Post by Ken Corbett on Jul 19, 2011 10:12:58 GMT -5
My brother Laurie sent me this list he uses to make sure he has everything he needs when he sets out for the river, and suggested I put it on my site.
What do you think? Anything to add, subtract, or modify before it goes up?
Ken
Master Checklist
This is a master checklist that might be used to devise your “kit” for a quick getaway, to ensure all materials are at hand, or to ensure you are fully loaded once you contemplate the end of the driveway.
1. Canoe(s) - Consider if you have the right canoe for the river. Can it float what you need to bring, and high enough? Can it turn as quickly as it needs to for the size of river? Will it handle the particular dangers of the river; ie. Rocks, trees, portages, low water, rapids?
2. Canoe paraphernalia - Life jackets, 1.5 paddles per person, push-pole, lashing line to lash the equipment into the canoe, bailer. Ensure the canoe can be tied down with quality rope, and knotted with confidence.
3. Tent - In good shape, with fly, no rips in netting, all pegs, and a groundsheet. Ensure groundsheet covers bottom of tent, but will not extend out beyond fly and conduct water under the tent. (You’re allowed to fold it.)
4. Sleeping bag and mattress - Consider the thinner air mattresses; ensure your bag matches the weather prediction; consider if you can bring or create an acceptable pillow out of your belongings.
5. Kitchen kit - Some use their worst equipment, but we say get the best - you are going where it is not necessarily easy to clean up:
A. Utensils, cups, dishes, bowls for each person;
B. Primary frying pan - I use a good Teflon pan that has lost its handle;
C. Pots - a large and a medium seem appropriate;
D. Grate - We bring along an old Hibachi grate to allow cooking over wood or charcoal. We have used an abandoned refrigerator shelf;
E. Stove - Coleman fuel or propane, with the fuel;
F. Small bag of charcoal;
G. Matches and lighters - in watertight containers;
H. Wash basins - We use two stacking light plastic bins, one to hold the dishes that are washed. They should be sized to hold a lot of the kit, and possibly other gear; and can be used for personal hygiene as well.
I. Rope and clothespins;
J. Toilet paper;
K. Paper towels - easy cleanups in the woods;
L. Packages of both large garbage bags and kitchen catchers.
6. Insect Control - Strong deet, mosquito coils, mesh hats.
7. Folding Chair - and a way to keep it dry.
8. Spare tarpauline and 100’ of thin, strong rope - For rain, protecting open containers, or other uses. Rope can be used in a hundred ways on the river and at camp.
9. Dry bags and gear bags - Large dry bags can hold a tent, sleeping bag, and an air mattress all in one; and is tough enough to be tied directly into the canoe. Smaller ones can be used for other gear. Our gear bag holds the kitchen kit, a folding chair, and other bits. If you’re not sure you wish to invest in these, double-bag all gear inside garbage bags, and pack well inside duffel bags to protect the plastic. Some use sealable plastic barrels, but these can be difficult to stow.
10. Fishing gear - Pick gear that can be packed to avoid the alders until needed, and that matches the fish you are after.
11. Gas the car, dig the worms, and pick up your fishing license, food, and beverages the day before the trip! Oh - is your vehicle up to the access roads?
What do you think? Anything to add, subtract, or modify before it goes up?
Ken
Master Checklist
This is a master checklist that might be used to devise your “kit” for a quick getaway, to ensure all materials are at hand, or to ensure you are fully loaded once you contemplate the end of the driveway.
1. Canoe(s) - Consider if you have the right canoe for the river. Can it float what you need to bring, and high enough? Can it turn as quickly as it needs to for the size of river? Will it handle the particular dangers of the river; ie. Rocks, trees, portages, low water, rapids?
2. Canoe paraphernalia - Life jackets, 1.5 paddles per person, push-pole, lashing line to lash the equipment into the canoe, bailer. Ensure the canoe can be tied down with quality rope, and knotted with confidence.
3. Tent - In good shape, with fly, no rips in netting, all pegs, and a groundsheet. Ensure groundsheet covers bottom of tent, but will not extend out beyond fly and conduct water under the tent. (You’re allowed to fold it.)
4. Sleeping bag and mattress - Consider the thinner air mattresses; ensure your bag matches the weather prediction; consider if you can bring or create an acceptable pillow out of your belongings.
5. Kitchen kit - Some use their worst equipment, but we say get the best - you are going where it is not necessarily easy to clean up:
A. Utensils, cups, dishes, bowls for each person;
B. Primary frying pan - I use a good Teflon pan that has lost its handle;
C. Pots - a large and a medium seem appropriate;
D. Grate - We bring along an old Hibachi grate to allow cooking over wood or charcoal. We have used an abandoned refrigerator shelf;
E. Stove - Coleman fuel or propane, with the fuel;
F. Small bag of charcoal;
G. Matches and lighters - in watertight containers;
H. Wash basins - We use two stacking light plastic bins, one to hold the dishes that are washed. They should be sized to hold a lot of the kit, and possibly other gear; and can be used for personal hygiene as well.
I. Rope and clothespins;
J. Toilet paper;
K. Paper towels - easy cleanups in the woods;
L. Packages of both large garbage bags and kitchen catchers.
6. Insect Control - Strong deet, mosquito coils, mesh hats.
7. Folding Chair - and a way to keep it dry.
8. Spare tarpauline and 100’ of thin, strong rope - For rain, protecting open containers, or other uses. Rope can be used in a hundred ways on the river and at camp.
9. Dry bags and gear bags - Large dry bags can hold a tent, sleeping bag, and an air mattress all in one; and is tough enough to be tied directly into the canoe. Smaller ones can be used for other gear. Our gear bag holds the kitchen kit, a folding chair, and other bits. If you’re not sure you wish to invest in these, double-bag all gear inside garbage bags, and pack well inside duffel bags to protect the plastic. Some use sealable plastic barrels, but these can be difficult to stow.
10. Fishing gear - Pick gear that can be packed to avoid the alders until needed, and that matches the fish you are after.
11. Gas the car, dig the worms, and pick up your fishing license, food, and beverages the day before the trip! Oh - is your vehicle up to the access roads?