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The two-pack system offered by Recreational Barrel Works is a good idea with some well thought out features and carries about the same volume as my big Granite Gear pack. I might have looked into the RBW system when I re-did my portaging setup but I'm reluctant to lift a heavy single pack...

Hi, Chris, I think it's possible but you'll have to be obsessive about weight savings as the primary goal and that's going to mean giving up some aspects that contribute to durability. I paddled a 17.75' Clipper Sea-1 canoe on several multi-day trips on the Columbia River (big winds, big waves)...

When I was still solo canoeing Class 3/4 white water I used different PFDs depending on water volume and/or temperature. I don't float very well so when paddling early season with cold water temps or big water (6,000 to 10,000 CFS) I would definitely use my high-floatation vest. It was bulky and...

The dealer that I bought my Firebird from asked if I wanted a sitting seat or a kneeling seat installed. He mentioned that they come set up for more of a sitting position by default. With the kneeling seat there's plenty of foot clearance, it's a good height for comfort while kneeling, and...

It'd be interesting to paddle a shorter version of the Swift Cirrus, sort of a cross between a de-tuned Northstar Firebird and a sportier Swift Prospector 13. Plenty of stability with a touch of playfulness. Exactly right, for a good reason. If you're in the business of selling canoes you need...

I have an older (but still serviceable) Extrasport PFD that I use in cooler weather. The fuller fit is like wearing a "waterproof" down vest. But I prefer the "kayak" style, with less body contact, because they are a bit cooler in the summer.

I have a Sunburst paddle and enjoy it for it's light weight and relaxing demeanor. :) I didn't mention the Sunburst because he indicated he preferred a wood paddle. I cut the shaft down about 4" from it's original 54" length because the blade is shorter than most and the shaft length was too...

Had a good laugh with that one. Impressive though.

I agree with Gamma1214 on the carbon paddle. And if your shoulder is chronically irritated by paddling you might want to consider taking a break. (Ya, right. :)) But if you want to continue canoeing and a wood paddle is your preference, I suggest a Grey Owl Fleetwood, which is one of the...

To be fair, that Clipper canoe weighs considerably more than the Swift, probably twice the weight for the same size boat. But if you need a canoe that can take some rough use, the Kevlar/Duraflex layup is certainly tough. Mine was. The Swift marine epoxy build seems pretty tough for its weight...

You're correct, after rewatching the video it appears the UV treatment is the initial coating applied to the mold. Here's the recap video of Swift's 2024 highlights: Bill Swift talks about the marine epoxy resin at 5:00 and at 9:00 he talks more about it and pounds on the hull with a rubber...

The demonstration isn't all that convincing in my opinion; hammering on a flat piece of hull material on a flat surface isn't the type of impact that typically happens while paddling. Maybe the big advantage is that the epoxy resin doesn't scratch as easily? (Added: After rewatching the Swift...

I don't rely on my cell phone for communication when I head out for a solo canoeing adventure (or snowshoeing, etc.) but have agreed to bring a Garmin inReach device. If I had good cell phone coverage that's what I'd use to check in, but I often find that I don't have reliable coverage. The...

Might be as simple as a way to lean/stand the canoe up on end for storage. :)

I tend to cut boat builders some slack. It's not a precision manufacturing process so there are bound to be imperfections that show up, especially with a skin coat build. I own (or owned) canoes made by Wenonah, Clipper, Curtis, Hemlock, Northstar, and Swift and none of them are/were perfect...

Here's a comparison of snowfall and precipitation totals for Burlington, VT since 1942. Unfortunately they don't have complete records before then. Lots of variability from year to year, though there appears to have been more consistent snowfall in 60s and 70s, which is what I remember.

If I'm considered an old timer, then yes, it was colder when we were growing up. There was a dip in the average annual highs and lows during the 60s and early 70s as shown in the following chart based on records from Burlington, VT. Basically a micro-ice age. And also interesting is how there's...

Here you go... You can see how they (Swift) shaped the edge that aligns with the underside of the gunnel. Nice work. (That's the leading edge of the seat by the way.)

That's good to know, about the gunwales that is. And a sliding seat would be handy. I used to hunt rabbits and hares with beagles. Great personalities. I had one beagle that preferred to hunt partridges though. Not always sure what she was trailing until it either ran, or flew.

A friend just bought a carbon Flashfire with the carbon trim and the carbon (kneeling) seat was attached with wood seat drops. :)