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I trimmed my gear down considerably from the last trip. I went through each component bag, medical, tackle, food, kitchen. I think the main takeaway is I need to be more discriminating about adding stuff for convenience, and to avoid duplicity. Even little things add up. I did not have to...

I miss stars. I often slept outside under the Milky Way in Wyoming. BWCA can have stars, but I can’t stay awake long enough to see them 😂.

I checked into a ZPack duplex tent with all the necessary accoutrements and it saves 3.6 lbs, would cost $281 per lb saved.😳 Saving only 3.6 lbs isn’t worth that option. Going to check into adding a bivy for shoulder seasons and cutting weight in other paraphernalia. I think my medical kit...

What tarp size do you consider adequate?

Some dramatically strong storms hit our camp two nights a couple weeks ago. Sideways rain and strong winds. I was snug inside my Exped Venus II, which shucks wind like no tent I can remember. Last night at home, strong storms kept me and the dogs awake. I’ve been tinkering with reducing my...

Just another thing to carry.

After sorting through my necessities, I think I’ll use the CCS food pack with a small bear vault, and the LLBean Continental pack to carry with the canoe. I’m certain I can keep the weight down without a tent, change of clothes, excess food, etc, while keeping some creature comforts. I think...

Anyone need a lightly used blue barrel and harness? I weighed my Bear vaults and food pack and got this barrel because it saved a few pounds. It was nice having a dry place for stuff on top of the food, but that would be luxurious for a minimalist. PM me if you want a good deal on a BB.

My old place was on the Totogatic. It’s great when they release water in the fall, and during the spring. There are several such streams in the NW. Not that “wild” compared to Ontario rivers, but seem more remote than they are. I’m branching out in your direction.

My partner had an Ursack this past trip. It didn’t look too bear resistant, but neither did my blue barrel. I’m thinking my next trip should be one pack. Maybe 3 days. No tent, just a tarp and a quilt, possibly a 3/4 length thermarest (cause rocks are harder nowadays). Anyone else do this...

Yeah, my grandson is 17. Would love a trip with him and my son. My grandson isn’t a camper, however. But maybe I can adopt a teen portage mule - or rent one! Might be an unfilled commercial niche!

Nothing a mallot and an anvil can’t do.

Anyone installed this type of track on a canoe? I’m wondering if bending the track to be flush with the hull would inhibit lockup of the pedal clips. Those little notches would definitely be smaller.

“Beaching” is a broad term. The spectrum of landings can get pretty hairy with adverse wind and water levels. Do you crash your stem over ledges and try to lock your bow between rocks? Thats why god invented plastic.

Welcome! I camped in N WI a couple weeks ago and it was delightful. Most state campgrounds are great there. We were there during the week and had all the room we wanted on the water. The “Wild” river system is fun if not literal.

Absolutely! Then dashing through the ankle breakers to put loads ashore while the boat is bashing rocks or drifting away. Carrying heavy packs with my hands. That could be what got me - loading and unloading in crotch-deep water. I always try to have a pack on my back when I lift the canoe...

I abandoned the double portage idea early, instead of two front loads I moved weight into the daypack and carried it on my back with the canoe (triple portaging). I think grabbing lower on the strap is a good idea, as I was having trouble finding the straps. My partner for this trip was never...

Any secrets to getting a canoe pack on your back without hurting yourself? I’d be interested in knowing your technique after the barn door is off the hinges. 10 days post trip and I’m still messed up. I think it was the blue barrel, but not sure. It was difficult to get on my back with my...

I got into solo canoes late in life, and had some gems. Torn up a couple. One factor for me is stability with a shifty 55 lb herd dog. I loved my NS Magic, but it was too round where the dingo sat - I felt every shift - not fun in rough seas. I tried a couple 15’ tandem prospectors, which...

The CF trim on my NW Solo omits the crossbar handles which I usually coil my ropes on. I’m thinking about boring a hole in the integrated handle to coil the live end of painter/lining rope to.