G
Guest
Guest
The recent mention of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) got me thinking about the last purchases that have made a significant difference in my paddle trips.
I haven’t bought a new canoe in a long time, so not that. Some DIY stuff, like the wind/sun chair and blue barrel folding tabletop have made a real difference, but those are not commercially available items (the simple barrel folding tabletop really should be).
I had to think back a ways. Top three:
A “good” tent. Or at least a tent that suits my specific criteria. I know there are far better all-environs tents than the MSR Hubba Hubba, but it is near perfect for my solo requirements (blowing sand and dust excluded). I liked the original enough to have bought a second when it was on can’t-resist-the-price sale.
A good paddle. Like the old saying, “Once you go black (carbon fiber) you’ll never go back. Carbon Werner Camano in a custom 260cm length. Perhaps that shouldn’t count; I bought it (little) used from a friend when he quit paddling for $150. No way I would ever pay $300+ for a custom length carbon paddle. I’ll never go back and would now in a heartbeat.
(BTW, I learned something today. One of the reasons carbon double blades are typically available “Up to 250cm” is that the carbon tubes the manufacturers use can be cut in half to make a paddle up to that length. Over 250cm requires using two carbon tubes for the shaft construction)
Off-season paddling/wading boots. Chota Marshboots. Hard to find size 13, so there is room for wool socks and Sealskinz underneath. Stacked heel (don’t much kneel), aggressive tread, 19 inches high so I don’t have to search for ankle-high shallows before launching or landing. Also maybe shouldn’t count; bought nearly unused from a friend. Bless you Bob P, worn dang near every trip from October through May.
What are the last things you bought that have made a real difference in your tripping?
I haven’t bought a new canoe in a long time, so not that. Some DIY stuff, like the wind/sun chair and blue barrel folding tabletop have made a real difference, but those are not commercially available items (the simple barrel folding tabletop really should be).
I had to think back a ways. Top three:
A “good” tent. Or at least a tent that suits my specific criteria. I know there are far better all-environs tents than the MSR Hubba Hubba, but it is near perfect for my solo requirements (blowing sand and dust excluded). I liked the original enough to have bought a second when it was on can’t-resist-the-price sale.
A good paddle. Like the old saying, “Once you go black (carbon fiber) you’ll never go back. Carbon Werner Camano in a custom 260cm length. Perhaps that shouldn’t count; I bought it (little) used from a friend when he quit paddling for $150. No way I would ever pay $300+ for a custom length carbon paddle. I’ll never go back and would now in a heartbeat.
(BTW, I learned something today. One of the reasons carbon double blades are typically available “Up to 250cm” is that the carbon tubes the manufacturers use can be cut in half to make a paddle up to that length. Over 250cm requires using two carbon tubes for the shaft construction)
Off-season paddling/wading boots. Chota Marshboots. Hard to find size 13, so there is room for wool socks and Sealskinz underneath. Stacked heel (don’t much kneel), aggressive tread, 19 inches high so I don’t have to search for ankle-high shallows before launching or landing. Also maybe shouldn’t count; bought nearly unused from a friend. Bless you Bob P, worn dang near every trip from October through May.
What are the last things you bought that have made a real difference in your tripping?
