I have a LOT OF HIGH DOLLAR GEAR but mainly for 3-4 different types of trips: the big gear for the elk/deer Jeep/canoe trips for 10 days with all of the fellas; winter canoe expeditions (which are harder to thin the gear because I go in the coldest and nastiest conditions possible; the bushcraft type minimalist trip….actually in all honesty, this trip is almost more enjoyable than others because with less gear I have way more time for doing the things that you’re there for in the first place….especially solo! lol I’ve done solo winter trips that were so exhausting that I didn’t cook for the first 3 days because of trying to keep up with chores and finding things!
Agreed. I found on my last big trip I was almost overwhelmed with gear and couldn't focus on regular camp chores and fishing. Almost felt like drop shock.
My partner and I do plenty of canoe tripping in Ontario, we use 2 bearvaults for longer trips, all food and scented items fit in tightly. I don't think we will ever go back to our blue food barrel. Also I've never seen anyone include axe in one of these gear lists haha Otherwise I think you are on the right track of eliminating bulk and unused items
Yes, I think our crew might try pairing down the type of food we bring to reduce the bulk of the barrel. Going to experiment this next season. I have brought a hatchet in the past, but found I didn't use it. Can't see an axe would add any benefit for the trips we do.
For maps I've always cropped down a digital version to just the area I need plus maybe an extra 30% (in case we some how end up off course). You can even do a second copy zoomed out even more. Then what you do is laminate them back to back, now you have a waterproof two-sided map that's super easy to handle and can also be used as a cutting board. Cost me $5 at the local Staples Business Center to laminate it. Otherwise a large ziplock freezer bag works great. Also, oddly enough I have that same kitchen sink and it's one thing that never gets used so I always wish I had just left it at home.
Solid advise for laminating the maps and having them two sided. I too have found that I have not always used the sink. Mostly because I forget I have it. Thanks for sharing!
Great breakdown of your gear. I canoe camp and backpack several times each year. No super long trips as I'm still a working stiff, but I have plans for longer outings. If your hammock upgrade is going to be an Amok Draumr, I can give you a ringing endorsement. I bought mine this year and have pitched it 7 times for a total of 12 nights. One more trip coming, as well. More comfortable than my bed at home. Seriously. No trouble getting in or out and even getting dressed/undressed while in it. A bit of a learning curve getting situated in a sleeping bag or quilt (I have both) though! I'm 5'11" and got the standard length, and wish I got the XL. Thought about the UL version of Draumr, but I appreciate the more durable fabric in mine. I bought the winter pad and found it too warm on my summer trips. I may just buy the ultralight summer pad as well.
Thank you! Yes, the new hammock is the Amok Draumr 5.0, check out my latest Wild Camping Video - ua-cam.com/video/AycbdsUh0p4/v-deo.html where I debut the new hammock. I could use your help on this one, actually. I need a better understanding on how the straps work. I am doing something wrong, but made an adjustment that worked. From one working stiff to another! May there be many long trips in our future! WJP
on the rod you want keep,(telescope) check your reel rings. you might be able to rotate them 180 degrees for what you want. have done this on one of mine. pfd wise switched to a co2 blow up one last year. haven't been out this yr. but it gives me more room for my arms. do have a spare pdf vest style in my boat. use it as a seat cushion. scouring pads cut them into quarters or fifths on the long side. so you have a piece 1/2 inch by the width of the original size. your big skillet a 12 incher?? i have a 8 incher non-stick with folding handle, it also has a lid. energy drink bottles - are 1 oz in size. make good oil bottles. you pay thru the nose up front but you want the bottle not the contents. way smaller, can pack into those spare spaces.
All of my Canoe or Kayak trips were done very simply. Identical to when I go backpacking and camping. Only difference when canoeing is my backpack , it's a waterproof Boundary Waters pack. Kayaking , waterproof bags to fit in the bow and stern hatches of the kayak. Otherwise it's the same stuff on land or the water. I take what I need , not what I might want and this lets me take less and have a lighter load without giving up any comfort.
Nice - while not everyone wants to cut weight on their trips, you've hit some key aspects for those who do. My pack for a 10-day solo is down to about 28 pounds, including food. And your clover plot looks better than most of mine!
@@wjpoutdoors Not sure of a good way to post it - I use lighterpack - but I am taking the lightest version of most things, and very few duplicates. One pair of pants, one shirt, two underwear, two or three socks, a fleece, a puffy in cooler temps, a set of thinner baselayers and a rain suit. One pair of shoes. 2 man tent under 2#. Quilt under 1# for summer; when it's below 40 I take a heavier quilt at 1.5#. DCF tarp weighing 11oz. Bug tent that hangs under the tarp weighs 12oz. Bear hang kit 1.5oz. Saw 5.5oz. Gravity filter system 6oz. Canister stove, fuel, mug, fry pan, bowl, fire glove, lighter, spoon, folding knife, folding filet knife, sharpener = 1.4# total.....etc. Edit to add: I do take some 'luxuries' too: a Helinox high-back chair zero, binoculars, fishing gear and swim goggles....those items total 4#.
Yes good old Folgers , they have a 7 pack comes in lil box. Me and the misses take our coffee pretty serious. We enjoy a cup on hikes or an over night and with a boiler it works great. We use the Stanley pot w 2 cups inside coffee fits as well.. Thanks for the tips def gonna use them.
I've always thought of canoe trips as Glamping, because you can bring extra items since you aren't carrying them all day. One other thing is NO food or garbage in the fire pit. That's a BWCA rule and Superior National Forest rule. Pack it out.
Packed for a two-person, 12 day trip this June in two 60L blue barrels. You have to be ruthless with yourself when it comes to whether you truly need things or want a luxury item(s). My luxury item was a very nice camp pillow.
The canoe seat sure looks to be heavier than the first little chair you showed? And, the first chair sits you low. It’s like sitting in a kindergartener’s chair. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
You make a good point! Canoe Seat is a bit heavy. They do make lighter ones. As far as the packable seat, having a lower center of gravity has its advantages.
@@wjpoutdoors G’day, Wipeoutdoors. I’ve never found an advantage to sitting lower than standard chair seat height. But then, I’m not a graceful person. Getting down to a few inches from the ground, and then getting up to walk away are needlessly difficult to me. Please help me learn the advantages that are there in a low seat? Say, 8” to 10” above the ground? Thank you, Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
I'm sorry to hear that. A lower seat allows you to recline a bit to keep pressure off your feat and legs. Also, being lower to the ground, you don't have to bend over or arch your back when picking up your cup of coffee next to you. I see your point though a taller person may have a hard time getting up and out of a smaller chair.
@@wjpoutdoors G’day, Wiopoutdoors. I’m not tall; say, 5’7”. I just don’t like struggling needlessly to get up and down. And can’t see any reason to pay over $125;just to save 2-3 ounces and be uncomfortable in the deal. I’m grateful and glad that there are many choices available to each of us. My best to you. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
If you are a gear junkie like me, leave a comment on tips and tricks you use to cut pack weight, bulk and not sacrifice luxury. Let's learn together!
I have a LOT OF HIGH DOLLAR GEAR but mainly for 3-4 different types of trips: the big gear for the elk/deer Jeep/canoe trips for 10 days with all of the fellas; winter canoe expeditions (which are harder to thin the gear because I go in the coldest and nastiest conditions possible; the bushcraft type minimalist trip….actually in all honesty, this trip is almost more enjoyable than others because with less gear I have way more time for doing the things that you’re there for in the first place….especially solo! lol I’ve done solo winter trips that were so exhausting that I didn’t cook for the first 3 days because of trying to keep up with chores and finding things!
Agreed. I found on my last big trip I was almost overwhelmed with gear and couldn't focus on regular camp chores and fishing. Almost felt like drop shock.
My partner and I do plenty of canoe tripping in Ontario, we use 2 bearvaults for longer trips, all food and scented items fit in tightly. I don't think we will ever go back to our blue food barrel. Also I've never seen anyone include axe in one of these gear lists haha
Otherwise I think you are on the right track of eliminating bulk and unused items
Yes, I think our crew might try pairing down the type of food we bring to reduce the bulk of the barrel. Going to experiment this next season. I have brought a hatchet in the past, but found I didn't use it. Can't see an axe would add any benefit for the trips we do.
For maps I've always cropped down a digital version to just the area I need plus maybe an extra 30% (in case we some how end up off course). You can even do a second copy zoomed out even more. Then what you do is laminate them back to back, now you have a waterproof two-sided map that's super easy to handle and can also be used as a cutting board. Cost me $5 at the local Staples Business Center to laminate it. Otherwise a large ziplock freezer bag works great.
Also, oddly enough I have that same kitchen sink and it's one thing that never gets used so I always wish I had just left it at home.
Solid advise for laminating the maps and having them two sided. I too have found that I have not always used the sink. Mostly because I forget I have it. Thanks for sharing!
Great breakdown of your gear. I canoe camp and backpack several times each year. No super long trips as I'm still a working stiff, but I have plans for longer outings.
If your hammock upgrade is going to be an Amok Draumr, I can give you a ringing endorsement. I bought mine this year and have pitched it 7 times for a total of 12 nights. One more trip coming, as well. More comfortable than my bed at home. Seriously. No trouble getting in or out and even getting dressed/undressed while in it. A bit of a learning curve getting situated in a sleeping bag or quilt (I have both) though! I'm 5'11" and got the standard length, and wish I got the XL. Thought about the UL version of Draumr, but I appreciate the more durable fabric in mine. I bought the winter pad and found it too warm on my summer trips. I may just buy the ultralight summer pad as well.
Thank you! Yes, the new hammock is the Amok Draumr 5.0, check out my latest Wild Camping Video - ua-cam.com/video/AycbdsUh0p4/v-deo.html where I debut the new hammock. I could use your help on this one, actually. I need a better understanding on how the straps work. I am doing something wrong, but made an adjustment that worked.
From one working stiff to another! May there be many long trips in our future!
WJP
on the rod you want keep,(telescope) check your reel rings. you might be able to rotate them 180 degrees for what you want. have done this on one of mine. pfd wise switched to a co2 blow up one last year. haven't been out this yr. but it gives me more room for my arms. do have a spare pdf vest style in my boat. use it as a seat cushion. scouring pads cut them into quarters or fifths on the long side. so you have a piece 1/2 inch by the width of the original size. your big skillet a 12 incher?? i have a 8 incher non-stick with folding handle, it also has a lid. energy drink bottles - are 1 oz in size. make good oil bottles. you pay thru the nose up front but you want the bottle not the contents. way smaller, can pack into those spare spaces.
Awesome list of tips. I Looked at the scope pole again. Unfortunately, it won't rotate as you suggest. I like the Kayak pfd idea. Thanks for sharing!
I hoist and hang my food in a dry bag and don't use a barrel. Haven't had it stolen yet but never say never. I do single portages as well.
Single carry will definitely be our goal in the future so we can go further into the wilderness! Thanks for watching!
Just double check that your upgrades cover your "don't need items". I speak from experience. lol Good video.
😀
All of my Canoe or Kayak trips were done very simply. Identical to when I go backpacking and camping. Only difference when canoeing is my backpack , it's a waterproof Boundary Waters pack. Kayaking , waterproof bags to fit in the bow and stern hatches of the kayak. Otherwise it's the same stuff on land or the water. I take what I need , not what I might want and this lets me take less and have a lighter load without giving up any comfort.
That's awesome, Chuck! You have got your gear honed in, and it's versatile for any type of adventure!
yes but my boat said I can load it to 600lbs
Nice - while not everyone wants to cut weight on their trips, you've hit some key aspects for those who do. My pack for a 10-day solo is down to about 28 pounds, including food. And your clover plot looks better than most of mine!
Thanks! What is your packing list for that light of weight?
@@wjpoutdoors Not sure of a good way to post it - I use lighterpack - but I am taking the lightest version of most things, and very few duplicates. One pair of pants, one shirt, two underwear, two or three socks, a fleece, a puffy in cooler temps, a set of thinner baselayers and a rain suit. One pair of shoes. 2 man tent under 2#. Quilt under 1# for summer; when it's below 40 I take a heavier quilt at 1.5#. DCF tarp weighing 11oz. Bug tent that hangs under the tarp weighs 12oz. Bear hang kit 1.5oz. Saw 5.5oz. Gravity filter system 6oz. Canister stove, fuel, mug, fry pan, bowl, fire glove, lighter, spoon, folding knife, folding filet knife, sharpener = 1.4# total.....etc. Edit to add: I do take some 'luxuries' too: a Helinox high-back chair zero, binoculars, fishing gear and swim goggles....those items total 4#.
Try instant coffee only need hot water and you’re coffee pack.
Yes, it is a great option to lighten the pack. Any recommendations on GOOD instant coffee?
Yes good old Folgers , they have a 7 pack comes in lil box. Me and the misses take our coffee pretty serious. We enjoy a cup on hikes or an over night and with a boiler it works great. We use the Stanley pot w 2 cups inside coffee fits as well.. Thanks for the tips def gonna use them.
I've always thought of canoe trips as Glamping, because you can bring extra items since you aren't carrying them all day. One other thing is NO food or garbage in the fire pit. That's a BWCA rule and Superior National Forest rule. Pack it out.
Great perspective! A good way to look at it. And yes, pack in, pack out.
Packed for a two-person, 12 day trip this June in two 60L blue barrels. You have to be ruthless with yourself when it comes to whether you truly need things or want a luxury item(s). My luxury item was a very nice camp pillow.
Gotta love a long trip!
never have used a barrel - just a dry bag within a pack (just make sure no food gets on the pack). I use paper plates when I can too
A great tip! We thought about paper plates as an option, too!
The canoe seat sure looks to be heavier than the first little chair you showed? And, the first chair sits you low. It’s like sitting in a kindergartener’s chair.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
You make a good point! Canoe Seat is a bit heavy. They do make lighter ones. As far as the packable seat, having a lower center of gravity has its advantages.
@@wjpoutdoors G’day, Wipeoutdoors. I’ve never found an advantage to sitting lower than standard chair seat height. But then, I’m not a graceful person. Getting down to a few inches from the ground, and then getting up to walk away are needlessly difficult to me.
Please help me learn the advantages that are there in a low seat? Say, 8” to 10” above the ground?
Thank you,
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
I'm sorry to hear that. A lower seat allows you to recline a bit to keep pressure off your feat and legs. Also, being lower to the ground, you don't have to bend over or arch your back when picking up your cup of coffee next to you. I see your point though a taller person may have a hard time getting up and out of a smaller chair.
@@wjpoutdoors G’day, Wiopoutdoors. I’m not tall; say, 5’7”. I just don’t like struggling needlessly to get up and down. And can’t see any reason to pay over $125;just to save 2-3 ounces and be uncomfortable in the deal. I’m grateful and glad that there are many choices available to each of us.
My best to you.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Where did you get the harness for the barrel? I have 3 or 4 of them.
I believe I ordered it from Level Six.
classssssssssssss
Thanks!