The new stripper canoes we have used the last couple years are both the best and worst new equipment.

The best because they are relatively light (58lbs) and paddle VERY well.
The worst because after years of using the Grumman, having to constaintly think about taking care at landings is a real pain in the butt.

With the Grumman I had a "dry foot" policy, that canoe suffered all kinds of abuse so I could keep my feet dry. With the strippers, we now have a "wet foot" policy, great for moving quickly but a pain having wet feet.

And with the wet feet, I've tried 2 different "wet" footware, and don't like either. The 1st is a low water shoe that provides NO support, can't remember the brand. The 2ed is the NSR (?) rafting boots. They had better support but still less then a tennis shoe. And with both types, my feet were wet all day.

The plan is to try the real Jungle Boots next. We'll see.

On the best side, we got a barrel last year, really liked not hanging the pack.
The harness for it needs a little help though, it kept slipping off the barrel.

Dan

Posted by Dan Lindberg on July 10, 2001 at 13:42
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