JG,

On gravity filters.  You don't say which MSR filter you have, but if it is the MSR Hyperflow, you already have a gravity filter and a pump.  They sell a gravity kit for the Hyperflow, but you don't need that, just a way to attach it to a supply bag and run the outlet to a reservoir of your choosing.  I use a  modified 'camp shower' bag for the supply bag.  I put in a length of tubing, plus a camelbak on/off quick connect adapter to make hanging and setup easier.  It will self start, but a few pumps get it going pretty good.  It's easy to do some searching on it for info on the web and check out MSR's site for info too.  Pump or gravity - it's nice to have the option.

pd

REI's raingear made with eVent fabric is awesome.  I think my jacket is a Kimtah.  I have had it for 3 or 4 years, and it is truly waterproof and truly breathable, much more than Goretex.  I just bought the eVent waterproof pants on sale.  I wore them skiing last week and am amazed how comfortable and breathable they are.  They are not cheap, but are worth the money if you spend much time in the rain.  I layer base and fleece under them and wear them year-round.

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As long as the pack doesn't have a metal frame which many but not all think limits packing options in a canoe, then you should be just fine with some plastic portage pack liners. I like these. They’ll be a little long, but that’s what you want. I use 2 liners. After packing I roll the inner liner down and fold over and tuck it in. Do the same with outer liner, but tuck it on the opposite side. NEVER had a leak EVEN when I dumped the canoe. Been 10yrs on same 2 liners.

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I started out with a dedicated backpack, but it was the compartment kind. I think it’s easier with just one big compartment and things in ditty bags of different colors to organize but that’s a personal thing.

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Everyone has a different opinion on this. I don’t think there is a right or wrong combination of or not bringing either, but there are definite right/wrongs when using an axe/hatchet. You go to YouTube and watch videos of people demonstrating how to using axe/hatchet to cut/split campfire wood and you’ll soon see why people cut their ankles, chop off fingers doing it.

I like this for a splitting axe. It’s not expensive, but plenty good enough for tripping duties. The bright color means you won’t leave it behind and IF you do lose it somehow you won’t be out big bucks. It comes with a locking plastic scabbard.

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I DON’t chop with it; I use it to split firewood that I cut with my camp saw.

Plenty of options there. I have a Japanese type saw that comes in a scabbard. It’s not the top end name brand one, but then it cost half as much and cuts great, so for me I can’t see how spending double would make a measurable difference?

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It’s longer than many saws, but I wanted something I didn’t have to assemble and could clear so portages with quickly if need be.
This thing is WICKED SHARP and I ALWAYS wear a pair of leather gloves when using it. They call it a pruning saw but I've cut downed wood that was damn near as thick as the blade is long and with little effort on my part other than pulling it back and forth. It cuts on the BACK STROKE which takes a little getting used too.

I cut rounds of wood, then put the axe on top and hammer it with a log like a splitting wedge. Safe for anyone to do. Plenty of people split with an axe the traditional way and don’t have a problem, BUT considering you’re a long ways from medical help IF you hurt yourself, I chose the safest way for me.

john_galt wrote on Jan 8^th, 2016 at 4:50pm:


A paddle.

I should have prefaced that sleeping bags are one of the only things we have good versions of (though no good pads).  We each have Sea to Summit Spark Sp II.  It has down insulation and lower temp limit rating of 35 degrees with a comfort rating of 44 degrees.  We will also have the option of bring liners which increase rating by 10 degrees.

What we already good versions of:
Fishing Gear
Clothing/shoes
Backpacking packs (unsure if we should use with trash bags, or if we should buy something like waterproof sealine packs).
Sleeping Bag/liner
MSR Pump water filter (though considering getting gravity)

What we need new:
Tent
Tarp
Stove
Grill plate/grid to put over fire for open-fire cooking
cookset/dishset/utensils
Portage packs
Axe/saw
Canoe chairs
Sleeping Pad
Anything else people dont leave home without

JG, Just an FYI, the temperature rating on sleeping bags is more of limit where you wouldn't shiver to death, not the temps you can sleep comfortably in. So if it's 30 deg in your tent, you want a 20 deg bag, or lots of added layers. The size of your tent and amount of mesh will effect how warm/cool the tent is.

IMO, a good outfit starts with the best rain gear you can afford. REI has plenty to choose from if you don't already have that.

Lots of good advise so far. Have fun shopping and tripping with your own stuff. Keep a journal and note what works for you as you go.

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I would add that if you tend to run "cold" it's better to error on to much bag than not enough. You can always unzip it if you get to warm.

I use a 20 degree Slumberjack with Thermoloft insulation (synthetic down) and on my Spring 2014 trip ( May 14th) I found that even that wasn't enough on it's own and I sleep in 100 weight polar fleece top/bottom ( like sweats) and with a hat.

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Had to put on my Thermoloft jacket sometime after Midnight.
I'd rather take things off than wish I had them to put on.

Thanks for the replies

Mad_Mat wrote on Jan 7^th, 2016 at 9:26pm:


This is really good to know. 

one thing to keep in mind, is that if you don't see what you want in the REI store or online, they will order something for you so long as they carry that suppliers gear - canoe paddles for instance - they have small selection of Bending Branches paddles - but not the one's I like (Sun Shadow St - I have 2) so you could ask them to order them for you.

I generally don't always use dry bags, never canoe packs, but use some backpacks and duffle bags depending on the trip - just double or triple line them with trash bags - most backpacks will carry better than most dry bags, especially if the dry bag does not have a good padded hip belt.  If you do buy dry bags, get ones with good padded hip belts.

stoves -  I've hardly used my whit gas Coleman Peak1 stove since I have been using Jetboil stoves - convenient, clean and easy for me since all I do is boil water.  if you want to do a lot of "cooking" on your stove, then the Peak 1 is a good choice

a lot of gear choice depends on whether you want to go "deluxe" or "ultralight"  - 2 person tents are a bit tight, especially for two big guys, so a heavier 3 person
might be best - or not?  but I'd recommend a tent have two doors  (if a zipper blows out on you, you can duct tape it closed and still have a good access to keep the bugs out)  my current tent is the REI Quarter Dome 2P - you can get it in 2 or 3 person versions.  Either get a tent "footprint" or just a plastic (I use tyvek) sheet for a groundcloth to help protect the floor from abrasions

definitely a good tarp - REI selection is pretty poor.

good sleeping bags and pads are an essential - for almost all trips, a 30 deg bag is good enough - I always use Down bags (Marmot generally) packed so that there are at least two extra waterproof layers - never had them get wet on me.  once used a 40 deg bag - that wasn't warm enough for late May

sleeping pads, I like the Thermarest Prolite, and I use the 3/4 size self inflating ultralight ones, not the air mattresses

tent, stove, sleeping bag and pad, and packs are the main essentials - a tarp and good rain gear too - everything else is kind of optional and personal preference  I don't use a fancy cookset; solo, just use the Jetboil pot, tandem I'll take a small pot - just use little ziplock storage containers for bowls

keep weight in mind when you do your buying - keep a list and see what the weight accumulates to - that will tell you if you really want those extras, or to go with the lighter versions of gear

I don't think REI has them, but maybe you can trade some gift cards for cash to buy this item.

I wouldn't trip without a good tarp and IMHO this is one of the best set-ups you can get.

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I don't think you'd be disappointed.?