I  like the two 30L barrels myself. If I am on a trip for 2 for a week, one 30L barrel will hold the food and the other holds all the other cook items...small pots/pans, stove, depth finder, gas etc... The two 30 L barrels together will hold enough food for 4-5 for 7-8 days or more depending on how much food you bring. I never tried the harnesses because I already had a pack that fit the two barrels. We always bring both barrels even though one would be enough just to even out the pack load.

I like to carry the 2 30L barrels in a pack so they sit side by side. It isn't uncomfortable to carry. Except for the weight the food pack/barrels are comfortable to carry. The only problem is it is easy to get that food pack too heavy. Another advantage of 2 barrels if by chance you have a bear encounter---hopefully you would discover the bear before he got both barrels. You are spreading out your risk so to speak.

Tim

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A 60 litre for sure.

I've used the 30 litre for 4 people over 4 nights (food inside only, no cookware) supplemented by fresh caught fish. That's about all I can get out of it without switching to freeze-dried or dehydrated foods. The 30 litre will handle a week's food for two people though – if you pack carefully.

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Obviously, a little less easy than a 30 litre because it's going to be that much heavier. It is however, not more difficult than carrying a loaded pack, assuming you invest in a decent harness. I've seen skinny teenage girls carry them, older men carry them, even a disabled friend carry them. Yes, relatively easy to carry.

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That's an unusual set-up. If you want to carry multiple containers, make them olive barrels. I think they're about 15 litres volume, often square in cross-section. You can get them used at Greek restaurants before they throw them out. They won't add up to 60 litres but they'll be easy to carry in a pack. An olive barrel may also may be a good companion to a 30 litre barrel to stretch out your trip or carry dog food.

I have both a 60 and 30 litre barrel. Highly recommend them. I also use Headstrong harnesses for their cost/quality/comfort equation. Ostrom is a more costly choice, the Cadillac of harnesses I would say.

db wrote on Mar 9^th, 2007 at 9:46pm:
According to my math the 30 and the 60 openings are 10 1/2" for (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) barrels which I would imagine are the same ones that sell elsewhere for up to $75.00.  
flp

the description states that the 8 and 15 gallon barrels have molded-in handles.  Jan

Handsome_Bill wrote on Mar 9^th, 2007 at 11:12pm:


Actually it isn't unusual at all. One outfitter even sells the setup.
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
That's similar to what I use and it is quite comfortable to carry (until you pack those barrels full ). The two 30L barrels do keep the weight  closer to your center of balance. That's another advantage to the 2 30L barrels I forgot as your food disappears you can balance the load between the two barrels.

Tim

TimA wrote on Mar 10^th, 2007 at 4:00am:


Yes, unusual, rare, not commonly done. Maybe not for you though. How does that sit in a boat? I lay my barrels down low between thwarts.

By handles on barrels, I meant actual handles you find on barrels from other sources, like:
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Another thing I notice from the US Plastics site is that they state the size of 60 and 30 litre barrel openings are the same. I don't believe that at all. That's never been the case with barrels I've seen. Just look at the photo.

flpaddler wrote on Mar 10^th, 2007 at 1:50pm:


I'm the horse's patoote around here.

You're right, harness straps will offer a handle on the rig. Although not the best grip. Some harnesses (like Headstrong's) have additional grab loops at the sides, and also at the top and bottom (real usefull when laying it in and taking it out of the canoe). But, almost always, if there are the fold-flat sturdy plastic handles, people just go for them because you get such a good grip. Although not necessary, they certainly are a bonus to have. Nice to have them around camp too... the barrel does have to be moved around. So, we use handles when not actually carrying it on our back.

I have to admit the double barrel system from Redrock really got my attention.
As a very loyal drybag user, this just might be enough to lure me into another direction.
Thank you for this link.
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

SW

Lets see Redrock Superpack, 2 30L plus pack $240. Northwestcanoe 60L with harness,$144.
Same capacity, $104 less, HMMMM!

cecarboy

NOT affiliated, just know math!!

cedarboy wrote on Mar 11^th, 2007 at 4:11am:

or you could do it the way I did. Already had a good pack similar to the Kondos Redrock uses----then bought 2 30L barrels from US plastics for a total of $40 (I know they are a little more expensive now) that fit into my pack. Savings of $104 from Northwest and $200 from Redrock. Also you have to factor in comfort---I think the 2 30L are more comfortable to carry---but that is a personal preference, I'm sure others may disagree.

By the way the guys at Northwest canoe are first rate---if anyone needs repair work done on their canoe they come highly recommended. I know shameless plug but they treated me right  .


Tim

cedarboy wrote on Mar 11^th, 2007 at 4:11am:


Exactly. The 2 barrels in a pack might make sense if you already have a large spare pack. But I'll take the single barrrel method with a dedicated harness (Headstrong or Ostom) designed for that purpose. Costs less and feels good to carry.

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Widest diameter is 11 1/2 inches in the middle--narrows down to just under 10" opening. I put it in an older style Granite Gear Superior one pack. If you put two barrels in a pack you will definitely want to use one with the hip belt and suspension system to be able to vary/re-balance  the load. The dimensions for my pack are 20l x25h x11w. I mentioned this before, but the newer GG packs are made with a newer material and don't seem to be as good of fit as I have with my older pack. I'm sure any of the manufacturers make something that would work.

I've also toyed with the idea of bringing one 30L barrel in a pack (since that is all I really ever need for food)---then just putting it in the center of the pack and loading other gear around it to keep it balanced. Then about any pack would work for it---using the two barrels it is just too easy to keep the load balanced is why I haven't tried it yet.

The barrel harness is not an option for me because I already have pack that works (don't want to spend extra on harness) and I like the versatility of having the barrel in an actual pack because other stuff can go in the pack besides what fits in the barrel.

Tim

Hi folks. I realize this thread has been going for a while but I just registered as a member today and wanted to share some barrel info that may be helpful.  I just ordered some 9.5 gallon barrels with gasketed, screw on lids from Paul@ontariorecycling.com  These would be slightly larger capacity than the 30L size. Physical dimensions were listed as 18" high by 14" in diameter. They looked good and were certainly priced right at $9.95. If you're interested, you can contact him direct or search "plastic barrels" on ebay.

HA!  i got one of those about 4 weeks ago bell!  heavy duty...ill like it.  the screwtop is kind of a pain in the a** tho.  that plastic is soooo slippery, its hard to get a good leg grip to screw/unscrew the top.   Jan

Tim,

Are you sure the seals on the US Plastics drums are air/water tight?  I'm thinking about picking up a couple of 30l barrels myself and their price is definitely the best I've found but the website states they are for solids only so that got me wondering about the seal.

Thanks

The barrels sold by places like Piragis are marketed as being airtight and waterproof.  I emailed US plastics about their 8 gal open head drums and below is the response I got back:

"Hello

That gaskets helps to make a tight seal, but we do not guarantee that it it liquid or airtight."

Guurn

We use a small soft sided cooler in our barrel for the cold stuff, seems to work fine and it conforms to the shape of the barrel. You can find these almost anywhere.

cedarboy 

I used a friend's Ostrom Voyageur in Wabakimi last year - it was really nice. I think the big thing with the Voyageur is that it's heavily padded, which is nice on your back. However, for my money, I would probably buy the Headstrong. The Headstrong looks equally well built and designed, and is ~$60 cheaper. Plus it also gets very high marks from everything that I've read.

I also liked the barrel organizers. However, for the money I think you could use nylon stuff sacks just the same. I would get different colors - dinners in blue, lunches in green, etc.

Ranger

Not to hijack the thread, but the question is related to blue barrels.  My brother moved into an apartment where the previous tenant  left a barrel and lid, but no clamp to lock the lid down.  Anyone know where I could get one and roughly how much.  The barrel is the 30l.  Thanks.

Anyone know what happened to Headstong? I wanted to purchase one of their 60L harnesses this weekend and their website is gone. And, it seems like all of the resellers are out of stock. If someone knows where I can pick one up, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction. TIA.

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That was their site. Now all I get is a placeholder full of ads.

solotripper wrote on Apr 28^th, 2008 at 11:13pm:

Very strange. That link worked and now the main site is resolving correctly for me as well. Yet, when I attempted to visit the site just a few minutes ago it went to a domain parking site. I had even tried it earlier at work and got the same ad filled site. Oh well, I'm glad they are not gone and that the site is working for me once more.

BlueBarrel/Gear; Hard to really get everything you want into 1 60L barrel. Either eliminate some stuff or plan on an extra drybag of gear too. Also try not putting stuff into gear bags so you can smash gear down together more compact. Leave the gear bags on top under the lid so you can sort stuff as you unpack it.

BlueBarrel/Food; The reusable canvas shopping bags work good for me when I'm using the barrel for food. Seems that what you want is always on the bottom. Plus the bags keep stuff organized. I know opposite of the gear idea, but the food is always going right back in each time. Gear gets unpacked once and repacked once, food is always getting sorted though.

BlueBarrel/Flying; Don't forget the small plastic tiewrap under the lid seal. Otherwise you'll you find your barrel sucked flat from the air pressure change at the baggage pick-up.

Try more dried spinach or maybe one of the those portage monkeys that use to carry the Aluminum.

I am a voyager short and stout (must be sung). Think about carrying a ninty pound bale without any fancy dancy harness and in mocks.... It helps me Fishpig everything is better with butter-dont knock it until you try it-good in soups and think filo Really I have to do two overs and three overs.....my sub forty pound 8 year old can only manage paddles and jacket so I get the rest-----TOTALLY OK-Last year was the first time in years that I got over in one...rested for a week, eating gourmet with my girlfriend on Cherokee....but I think she was trying to impress me on that one portahge and the time before that was 15 years ago on the Jap./Paulsen portage solo (does it count if one stops for water....?thats a good one). EVery time I come back I dump the stuff I did  not use(with reason not stupidity)....I have never been able to get ahead of the game however, comando is just not 4 me. Here's to being off topic! Sorry if I bummed any persons out!

Solo is tough to one pass. Some might but not me. The only way one pass ever sounded feasible to me was 3 in a tandem. But I'd hate to travel that way in a canoe. Over the course of your day you'll travel farther and enjoy yourself more by just backing down your pace a tick.

If you have a GPS, try paddling at what you think a fast pace is. Note the speed. Then try a very relaxed paddle, but keep it moving. Note your speed. You'll probably find you're only going 5 minutes slower per hour for the same distance. Not enough difference and the overall effect on how you feel at the end of the day and the next is huge. That's my feelings about portage style too. But to each their own.

If you have a small barrel too. Carry it with your canoe and keep the large barrel for gear and carry it separate. Then go ahead and bring some luxuries, but not too many either.

Fishpig wrote on Apr 18^th, 2009 at 5:32am:


JJS has the right idea IMHO. Most of us solo paddlers are 2x portagers.
The reasons for double portaging are many, personal safety is probably the best, at least for me.
IF your determined to single portage, and you've cut down your gear and food as far as you feel comfortable with, then the only other thing you can do, is get yourself stronger. Not many of us have jobs that require us too carry 100# give or take across rough terrain in difficult/wet conditions. You can do squats at the gym, build your legs up, and hike with full pack for a few miles every night to build your endurance, but depending on your age/over-all physical condition, and your genetics, your only going to get/want too get so strong?
Try this, pick a distance, say a 1/4-1/2 mile, and time yourself walking it both single and double portage. I'll be willing too bet, the difference between the two times isn't as much as you think? Unless you can cross a portage at a decent speed, without resting single load, your really not gaining much time. The wear and tear, safety issues and time recuperating all figures in the mix. IF you can go single, non-stop, and be ready to paddle at the end, more power too you
I don't think many here can, and most of us have found "Smelling the Roses" is a very good thing

I guess I"ll get a 30L barrel for food then. Is there a decent harness for the little barrel?  On the last trip, my wife and I went to Lac La Croix via moose river (in 2 solos) we had 3 packs and a barrel. A guy blew by us in a Magic and 1 BIG pack. He had a graphite kayak paddle and CCS splash covers, so I thought mmmmm nice set-up. I said howdy when he went by, he looked at me like this . Sorry for wrecking your solitute dude! Anyways, I appreciate all the advice.

You might want to consider the overall weight of the barrel/harness set-up verses a traditional soft side pack.....which is lighter. Just think that you maybe able to cut more weight in your search for the one over and such...Just a thought.

Hey Troy and all-have you every done the weight conparison? I get that the barrel gig maybe a more durable way of going over the long haul, esp. if one is not handy with a needle and such. Outright....what are the pro and cons? I am a smaller framed person and do Ok with a stuffed Quetico Pack by GG. Why would one want to make a transittion to this style of pack....very curious about them with all the dialog.....Are there other sources for the barrels locally?

Mad Mat-thanks for the info I can do the weigh comparison on my own. I know that i can keep the old style packs just as dry as a barrel, can sew too, so mass of systems is of interest to me. The other question that I have....it appears that the barrels are attached via two ladder buckle fitted straps-is this the case-or am I missing something.

Cool and homemade cooler

I use the 60 for everything, after food is in place, if there is room I will put in pots, pans, cups & everything else related to cooking. As long as the barrel wieght dont get too heavy... I keep adding & will actually eliminate bags as food supply goes down.

The 30 or 60 ??

depends on what you take & how much the 4 of you eat

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I'd go with the 60l, better too much room than not enough.
Algonquin is notorious for bear issues. Stash your food barrel away from camp, away from obvious animal trails or hang outside camp.

Blue barrels are NOT bear proof, a point I'm assuming you already know

OK, I'll be a revisit contrare (not sure that's a aword, but it sounds good).  I like the two 30s packed inside a kondos pack.  Reason: 1) It is easier to find what you are looking for if you pack the barrels strategically  2) It is easier to wrestle two smaller barrels than one larger.  3) Two barrels mean two seats in camp. 4) In camp (if you stash), 'stash' your barrels apart at night.  If the bruin gets barrel "#1", you'll most likely still have barrel "#2" that he never saw.  

I like the two seat idea of the two 30's. If you go that way just make sure to pack them the same weight all the time or the pack will be a pain on portages.

BTW... I don't stash my barrel in the woods anymore, I strap it to a tree in camp & hang my pots & pans from it for an alarm system... as mentioned before they are NOT bear proof, but are scent proof. So unless a bear has found food in a barrel before it will not associate the barrel with food.

Just don't use it to cook on & I also agree that a stove is required gear... wouldn't consider a trip with out one.

Troy

mastertangler wrote on Apr 21^st, 2010 at 11:54am:


Well the pots & pans are to wake me up, not scare a bear... I am a bear hunter, so I have dealt with them at bait stations & they are more scared of me then I am of them.... if it doesn't smell like food or look like food they loose interest fast when they get yelled at.... most can be scared off even when they are on a bait eating. Alot of the encounters are over-exaggerated.

I bring the barrel to keep my food & cook gear clean, dry & easy to get at. I have had more of an issue in the past with mice & chipmunks eating holes in food packs or food containers. The barrel fixes that.

Bears don't worry me much.

Troy

Woods Walker, you are right on the mark as to the real reason why we use blue barrels these days.  It really isn't bear control, (although we do separate the barrels at night to prevent total thievery) it is more to keep the mice and squirrels at bay.  Over the years, we have had more issue with mice chewing holes into otherwise good packs and spoiling food.  No more with the blue barrels.  I also echo your idea of a clean camp.  No dirty dishes at bedtime.  I don't want camp swarming with mice and other varmits (including bears) licking the plates, pots and pans.  

We use the blue barrels exclusively for food.  In camp, we have a mesh 'dish rack' that we use to hang and store washed dishes where they hang and dry and are easily accesible.

Anyway...