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07/24/2015 02:25PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
gear weight. (everything except food, everclear, and what ill be wearing in)

-magic w/painters 37 lbs 0 oz
-ccs saddlebags 2 lbs 12 oz
-2 zre paddles 1 lb 4 oz
-yoke 3 lb 6 oz (that big weight really surprised me)
-maps/case 1 lb 0 oz
-ccs explorer pack 35 lbs 0 oz

I expect the food to come in at around 12-14 lbs. (9-10 day trip)

finally got down to one pack (will still double portage).

im really looking forward to portaging the magic packless.

 
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07/24/2015 03:59PM  
When do you head out?
 
07/24/2015 04:12PM  
group solo, end of august.
 
07/24/2015 05:03PM  
awesome! have a great trip.
 
pswith5
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07/24/2015 07:44PM  
You're going north of the border correct?
 
07/24/2015 08:42PM  
yes...Beaverhouse entry
 
pswith5
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07/24/2015 09:05PM  
Wish I was going
 
SourisMan
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07/24/2015 09:09PM  
Not even a fishing rod bdb'd in the Magic?
 
07/24/2015 10:13PM  
quote SourisMan: "Not even a fishing rod bdb'd in the Magic?"

nope, ive accepted the fact that I would fish for about 10 minutes total. ill save the weight and the money this time by not.
 
07/25/2015 11:03AM  
Have a great trip, how many are going and are you the only one not fishing?
 
07/25/2015 11:30AM  
3 of us this time, one of the 4 hoaresman cant make it. :/

I know for sure kip will be fishing.
 
07/26/2015 09:28PM  
So, 2 pretty equal loads around 45 lbs. each - that sounds nice. It always surprised me the weight of the yoke, and all the other canoe stuff - painters, paddles, PFD.
 
07/26/2015 09:49PM  
quote boonie: "So, 2 pretty equal loads around 45 lbs. each - that sounds nice. It always surprised me the weight of the yoke, and all the other canoe stuff - painters, paddles, PFD.
"

damn, forgot to include the PFD w/ditch kit. 2lbs 9 oz.
 
07/27/2015 07:05AM  
It all adds up, doesn't it?

A couple questions - I assume the saddlebags stay attached, what about the map case? Do you strap the paddles in the canoe or hand carry? Do you wear the PFD while portaging the canoe?
 
07/27/2015 04:45PM  
quote boonie: "...what about the map case? Do you strap the paddles in the canoe or hand carry? Do you wear the PFD while portaging the canoe?"

the map case is clipped to the pack. I hand carry the pfd, its straps make the portage pads slippery on my shoulders.
 
07/27/2015 05:17PM  
How do you organize your pack? Split out a 20L for front weight trim?

butthead
 
07/27/2015 05:21PM  
quote butthead: "How do you organize your pack? Split out a 20L for front weight trim?


butthead"

tbd
 
07/27/2015 07:51PM  
You can zip or wrap your pfd over the center thwart or roll it up and pull/wedge it in the bow thwart. I hate having to carry anything in my hands.
Demonstration of the wedge method.
 
07/27/2015 08:07PM  
quote Banksiana: "You can zip or wrap your pfd over the center thwart or roll it up and pull/wedge it in the bow thwart. I hate having to carry anything in my hands.
Demonstration of the wedge method."

taken under consideration. I suppose I could just clip it around the seat too.
 
07/27/2015 09:23PM  
I've been hand carrying the PFD and paddle by running my forearm through the PFD's armholes and grabbing the paddle shaft right below the blade, which really doesn't bother me much most of the time, but it'd be nice to have free hands. I think I'll just try them all and see which I dislike the least ;).
 
Bogwalker
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07/28/2015 06:54AM  
I add two small caribiners to the PFD shoulder straps and 2 to the CCS pack loops. When I land the PFD is a 2 second clip to the pack and rides on the pack in such a way as to not easily catch on vegetation as I portage with it. If it is a narrow portage with lots of overhanging vegetation you can zip your PFD closed to minimize its width.
 
07/28/2015 08:19AM  
quote kanoes: "
quote Banksiana: "You can zip or wrap your pfd over the center thwart or roll it up and pull/wedge it in the bow thwart. I hate having to carry anything in my hands.
Demonstration of the wedge method."

taken under consideration. I suppose I could just clip it around the seat too."
I've tie it to my seat in the past worked well, now I just wear it, it slips a little but not bad.
 
07/28/2015 05:12PM  
In warm water, calm weather I zip it over the center thwart, sort of roll it up on itself and then use the waist tie to cinch it in place. Serves as a nice back rest as well. Wouldn't do much to keep me bobbing so it only happens on calm days and I leave it on the whole time.
 
08/01/2015 05:45PM  
final main pack weight almost(ccs explorer)...just missing 16 ounces of everclear and 2 sticks of butter. fine tuned clothing a bit also but ended up throwing in my 8x10 tundra tarp...we will have 2 layovers and itll be nice having a front porch over the tent, if need be.

food volume surprised me and I ended up dividing stuff between a ursack and a Garcia. worked out well actually, put my main cooking pot, snow peak, one iso can, etc. in the Garcia. frying pan, rocket, and one iso can in the ursack. if the ursack gets munched on ill still be ok.

45 lbs. still seems like a lot but I don't want to cut anything else.

 
08/01/2015 07:09PM  
I seem to remember all the other stuff was about 45 lbs., too . . .?

So about 90 total to start, which is basically the goal I set. I'll be happy if I can start with a 45-lb pack.

I'm pretty sure that even if I keep my food volume pretty low, I'll still need an Ursack and a bear canister, or 2 Ursacks for 12 days. Actually 11 breakfasts and dinners and 12 lunch/snacks.

What did your food weigh? Any guesstimate on your average daily calorie count?

Did you put it in the Opsak inside the Ursack?

I'll probably end up taking my tarp also and some extra clothes since I'm going almost a month later and you know how the weather can be then.

Have a good trip! I'm sure you are getting eager for the day to arrive.
 
08/01/2015 07:55PM  
11 pounds for the food.

calories? no idea.

yes to an opsak inside the ursack. opsak inside the Garcia too.
 
08/01/2015 09:04PM  
Yeah, 11 lbs. isn't too heavy - sounds about like mine - so it's probably about 2,000 - 2,400 calories per day; enough to help me lose about 5 lbs. in a week ;). Some foods just take up more space for the same weight.

Hope it all works out well for you on your trip. Are you guys covering a lot of miles?
 
OldGoat
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08/07/2015 09:17AM  
Just finished loading gear and put it on the scale. Main pack (Granite Gear Quetico) is 38lbs with food loaded into Bear Cache.

Secondary pack (Frost River Bushcraft Jr) is 13 lbs which I will carry with my Wenonah Advantage (32 lbs.)

Add in paddles, painters, etc. and I'm probably at around 90 lbs. total. Getting lighter would get expensive -- cheaper to try to loose the pot belly since I always have to carry that around....

Going in Sawbill 8/22 doing Lady Chain/Louse River.

Goat
 
DeterminedOrange
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08/07/2015 06:51PM  
quote kanoes: "
quote boonie: "...what about the map case? Do you strap the paddles in the canoe or hand carry? Do you wear the PFD while portaging the canoe?"

the map case is clipped to the pack. I hand carry the pfd, its straps make the portage pads slippery on my shoulders."


Nice setup, do you keep the spare in that position when paddling?
 
08/07/2015 06:57PM  
quote DeterminedOrange: "
quote kanoes: "
quote boonie: "...what about the map case? Do you strap the paddles in the canoe or hand carry? Do you wear the PFD while portaging the canoe?"

the map case is clipped to the pack. I hand carry the pfd, its straps make the portage pads slippery on my shoulders."



Nice setup, do you keep the spare in that position when paddling?"

thanks! no. I have a doubled up bungee cord close to the bow, stretched between the gunwales, blade goes between them, grip goes under a bungee on the front thwart, where the blades are now. easy access if needed.
 
08/07/2015 09:59PM  
Old Goat-

How many days are you going to be out?

That should be a nice route. I've considered both the Louse River and the Lady Chain. We went up through Little Sag last fall on our trip from Kawishiwi to Sawbill, but sometime I'd like to do the rivers. I hope you do a trip report when you get back.

Do you plan to go clockwise or counter?

Enjoy your trip!
 
08/07/2015 10:18PM  
update. got all of my food in one ursak.
 
OldGoat
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08/08/2015 06:16AM  
quote boonie: "Old Goat-


How many days are you going to be out?


That should be a nice route. I've considered both the Louse River and the Lady Chain. We went up through Little Sag last fall on our trip from Kawishiwi to Sawbill, but sometime I'd like to do the rivers. I hope you do a trip report when you get back.

Do you plan to go clockwise or counter?

Enjoy your trip!"


Going out for 7 days. Doing it clockwise as a friend of mine is joining me on the first leg through the lady chain then he will exit at Kawishiwi and I'll run the rest of the loop solo. Probably be an extra day spent around Polly before he exits.

Goat
 
08/08/2015 06:51AM  
quote kanoes: "update. got all of my food in one ursak."


So, no bear canister? That cut some weight and volume didn't it . . .?

I wonder if I'll be able to get my 11-12 days in one Ursak?
 
08/08/2015 06:57AM  
Goat-

Do you plan to stay on the Louse River to Wine and that way to Zenith?

We stayed on Zenith last year before tackling the Zenith-Lujenida portage - you'll enjoy that one ;). The Kelso River is a nice paddle and be sure to check out the Kelso dolmen. There is some information and pictures in my trip report from last year.

 
OldGoat
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08/08/2015 08:11AM  
quote boonie: "Goat-


Do you plan to stay on the Louse River to Wine and that way to Zenith?


We stayed on Zenith last year before tackling the Zenith-Lujenida portage - you'll enjoy that one ;). The Kelso River is a nice paddle and be sure to check out the Kelso dolmen. There is some information and pictures in my trip report from last year.


"


I plan to go the Northern route out of Bug through Dent and Mesaba. This late in the year I'm not sure what the route from Bug to Poe would be like, so I'm following a little bigger water.

Yes, the Zenith-Lujenida portage is one of the reasons I'm doing this trip. I'm at the age you have to start thinking in terms of "If this were my last trip, what would I want to remember." Right now I'm physically able to do that, but who knows what the next years will bring.

Goat
 
08/08/2015 09:16AM  
We came down through Hub to Mesaba, so from that point it will be the same. We saw some nice country up there - made the couple of tougher portages worth it. That short portage (5r) from Hug to Duck is an awkward little thing.

We left the Zenith portage for the end of the trip too and ate the heaviest food first ;). We tackled it first thing in the morning after camping on Zenith. You'll have a pretty good climb at the beginning and a couple of ups and downs between. There was a flooded portion near the Lujenida end that we were able to bushwhack around, but was a little awkward. Watch your footing at the Lujenida put in or you may become a "muck monster". A good portage to leap frog.

Besides the pictures in my trip report, there are more in my 2014 album at this site if you think they'd be helpful.

I'm just a few years behind you and am thinking the same way. Hope you have a great trip!

 
08/12/2015 11:44PM  
Far more disciplined than I am. I am envioud of the trip. I hope you enjoy every minute of it!

Brandon
 
luft
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08/14/2015 10:38PM  
quote kanoes: "update. got all of my food in one ursak."


What is your secret to success? I can't seem to get more than 5 days worth in mine.

You must be be bringing more space efficient items?

What all have you packed and how is it packaged. I would love to get all my food into one ursack for my longer solos.
 
08/14/2015 10:54PM  
quote luft: "
quote kanoes: "update. got all of my food in one ursak."



What is your secret to success? I can't seem to get more than 5 days worth in mine.


You must be be bringing more space efficient items?


What all have you packed and how is it packaged. I would love to get all my food into one ursack for my longer solos. "

ill try to post a pic this weekend.
 
luft
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08/15/2015 02:09AM  
quote kanoes: "
quote luft: "
quote kanoes: "update. got all of my food in one ursak."




What is your secret to success? I can't seem to get more than 5 days worth in mine.



You must be be bringing more space efficient items?



What all have you packed and how is it packaged. I would love to get all my food into one ursack for my longer solos. "

ill try to post a pic this weekend."


Muchas gracias!
 
08/15/2015 10:39AM  
quote luft: "
quote kanoes: "
quote luft: "
quote kanoes: "update. got all of my food in one ursak."




What is your secret to success? I can't seem to get more than 5 days worth in mine.



You must be be bringing more space efficient items?



What all have you packed and how is it packaged. I would love to get all my food into one ursack for my longer solos. "

ill try to post a pic this weekend."



Muchas gracias!"

 
08/15/2015 12:25PM  
Just a bit different from Jan's, I like to take ingredients and mix and match as desired.
Bottom right/up Ziplock bagged, coffee, rye hardtack, chocolate, dried fruits, nuts. Next row up, instant potatoes hashbrowns gravy mix, dried chopped mushrooms, dried mixed veggies, diced sundried tomatoes and paste, macaroni noodles. Next, powdered cheese, powdered sour cream, Bisquick, soups, potato pancake mix, next 2 packs sausage, 2 packs beef, chopped bacon, bacon slices, PBB brew mixes. More than enough for me for 10 days.
10 pounds 9 ounces total weight of bag and pantry contents. As I use up food cook gear goes into bag.

butthead
 
08/15/2015 12:34PM  
edit...

removed the oatmeal. I don't mind heating water for morning coffee, I remembered that I don't like making/eating oatmeal in the morning so I added 5 more granola protein bars.

also added 4 of these.
 
luft
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08/15/2015 03:00PM  
Thanks Kanoes and Butthead. I am going to play around with this info and am very hopeful that I can get my food into 1 bag.

I think my major downfall is packing too many snacks. I can never decide what I will crave so I end up bringing choices. I need to commit and just bring what I need. I always end up with extra food on the way out.
 
08/15/2015 04:06PM  
:-)
 
08/15/2015 08:13PM  
quote luft: "Thanks Kanoes and Butthead. I am going to play around with this info and am very hopeful that I can get my food into 1 bag.


I think my major downfall is packing too many snacks. I can never decide what I will crave so I end up bringing choices. I need to commit and just bring what I need. I always end up with extra food on the way out. "


Mine looks pretty similar to kanoes' - simple, minimal packaging, mostly the same boring thing, especially breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Snacks are nuts, which are very calorie dense (170 calories per ounce) and pack down pretty small. Three to four ounces per day is 500-700 calories, essentially another meal, and they are very satisfying due to the high fat content. I do take the lightly salted deluxe mixed nuts, though, for variety ;).

Lunch is ProBars, but I do take 3 or 4 different flavors (they all taste almost alike) for some variety there.

Breakfast is mostly cold cereal (usually muesli).

The dinners are dehydrated meals that are in minimal packaging like the freezer bags kanoes has used to repackage the Mountain House meals. Years ago I took some of the MH meals, but found out that they don't pack well. The original packaging is too heavy/bulky or the vacuum-packed bricks leave too much space unutilized. The trick is to have stuff in light, flexible packaging with most of the air squeezed out like you see in their pictures.

I love this food, this food is good, I have no food cravings. I repeat this mantra as necessary until I exit the BW.

Good luck! I don't know if I can get 11-12 days in one Ursack though.
 
08/16/2015 11:37AM  
Have to admit I'm visually oriented, photos work so well. Jan's pointed out a few thing I like and will add, CL Pink Lemonade, and while I detest nut and grain bars, need to add a few fruit and nut bars for breakfasts.

butthead
 
luft
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08/16/2015 04:53PM  
quote kanoes: " :-)"


Thanks for the visual aid!
 
luft
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08/16/2015 04:54PM  
quote boonie: "
quote luft: "Thanks Kanoes and Butthead. I am going to play around with this info and am very hopeful that I can get my food into 1 bag.

I think my major downfall is packing too many snacks. I can never decide what I will crave so I end up bringing choices. I need to commit and just bring what I need. I always end up with extra food on the way out. "



I love this food, this food is good, I have no food cravings. I repeat this mantra as necessary until I exit the BW. "


LOL!!!

I am going to start practicing this mantra now:-)

I agree with the MH packaging issue. We had a quick trip last weekend and with 3 days of 4 MH dinners per day it was going to take a blue barrel to carry just the dinners! I promptly repackaged and was able to get them into the Ursack with dinner beverages and plenty of room to spare for my red wine.
 
08/16/2015 08:56PM  
quote butthead: "Just a bit different from Jan's, I like to take ingredients and mix and match as desired.
Bottom right/up Ziplock bagged, coffee, rye hardtack, chocolate, dried fruits, nuts. Next row up, instant potatoes hashbrowns gravy mix, dried chopped mushrooms, dried mixed veggies, diced sundried tomatoes and paste, macaroni noodles. Next, powdered cheese, powdered sour cream, Bisquick, soups, potato pancake mix, next 2 packs sausage, 2 packs beef, chopped bacon, bacon slices, PBB brew mixes. More than enough for me for 10 days.
10 pounds 9 ounces total weight of bag and pantry contents. As I use up food cook gear goes into bag.


butthead"


Impressive. Thanks for the photos. I don't think I've ever been able to reduce my kit to less than a full 5 gal bucket. Breakfasts and especially lunches tend to take up most of the room. Dehydrating fruits and vegetables have helped. I'm particulary impressed by the combinations of carbs, proteins and either dehyd.veggies or fruits to make up some of both of your meal kits. Good ideas to reduce space/weight. Thanks.
 
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