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Savage Voyageur
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Always secure your bait bucket when in camp. One trip we lost 3 pounds of Leeches to waves bouncing on the baitking and opening it. Now we use a bent cotter pin in the bucket to lock it.
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nctry
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bwcasolo: "4keys: "Make sure you have your car keys and put them somewhere safe where they won't fall out and end up at this he bottom of the lake.
If you take a tackle box keep it closed while in the canoe. " I hide my keys under the car in the parking lot, safest place." Needing a shuttle back to EP? Always someone leaves keys under car. :) But at least leave a note where it is. Haha. Kidding!
My two cents... most of us have all winter to plan. Good time to try out foods you’ll be using. Finding out it’s a flop out on Boulder Lake kinda sucks.
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ForestDuff
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I have little stashes of three things in my truck, man cave, canoe/PDF/boat..........Chapstick, dental floss, and Zantac. When I need them, I need 'em.
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4keys
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Make sure you have your car keys and put them somewhere safe where they won't fall out and end up at this he bottom of the lake.
If you take a tackle box keep it closed while in the canoe.
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DeanL
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A lip balm of some kind. On a trip where you have lots of sun and wind you can get dried out in a hurry and it can be very uncomfortable.
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timatkn
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airmorse: "Bushpilot: " Not a must have list, but a 70 year old list from one of the many resorts - outfitters that had places on Basswood." And only one roll of TP. I hope that was a BIG roll." OMG my wife and I were reading the list and when we got to the one roll of TP after the 5# bacon, 2# butter, 1# of Crisco, we fell down laughing.
T
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Spartan2
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Thedude: "When things get rough,a little scary, and undesired. Its always nice to have an extra set of good attitudes."
I love this. :-) :-)
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heavylunch
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Most common ones for our crews over the years. Yes, they seem quite obvious but it is what we forget, even with our detailed lists that have all the items on it. 50+ trips
Fuel for stove Rain pants and rain jacket Multiple fire starter choices in multiple places (Life Vest, fishing pack, etc...) hiking boots Sunglasses
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Pinetree
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I thought many people could add a trick or two or helpful hint to improve your trip.
I many times have forgot to reverse my flashlight batteries or disconnect my locator from coming on accidentlly. Thus flashlight batteries or locator batteries dead. That is a bummer.
Your tidbit?
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Pinetree
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Little bottle of aspirins or Alleve-could make or break a trip if you have like a eye-headache.
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straighthairedcurly
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Multiple ways to light a stove or fire, packed in at least 2 different places.
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airmorse
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Booze. Don't ever want to forget the booze.
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Pinetree
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airmorse: "Booze. Don't ever want to forget the booze."
Aspirin and Alleve already helping out. Can't leave home with one but not the other?
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Pinetree
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mgraber: "walllee: "Secure the canoe EVERY NIGHT!!!, no matter what the forecast is.."
Took the words out of my mouth! So I will add, prepare for the coldest possible weather. "
That is a good one,too many people get lazy and barely have it on shore for the night. Now especially with kevlar they blow around real easy.
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unshavenman
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Trim your fingernails and toenails before you go. That makes them much more difficult to catch on something and tear off.
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minnmike
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All good advice so far. I would add polarized sun glasses and a spare paddle.
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boonie
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(1) Use a very (I mean VERY) detailed packing checklist.
(2) Make sure the first aid kit is up to date.
(3) Make sure everything is in good working order - water filter, stove, fuel canisters, sleep pads, tents, lights, emergency communication devices . . .
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bwcasolo
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walllee: "Secure the canoe EVERY NIGHT!!!, no matter what the forecast is.." +2
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bwcasolo
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4keys: "Make sure you have your car keys and put them somewhere safe where they won't fall out and end up at this he bottom of the lake.
If you take a tackle box keep it closed while in the canoe.
" i hide my keys under the car in the parking lot, safest place.
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TomT
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Jaywalker: "I like to take notes as I go,and once found I only had one pen with me and its ink was dry. Really bugged me. "
There's a saying in the Special Forces - "2 is 1, and 1 is none". I bought an extra headlamp this year so my older one could be a spare. I've got extra prescription glasses and sun glasses. Also, use those cord thingies that attach to your glasses and wrap around your neck.
Last, I would have two hats. One for sunny days and the other just a baseball style. When the sun is out you really have to cover your ears somehow. I had sunburnt ears as a teenager on a river trip and that is not fun at all.
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Pinetree
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sylvesterii: "scotttimm: "Pinetree: "Canoearoo: " This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year." Sounds like a good one and the price is right."
I've been wondering - what would be a good temporary patch for a hole in an aluminum canoe?"
Hippo Patch
of course, it isn't permanent, but it will get you out of the woods
"
Maybe not the best,but duc or gorilla tape will work on small nail or pin size holes
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PikeEatPike
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mr.barley: "Bring chapstick"
Make sure you wined your watch too mr. barley!!!
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Jaywalker
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bwcasolo: "4keys: "Make sure you have your car keys and put them somewhere safe where they won't fall out and end up at this he bottom of the lake.
" i hide my keys under the car in the parking lot, safest place." Oh man, I finished a 10 day solo at Round Lake on a hot June day last year and could not find my car key. It was not in its regular place, or in either of the two other likely places I might put it. 10 days earlier starting at Cross Bay I battled hordes of mosquitos and rain to get going, and tucked it away in a "secure but not-regular" place as I hurried to get going. Took me about 2 hours to find it.
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missmolly
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Navigational redundancy in the wilderness: Maps, compass, and GPS, as well as studying the lakes before leaving to have that image in my head.
When portaging without trails, I also break sticks and tie trail marking tape to trees. I also do the same thing I once did when caving, stopping often to look backwards to acquire a memory of how the way should look upon my return.
I'm also redundant with emergency gear, carrying a PLB, flares, and a signal mirror.
And did someone mention a ditch kit?
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DougD
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allergy medication
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Thedude
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When things get rough,a little scary, and undesired. Its always nice to have an extra set of good attitudes.
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TomT
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I bring a small tube of poison ivy medication (salve). It stops the itching. I've never had to use it on a trip but have had 2 cases of a bad rash with blisters and that can really be a terrible thing. I also will make a point to wear long pants on travel days with portaging. Knowing what the plants look like is a real good idea too.
Poison Ivy site
You don't want to end up like the people in the hall of fame at this website. :) I had blisters on my legs and arms once and spent the worst night of my life trying to sleep.
If you think you may have touched the plant, don't touch your face! Nightmare face
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TomT
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Pinetree: "TomT: "I bring a small tube of poison ivy medication (salve). It stops the itching. I've never had to use it on a trip but have had 2 cases of a bad rash with blisters and that can really be a terrible thing. I also will make a point to wear long pants on travel days with portaging. Knowing what the plants look like is a real good idea too.
Poison Ivy site
You don't want to end up like the guy in the hall of fame at this website. :) " Poison ivy is a exotic as far as the BWCA or Quetico go. Go back like in the 1960's I don't think it was found in either. I know it now is in the BWCA in a few areas. Quetico probably has it now too?"
I've found it in Quetico twice. It was on a vine growing up a tree both times. The leaves have a notch on one side and grow in threes from the stem.
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timatkn
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Pinetree: "TomT: "I bring a small tube of poison ivy medication (salve). It stops the itching. I've never had to use it on a trip but have had 2 cases of a bad rash with blisters and that can really be a terrible thing. I also will make a point to wear long pants on travel days with portaging. Knowing what the plants look like is a real good idea too.
Poison Ivy site
You don't want to end up like the guy in the hall of fame at this website. :) " Poison ivy is a exotic as far as the BWCA or Quetico go. Go back like in the 1960's I don't think it was found in either. I know it now is in the BWCA in a few areas. Quetico probably has it now too?" I think you are thinking of Eastern Poison Ivy? Poison Ivy in general has been in the area for our entire lifetime and ranges quite far north. Poison Ivy distribution
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sylvesterii
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scotttimm: "Pinetree: "Canoearoo: " This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year." Sounds like a good one and the price is right."
I've been wondering - what would be a good temporary patch for a hole in an aluminum canoe?"
Hippo Patch
of course, it isn't permanent, but it will get you out of the woods
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Soledad
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On my last trip earlier this month- I forgot the syringe that I use to back flush my Sawyer filter. This lead to a slow flow which is never fun.
Also forgot an epoxy kit which was already mentioned, but I could have used it to patch my MSR dromedary bag which must have been punctured on my last canoe trip. It could have also been used to fix a leaky rain fly which was annoying.
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SweetBerryWine
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I would highly recommend a small bottle of Super Glue. Useful for closing wounds & repairing gear. I keep mine in the medical kit.
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ScottL
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airmorse: "Bushpilot: " Not a must have list, but a 70 year old list from one of the many resorts - outfitters that had places on Basswood."
And only one roll of TP. I hope that was a BIG roll."
Back then they just wadded up some spare poison ivy leaves... ;)
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Hoaf
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missmolly: "... And did someone mention a ditch kit? "
Good one, particularly for early and late season. Keep with you at all times when paddling and portaging. I use a fanny pack, and it's almost always around my waist unless washing up or in the hammock sleeping. Essential for a solo paddler. Contains my InReach, snacks, compass, reliable fire starter, multi-tool, first aid items.
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Pinetree
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I think one of my best little discoveries was the plastic 55 gallon drum bags at fleet. They are thick and strong and make the best liner to my pack. I think you get like 10 in a box and price real reasonable. It is a life saver in many ways keeping things dry. I also use a light weight garbage bag at the same time for my sleeping bag and that setup is put into the 55 gallon setup. A extra layer never hurts. Your sleeping bag is a must to keep dry and in cold weather and wet weather it may be a life saver and keep you warm in the tent after being wet and cold all day.
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Mocha
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bring some moleskin. you might need it at the end of the first day.
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walllee
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Secure the canoe EVERY NIGHT!!!, no matter what the forecast is..
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mgraber
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walllee: "Secure the canoe EVERY NIGHT!!!, no matter what the forecast is.."
Took the words out of my mouth! So I will add, prepare for the coldest possible weather.
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greywolf33
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T.P. Bring more than you need. One year we had a newbie leave two full rolls out of the protective environment of the ziplock bag. Rain and T.P.... bad. Secretly I always pack an extra roll in my pack. Don’t leave home without it.
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Pinetree
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greywolf33: "T.P. Bring more than you need. One year we had a newbie leave two full rolls out of the protective environment of the ziplock bag. Rain and T.P.... bad. Secretly I always pack an extra roll in my pack. Don’t leave home without it."
Yes and don't leave it where the Red squirrel will find it.
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Jaywalker
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I like to take notes as I go,and once found I only had one pen with me and its ink was dry. Really bugged me.
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Pinetree
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Jaywalker: "bwcasolo: "4keys: "Make sure you have your car keys and put them somewhere safe where they won't fall out and end up at this he bottom of the lake.
" i hide my keys under the car in the parking lot, safest place." Oh man, I finished a 10 day solo at Round Lake on a hot June day last year and could not find my car key. It was not in its regular place, or in either of the two other likely places I might put it. 10 days earlier starting at Cross Bay I battled hordes of mosquitos and rain to get going, and tucked it away in a "secure but not-regular" place as I hurried to get going. Took me about 2 hours to find it. "
Always have a set of keys hidden and attached to my pickup. More than once locked my keys in the vechile and yes lost keys.
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Spartan2
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Sunscreen.
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mr.barley
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Bring chapstick
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Pinetree
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Extra pair of prescription glasses. Knowm more than one person lost there ony pair overboard. Blind as a bat the rest of trip.
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walllee
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Pinetree: "Extra pair of prescription glasses. Knowm more than one person lost there ony pair overboard. Blind as a bat the rest of trip." Yes, yes, yes!!
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Mnpat
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4keys: "Make sure you have your car keys and put them somewhere safe where they won't fall out and end up at this he bottom of the lake.
If you take a tackle box keep it closed while in the canoe.
" I always leave my keys on or nearby my car. I won’t need them until I get back to the car so why chance it. Let your travel partners know where the keys are in case of emergency. I got to wait for my slow traveling partner at the car in the winter after skiing for hours. Not a fun experience.
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gravelroad
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Paracord. More than you expect to use. When you have to fix something, secure something or SPLINT SOMETHING, you’ll understand why.
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gravelroad
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Duct tape. Even if you’re not planning on flying out:
Duct tape use 4,526
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Pinetree
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TomT: "I bring a small tube of poison ivy medication (salve). It stops the itching. I've never had to use it on a trip but have had 2 cases of a bad rash with blisters and that can really be a terrible thing. I also will make a point to wear long pants on travel days with portaging. Knowing what the plants look like is a real good idea too.
Poison Ivy site
You don't want to end up like the guy in the hall of fame at this website. :)
"
Poison ivy is a exotic as far as the BWCA or Quetico go. Go back like in the 1960's I don't think it was found in either. I know it now is in the BWCA in a few areas. Quetico probably has it now too?
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Pinetree
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I just kept waiting. Nobody mentioned duc tape, at least a Top 10 item in the must have list.
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Bushpilot
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Not a must have list, but a 70 year old list from one of the many resorts - outfitters that had places on Basswood.
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Banksiana
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Poison Ivy is native to Quetico. Most common location is sunny protected spots on stream portages (thick on the Tuck River portages out of the North end of Sarah. Also thick on the first portage out of North Bay (around the little riffles) ) of Basswood heading to Isabella.
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TomT
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Bushpilot: " "
Wow! I can only imagine what portaging was like for them. In 2015 me and 3 others did some snorkeling in North Bay of Quetico right in front of a campsite. We found many glass jars that probably went back to the 60's and earlier. No cans to be found just glass stuff. Some with ornate markings on them. We brought a few home for keepsakes.
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missmolly
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Bushpilot: " Not a must have list, but a 70 year old list from one of the many resorts - outfitters that had places on Basswood." Two pounds of brown sugar and three pounds of white sugar? Why? That's a quarter pound of sugar per person per day.
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Pinetree
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Banksiana: "Poison Ivy is native to Quetico. Most common location is sunny protected spots on stream portages (thick on the Tuck River portages out of the North end of Sarah. Also thick on the first portage out of North Bay (around the little riffles) ) of Basswood heading to Isabella.
Pinetree- Edit your message in which you quote gravel road- close your quotes and free us from this italics nightmare."
Thanks,probably right,maybe it seems more common now because I know poison ivy in many areas like disturbed areas and pioneers a area.
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Pinetree
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Always throw a empty 20oz. plastic pop bottle in pack for spare drinking water bottle. Had holes in main bottle,lose it while filling it etc.. Nothing worse than no drinking bottle.
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TomT
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The last few years I started bungee dealy bobbing a carabiner to my seat at the gunnel. I attach an old lexan coffee cup to it and drink right out of the lake when traveling. I seemed to get dehydrated easily and this solves the problem.
Also, taking water off the top is relatively safe according to Rob Kesselring. The sun's UV kills any giardia near the surface. That said, I'm still careful where I dip. If I see a beaver lodge I won't do it. But it sure is nice on a big lake to just scoop and drink on a hot day.
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preacherdave
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Pinetree: "Extra pair of prescription glasses. Knowm more than one person lost there ony pair overboard. Blind as a bat the rest of trip." Been there, done that!
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justpaddlin
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A very small tube of Vaseline can be used on chapped lips as well as dry/cracked hands or feet and also as a fire starter aid.
A pair of lightweight gloves with fingers can be a big comfort on hot sticky days where you may tear up your hands with blisters from a sticky paddle shaft, or if you've already done some damage to your hands.
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AdamXChicago
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A handful of spare ziplock bags
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airmorse
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Bushpilot: " Not a must have list, but a 70 year old list from one of the many resorts - outfitters that had places on Basswood."
And only one roll of TP. I hope that was a BIG roll.
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RetiredDave
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In my first aid kit I carry some highly magnified reader glasses (suggested by someone on BWCA.com). They are really handy when you get that tiny sliver, or whatever.
This has been a fun thread to read!
Dave
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treehorn
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Duff: "I have little stashes of three things in my truck, man cave, canoe/PDF/boat..........Chapstick, dental floss, and Zantac. When I need them, I need 'em."
This is very spot on. You are my spirit animal.
3 situations that absolutely suck, but can be fixed so easily and quickly.
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Canoearoo
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This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year.
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GSP
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Canoearoo: "
This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year."
It works to use a plastic bag and melt in small hole or crack on canoe. Been there done that.
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x2jmorris
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1. Have a zip pocket and put car keys in there and never unzip
2. Use This (link not working... solar inflatable light) instead of headlamps/flashlights
3. I prefer electrical tape over duct tape
4. Matches in multiple different dry areas
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CityFisher74
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Savage Voyageur: "Always secure your bait bucket when in camp. One trip we lost 3 pounds of Leeches to waves bouncing on the baitking and opening it. Now we use a bent cotter pin in the bucket to lock it. "
+1
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Pinetree
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Canoearoo: " This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year." Sounds like a good one and the price is right.
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scotttimm
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Pinetree: "Canoearoo: " This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year." Sounds like a good one and the price is right."
I've been wondering - what would be a good temporary patch for a hole in an aluminum canoe?
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Canoearoo
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scotttimm: "Pinetree: "Canoearoo: " This Epoxy Repair Patch Kit . If you get a small hole in your kevlar canoe this thing rocks. It saved my entire BWCA trip last year." Sounds like a good one and the price is right. I've been wondering - what would be a good temporary patch for a hole in an aluminum canoe?"
Maybe J-B Weld Steel-Stik? I don't know for sure. I did a quick google search and this is what came up.
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Pinetree
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Headnet or bug shirt
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