Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos

Has anybody used one of the poly/plastic OH drums to transport and store food on your BWCA trip? Are they really "bear proof" or do you still need to hang them from a tree. I talked to one paddler and he said as long as the food smells are locked inside, there should be no problems with animals. Famous last words before he goes hungry, or are they a blessing in the blow down area where quality food hanging trees can be scarce?

We are making our first trip to the boundary waters next summer and are looking for an inexpensive tent that will resist leakage. Any ideas? Or would you suggest investing in a quality tent? If so, what brands?

I live near Duluth and have been to the Duluth Pack store several times and taken a look at the various packs they offer. Made in the USA and come with a lifetime guarantee, they are not cheap.

I've never owned a Duluth Pack, but I have used just an old army duffel that suits my needs fine. I'm wondering if the price for the Duluth Pack is worth it? Has anyone ripped their pack and had it repaired?

Thanks.

When I grew up my dad always had his Ruger Blackhawk single action pistol with him when we ventured into the blueberry patch. Precaution, I guess. Of course we were never attacked by bears, in fact we only saw a bear once, and it didn't even know we were there.

Humor me for a minute and let's discuss the pros and cons of the Axe versus the Saw.

The Axe (hatchet)

Pros

1. Split wood

1. Needed when it's wet out

2. Needed to make kindling

3. Delimbing trees

Cons

1. Heavier

2. More dangerous

1. You do keep this thing sharper than a razor right?

2. Larger

3. Takes longer to cut through logs

The Saw

Pros

I have a few base model name brand compasses. Each of these has over time lost the fluid inside that dampens the needle movement. They still work and point north, but this seems to be a common issue.

For those that have more expensive compasses, do you still have the fluid in them? Care to share what one you have?

Thanks...

Anyone familiar with life in the outdoors knows that good clothing is imperitive. Clothing has to be functional, dependable, and long lasting. Enter Mountain Hardwear's Convertible Pants. After over a year of use, I've found them to be an excellent pair of pants to fit the bill.

I've never used the canoe seat back rests that I see on some canoes.  Are these helpful?  Do they keep your back from getting sore, or do they just give you some suport when you want to sit back and let the guy in the front do all the work?

I see several different First Aid kits for sale at Gander Mountain.  Is there a brand name that is the best in First Aid kits?  What things do I definitely need? Thanks.

What water filter do you use?

I use a General Ecology First Need Water Filter. It works pretty good and it's rated pretty high for getting all those bad things out of my H2O. It's time to replace the filter and I'm wondering if I should go with the MSR water filter.

Your thoughts?