Time to Gear Up

I didn’t get much canoe camping this season, but appreciated my collection of evolved camping paraphernalia, but also I learned where my gear is deficient. I already replaced my Helinox Chair Zero, which was tippy, uncomfortable and hard to get out of (funny I never noticed these deficiencies in years past). I stuck with the brand, but got the high back model which is more stable, higher off the ground, with a wider base; a couple extra pounds of comfort for my old battered bones.

Now I’m focused on three pieces of gear for next year’s trips: Non-slip waterproof camp shoes to lower my risk of falling, a new emergency gadget to replace my ACR Resqlink PLB (I did replace my Iphone5 with a new model 17 which has a satellite SOS function), and lastly, some tree savers for my tarp lines.

New gear used in 2025:

Badgertail paddle was wonderful, easier on my bum shoulder, powerful. I already dabbed some Gflex on the tip and generously recoated it with hemp oil. The bent ZRE fits better under the seat and thwart, but is no longer my favorite single blade.


Exped Pillow was comfy, easy to inflate. Needs a washable cover however.

REI 2.5” Campwell sleeping pad was a nice upgrade, wider and thicker than my old thermarest.

Freeze dried meals really reduced camp work and pack weight. These were my primary food this year and I didn’t much miss the usual stuff. I cut my food pack weight considerably, but I’ve decided to go back to triple portaging to lighten loads more.

Northstar Northwind solo was impressive. 6 lbs lighter than the Magic, more stable for fishing and safety, also a roomy dog platform.


Any advice for the new items I’m researching would be greatly appreciated. My hope is to finally get to Wabakimi, maybe an ice out trip to Quetico. There’s one area in the south BWCA that I’d like to see, but the crowds really annoy me. I can’t go as far and fast as I used to, and scarcity of permits leaves little room for adjustments for bad weather. Seems like buying several permits then releasing the unnecessary ones at the last minute is the popular strategy. Another potential bucket list is Maine, but that’s still a far poke in unfamiliar country. They haven’t moved it south just yet.

BF,
Are you buying those freeze dried meals? If so, you might want to buy a dehydrator to dry your own meals. All your favorites, not constrained by limited availability of the purchased stuff. Waaaaay less expensive too!
And wait, Maine? Being admittedly biased, I'm surprised you're not considering the ADK's. To get to Maine, you would drive right through NYS, just hang a left and you're inside the Blue Line! No permits, plenty of solitude if you pick the less common spots...

stripperguy said:

BF,
Are you buying those freeze dried meals? If so, you might want to buy a dehydrator to dry your own meals. All your favorites, not constrained by limited availability of the purchased stuff. Waaaaay less expensive too!
And wait, Maine? Being admittedly biased, I'm surprised you're not considering the ADK's. To get to Maine, you would drive right through NYS, just hang a left and you're inside the Blue Line! No permits, plenty of solitude if you pick the less common spots...

Click to expand...

I have had a dehydrator and vacuum sealer for years. I’ve done meals. Mine are not as good or varied, and they don’t store as long. Chili Mac and lasagna are the only homemade ones I cared for, and the noodles in lasagna are hard to keep vacuumed sealed. I also like cooking in a bag to limit camp chores. Best thing I do myself are fruits.

I know I could save money, if I was tripping monthly I’d fire up the dehydrator. But freeze dried in a pouch for one or two trips a year is fine for now.