Epilogue:----------------------------------------
It has been time consuming, but very rewarding "posting" this trip report. While doing so, I was able to re-live my Quetico experience. During the actual trip, I used 10 different, waterproof, Fisher maps for navigation: Each one measures 22" X 28". For the past several weeks, these maps have been strewn about my living room floor, so I could make reference to them. They can now be stored away until next Fall.
After every extended canoe trip, one should take time to honestly evaluate it. What went right, and what went wrong? What could I have left behind, and what would I add? Does some of my gear need to be upgraded?, etc. No matter how many trips we make, there is always room for improvement. (Suggestions made are for an early Spring, late Fall, trip when cold temperatures will be encountered). With that in mind:
FOOD:
I can honestly say that I planned rather well, with regards to quantity. After 31 days, I only had 2 packets left, one Ramen and one Lipton's Side Dish. However, I think I can improve on the quality. To that end, I have begun to experiment with products offered by http://www.adventurefoods.com/.( Adventure foods is closed , Chuck , 2010 ) I ordered several of their pre-mixed meals and 1 pound each of; dehydrated ham, dehydrated chicken and powdered whole eggs, in bulk form. Will experiment with them over the Winter.
Note: Lipton's Side Dish(s) will still be my #1 staple. They are light weight, water proof, inexpensive (especially if you wait for a sale), and very tasty. The addition of dehydrated ham, or chicken will make them even better. Another plus, is that mice never ate through the aluminum package, while they did eat through EVERY Ziploc package, even the one containing soap.
Instant oatmeal, grits and mashed potatoes will also be a staple; as will instant noodle, and vegetable soup. They are very convenient to prepare "in a cup", and were invaluable on days when I was reduced to boiling water over a candle. Hungry Jack pancake mix, and Panni potato pancake mix will also be included. However, I have decided to eliminate the Bisquick (personal choice). Another addition will be venison jerky. I make my own, but did not set enough aside for this trip. I will next year. With that in mind, I will cut down on the number of "trail mix" packets. I feel the jerky will provide more protein at less weight. Hey, you cannot just ADD (to the pack).
One last note on food: There is nothing wrong with taking fresh meat (steak, pork chops or chicken) to be consumed on your first 2-3 days (depending on weather). Most people do so, by freezing the meat solid before launching. I would just be very careful not to allow the "juices" from defrosting meats to contaminate the food bag - bear bait!!
Stove: I should have taken one!! Primary cooking will still be over a campfire, but a stove would save a lot of time in the mornings, and could be used under the tarp on rainy days. I will experiment (again) with the Whisper Lite, and if that fails (again), I will look at one of the newer multi-fuel, single burner models. Stoves that use disposable canisters are prohibited.
Cookware: I used a 6" SS pot, with a lid and folding handle. No problem at all with that. It is just the right size and has served me well for 10 years. However, the frying pan was a problem; too heavy and did not have a folding handle. Have recently ordered 2 new frying pans to experiment with: GSI, "Extreme" anodized aluminum - 10" model; and an Evernew, nonstick titanium - 7.5" model. Both have folding handles. "At home" tests will determine which I will use.
Lighting: I was not at all happy with the (2) flashlights I carried. Went through 4 sets of AA batteries and never did have enough light. Both of those flashlights are in the trash. I have since bought a small (4"), waterproof LED light (WallMart) and a larger Halogen one. In addition, I have ordered an LED headlamp, Petzl Tikka Plus. Will evaluate each and make a determination for the next trip.
Clothing: I think I need to upgrade to some of the newer materials.
Shirts: The flannel, and chamois shirts I wore are heavy and, once wet, take forever to dry. I think fleece might be a better option. It would cut down on weight (spare set of clothing), provide the same, if not more, warmth and dry much faster. However, I will not part with my wool jacket, which provides a certain amount of warmth, even when wet. Down filled vest is a must, both for warmth vs. weight and to serve as a pillow at night.
Undershirt: I did take 3 sets of the new poly (??) long sleeve undershirts, and they performed admirably. Kept me warm and actually did "wick away moisture", as stated in the ad. I could notice the difference, as opposed to a cotton T-shirt.
Pants: I need to upgrade here, also. I just had regular cotton work pants. There is a saying up north, "cotton kills", because once wet, cotton is dangerous in cold climates. Maybe fleece??
Socks: I am satisfied with the high quality wool socks that I used.
Hat: I should have carried a wool, or fleece, pullover cap. Would have been very welcome on cold paddling days and also for sleeping on cold nights. I own several, just did not bring one: I will next trip!
Gloves: The only pair I brought along were lightweight - absolutely worthless. Next trip, I will carry both a pair of waterproof Gortex gloves, and a pair of Neoprene ones.
Raingear: I LOVE my Gortex!!
Boots/shoes: An absolute necessity the boots be waterproof, and at least 12". I wore a pair of Viking, fleece lined, rubber boots. I have owned these for 10 (?) years, and they have served me well. However, on this trip, I had two problems; perspiration on hot days and, once wet, they take forever to dry-out. There must be some new Gortex alternative?? I will also carry a pair of (very) lightweight shoes, to wear around camp. I bought a pair while in Atakokin, but never really got a chance to try them out, because the weather turned nasty.
Tarp: I use a http://www.cookecustomsewing.com/ tarp.There may be a better one on the market: If so, I have never seen it: And I have paddled a LOT of miles over the past 5 years. Bottom line: "I would not leave home without it".
Tent: I used a Eureka, Back Country model. I owned one previously, and liked it so much that I bought the same exact model, after the first one (literally) wore out. However, this is a 3-Season tent and really not suited for the rain, snow and low temperatures that I encountered. I have since ordered a Bibler, single wall, I-Tent. Will evaluate that when it arrives.
Canoe: I think my Mad River independence is very well suited. However, by re-glassing, and adding thicker thwarts, it is "right on the edge" (57 pounds) of being too heavy for me to portage. I will look at some of the newer models, in Kevlar. Might even consider building a lightweight cedar-stripper.
Miscellaneous: With the exception of some first aid items, and the spare compass, I used everything that I carried. There is really nothing that I can afford to leave behind. Since my rip took place in the early Fall, I did not carry insect repellent, or sun screen. One, or both, of these would be a MUST earlier in the year.
Hope this series has been of some help. Writing it has enabled me to begin planning for next year. I WILL return to Quetico!
It has been time consuming, but very rewarding "posting" this trip report. While doing so, I was able to re-live my Quetico experience. During the actual trip, I used 10 different, waterproof, Fisher maps for navigation: Each one measures 22" X 28". For the past several weeks, these maps have been strewn about my living room floor, so I could make reference to them. They can now be stored away until next Fall.
After every extended canoe trip, one should take time to honestly evaluate it. What went right, and what went wrong? What could I have left behind, and what would I add? Does some of my gear need to be upgraded?, etc. No matter how many trips we make, there is always room for improvement. (Suggestions made are for an early Spring, late Fall, trip when cold temperatures will be encountered). With that in mind:
FOOD:
I can honestly say that I planned rather well, with regards to quantity. After 31 days, I only had 2 packets left, one Ramen and one Lipton's Side Dish. However, I think I can improve on the quality. To that end, I have begun to experiment with products offered by http://www.adventurefoods.com/.( Adventure foods is closed , Chuck , 2010 ) I ordered several of their pre-mixed meals and 1 pound each of; dehydrated ham, dehydrated chicken and powdered whole eggs, in bulk form. Will experiment with them over the Winter.
Note: Lipton's Side Dish(s) will still be my #1 staple. They are light weight, water proof, inexpensive (especially if you wait for a sale), and very tasty. The addition of dehydrated ham, or chicken will make them even better. Another plus, is that mice never ate through the aluminum package, while they did eat through EVERY Ziploc package, even the one containing soap.
Instant oatmeal, grits and mashed potatoes will also be a staple; as will instant noodle, and vegetable soup. They are very convenient to prepare "in a cup", and were invaluable on days when I was reduced to boiling water over a candle. Hungry Jack pancake mix, and Panni potato pancake mix will also be included. However, I have decided to eliminate the Bisquick (personal choice). Another addition will be venison jerky. I make my own, but did not set enough aside for this trip. I will next year. With that in mind, I will cut down on the number of "trail mix" packets. I feel the jerky will provide more protein at less weight. Hey, you cannot just ADD (to the pack).
One last note on food: There is nothing wrong with taking fresh meat (steak, pork chops or chicken) to be consumed on your first 2-3 days (depending on weather). Most people do so, by freezing the meat solid before launching. I would just be very careful not to allow the "juices" from defrosting meats to contaminate the food bag - bear bait!!
Stove: I should have taken one!! Primary cooking will still be over a campfire, but a stove would save a lot of time in the mornings, and could be used under the tarp on rainy days. I will experiment (again) with the Whisper Lite, and if that fails (again), I will look at one of the newer multi-fuel, single burner models. Stoves that use disposable canisters are prohibited.
Cookware: I used a 6" SS pot, with a lid and folding handle. No problem at all with that. It is just the right size and has served me well for 10 years. However, the frying pan was a problem; too heavy and did not have a folding handle. Have recently ordered 2 new frying pans to experiment with: GSI, "Extreme" anodized aluminum - 10" model; and an Evernew, nonstick titanium - 7.5" model. Both have folding handles. "At home" tests will determine which I will use.
Lighting: I was not at all happy with the (2) flashlights I carried. Went through 4 sets of AA batteries and never did have enough light. Both of those flashlights are in the trash. I have since bought a small (4"), waterproof LED light (WallMart) and a larger Halogen one. In addition, I have ordered an LED headlamp, Petzl Tikka Plus. Will evaluate each and make a determination for the next trip.
Clothing: I think I need to upgrade to some of the newer materials.
Shirts: The flannel, and chamois shirts I wore are heavy and, once wet, take forever to dry. I think fleece might be a better option. It would cut down on weight (spare set of clothing), provide the same, if not more, warmth and dry much faster. However, I will not part with my wool jacket, which provides a certain amount of warmth, even when wet. Down filled vest is a must, both for warmth vs. weight and to serve as a pillow at night.
Undershirt: I did take 3 sets of the new poly (??) long sleeve undershirts, and they performed admirably. Kept me warm and actually did "wick away moisture", as stated in the ad. I could notice the difference, as opposed to a cotton T-shirt.
Pants: I need to upgrade here, also. I just had regular cotton work pants. There is a saying up north, "cotton kills", because once wet, cotton is dangerous in cold climates. Maybe fleece??
Socks: I am satisfied with the high quality wool socks that I used.
Hat: I should have carried a wool, or fleece, pullover cap. Would have been very welcome on cold paddling days and also for sleeping on cold nights. I own several, just did not bring one: I will next trip!
Gloves: The only pair I brought along were lightweight - absolutely worthless. Next trip, I will carry both a pair of waterproof Gortex gloves, and a pair of Neoprene ones.
Raingear: I LOVE my Gortex!!
Boots/shoes: An absolute necessity the boots be waterproof, and at least 12". I wore a pair of Viking, fleece lined, rubber boots. I have owned these for 10 (?) years, and they have served me well. However, on this trip, I had two problems; perspiration on hot days and, once wet, they take forever to dry-out. There must be some new Gortex alternative?? I will also carry a pair of (very) lightweight shoes, to wear around camp. I bought a pair while in Atakokin, but never really got a chance to try them out, because the weather turned nasty.
Tarp: I use a http://www.cookecustomsewing.com/ tarp.There may be a better one on the market: If so, I have never seen it: And I have paddled a LOT of miles over the past 5 years. Bottom line: "I would not leave home without it".
Tent: I used a Eureka, Back Country model. I owned one previously, and liked it so much that I bought the same exact model, after the first one (literally) wore out. However, this is a 3-Season tent and really not suited for the rain, snow and low temperatures that I encountered. I have since ordered a Bibler, single wall, I-Tent. Will evaluate that when it arrives.
Canoe: I think my Mad River independence is very well suited. However, by re-glassing, and adding thicker thwarts, it is "right on the edge" (57 pounds) of being too heavy for me to portage. I will look at some of the newer models, in Kevlar. Might even consider building a lightweight cedar-stripper.
Miscellaneous: With the exception of some first aid items, and the spare compass, I used everything that I carried. There is really nothing that I can afford to leave behind. Since my rip took place in the early Fall, I did not carry insect repellent, or sun screen. One, or both, of these would be a MUST earlier in the year.
Hope this series has been of some help. Writing it has enabled me to begin planning for next year. I WILL return to Quetico!