Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Your Favorite Thing(s)
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FOG51 |
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anthonyp007 |
Honarable mention: anchor bag, lifestraw, firestarters, utensil roll Tony |
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pamonster |
Opsak's and an Ursak - less bulk & less weight than a barrel and the food is endlessly more pack-able all the while maintaining critter proof status. |
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moosedoggie |
Senko's. |
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johndku |
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Frenchy19 |
Helinox chair Zav 10 oz. paddle Nemo Cosmo sleeping pad |
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mgraber |
-Helinox chair 1 or chair 0 -Solar shower(we go in the spring for aprox. 2 weeks and a warm shower is heaven!) -CCS tarp with stuff sack and the quick set-up technique as shown on CCs sight and Youtube -Neo Air Xtherm Max sleeping pad-Very warm, very light and RECTANGULAR!!! Yay!! MUCH better than my old Exped Synmatt9( HEAVY!!!!) and inflates in about a minute with inflation bag. -Sawyer gravity filter and mini filter. (The squeeze is good too) -A full size rectangular down sleeping bag under 3#(20deg LLBean that is overrated but excellent to mid 30s) NO MUMMY'S FOR ME! There is probably more, but these are some of my favorites for comfort. The longer you are out, the more comfort matters, especially in your 50's lol. And with all this luxury we still travel fairly far every year, 80-over 100 miles per trip. On a shorter run and gun trip I would of course leave a lot of this behind. Oh yeah, light weight paddles,kevlar canoe, and a 4 man tent for 2 that weighs 6#...heaven. |
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daverr |
I'm also intrigued by the Fenix HL60R headlamp. A bit pricey at $75 (I might wait for a sale) but I think it will replace quite a few pieces of gear. Usually, I bring a headlamp with 3 AAA batteries and another 3 AAA batteries as spare. I'll also bring a very small flashlight with 1 AA battery and another AA battery as a spare. I'll also usually bring a spare USB charger (that itself weighs a good bit) as backup power for my camera. The HL60R is first and foremost an extremely powerful and rechargeable headlamp but also has an illusive red light, which I love for reading late at night or early in the morning. And it is rechargeable with the included 18650 lithium ion battery. And I can use the juice on the 18650 battery to charge other items if necessary using this sort of a charger. With the powerful rechargeable battery, I'll be able to ditch the extra AAA batteries, USB Charger, flashlight, and AA batteries. I haven't done the math, but I'm guessing that will lighten my load a bit. |
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PikeChase |
2. Lightweight camp chairs. One year we took some we bought at Sams Club because they were comfortable. They became a nightmare to portage. We weighed them when we got home and they each weighed 9 lb 5 oz. Yikes. 3. Luci Light 4. Alps Shasta 4200. It's a backpacking pack so the person carrying the canoe doesn't use it but still really nice. 5. Klymit Static V Insulated pad. 6. New for next year we have a Kelty tarp, Whisperlite stove, Tevas. Our first trip up we went in on Brule where there's no portage necessary and thank goodness. It would have been a nightmare to portage all of our heavy/bulky gear and misc. backpacks. Each year we've worked to cut down out gear to smaller and lighter. This year I think we're at a pretty good spot after finally getting rid of the Coleman 2 burner suitcase stove. Planning out our meals ahead of time has helped cut down on the overlap and bulk too. |
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butthead |
All the choices! I do wind up with 2 always used sets of gear, a pair of custom made leather hiking boots (I do wet-foot with $500 handmade boots, year after year, first pair still in very good shape after almost 20 years), and a sleeved 800 fill down bag air inflated down insulated pad combination. butthead |
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Voyageur67 |
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Mocha |
but i only go with one at a time. two people to a trip, best party size. |
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LilyPond |
--This lantern: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014H4036A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Solar charging is minimal but charged electrically it lasts about 24 hours on low, which is actually quite bright. Collapses down to a flashlight. --Exped Synmat 3D-7 -- . . . paired with Helinox Cot One. Amazing comfort used together. |
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crazd |
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plainspaddler |
2. Helinox sunset chair. Worth it's weight!!! 3. Exped Synmat 9 DLX. 4. Nemo Fillo. Just bought this last trip in Ely and I have never slept better in the bush!!! 5. Boreal 21 saw. Also bought in Ely last trip and it is a really well made pack saw. Mike |
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Bumstead |
Alite Mantis and Monarch chairs....so nice having a backrest when around camp. Kelty Noah's Tarp 12's, 2 of them. Outdoor living in rainy / windy conditions. Crazy Creeks for canoe seats. Nite Ize wire tires. My favorite clothing piece: $20 polyester Champion hoodie Coughlin's Bug head net. 1/2 gallon thermos for leeches, easy to reach in a grab the slippery li'l suckers |
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Ausable |
A dry box for my camera gear. Chota Quetico Trekker boots. |
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carmike |
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walllee |
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mirth |
Our first trip we had a portable propane grill that we brought for a stove, plus several cans of propane. The grill alone clocks in around 6lb, add in the weight of fuel and we carried nearly 10lb just for cooking! Other upgrades have been tent (used to be a cheap dome now I have several depending on the size of the party), fishing gear, lighting, etc. The $20 H2Zero portage pack (aka the Green Monster) is still going strong after 6 canoe trips and countless weekend campouts. |
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mjmkjun |
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VaderStrom |
Planning is probably my other favorite thing I've learned from this site. Reading trip reports on where to go, where to stay away from or just general knowledge. I feel that is the one thing that I can't ever get enough of. Grandma L has also posted some awesome DIY stuff that I've found to be very helpful as I continue to evolve my own gear closet that is becoming more DIY every day. Camp Chow...if you travel with anyone who is gluten free, or even if you don't, they have the BEST food to chose from in my mind. |
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treehorn |
I'll also plug the figure 9 carabiner. If you're a dunce with knots like me (or even if you're anything less than excellent with them), these things are sweet. |
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ParkerMag |
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Zanzinger |
If I had to pick one of those, Gravity water filter system. |
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BuckFlicks |
Favorite thing for portaging: freeze dried meals instead of fresh food Favorite thing for camping: Big Agnes sleeping bag - more shoulder room, able to roll over at night without getting tangled up (side sleeper.) I also bring a small MP3 player that holds 50# hours of charge to listen to at night to combat tinnitus. My next trip, my favorite thing will be my Resmed Air Mini travel CPAP and battery pack. |
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bct |
Like others, my CCS tarp is a must have. |
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djwillco |
- Getting the extra large rain tarp for my Hennessy Hammock - Helly Hansen Rain Gear |
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TrekScouter |
Placed in ziplock bags, the food goes in my Ursack / Opsack bags, so I no longer waste time hanging a food pack, or energy carrying the associated ropes and hardware. It’s all heated in my JetBoil stove, and eaten directly from the cooking cup, so cookware and utentils are kept to a minimum. |
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molshove |
I feel like the canister takes up more room and doesn’t save any weight, but I could see the added benefit of a seat, and I don’t currently pack in a camp seat of any kind (though I’ve been considering buying one)...I just can always find something else to buy first... Enlighten me, please! |
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molshove |
Edit: and my Woodman’s Pal. This thing is my trusty go-to machete, hatchet, hammer, mallet, pry bar, etc. easily my most versatile tool. |
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airmorse |
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airmorse |
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daverr |
What are some of your favorite things that you've picked up over the years? |
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WHendrix |
Nemo Bugout |
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TipsyPaddler |
A Helinox Chair One was a welcome comfort after a long day of paddling and portaging. A high quality air mattress, Therm-a-rest Large NeoAir Xlite, made a big difference in sleep quality. Shifting from hanging to stashing the food pack on the edge of camp and then going from a large Harmony 60L blue barrel and CCS pack to two large bear canisters then two Ursacks Allwhites has lightened the portaging load significantly. Finally, simplifying the food menu to reduce kitchen gear, prep time, and clean up has made for more enjoyable trips. |
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PortageKeeper |
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PortageKeeper |
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ozarkpaddler |
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SevenofNine |
Bell Magic canoe Black Diamond headlamp Luci lantern BDBs of course |
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boonie |
Upgrading to a CCS tarp and then the Ridgeline stuff sack with the tarp pre-rigged for the ridgeline setup. Seriously look into this if you get the tarp. Like tipsy paddler, I switched to a much simpler meal plan, which minimized fuel usage, prep time, clean up, and gear. This was accompanied by the switch to stashing with Bear Vaults, then Ursacks. It also allowed a switch to a JetBoil stove, which had several advantages for me. I gradually got other lighter, better, more compact gear - switched to an Exped Synmat, then got a Thermarest NeoAir XTherm, which is lighter and more compact, while being just as warm and comfortable. A lighter shelter and sleeping bag - going from synthetic to 650 down to 800 down. That goes in another favorite - the Sea-To-Summit eVent Compression Drysack. Clothes also go in one. Another switch I made several years ago was to a waterproof P & S camera which stays in my shirt pocket (on a lanyard - it's waterproof, but doesn't float). I take a lot more pictures now. Besides all the things you can get that are better, lighter, etc., sometimes it's the stuff you simplify and the things you leave behind that improve the experience. |
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fadersup |
Dehydrating at home makes things more delicious than they've ever been. Using the fish finder is pure luxury. |
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Jaywalker |
1. Platypus gravity filter: Cuts the water chore from 15 minutes to nothing and no effort - huge for solo travel. 2. CCS type tarp: I made my own, but the 1.1 oz silnylon ridgeline style is great. Stuffs easy, packs small, sets up and takes down fast. 3. REI Flexlite chair: I used to snicker at the chair lovers, then for some reason I tried one. Not just about comfort - I really like that it allows me to set my tarp up anywhere I want if I'm using my stove. 4. Blue Barrel: I considered myself a master bear bag hanger, but this cuts 15-20 minutes and is just easier. 5. Exped Downmat 7 UL: Very small and light compared to my old pad, and much more comfort. I use in July and January. 6. Luci Light: Super compact, no battery bright light for tent. Most important spring and fall when less daylight. |
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Frenchy19 |
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woodsandwater |
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Tman |
I love my Sea to Summit Aeros ultralight pillow. Packs down to nothing, weighs nothing, very comfortable. I like the ultralight as I am a backpacker but friends have the other models and love them as well. When I first got it I thought it a bit silly but figured "what the heck" at the packed size & weight. I had always packed extra clothes in a fleece for a pillow. Now I can't imaging going without the Aeros. |
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ockycamper |
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Minnesotian |
1. Alite Butterfly Chair - Just has two legs, so not for everybody, but I like it because it becomes like a rocking chair for me. Alite Chair 2. MicroRegulator Stove from Soto - has a pressurizer built into it so that it doesn't loose heat output as the air temperature gets colder. This means I can bring it during all seasons. Soto MicroRegulator Stove 3. Grayl Water Bottle Filter - tried a couple of these types of filters and really liked them, but this Grayl product is the first where I could fill up in the middle of the lake and chug down some water instead of having to suck it up through a straw. I find I stay a lot more hydrated and comfortable when tripping. Grayl Water Filter 4. Muck Boots - I have the Artic version, but I use it year round. Breaths excellently and stays warms down to -30. I used to wet foot, but one October, when temperatures were getting chillier, I didn't want to anymore so got a pair of Muck Boots. I haven't gone back to wet footing it anymore. 5. CCS Tarp - can't add to the praises for the product other then I got the ridge line bag as well and it makes throwing this thing up real quick. Learn the Siberian Knot. 6. This Nalgene Flask - Holds the perfect amount of a good whisky. nalgene flask |
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bwcadan |
Bug Whacker for each tent. Quicker than by hand and no mess on tent Cot for under the Therma-Rest. Small rocks and sticks, no issue. Tie at feet with bunge cords. Extra light tent for replacement if needed ( Did use that once). Take on on day trips if stranded overnight. Foldable rocking chair for shade trees. Flexlite for tent. See Base Camping Basics at bottom of subject selections for more ideas |
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Leatherman, bigger badder and better than a Swiss Army knife. Cheapy foam earplugs, the difference between a hellish night or a heavenly one...don't leave home without 'em! Headlamp, frees up both hands and adds a measure of safety in the dark. |
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Jonesy |
Camp chairs (REI) have been appreciated after a long day, or just lounging around camp. Simplified food menus that use Camp Chow or Cache Lake products make cooking quick and easy. |
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OCDave |
I use it to build campfires, light my stoves, light my backyard charcoal grill or just to make pretty sparks when its dark. |
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JoshP |
-Big Agnes memory foam pad for my Thermarest NeoAir -Luci Lantern -BWJ cast aluminum frying pan -CCS 10x10 bug net tarp -Zpacks TriPlex tent for my dog and I and gear. I care about weight when I’m backpacking, not canoeing. |
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Frenchy19 |
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BlackSwanAdventures |
leeches good spinning combos good life vests platypus gravity filter a good pack We love the Bugout Tarp idea, that is something we might get for this year. We just invested in chairs too.. 2 pack of chairs for wife and I good polarized sunglasses permethrin our stove/anodized camp mess set protein bars and most important a positive attitude and some more stuff we forgot to mention, I imagine |
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MidwestFirecraft |
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ockycamper |
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Swampturtle |
Awesome Nemo Fillo pillow, who knew I could sleep uninterrupted for a few hours? Nemo did...it's $$, totally worth it. Washes beautifully...which is essential. Nemo fillo backpacking pillow GSI mug for hot/cold beverages. My coffee stays hot for a nice long while. Necessary for me since I'm usually cooking & breaking camp & sipping in between. It seals, I can make oatmeal in it & put it in the bow of the Canoe & bring it with me. Cleans easily, handle is kinda floppy, but I don't care. GSI outdoors infinity backpacker mug MSR Alpine teapot for boiling water..its fast, efficient, pours cleanly. I like it..I haven't burned myself yet. MSR Teapot |
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housty9 |
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ockycamper |
We use Bearvaults 500. The bears can not open them or haul them off. (Yes I have seen the posts about ONE bear in the Adirondicks). Not one incident in the BWCA of a bear hauling one off or opening it up. They also seal out all rodents. Can function as seats. What we really like is that they are clear. You can see what is in them without opening them up or dumping everything out first. |
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molshove |
ockycamper: "Ursack does not protect against things getting smashed. Bears can still haul off the Ursack. Yes I know you tie it to the tree but there is still that risk. Gotcha, so I'm basically using a clear ursack (10L clear seal line dry bag), except I hoist over a branch instead of tie to a tree. I like that it can conform to the amount of food I have inside of it, and it packs inside of my portage bag. and it cost me about $20 bucks on sale at the time, even cheaper now. I'd like if it doubled as a seat though, that's the one advantage to the bearvault IMO. Side note, Helinox chairs are on sale at REI this weekend for $89+tax |
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thebotanyguy |
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TrekScouter |
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ockycamper |
We have found, however, that four BV 500's will fit into a pack and can be carried back pack style. |
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molshove |
thebotanyguy: "Your clear Seal Line bag is definitely NOT equivalent to an Ursack. The Ursack is basically a kevlar bag that cannot be torn open by a bear's teeth or claws (also impervious to mini-bears and micro-bears). An Ursack does not need to be hung in the same manner as a food pack or bag, but tied to a tree at eye level on the periphery of camp. Gotcha. With what is it tied to the tree? Something equally impervious? I just see something that is heavier, 5x as expensive, and still sharing an equal weak link. At least the bearvault provides the added benefit of a seat. |
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thebotanyguy |
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andym |
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Dooger |
housty9: "Down sleeping bags for our spring and fall trips, only weigh 19oz, girl friends would be her 7.7oz ZRE paddle, coffee can stove cheapest thing we have and works great." Which bags? |
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GearJunkie |
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BAWaters |
2. Black Diamond headlamp 3. Luci Lantern 4. Gravity filter 5. Kelty 12X12 tarp |
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Swampturtle |
This thing...well, it works in my living room, now I can't wait to take it on trips. Over the years moisture from my breath has indeed broken down part of the inside of my neoair, so I can feel better about not further damaging it. This is the size of my palm, 2.3 oz & fits easily in the top of the stuff bag. Runs on aaa batteries, It seems most of my new stuff runs on them, so that makes it convenient too. Took about 2 minutes to fill the neoair, added a breath & a half to make it full. Retail therapy.... |
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poxy |
Husky jerks. |
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Canoearoo |
Short answer ccs tarp |
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NotLight |
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jcavenagh |
Best camping purchase I have made in many years. |
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pswith5 |
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mr.barley |
VaderStrom: "My Advantage and Black Bart Paddle have to be 1A and 1BFunny, I can say the same thing. |