Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: WaterTribe packing list
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MNGreene |
Agree with all who said to ditch most of OP's list and cooking gear. Agree with light paddles and training. Consider: extra glasses, a tarp, a tent, extra headlamp batteries (portaging in the dark is not fun. My buddy's headlamp lost batteries somehow and he was really glad to have a light on his phone). Consider cutting back your food. We left some of ours home/in the car and still had WAY too much. That's all I can think of right away. Good luck! |
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bobbernumber3 |
MagicPaddler: " B3 and others looking at this rout. We discussed going a day early and traveling at a relaxed pace. We also discussed the shorter challenge routes. Not for us. We are type A personalities used to goal setting and we are motivated by award trinkets. And we think the challenge is doable in the 8-day time limit. This may still be an attractive alternative for others considering the Challenge. |
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Grandma L |
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prettypaddle |
deerfoot: "inspector13: "prettypaddle: "Really random question... Is "ditty bag" a regional phrase?" Ah ha! Both my grandpas were in the Navy so that fits. Thanks! |
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bobbernumber3 |
Grandma L: "...Dawson (requires an RBC Canadian permit and a "From Canada" BWCA permit)…. So if a team takes the Dawson Portage is that a different EP permit?? or an additional EP permit? We will have our RABC permits from our June Q fishing trip. I am really a rookie regarding BWCA and permitting process. |
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nctry |
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bobbernumber3 |
We are a two-man crew ages 64 and 60. As part of different groups over the years we have done 40 and 30 trips to Quetico. Last summer we made an additional trip to Wabakimi. We canoed on Isle Royale for a week the summer I retired. My partner and a third friend paddled the length of the Wisconsin River in segments a few years ago. Canoe will be a Souris River Quetico 18.5 weighing 45lbs. Light-weight travel is not our usual modus operandi. We will struggle with planning for speed, distance, efficiency and minimalist gear... I have always been an advocate for lightweight paddles as you suggest WhiteWolf. I am taking a Puddicomb at 20.5 ounces. Spare paddle will be a Sanborn, 16.1 ounces. Partner's paddle is a Bending Branches Mocha(?). The Puddicomb and BB are tradition... "this is the paddle I always take". |
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voyager |
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Grandma L |
Travel Tracking Map 2019 Challenge |
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voyager |
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prettypaddle |
paddlinjoe: " Really random question... Is "ditty bag" a regional phrase? In my family growing up we always called a toiletry bag the ditty bag but I don't think I've ever heard anyone else call it that. Nothing to add to the discussion except that you should definitely discuss this with your friend, bobbernumber3 . An extra pair of glasses (if you mean prescription glasses) would seem to be the only reasonable thing on his list. Best of luck! |
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Grandma L |
bobbernumber3: "Grandma L: "...Dawson (requires an RBC Canadian permit and a "From Canada" BWCA permit)…. You will need a BWCA permit for the day you think you will be entering the BWCA "From Canada". so, you start at Sha Sha, leave the US into Canada for the Dawson on your RBC then use your "From Canada" BWCA permit to reenter the US after the Dawson. You get your BWCA permit on line at the reservation site. BWCA Permit Reservations Reservations open on the last Wednesday of January (Jan. 29) at 9 A.M. |
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inspector13 |
prettypaddle: "Really random question... Is "ditty bag" a regional phrase?" Probably naval in origin, if not just nautical. |
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MNGreene |
Grandma L: "Hey MNG-are you guys thinking of doing it again this next fall? You CPAs (Canoe Paddle Adventures) had such a great run in 2019 - might be even better in 2020, now that you are "more experienced"!" I am always thinking about it! Whether we can get 3 guys all on board is another question. Saw your daughter and son-in-law at a party over the weekend, which was nice. |
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Grandma L |
MNGreene: "Yeah, They have very little idea what I am really up to with the Challenges - - sshhh-- they might think I should stay home more.Grandma L: "Hey MNG-are you guys thinking of doing it again this next fall? You CPAs (Canoe Paddle Adventures) had such a great run in 2019 - might be even better in 2020, now that you are "more experienced"!" |
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bobbernumber3 |
I am thinking we are making a stripped-down, light-weight, sprint along the border. I'd like to find packing lists from previous WaterTribe participants and get a feel for how streamlined we should be considering. Anyone have insight and advice on packing and traveling long distances in limited time? |
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MagicPaddler |
What I took was maps, hammock+tarp, spare shirt pants & underwear, no cook food. I had a raincoat not for rain but for warmth. The Pigeon River is green so you should bring a water filter. Set a weight limit that you can carry for a mile without setting it down or stopping to rest after you have paddled for 10 hours. That includes your food and the canoe. |
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bobbernumber3 |
Paddlinjoe - I appreciate the packing list... especially the DO NOT BRING based on your experience. I like the mostly non-cook menu plan. Could you go all the way to zero-cook and leave off Stove, two 1 liter bowls, frying pan/lid, 1 pot holder, fuel?? GrandmaL - thanks for reaching out. I have been studying the Primer, tracking maps, and previous Invitation thread. There is a wealth of information and experience to draw from. We are considering the Dawson Portage. Is motor-portaging allowed?? I think that would not be keeping with the spirit of the Challenge. voyager - I was tracking your map last night. Thanks for the insight you have posted. Good point about the paddling gloves. I have had hypothermia and no longer have to worry due to my immunity... We will not feel compelled to risk wind and waves. Better to arrive late than never. What are your thoughts on taking a spare paddle?? The only thing I would remove from your packing list is everything you listed.... my thoughts exactly MagicPaddler! |
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voyager |
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Grandma L |
Blatz: "For this event I would get the lightest paddle possible." +1 I would get the lightest EVERYTHING possible! Magic, Russ and Joe - fun to read your advice. You have great experience to draw from! I hope you will be paddling with us this next year. Russ is right - The moon light will be limited because we will not be out during the full moon but other years it didn't matter. The clouds covered the moon. If you don't paddle the Challenge - at least come to Grand Portage for the finish weekend and hang out with the crew! |
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Blatz |
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MagicPaddler |
For kitchen gear I took a aluminum pint cup/pot and a spoon. No stove no fuel. No spare paddle. Only spare I had was clothes. Get to camp wet and muddy i have something to sleep in. |
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deerfoot |
inspector13: "prettypaddle: "Really random question... Is "ditty bag" a regional phrase?" Dirty bag is a navy term at least in the US Navy. I still have mine from boot camp in 1967. |
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Grandma L |
bobbernumber3: "Fantastic responses and information! Thanks everyone. GrandmaL - thanks for reaching out. I have been studying the Primer, tracking maps, and previous Invitation thread. We are considering the Dawson Portage. Is motor-portaging allowed?? I think that would not be keeping with the spirit of the Challenge. So, start at Sha Sha with the group, do Crane and Loon or instead do the Dawson (requires an RBC Canadian permit and a "From Canada" BWCA permit) - and yes, the Dawson is a "legal" option for the Challenge. Motor or mechanical portages - are a No go. |
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WhiteWolf |
GET THE LIGHTEST paddle you can afford!!! A $300 paddle sounds like a lot but in doing this it's something you will thank every penny for!! Each paddle stroke cutting off several ounces adds up to a lot less blisters etc. I wouldn't even attempt it with wood. GET THE LIGHTEST gear (that you absolutely need) This past Challenge I brought a 4lb two man tent that I was supposed to share with a team mate. Only set up 1 night of 3- the other 2 were spent sleeping outside literally. This saves some time in set up and take down. (if it's not raining) - so tent IMO is even optional as - if you serious about making time- there really is no time for it be raining while sleeping , and if so, time to get canoeing again. BRING an EXTRA PADDLE. Both the Granite River and the Pigeon River can eat and will eat paddles for lunch. |
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MagicPaddler |
Another way to participate would be to start 3 to ??? days earlier and plan on ending about the same day. This would allow you to return to Ely on the same shuttle. There is a road to Partridge Falls. You could arrange for someone to pick you up there avoiding the Grand Portage. You would not be in one of the water tribe events but would get a good flavor for what it is about and this would be good experience for future events. There would be a good chance you would be paddling with some of the participants some of the time. |
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paddlinjoe |
My friend and I did the voyageur route a week before the challenge last year. I've attached a summary of what we brought (too much) and what I'd leave behind if there is a next time. We had a good time, but it was too much stuff for the last two days. Up to that point, the portages are short enough and infrequent enough to double portage if you want. If I went solo, i'd strip even more weight as was suggested with no cook meals. Last thing I'd note, is to physically prepare with training. My friend Chris did not take this seriously, and he suffered much more physically for it. I felt stronger each day until the last portage. Have a great trip! BWCA 2018 Joel Peterson and Chris Olson in BWCA . Sat 9/8-9/14 7 Days/6 Nights. The Voyageurs route from Crane Lake to Grand Portage on Lake Superior. Est 205 Miles (19 Miles of it portages). Goal- Finish by Friday evening Sept 14. Maps (In order they would be used): Fisher: 15, 22,15, 23, 16, 17, 10, 11, 19, 20, 12, 13, 14, Mackenzie 98 Voyageur: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, Mackenzie 98 DONT BRING Mckenzie: C1, 14, 32, 31, 13, 29, 10, 17, 9, 8, 26, 6A, 5, 4, 2, 1, 98 DONT BRING FOOD Plan - Food amount in general was good, had less extra than normal, and ate fine. Breakfast - Pop Tarts, Breakfast Bars. Steel cut Oatmeal (Brown Sugar/Raisins/dried milk) Never did oatmeal. Breakfast bars and poptarts were fine. Only heated water for coffee and cocoa one morning. Mid Day Food- Stinger Bars (Excellent, do more), Gorp (Raisins, M&M’s, Soy Nuts, Pretzels) (Very good but packed too much), Rice Krispy Bars (Good, but even better as a dessert idea). Trader Joe’s Beef Jerky (fine but didn’t eat much, reduce amount brought along), Spam Singles w/ mustard and flour tortillas , Wheat Thins - Summer Sausage and Cheese (Worked good, may have been a bit much for amount) (ok for first couple days), Tortillas - Wow Butter and Jelly (squeeze tubes. Good for peanut butter. Did not work well for Jelly) Kind Bars (Really liked them, could bring more) Supper - Chilli (2) Good, Brats Good, Tacos (2) Good, Spaghetti and Dehydrated Meat Sauce Desert Hershey’s chocolate pudding (dried milk).(good) Beverages - Drink Packets (50 at least 20 orange, 20 Raspberry Ice), Hot Chocolate, trader Joes coffee GRANITE GEAR / Equipment Pack (Carabineers (2) and Liner) - Front Had way too much gear/clothes for the last portage. Guessing packs weighed 50+ lbs for Gear/Equipment, and 65+ for Clothes pack. Going to mark things didn’t use or don’t bring for next time. Stuff Day pack in Gear Pack for last Portages Pocket - - Black Otter case (Camera) if I bring itDONT BRING - Blue Otter Case (iPhones, Wallet) - Yellow Otter Case (Anker Charger for InReach). - Tent stakes - 1 small saw Didn’t UseDONT BRING Orange Ditty Bag # 1 - - Hemp Cord (make sure large eyed needle is in sewing kit Didn’t Use DONT BRING - Fire Dragon Blow Tube Didn’t Use,Don’t Bring DONT BRING - Duct Tape (On Pencil) ( cut pencil in half) - Sewing Kit (1) Didn’t Use DONT BRING - Matches & Lighter - Bungee Dealee Bobs - small sunscreen - small bug spray - Steri-Pen? Didn’t Use, Don’t Bring DONT BRING Equipment: - Blue 3-person TentDONT BRING Use Two person next time - CCS 10X12 tarp. (2.3 lb)DONT BRING Food: Weight? - Bear Barrel (would all food fit?) if not add another ursack, no need to hang food then. Don’t Bring the barrel, hang the pack, barrel weighs too much - Likely need Ursack for first couple of days Cook Kit - Mesh Cook Set Bag - Guess 6 lb - Trangia stove and pot set (Stove, two 1 liter bowls, frying pan/lid, 1 pot holder) - Remove Tea PotDONT BRING - Add Medium MSR Pot DONT BRING(Nest Trangia in it) - Small Camp Towel Didn’t Use DONT BRING - Dish Soap (Dawn) DONT BRINGand Campsuds - Salt and Pepper shaker DONT BRING - Trangia Fuel Bottle Utensil bag Alloy spoons, forks and knives BWJ Blue Ultimate Pack for Clothes Joel Stuff - Top Quilt - Exped Mat Toiletry Bag (find small stuff sack to save weight)): - Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Floss - Desitin, Gold Bond Cream, “Finger Tape” - Extra 3 AAA Batteries for headlamp Didn’t Use DONT BRING Clothes – Green Drybag (IP = In Pack) - - Socks (3 wool) - Boxers (3), REI's exofficio boxers (IP 2 pr) - Black Quick Dry Long Underwear Bottom (1) Didn’t Use DONT BRING - T Shirts (SS 1 grey patagonia), 1 Blue Kuhl thin wool LS - Grey LS silk top for sleeping DONT BRING - Pants - Kuhl zip offs, Maybe BWCA Pants Don’t Bring DONT BRING - Blue button down shirt - Black Mountain Hardware Polar Fleece vest Don’t Bring DONT BRING - Black/Blue Frog Togg rain jacket Don’t Bring Only Bring one Rain jacket DONT BRING - Black polar fleece pullover - Blue raincoat and black rain pants - Blue Handkerchief - Gloves (2) (Wool Fingerless, wind stoppers Don’t Bring) DONT BRING - Hats (skull cap,Henschel,BWCA.com hat Don’t Bring) DONT BRING - Shoes (Danner Boots,Black Adidas Don’t Bring, should have just worn the boots on the portage) DONT BRING - Black Polar Fleece Jaket Don’t Bring (Get an air pillow) DONT BRING Day Pack Blue/Red LL Bean Pack or BWJ Guide Pack? DONT BRING : - No need for the day pack with two packs. Only encourages overpacking - Water bottles (2) + the plastic water bottle bag - Headlamps (With Red Light for night paddling) - First Aid Kit (Front Pocket) Strip down for weight, not coverage. - Blue Ditty Bag - Lunch/snack food - Reading glasses and cases - Sunglasses strap - Delorme InReach Blue Ditty Bag #2 - MSR Trailshot (.3 lb) (Only Bring Trailshot, not steri pen) FIRST AID KIT (All meds in mini-Advil sized pill bottles) - MISC. Loose Gear - - Paddles(3) - - PFD (Emergency Kit: Whistle,Flint/Steel, Space Blanket, Compass) - - REI 2 Sit Pads. - - Maps Case: Voyageur Maps DONT BRING , Fisher Maps, Permit - |
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Grandma L |
MNGreene: "Glad to hear it Bobber, and good to post with you again. Hey MNG-are you guys thinking of doing it again this next fall? You CPAs (Canoe Paddle Adventures) had such a great run in 2019 - might be even better in 2020, now that you are "more experienced"! |
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BeaV |
bobbernumber3: "MagicPaddler: " Good to hear you and buddy are interested. Regarding the choice of portaging the Dawson versus staying on the water and doing the Loon River...the Kruger/Waddell Challenge commemorates what those 2 guys did in 1968. If you want to compare your time to them, then you should choose the Dawson. This paddle event, more significantly, commemorates the Voyageurs and all the history of that era. The Voyageurs would have avoided portaging as much as possible....staying on the Loon River. I have done both depending on my purpose for that specific Challenge event. Either way you go, trinkets will be same, if you can complete it in time. No matter your final progress, it will be an adventure! |
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paddlinjoe |
prettypaddle: "paddlinjoe: " Fair question. No idea where the phrase came from. Just meant to convey "Misc Stuff". Also an apology to all for the realy long gear list I posted. Just wanted to convey how much we'd have left behind with better wisdom. |