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Author	Message Text
bmac78	04/24/2009 10:41AM   Yeah nice duct tape, but it looks like you got your butt kicked by Macgyver
Bearfoot	04/23/2009 02:23PM   TP is small in size but very important. Trips would be alot different without it. :) C
natnkath	04/23/2009 10:21AM   Some are not so little but make life easier 1.Bungee Dealee bobs 2. Solar shower Only goes when the wife and daughter come 3. Basketball net for anchor 4. Block and tackle for lifting food pack 5. Looking forward in trying out the tennis ball with rocks for throwing the rope up for food pack and hanging tarp. And then using the same tennis ball for the tarp if I need a center pole.
card0056	04/24/2009 12:55PM   Rod floater's: You only have to lose a pole once to start using these. Swim Goggles: You only have to lose a pole once to wish you had a set of these to find your fishing pole that you wish you had a rod floater on.
MrWalleye	04/21/2009 01:31PM   Flavorpacks to put in the water bottle. Orange and Fruit Punch get my vote.
rlhedlund	04/21/2009 04:57PM   not all of these are "little" things, but they all make a big difference headlamp crazy creek long back chair gulp kevlar tyvek merino wool modern synthetic fabric clothing updated maps
PolishPaddler	04/24/2009 04:06PM   -Permethrin for the ticks and bugs -Sponge for the canoe and also to wipe dew off of anything in the morning.
Stumbler	01/12/2012 07:11AM   Swimming Noodles for knee and leg protection against canoe sides, a shaker of Johnny's seasoning salt(best season salt ever and now need for a spice wheel or multiple shakers) and a lot of the other stuff mentioned.
snakecharmer	04/23/2009 07:28PM   Baby wipes! I laughed at my brother when he brought them. Now I'm a believer.
marsonite	04/24/2009 08:01AM   Dried hamburger
Needleguy	04/24/2009 05:46PM   August 08'- Sawbill Entry point. It happen to be my first trip in many years. My buddy (a first timer) broke his ankle while trying to retrieve his fishing lure from an over hanging tree along the shoreline. His ankle wedged between two rocks as he lost his footing and fell sideways.
Merlin	04/25/2009 09:46AM   I don't want to hijack this thread but... I went winter camping twice this past year. One night the temp got down to -25. I had to get up twice to go (had a few cocktails that evening). It was cold and inconvenient but I still would NEVER consider a pee bottle. I just don't get that.
bmac78	04/25/2009 10:15AM   Safety is key . for me anyways
Merlin	04/24/2009 04:33PM   Gold Bond
TomT	04/25/2009 07:21AM   Hand lotion chapstick moleskin extra pair of sun glasses and finally... the pee bottle
rlhedlund	04/25/2009 08:17AM   Have never used a pee bottle camping. Past Jan. backpacking trip I got up 3 times one night (15 deg w/ 25 mph wind)so I may give it a try. Thanks TomT.
Woodbender	04/24/2009 06:43AM   Needleguy - that's a great demonstration of the fine qualities of duck tape. But I can think of better circumstances. What trip was that on? Was that your ankle? BTW - nice splint work.
WhiteWolf	05/08/2011 02:27AM   #4- sharp axe and knife #3 rope #2-- dry matches along with canoe paddles --- Solo trip, you lose a paddle and you better have an axe. #1-- a good attidude among group memembers no matter what the situation.
520eek	05/08/2011 03:39AM   Reading all the different info on this site....really helps in mental preparation! It's all good!! : )
neverfales	04/22/2009 10:51PM   Individual hot sauce packets from Popeyes chicken. Tabasco sauce packets, if you can find them. An easy way to make every dinner better.
apaulsen5	04/24/2009 10:47AM   Kool-aid mix Rain Fly- Nice to relax under on those rainy days
jrlatt	05/10/2011 10:34PM   Bobber#3 That is something that I will try my next trip. Jrlatt
keth0601	01/11/2012 07:29AM   A comfy padded seat. Phillips Amareto to go in the coffee in the mornings. Hammock. A good tough fishing rod. A hat with a 360 degree brim. Sunglasses. Allen Mountaineer pack saw.
TIMMY	01/11/2012 09:00AM   KEVLAR. TITANIUM. CARBON FIBER. Ok, maybe those are BIG things that make a BIG difference. I'll try again. Little things: HOT SAUCE MSR SALT/PEPPER SHAKER CAMP CHAIR (MY BIGGEST LUXURY) REI MINI SPATULA http://www.rei.com/product/765767/rei-campware-mini-spatula SNOWPEAK 600 TI MUG ZEBRALIGHT HEADLAMP GSI COFFEE FILTER VELCRO WRAPS (PREFER OVER THE BUNGEES) OLD LITTLE SILVA COMPASS BIC LIGHTER
SunCatcher	01/11/2012 09:40AM   Little things: Bungee Dealy Bob's #1 Leatherman Tool on my side Lanyard with nippers and wistle around my neck and tucked in my shirt. Headlamp Tikka Plus Small Flashlight Princton Tec BLAST Flashlight with Carribeaner to hang inside of tent. (GET ONE OF THESE YOU WILL LOVE IT) Butt Wipes Permethrin on my clothes (pre-treated before trip) Cotton Balls smeared with Vasoline in STUFFED in Film Canister for starting fires SunCatcher
bobber#3	05/10/2011 06:44PM   mesh dish drying bag. Wash, rinse and toss your dishes into a mesh bag to air dry. Hang on tree nearby, and they are ready for the next meal. No towel drying needed.
lsvanderploeg	04/22/2009 09:13PM   One thing that always make a huge difference is duct tape. Takes care of almost everything.
Darcyn	01/11/2012 11:28AM   My old Fire fighter gloves. Great for grabbing pots, rearranging a fire
nojobro	05/11/2011 08:32AM   Chocolate.
Frenchy19	01/06/2012 05:26PM   Toilet paper; forgot it once, never, ever again.
Traveler	04/23/2009 08:41AM   I generally leave all electronics behind but on the last two trips I took small walkie-talkies and found them VERY useful when two canoes needed to communicate. I like to send one canoe looking for a campsite one direction while the other looks elsewhere and then use the walkie-talkie to compare notes. Also useful for keeping in touch when fishing or exploring different areas.
benr0	04/22/2009 07:38AM   Yard Guard - 5 sec around the perch, and relax.
Big Ying	04/26/2009 09:59AM   Freezer bags work great as a substitute for a pee bottle. Greater margin for error too.
Ghandi	04/26/2009 03:00PM   """it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other.""" I don't know about the rest of you, but i found that to be a very funny (and true) statement.
Naguethey	01/10/2012 07:16PM   Taking the time to build a really comfortable canoe seat with a back rest and adding footrest to the canoe... Worlds of differance in lower back strain and a long day of paddling. And a hammock for relaxing later. And most important.. Old plastic army canteens full of rum to mix with coolaid at night =)
rlhedlund	04/26/2009 10:40AM   I'll start another thread for pee bottles.
kanoes	04/26/2009 02:46PM   glad, write-on freezer bags. just copy the cooking directions.
jackson	01/10/2012 03:19PM   quote OBX2Kayak: "quote Savage Voyageur: "A hammock gets my vote, great after a long day." +1 I'm sold on hanging." +2 never to sleep on the ground again. my back thanks me.
bumabu	04/13/2009 11:34PM   Leatherman (or similar) multi tool and duct tape. Dont leave home without them.
dicecupmaker	04/14/2009 03:25PM   Zip strips (2 or 3 sizes) and of course Duck Tape. "If you can't be hansome, might as well be handy" I can't spell, but my math sucks.
TomT	05/03/2009 07:37AM   What is a fish cleaning glove? This sounds like a good idea. I'd like to get my son and nephew to start learning how to filet and protection is a good idea.
Mad_Angler	04/14/2009 08:02AM   Okay, I'll add some more too: - crazy creek chairs - basketball net for anchor rocks - headlamps (definitely a must) - hammock (defintely a must too)
minnesotamatt	05/01/2009 11:11PM   headlamp and duct tape
bassmaster	04/14/2009 08:46AM   Yard Guard for a relaxing time at the latrine.
lansford2002	04/14/2009 09:11AM   1. Permethrin that I put on my clothing 2. Ursack with an aluminum liner (so great not to hang food)
kanoes	04/13/2009 07:32PM   best thing since sliced bread.
kanoes	04/13/2009 08:20PM   a journal and a pen.
kanoes	04/13/2009 08:38PM   ill add this too. the counter assault bear keg. piece of mind is a great thing.
OBX2Kayak	05/09/2011 09:50PM   A pair of pliers (or similar tool). Use them to grab hot pots, adjust a hot grate and, for repair tasks.
Savage Voyageur	05/09/2011 09:56PM   quote wb4syth: "quote Needleguy: "Duck Tape! you can do anything with this stuff. Broken ankle 15 miles in. " Maybe I have missed this story on this site before but - HOLY COW!!! That is impressive and must have made for an intersting trip out..." Nice job on the splint. Must have been painful getting that duct tape off with all that hair. Did you pull it off fast or slow?
snakecharmer	05/09/2011 09:57PM   quote moosewatcher: "Been bringing baby wipes for ten years. Don't leave home with out them." I gotta agree. Baby wipes. Little things...BIG difference.
LoneWolf	05/09/2011 11:03PM   -Gamma Seal and 5 gallon buckets -BDB's -Contractor Bags for liners -Baby wipes
Mad_Angler	05/10/2011 07:43AM   Some of my favorites (may al;ready be listed in this thread): Rawhide leather gloves. Great for hoisting bear bags and playing with the fire. Kitty litter buckets. Great for protecting and sorting food. Also provide places to sit and surface to cook on.
Jackfish	05/10/2011 08:05AM   quote Humdinger: "1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too." I don't think the name is trademarked, but there's only one BDB. In fairness to Old Scout and his business, homemade knockoffs probably shouldn't be called BDBs. Maybe a little anal, but that's how I feel about OS and his gear.
redoleary	05/11/2011 10:37AM   Head lamp. Knowing the right knot for a given job, and how to tie it.
PineKnot	05/11/2011 09:48AM   Bic Lighters Digital Voice Recorder (about twice as big as a bic lighter) 1" Black Pipe Insulation Foam (similar to noodles used by kids in swimming pools) for the gunwales on the bow...my son loved the confort after bruising his knees/shins on a 10-day trip the year before.
Old Hoosier	05/11/2011 12:25PM   My list includes: 1) Jello mold oven 2) Solar shower 3) LED head lamps 4) Broiling fish (no oil) 5) Hammock versus tent 6) kevlar canoes Old Hoosier
mc2mens	05/11/2011 11:48PM   quote Jackfish: "quote Humdinger: "1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too." I don't think the name is trademarked, but there's only one BDB. In fairness to Old Scout and his business, homemade knockoffs probably shouldn't be called BDBs. Maybe a little anal, but that's how I feel about OS and his gear." I agree with this sentiment.
jjjds1999	05/12/2011 08:14AM   What is a jello mold oven? I've seen it mentioned a couple times.
bumabu	05/12/2011 02:52AM   Clothespins (non-spring kind) Some type of fire starter (I prefer fatwood) Learning how to tie good knots. Tennis ball for topping a tarp pole.
Grumpy	05/12/2011 12:17PM   My Wife!
jjjds1999	05/12/2011 08:37AM   quote jjjds1999: "What is a jello mold oven? I've seen it mentioned a couple times." I found the thread on the jello mold oven. Sounds great! I'm going to look around for a jello mold & surprise my husband by baking on our next trip! We have a Coleman oven for car camping, but can't take that when weight and space are at a minimum.
mr.barley	05/12/2011 02:20PM   quote snakecharmer: "Baby wipes! I laughed at my brother when he brought them. Now I'm a believer." I laugh at your brother's "ways" all the time.
letsgoagain	05/12/2011 09:43PM   Welding glove "blue beast" - use as a heavy duty oven mitt. You can pick up any pot or pan, or a potato straight from the coals. Or you can pick up the coals and logs themselves to rearrange the fire.
indyjoe	05/07/2011 10:46PM   quote Humdinger: "I haven't been in since I joined the forum, but things I learned and will be using on this summers trip: 1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too. 2. Better bear bag hanging methods & ways to throw ropes over. 3. Basketball nets for anchors. 4. I'm not the only person to bring a plastic bucket in. 5. Sources for better tarps. 6. Blue barrels are not bear proof, but I got one for $18 from a craigs list posting I saw here. 7. Be careful reading the gear forum... I'm investing in better gear each time I go in and it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other." Humdinger, great tips. how does one make BDB's? Thanks.
Savage Voyageur	05/08/2011 10:15AM   1) wool socks 2) knee high rubber boots 3) Permethrin 4) basketball net anchor 5) keens 6) BDB's 7) wood clothes pins 8) CCS tarp 9) waterproof matches/firesteel 10) gamma seal lids on buckets You can take a trip and not bring any of these things listed but they sure make things better.
jrlatt	05/08/2011 09:53AM   Adams Sunblocker Hat. I have been told it is very ugly. It is one of my best pieces of gear that I always take. It is good in rain and sun. When I am getting hot I will dunk it in the lake. I us it a lot. If it is raining I will take my hat before an umbrella. I have also used it reroofing a couple of houses. Adams Sunblocker Jrlatt
Scout64	05/08/2011 10:28AM   XXL Zip-Loc bags. Perfect for lining your Duluth Pack. And, a pair of pliers.
Corsair	05/08/2011 05:09PM   My permit. :) After that, a good butane lighter.
Noslen	05/08/2011 06:37PM   Savage Voyaguer--HomeDepot, Lowes, Target all sell XXL Ziploc bags (believe 3XL). I use the same, work great.
Mongo65	05/08/2011 08:44PM   Mini-fan that runs on 2 AA batteries. It's a great way to stoke a fire
Savage Voyageur	05/08/2011 04:59PM   quote Scout64: "XXL Zip-Loc bags. Perfect for lining your Duluth Pack. And, a pair of pliers." I just have been using the heavy bags to roll up. Where do you buy bags that have a ziplock feature for a Duluth Pack?
moosewatcher	05/08/2011 07:07PM   Been bringing baby wipes for ten years. Don't leave home with out them.
moosewatcher	05/08/2011 07:07PM   Been bringing baby wipes for ten years. Don't leave home with out them.
Frenchy	05/08/2011 08:31PM   Zip-loc reusable vacuum bags. 2-3 pulley food bag hanging system. Jello-mold oven. (Mine cost $1.99 at good will store) I carry gorp in plastic koolaid containers with screw on lids.They float and keep it dry.
dsk	05/09/2011 02:22AM   Windscreen for the stove. The 20 gram alu sheet secure the dinner making, when its windy. dsk
Humdinger	05/08/2011 08:40PM   quote indyjoe: "quote Humdinger: "I haven't been in since I joined the forum, but things I learned and will be using on this summers trip: 1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too. 2. Better bear bag hanging methods & ways to throw ropes over. 3. Basketball nets for anchors. 4. I'm not the only person to bring a plastic bucket in. 5. Sources for better tarps. 6. Blue barrels are not bear proof, but I got one for $18 from a craigs list posting I saw here. 7. Be careful reading the gear forum... I'm investing in better gear each time I go in and it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other." Humdinger, great tips. how does one make BDB's? Thanks." The old scout ones are pretty good, but I wanted mine slightly longer and heavier t-bars. We made 144 of them for our boy scouts crew so we had lots of free labor too ;-) Buy 1/4" pex tube in a five foot length at menards or home depot, cut to length desired, buy 1/8" elastic cord and ecliptical cord locks from REI, and we made a little drill jig fixture for drilling. Cut the loops to length and burn the ends after you tie the knot.
wb4syth	05/09/2011 07:42AM   quote Needleguy: "Duck Tape! you can do anything with this stuff. Broken ankle 15 miles in. " Maybe I have missed this story on this site before but - HOLY COW!!! That is impressive and must have made for an intersting trip out...
TuscaroraBorealis	01/05/2012 10:52AM   I always bring a few of these little S-biners. Great for hanging wet clothes (ones with a loop)out on the line or branch without having them blow away. Also works to clip my water bottle to my vest or pant loop so I can hike hands free. Lotsa uses, Use your imagination.
Jeriatric	01/05/2012 06:50PM   For me, a good map case makes a difference.
jeroldharter	01/05/2012 06:56PM   Not much missed on all these posts. The only thing i have to add is knots. Knowing a wide array of knots can solve alot of problems. Along with that, lightweight rope like Zing-It is really nice, especially with Dutch clips and Dutch Flys for hanging ridge lines and clotheslines. I rig up a Lean or hammock, a tarp, and a clothesline so having ultralight rope with ultra-quick setup/takedown is really nice.
Old Hoosier	01/05/2012 11:41AM   I posted in 2011, but would add: 1) foam pipe insulation for bow paddlers' knee protection 2) battery powered fish finder. It really,really helps. 3) refrigeration free packets-mayo,ketchup,mustard,relish,hot sauce, etc 4) KMnO4 and glycol fire starter 5) foil packed tuna and chicken 6) NIDA whole dehydrated milk Old Hoosier
mjmkjun	01/05/2012 03:32PM   A good nights sleep is taken for granted till you don't get one. So, I'd say the ExPed Air Mattress is #1. Sweet dreams. 2. Fire Paste. 3. Pee Bottle. Have been so glad to just step outside the tent for it instead of getting dressed, finding flashlight, get assaulted by skeeters, etc. An idea I learned about here. It's so simple, so convenient but would have not thought of bringing one. In the light of dawn, after I empty it, I rinse with light solution of 3 drops Clorox + water which disinfects, deodorizes the container. Totally non-gross.
Intrekid	01/05/2012 05:51PM   quote neverfales: "Individual hot sauce packets from Popeyes chicken. Tabasco sauce packets, if you can find them. An easy way to make every dinner better." Heck ya! Popeye's is somewhat of a pre-trip tradition for me- great place to stock up the mess kit! Louisiana hot sauce, Cajun Sparkle seasoning, lemon and honey all in neat little packets!
OBX2Kayak	01/05/2012 07:23PM   quote Savage Voyageur: "A hammock gets my vote, great after a long day." +1 I'm sold on hanging.
jb in the wild	01/06/2012 03:41PM   quote Spartan2: "Those really TINY little LED lights that weigh nothing and take up almost no space at all. I keep one in my personal pack and if I can't get to sleep at night because Spartan1 is snoring (sleep apnea--can't use the CPAP machine in the BW)I can read until I get really sleepy. Or write in my journal." Spartan2 all I can say is ear plugs. Just 1 more tip hope it helps. JB
CORIOLIS	01/06/2012 03:31PM   quote mjmkjun: "A good nights sleep is taken for granted till you don't get one. So, I'd say the ExPed Air Mattress is #1. Sweet dreams. 2. Fire Paste. 3. Pee Bottle. Have been so glad to just step outside the tent for it instead of getting dressed, finding flashlight, get assaulted by skeeters, etc. An idea I learned about here. It's so simple, so convenient but would have not thought of bringing one. In the light of dawn, after I empty it, I rinse with light solution of 3 drops Clorox + water which disinfects, deodorizes the container. Totally non-gross." I always take in a 32 oz. gatorade (or equivalent, the wider top the better) and consume on the first day in. The empty then becomes my pee bottle for the duration. No confusion with the other bottles, no disinfecting at the end, just discard after you're out. Easy.
TuscaroraBorealis	01/11/2012 10:13AM   The spice wheel! But, the mouse comes in handy for browsing on bwca.com :) Indispensible gear Cant go without
Needleguy	04/23/2009 09:31AM   Duck Tape! you can do anything with this stuff. Broken ankle 15 miles in.
Woodbender	04/23/2009 06:33AM   Spare hank of 500lb para chord (3/16" stuff) for tarp engineering. Chair for my Dad. Food bucket for the crushable stuff - makes a great seat for the cook (gets hung in the bag at night) Foot long (or more) velcro straps to wrap around thwarts etc on portages (don't have BDBs yet). Buy it by the yard at a fabric store. Get the "real" stuff not the "arts and crafts" crap. Cedarstrip canoe (not "little thing" but essential).
dschuett	04/13/2009 07:33PM   Nothing beats the convenience of a head lamp.
oth	04/13/2009 09:12PM   Entry Badge spring clips used for clothespins to hang wet socks.
Amok	04/13/2009 09:24PM   My Katadyn Extream. My buddy forgot to fill up his nalgene before we headed out on our last trip, and all I had to do was dip ....
Mad_Angler	04/13/2009 12:39PM   I can think of a zillion things fit this description. Many were learned on this forum. What little things have others used to make things better/easier in the BW?? Here are few to get things started: - Bungee Dealee Bobs - Leather work gloves: great for hoisting the food bag and working firewood
Savage Voyageur	04/13/2009 06:13PM   A hammock gets my vote, great after a long day.
kennk	04/13/2009 07:19PM   Can someone elaborate on the bungee dealee bobs? Do I need 24 of them too? Maybe 36 would be better?
Merganser	04/13/2009 09:29PM   Smartwool boxers. Need I say more?
kanoes	04/13/2009 09:31PM   ok..one more. baby wipes. (along mergansers line)
Spartan2	04/13/2009 01:10PM   Those really TINY little LED lights that weigh nothing and take up almost no space at all. I keep one in my personal pack and if I can't get to sleep at night because Spartan1 is snoring (sleep apnea--can't use the CPAP machine in the BW)I can read until I get really sleepy. Or write in my journal.
Vikinfan	04/13/2009 07:07PM   For those who focus on fishing a basketball net anchor (or two) is one o the best and simplest solutions I have found on this board. Not sure who cme up with it.
SIRT	04/13/2009 08:33PM   Bear bag pulley system! I used to do it the hard way, never again will I fight to get the food pack off the ground. Sometimes I lower the food pack just so I can remember how easy it is to raise it back up. Good stuff My two cents, Travis
Humdinger	04/13/2009 04:29PM   I haven't been in since I joined the forum, but things I learned and will be using on this summers trip: 1. BDB's. I made 24 of them for $0.75 each and will use them for everything in the garage too. 2. Better bear bag hanging methods & ways to throw ropes over. 3. Basketball nets for anchors. 4. I'm not the only person to bring a plastic bucket in. 5. Sources for better tarps. 6. Blue barrels are not bear proof, but I got one for $18 from a craigs list posting I saw here. 7. Be careful reading the gear forum... I'm investing in better gear each time I go in and it gets expensive when gear junkies enable each other.
silverback	04/13/2009 05:35PM   The one luxury item that I must have, is a camp chair with a back on it.
wetcanoedog	04/13/2009 08:21PM   fingernail clippers..i can't stand a torn or busted nail..works for opening freeze dry meal pouches also--
Castaway	05/03/2009 07:47AM   Here you go, Tom: Rapala Fillet Glove
JJD	05/02/2009 09:43PM   o.k. some unmentioned items neoprene socks a fish cleaning glove zip ties surgical needle and thread(sewed our wounds more than once) iodine tweezers and a razorblade
lundojam	05/03/2009 06:44PM   One time I was cleaning out the garage, and grabbed an old-fashioned aluminum lawn chair and was struck by how very light it was. I brought it to the BWCA and everyone laughed at me, but it worked GREAT. Bungeed it to the Duluth pack for portaging, and it kept the pack off the floor enough to keep it dry. About one-third the weight of a chair in a bag, but the big draw-back is it LOOKS DUMB. Any way, I recommend it. They cost a dollar at gargae sales.