Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Yearly purchase recommendations
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spud |
I know there are some things that I do choose to leave behind, depending on the tripping partners and the type of trip.. Based on the suggestions, I'm leaning towards the EE quilt, and leaving my sleeping bag for tent trips or the kids.. But the paddle really is tempting and not something Id thought would be such a big upgrade. The nice thing is either would go towards helping a small business.. It may seem dumb, but while I dont _need_ anything at this point, it helps to build excitement towards the upcoming season.. And If I can add or upgrade one thing each year, it allows to be more flexible in the future for trips(ie hammock, 2p, 4p tents etc) and is easier than buying multiple things later on.. |
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dschult2 |
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schweady |
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Abbey |
With the axe discussion, I baton with a parang. It’s heavier than a large knife but lighter and safer for splitting than an axe. Can get a Condor full tang with 12” blade for $70. It’s robust. |
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spud |
This might now lead to next years over-indulgent purchase of another CF straight paddle that gets strapped in as the backup paddle.. No point in having a light canoe and then adding the weight back in with the spare! |
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spud |
I understand that tripping styles dictate different gear so that would influence recommendations.. Since it is hard to recommend without knowing what i have, I have attached a few images with my gear list (I stole the spreadsheet from a backpacking coworker).. I typically camp in shoulder seasons, and our group moves frequently.. The first images are the personal items and the last the community gear.. (Not all gear on the list gets brought for each trip) So, if you were me, what would you splurge on or add this year? |
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unshavenman |
It may seem dumb, but while I dont _need_ anything at this point, it helps to build excitement towards the upcoming season.. Trust me, it doesn't seem dumb. There are plenty of folks on this site that didn't need a dozen paddles or a half dozen canoes, but somehow over time this is where we end up ;) |
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MReid |
unshavenman: There are plenty of folks on this site that didn't need a dozen paddles or a half dozen canoes, but somehow over time this is where we end up ;) " Well, maybe YOU don't need them...... |
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sns |
unshavenman: "It may seem dumb, but while I dont _need_ anything at this point, it helps to build excitement towards the upcoming season.. "Just one more"... |
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Captn Tony |
But dear it was such a good deal I couldn’t afford not to buy it! |
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unshavenman |
Captn Tony: "You already have one! This explains why I have three CCS Tundra tarps...... |
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lindylair |
Otherwise it is usually easy to upgrade apparel, there is always something that catches my eye. Found a few items that will be on my trip that should add to versatility and weight savings. Guess it is a good thing that I don't need to add to my equipment, but rather tweak a few things each year. Always fun to do. |
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unshavenman |
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mschi772 |
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TrailZen |
TZ |
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butthead |
butthead |
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spud |
Used my 11% home depot rebates for a Silky Saw so it was free to me, and my other purchase arrived... Can't wait to try it out! |
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spud |
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fadersup |
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gymcoachdon |
I have a Zaveral Powersurge medium weight paddle that weighs 11 oz. I consider it the best money I have spent on equipment. That would save you 13 oz.? |
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Speckled |
This particularly efficient (time) style of packing is likely what led me to once arrive at the lake with everything but my paddles...fortunately we were only about 30 minutes from home, so a quick trip back and we're good to go. Sorry - I have no original recommendations. My gear shopping is usually done after a few whiskeys. Inhabitions and wallets get looser! |
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spud |
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spud |
Speckled: "Wow! My entire gear collection list is in my head, along with locations, house, garage, outbuilding, cabin...and my packing seems to happen the afternoon and evening before the departure. At what point there is usually one or two moments of panic when I can't find a particular piece of gear. I put the list together over the winter last year while dreaming of being in the woods and after watching too many videos on youtube from what is now Lost Lakes Backcountry Angling... The person I stole the spreadsheet from was at 31lbs for his entire backpacking trip (including food), so it was his detailed like an I just adapted it for my stuff :) |
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sns |
Excellent suggestions by unshavenman and trailzen; the paddle (ZRE or for less $, a GRB), topquilt (EE Rev or Enigma 100%) and tarp (CCS of course unless you go to the next level with DCF) are all more-or-less 200-350 bucks to get about a pound of weight savings for each item. The one other thing you could look at is your pack. I own the same one and for base camping with the family that's what we take. But with an experienced group that is moving, I am taking a backpack - probably a 33oz 60L Gossamer Gear Mariposa (if solo I'm in a 40L pack). 60L may not be big enough for you, but with your base weight it just seems that a 67oz 121L pack is pretty huge...might be able to cut a pound or two here - if you don't need that much volume. |
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jfinn |
As I looked at the list, my thoughts were already answered by #1 and #2. EE Quilt (you will drop over a pound. ZRE paddle-your paddling will never be the same. If you ever put in big miles or are on a big lake, there is no comparison. You don't need anything, but it is good therapy! John |
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boonie |
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Blatz |
spud: "I like the ideas so far.. At this stage, Im trying to balance which item give me the best improvement (performance, or weight savings), or something that i dont have that would make a trip better.. I do have an aquaquest sil-nylon tarp that has been working for me, which is why I was hesitant on getting a new CCS one just yet.. Both the quilt and a CF paddle has been something i've considered but I just never knew if they were worthwhile upgrades.. Its encouraging to hear your take on the paddle, tho.A paddle would be your best upgrade . A ZRE would be my recommendation |
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andym |
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TipsyPaddler |
andym: "I’ve read the comments but not your spreadsheet. I agree with getting the carbon fiber paddle. You pick up that weight over and over and over again. A light, efficient paddle just makes life nicer. " +6 or 7?...I would go with the paddle upgrade too. Got a ZRE Medium PowerSurge a couple years ago. Pricey but a great piece of gear. |
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Jaywalker |
dschult2: "The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe." I had the same thought. I would have left it if you said you trip in summer, but since you mention shoulder season I thought this is worth looking into. The Sven saw is light, but the triangular shape limits the size of what you can cut somewhat. The Boreal 21 looks great to me, the Silky’s have amazing blades (I use a Bigboy), and some love their Irwin’s. For the GF axe options, it boils down to weight vs performance. A little bigger axe will help you process more/bigger wood easier. The Outdoor or Wildlife axe would keep weight down, or the small Forest axe would give you more splitting power. I bring the Small Forest Axe, but also go early or late and don’t worry about weight as much. I also have the REI flex lite chair and have had thoughts of upgrading to a Helonix to save a bit more weight. If I recall correctly, there is a significant difference. I also thought of a carbon fiber paddle, but that’s been mentioned a lot. Only thing I’ll add is that while the Zavs are popular on this site, there are other carbon fiber paddles or carbon fiber blades out there. I have a Northstar straight and really like the feel and smell of the cedar shaft and grip. I may add a bent version. And finally, if it were me, I’d retire the Crocs and replace them with, well, literally anything ;-) |
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goetzc |
So, if you were me, what would you splurge on or add this year? If you haven't already tried the BeFree Katadyn Befree water filters - they are a great alternative to the Sawyer. Not really a "splurge" as they're comparable in price to the Sawyer filters - but I much prefer them after having used them for the last year or two on 10-12 trips. The personal filters and gravity filter use the same filters interchangeably and also fit the Hydrapak collapsible containers. Also(they're impossible to find right now it seems) but a MSR Whisperlite Universal could replace all of our your existing stove options if you wanted to consolidate/simplify that aspect of cooking. Another small weight savings option would be swapping out your current fishing pliers at 8oz for a pair of forceps at around 2oz. Something like these on amazon. A true splurge could be getting a new pack - I also have a GG canoe pack but prefer my HMG Southwest 3400 on most short/lightweight trips. That would save half the weight of the GG Superior 1 albeit not a "canoe pack". |
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mschi772 |
goetzc: "Another small weight savings option would be swapping out your current fishing pliers at 8oz for a pair of forceps at around 2oz. " I'm a stickler for paying what is necessary to buy quality goods from reputable makers/sellers, so if anyone knows where I could find a quality hemostatic forceps made for anglers/mechanics that isn't just some cheap roll of the dice from one of a hundred Amazon resellers, please let me know. As of now, I just watch for used equipment on ebay or labx when I want something like this, but one can wait awhile for if they don't want to be buying something excessive. Would be nice if someone made forceps with reliable quality control but without the extra expense of having to make sure they're surgical grade. I currently use a 7" sternal needle holder with tungsten carbide jaws by Spectrum that I got lucky to snatch once upon a time, so I'm good for now, but I still get upset seeing so much cheap junk out there that's not even with the couple bucks it costs. People shouldn't have to cross their fingers and wonder if what they just bought might be one of the ones that will last or one of the ones that will rust or snap right away. |
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Chuckles |
dschult2: "The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe." I know you're looking to upgrade, instead of eliminate, but we travel in the shoulder seasons and have never found need for an axe/hatchet. We cook and warm ourselves over the fire; we don't bring a stove. With the saw and splitting wedge we process everything we need. That would shave 2 lbs off your load and not cost you a penny. Then you could bring 2 more pounds of crucial gear like chocolate or alcohol... |
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bwcadan |
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QuietSolo |
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QuietSolo |
dschult2: "The only thing that sticks out is your wood processing gear. I would swap out the Sven saw for a Silky Gomboy, Bigboy, or Agawa Canyon Boreal 21, depending on personal preference and the Fiskers for a Gransfors Outdoor axe." +1 Silky Bigboy. The thing is obscene in the same great way lists like this are so enjoyable. |
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Blatz |
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