It makes sense, but I've never heard it discussed in all the training I've had. I think it's a rare enough occurrence that it can almost be discounted. Black bears rarely make contact in defensive situations--most injuries occur associated with predatory attacks (or the people doing something...
Correct. Playing dead too soon (and never for a black bear!) can get you hurt. I've investigated two black bear "attacks" that were precipitated by the victims falling to the ground prior to any contact being made. Always stand your ground until contact is made--for grizzly, play dead (unless...
I just found out that Dan Cooke, of Cooke Custom Sewing, died last night. He was a much-admired paddler and manufacturer of canoe goods. He will be missed.
https://cookecustomsewing.com/
Nice snooping around! Looks like you're having good weather--friends are on the Copper from Chitina to Cordova. I wanted to do that trip when I lived up there (flew it a lot), but I had unreliable partners. Gorgeous area.
I carry mine for general use in a Garmin case (Garmin case ) (with a strip of orange duct tape around it), that way I don't have to worry about it getting scratched up. The case has a belt loop (which I don't use) with which you could attached a carabiner if wanted. I don't trust the OEM clip...
Two favorites: whitebark pine because I love the western high country, and the sugar pine of the Sierras. For those of you unfamiliar with the sugar pines, they're the ones with the 12" + inch cones, and get huge. I had an owl observation blind in one in Yosemite that was about 8 feet dbh...
Another recent (and more local to me) paddling fatality:Teton paddling fatality. I've spent a lot of time on Jackson Lake, and it can be formidable, even in a 17' Boston Whaler.
Yep, I'm a believer. Some years back I went over in an innocuous setting without my PFD (goofing off--calm, shallow, other paddlers almost in arms reach), I was really surprised how difficult it was to put the PFD on (Seda zipper). I learned something after 40 years paddling.....
On my trips north I've used a waterproof scabbard, with the opening towards me just in case it's needed while in the boat (and under the spray deck if used). On shore it comes out of the case, and I air out the case just in case(?). It's a roll-top soft Kolpin case they don't make any more...
You can save a lot on waste by creating your own meals using ingredients rather than pre-packaged stuff. My normal trips are 4-6 weeks, commonly with lots of portages. It all adds up.
One thing I do to save volume and avoid camp waste is to rebag everything in produce bags--they are very lightweight/low bulk, and reasonably strong (double bagged). You can buy a roll from your market for a few dollars. I just tie them closed in a loose overhand knot. I usually put all meal...