Ten items I’ve learned to take into the Boundary Waters

by Ken Hupila

Things change so much over fifty years. When I first started to travel and enjoy the BWCA I had some camping experience and thought my past forays into the woods could serve me well. Some items I brought worked. Others didn’t. Over hundreds of trips into the backcountry I’ve continually refined what’s important and what I enjoy on my trips. This spring’s trip into the Quetico added a couple of things to that list – it’s always changing! With that in mind, here’s a list of ten things that now go with me when I head out.

#10 AeroPress

Coffee is a must for me. Camp coffee has been a tradition. The recipe has changed a bit over the years but basically it is coffee grounds dumped into boiling water. I stayed away from expresso/cappuccino gadgets as well as a French press. That is until I was introduced on a trip to an AeroPress. This simple coffee maker is small, light, indestructible and makes a mean cup of coffee. It can be used with pre-ground coffee or with beans freshly ground. It does make only one cup at a time, so wouldn’t be practical for a large group. But, if I’m solo or with just one camping buddy, it’s great!

#9 Cool-Towel Chamois

Those hot days of July and August can certainly sap your strength and make you uncomfortable, especially when paddling across big water. I’ve used evaporation techniques for a long time – dipping my cap in the water or soaking a t-shirt to help cool my core temperature. A soft chamois – sold by several companies – holds water longer and is comfortable to wrap around your shoulders and neck.

#8 Folding Camp Chair

I was a traditionalist for decades. Sitting on the ground, a rock or a log with my only padding being my life jacket. As I grew older, the strain on my back became worse. Your typical Walmart folding chair could have worked but was not practical for packing and portaging. I did get a Crazy Creek Chair and that helped. It could be used in the canoe and at camp for at least some relief. A few years ago, some of my clients started bringing in lightweight folding chairs that, when broken down, fit easily into a pack. The weight is not burdensome, and the support they give is appreciated after a long day of paddling and portaging. Be sure to use them on solid ground. They tip on occasion if the ground is soft.

#7 Silky Saw

I tend to be a minimalist as far as campfires are concerned. I don’t look for large diameter wood and usually don’t bring an axe for splitting. I’ve bought at least a dozen camp saws over the years, and many of them are very good. The Silky Saw has risen to the top of my favorites because of its exceptional cutting ability and small size and weight when folded for traveling. For wood up to four inches in diameter, it’s more than enough.

#6 InReach Satellite Communicator

Until the last decade or so, a back-country traveler had few options when an emergency arose. Satellite phones are very expensive and for someone on a five-day trip, are just too much of an expense to deal with. The Spot communicator became available and would send an SOS signal with location coordinates. But identifying a problem and what rescue was needed was difficult. The InReach is the gap product between these two options. It can send an SOS but can also send a simple text that can tell what the problem is, and what you might need by way of assistance. On a recent trip, there was a party member who was able to get in touch with his doctor to ask a question about a situation. An SOS alert didn’t go out and he was able to correct the problem. The unit costs in the neighborhood of $350, and a subscription is required, but it is cheap and can be put on and taken off for each trip. There are other companies than Garmin that make similar devices.

#5 Pelican Cases

These days many devices are brought into the Boundary Waters that require protection against getting wet or being dropped onto the rocks. Cell phones, cameras, valuables or important ID’s and permits all need to be taken care of. Pelican (there are other companies with similar products) make premier hard side, foamed and waterproof cases of several sizes. I brought camera gear on a 500-mile trip to Hudson Bay in one 10x12x8 inch case that held a full size DSLR, two lenses, extra batteries and extra memory cards. I have a small one that I keep in a zipped pocket on my life jacket that holds my ID, permit and fishing license. I like to get yellow ones that stand out when packing up to leave a campsite, so as not to leave it behind. I also put my name and contact information with permanent magic marker on it just in case it does get left on a portage.

#4 Long Nosed Lighter

I know how to start fires with a ferro rod and steel. However, I most often use a lighter for convenience and reliability while in the woods. A BIC style lighter in a plastic bag is always in my pocket with a backup somewhere in my gear. One problem with a lighter is that your fingers are close to the flame and can get singed, particularly when lighting camp stoves. Having a long nose on that lighter can save a bit of pain from a small burn.

#3 Kindle

Reading is a popular down-time activity when camping. Whether it’s a way to settle down at the end of the day, or something to pass the time when the weather might keep you in camp. Many clients I had would take 3-4 books with them on a five-day trip. While minimal, they do take up space and add weight. A kindle or similar device can keep a library at your disposal and provide reading material for several days.

#2 Gravity Water Filter

I’ve boiled water, pumped hundreds of gallons through a filter, used tablets a couple of times and had clients use steri-pens over the years. All work but have some down sides. By far, the easiest way to process water is with a gravity system. Fill and hang a bag when you get to camp and by the time you have your tent up or hammock hung there will be several liters of clean water to use without any more work or preparation. They can be easily backwashed in the field if necessary and if a pre-filter gets clogged, extra ones are easily packed along and changed.

#1 OvaEasy Eggs

One of the biggest thrills of my last trip into the Quetico was being introduced to OvaEasy dehydrated egg crystals. I love eggs for breakfast on my trips. Fresh eggs are my favorite but are difficult to protect on the trail and do have a “shelf-life” when out camping without refrigeration. I’ve tried many kinds of dehydrated eggs and have always found them lacking in taste and consistency. Enter OvaEasy. I was amazed at the taste and egg-like texture of this product. Now, I prefer fried eggs but scrambled is certainly not far behind. As scrambled or as an omelet, this product is amazing. I tried them before my trip and did a blind taste test with my wife. While she couldn’t tell which was which, she actually PREFERRED the OvaEasy eggs! Now that’s a product I can stand behind!

Well, I hope this gives you some ideas on what may work for your trip into the BWCA. Everyone has their favorite items and ways of doing things. However, I’ve learned over time that there are many ways to “skin a cat”, and sometimes those ways might be better than my own. Enjoy your trip!