Packing For Overnighters.

[LittleRedFisherman]

Wow, I appreciate all the response, there sure is a wealth of knowledge on here when it comes to this topic. I have most of the things mentioned, but a couple I don't have and was wondering where you get them, or recommend brand, is the dry bags and the water purifier. I agree it would be nice to know you have an endless clean water supply in case your stranded, the purifier sounds like a great idea. I have an Academy fairly close to me that might have all this stuff, didn't know if walmart stuff would suffice.

Also, one thing nobody mentioned, (or maybe shouldn't admit to), it personal protection while out on the water, ( bears, cats, scenes from deliverance, etc...) Haven't really checked on the laws on this kinda stuff yet, I have talked to people that take precautions when the go on a long trip. Shoot, my grandpa (which would be rocking 90 now) carried a revolver when we would camp out overnight on the St. Francis here at home, he was young enough to remember the big Cats we had here before all the land was cleared, and old school enough to take whatever precaution he thought nessecary. Cats were thick back in the 30's around here.

[jdmidwest]

Al forget toilet paper.

[ColdWaterFshr]

good post. just back from a 2 nighter on 11 point. I always tell myself I'm going light this time, but never do.

I'll second the good tent and good dry bag suggestion. Footwear, socks, warm jackets, plenty of water, toilet paper and wet wipes. And good scotch!

[GloryDaze]

I use Sealline dry bags. They come in a broad range of sizes and shapes from 5L to 55L.

I use a 10L for all my small things I want secured and dry... flashlight, headlamp, lighters, camera, keys, wallet, fire starters, knives, maps. I always secure this bag to the boat.

I use a 35L for my clothes and sleeping bag during the summer

I use a 55L for my clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat during the winter. I'm a big guy so my winter clothes take up alot of space.

I keep a spare 55L with me to keep things that get wet. Like my tent from thw night dew. etc....

I know it's strange, but I like the yellow bags. Just easier to see at night so if I set one down in the dark I can find it. Also if I were to flip, they're easier to spot in the water. I also write my name and # just in case I do lose one it forget one on a gravel bar.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I have an old PUR that served me well, but the filters are no longer available. I replaced it a few years a go with this one. It doesn't produce as much in a given time period, but for one or two people it does alright. This company has always been a leader in water filters for the outdoors. I've used filters for probably 15+ years and never had a problem. It is best to take water from the center of the stream, ice chest or a spring to keep the filter from clogging up to quickly from vegetation.

http://www.katadyn.com/en/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-wasserfilter-ultralight-series-produkte/katadyn-mybottle-purifier-blue-splash-1/

Dry bags that are in the hull don't need the quality that ones exposed to current need to be. A simple wetting won't bother even the cheap ones, where they fail is when they are facing a current. A tent for instance could be carried inside the hull wrapped in a tarp to use as protection from gravel and be usable even if there was a minor leak. The sleeping bag obviously needs all the protection it can get.

[ollie]

I second the alcohol stove. I have a Trangia and it is great.

[Al Agnew]

Just don't go cheap on dry bags. Walmart ones won't cut it. Don't know about Academy, don't know what they carry. I like the various Sealline bags, and I also use Seattle Sports bags. Sea to Summit is another good brand. You can get these from REI among other places. NRS also has a great line of bags of all sizes and shapes.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Good golly, he is spending the night, not moving in. LOL!

For a two day trip in a toy canoe(sorry Red, thought it sounded funny)you don't need a ton of stuff.

For food, I just pack sandwich meat and bread, some chips, and granola bars. I have a two gallon water jug I drink out of. I also have a small two man tent that will practically fold up into your back pocket that I toss in.

Used to, a good thick sleeping bag would do me. But as my bones get older, I have been packing a blowup mattress. These fold down to nothing too. And are they worth the money!

Just remember, the lighter you pack, since it is just one night, the better off you will be. Most of your time will be spent in the yak. This is not a camping trip. You don't need a lot of camping gear. And as JD said, pack some paper. Not for reading, for wiping! You can read at home. Enjoy a small fire with a good beverage and good thoughts about the day and the day ahead.

[ness]

My valet attends to my traveling needs. One can't underestimate the value of good help. I showed him this thread and he scoffed at some of these lists. He was, however, complimentary of Ollie for first mentioning the unmentionable.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think of all the things mentioned, food is the one thing that can be adjusted to fit the individual. From cold to grilled and baked, it's more about time than a lot of difference in equipment bulk.