Three unnecessary things ...

This season we did our annual “big” trip – 3 weeks in Wabakimi.  3 weeks means a lot to carry so we need to be very conscious about keeping the amount of stuff we take to a minimum.  But, still, there are 3 things that we carry, that I would say are completely unnecessary, that we wouldn’t leave home without.

Reflector oven.  This season, we a took a reflector oven with us for the first time.  This is a completely unnecessary item.  We only used it 5 times over the 3 weeks but it is such a marvellous piece of technology and it was so much fun using it that I would never leave it behind on any extended trip.  We baked brownies, date nut loaf (twice), current bannock, and corn bread.  All were baked from scratch and all of which came out perfectly with no hassle.  Is there anything better on a long trip than freshly baked goodies?  We use the Svante Freden Reflector Oven (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Weighing less than 2 lb and folding down flat to 10”x13”x.5” this is a brilliant piece of gear that, based on my experience of myself, is completely idiot-proof.
Here’s the oven with our first foray into baking with it – date nut loaf.  Mmmmmm!
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Hammock.  This is another piece of gear that we took with us for the first time.  When we’re in travel mode we’re not likely to use it but whenever we’re doing layovers it’s in high demand and a total delight.  This is the Nano 7 hammock by Grand Trunk and it is truly amazing.  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
All this comfort weighs in at an incredible 7 ounces and packs down to the size of a large fist.  Wow, what a way to spend a lazy day in the middle of nowhere!  You can see there’s going to be trouble when my wife says, “My turn!”
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Chairs.  This 3rd piece of gear is an old favourite, our Sling Lite chairs. (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
These chairs weigh in at just over a pound each and are incredibly comfortable.  Durable too.  The only problem with them is that they don’t fold down to where we can stow them inside our portage pack.  They do fold down but we have to secure them on the outside of our pack.  It works quite well (we added a couple of D rings to our pack to make clipping them on pretty quick and easy) but sometimes the attached chairs can be a nuisance when loading or unloading the pack from our canoe when the landing or put-in is a bit dicey.  Still, these are the lightest most comfortable chairs I’ve seen to date and until I find something as good as these that totally folds away, they’re coming with us whenever we head out.
Double dip – comfy chair and date nut loaf (plus a bowlful each of fresh, wild blueberries just in case we aren’t having enough pleasure.)
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Any unnecessary items you wouldn’t leave home without?

whisky
camera
book
treats to eat

Quote:


Whiskey.  Not a necessity.  Now I'm confused!

I take too much clothing. Enough for the absolute worst weather, bad luck trip I can imagine and consider myself blessed when I only use a pair of socks or two and maybe a shirt. All that unworn stuff would be sorely missed if the weather turned sour so it still goes. Plus I have room in that pack when solo. Having a smile on your face because you are physically comfortable after three days of cold and rain and wind is priceless.

Last trip I forgot my mattress pad which also means I forgot my chair. I was able to get a pad from an outfitter but my back really missed the chair aspect the first few nights. Even once I adapted, I missed it. It's a necessity for me. Adds weight but the space is seriously minimal and goes unnoticed.

Big luxuries for me is my camera gear, fishing gear, stove/fuel, and tarp. I'd go w/o them if I had to but considering the ease and/or pleasure they bring, why?

I do take a thermos I'd bet most people would poo-poo but I have room for it and enough hot water for two cups a joe and a pack of oatmeal is convenient for early starts. Helps warm the bag on cold nights too.

I did stop taking a ground cloth a few years ago. My old one probably has a years worth of use and looks to me to be in fine shape and will probably outlast that tent. A sun shower is nice for heating water but for actual bathing I find a couple pots of water work better so that stays home lately.

The five Ws define what's necessary or not in my book. WMMAV.

Fishing gear is about as unneccessary as I get.

Having said that, whatever anyone is willing to carry is valid.  On longer trips these amenities can make the difference.  After any trip I find a real chair to be a welcome luxury.