding canoe country, he was definitely no rookie. He was at least 5 tripping...maybe 6 or 7 timing the portage. T shirt and blue jeans. He obviously hadn't read this thread. :)


"

6 weeks??? I wonder how much of that gear is food?

Cloths options that might be lighter for spring and fall, like hoodies, coats or other stuff you you's?

this thread got me thinking. . .If I was going to go ultralight on gear, I would be strongly considering taking my 17 foot composite touring kayak. It weighs 54 lbs and could easily hold the gear discussed on this thread. Portaging is easy as I can shoulder carry it quite easily. Gear would to in tapered dry bags in the two hatches. . .pull them out, put the bags on either end of the paddle and shoulder carry them through. Biggest plus for soloing is I would not be land locked when water got choppy.

Just stirred the thoughts that if you were to cut the gear down in the ways discussed, the op Seward Navigator kayak tions for the boat used broaden quite a bit.

markaroberts
I think I would like paddling the Seward Kayak but IT’S HEAVY. My Rapidfire came in at under 24 Lbs.

very nice canoe. I had a Wenonah Voyager ultralight kevlar once. 17 foot but only 35 lbs. The problem was that due to Kentucky rivers I could only paddle it in BWCA or large (read no rocks) water. Sold it and bought a Wenonah Wilderness in royalex. Weighs more, but I have no reservations about paddling local rivers.

Still. . .would love to have a boat like the one you referenced. My wife has limited me to four at this point and I'm all ready at my quota.

Might have to sell 1 of my Wildernesses and upgrade to a lighter 1 for BW tripping, that Rapidfire looks tempting.

Placid Boat works shows the Rapid fire at $3000 +. Is that correct? It looks like a great boat $3200 for a 15 foot solo?

quote markaroberts: "Placid Boat works shows the Rapid fire at $3000 +. Is that correct? It looks like a great boat $3200 for a 15 foot solo?"

Yeah, that's probably about right, but for just a little more you can get a 17' Savage River Blackwater :) . You can even get an expedition layup if you don't mind the extra weight ;).

quote housty9: "Might have to sell 1 of my Wildernesses and upgrade to a lighter 1 for BW tripping, that Rapidfire looks tempting."

Yeah, I've been looking at it for several years now. From all reports, it's not just light, but very fast too.

So the Rapid fire vs a Wenonah Prism or Wilderness in kevlar will shave 12 pounds. . .but cost $1000 more? At $83 per pound I can hire two teenagers and rent a canoe and have them carry all my gear for the trip. . .just follow behind me!

Watch for off season sale and some time they have blemished ones. There are still expensive but a very fine boat.

quote boonie: "

quote housty9: "Might have to sell 1 of my Wildernesses and upgrade to a lighter 1 for BW tripping, that Rapidfire looks tempting."

Yeah, I've been looking at it for several years now. From all reports, it's not just light, but very fast too."

I know, I have to keep up with one next week for a couple weeks. :)

Nctry
You will do fine.

Whats a 2014 kevlar Wilderness 32#, some scratches worth, only 2 trips to the BW?

quote housty9: "Whats a 2014 kevlar Wilderness 32#, some scratches worth, only 2 trips to the BW?"

its worth keeping.

quote kanoes: "

quote housty9: "Whats a 2014 kevlar Wilderness 32#, some scratches worth, only 2 trips to the BW?"

its worth keeping."

Thats what I'll most likely do, just seeing if theres interest, have some extra money coming in from doing the demos coming up and some left from selling the MN2, will see what happens.

I bought a Magic and Rapidfire 3 years ago and used both multiple times on solo trips. Even though the Magic was a very nice canoe, I sold it a few months ago. The Rapidfire is quite a bit lighter and for me seems faster, more comfortable, and more stable. If you can afford a new one or find a used one, you won't regret the purchase...

I own a Magic and a Rapidfire. I use the Magic on local rivers and as a loner when friends without canoes want to go. The Rapidfire is my tripping boat. My total load (Me, my food, and gear) to go in the boat is less than 265 pounds at the beginning of a trip. If my total load were much heavier (300+ Lb) I think a larger boat might be better. The smaller boat is easier to handle on the water and portaging.

In hindsite, I wish I had kept the Voyager. Kevlar and 34 lbs, it was the ultimate tripping boat. Even had a rudder system on it professionally installed.

I'll have to see if Ben goes to NY:)

quote ducks: "without actually weighing things I think my solo in August (2nd solo) is going to be close go 25 lbs lighter than my solo last fall.
3 lbs new tent(2 man instead of 3 man), 3 lbs bearvault instead of blue barrel, 5 lbs for summer clothes and sleeping bag vs fall clothes and bag, 1 lb fishing gear, 2 lbs various camp gear, 10 lbs Northstar Northwind Solo instead of SR Q16."

Ends up being I'm going to be about 30lbs lighter :)

This trip I have 1 pack at 45lbs and last fall I had 2 packs w/ 1 pack at 44lbs and 1 pack at 20 lbs. The SR Q16 set up solo was about 40 lbs and the Northstar Northwind Solo is supposed to be 30 lbs.

quote housty9: "I'll have to see if Ben goes to NY:)"

Next week. :)

quote ducks: "

quote ducks: "without actually weighing things I think my solo in August (2nd solo) is going to be close go 25 lbs lighter than my solo last fall.
3 lbs new tent(2 man instead of 3 man), 3 lbs bearvault instead of blue barrel, 5 lbs for summer clothes and sleeping bag vs fall clothes and bag, 1 lb fishing gear, 2 lbs various camp gear, 10 lbs Northstar Northwind Solo instead of SR Q16."

Ends up being I'm going to be about 30lbs lighter :)


This trip I have 1 pack at 45lbs and last fall I had 2 packs w/ 1 pack at 44lbs and 1 pack at 20 lbs. The SR Q16 set up solo was about 40 lbs and the Northstar Northwind Solo is supposed to be 30 lbs."

The yoke, paddles, painters, PFD, etc. adds more than you think, but you still had those last year. I think you'll find 80 lbs. a lot less work and a lot more fun than 110 lbs :). And I bet the paddling will be easier too. have fun, ducks, and just don't think about it for the next 4 days ;).

You can get some great ideas from the guys who do remote bike packing Bikepacking.net is a good place to look