The Gear We Use
A basic list of gear included in each outfitting package is at the bottom of the page as well as a few words about what you might want to bring along.
Canoes
Souris River Quetico 17 Tandem and Quetico 18.5 Three Person
Souris River canoes have built a huge following due to their stability and seaworthiness. When the wind picks up, and the whitecaps start crashing, you’ll be happy that you’re paddling a Souris. They are also legendary for their durability. Not that it will matter as you smoothly make your wet exit at each landing, carefully avoiding every rock, like all outfitting clients do.
Nova Craft Cronje
The Cronje is a classic design that will appeal to everyone from seasoned trippers to new paddlers. The Cronje effortlessly glides through the water, but will turn on a dime with a few correctly placed paddle strokes. It will handle rough water and provide a stable fishing platform. With its graceful classic lines the Cronje is both a joy to paddle and look at.
Bell Magic Solo
The Bell Magic is fast yet stable. It can carry a full load comfortably, and is suited to both big and small water . Anyone who has a deep appreciation for canoes will love this boat.
Nova Craft Pal
The Nova Craft Pal is a small tandem boat outfitted for solo tripping. It is a great choice for solo paddlers who want a stable fishing platform, or have lots of gear. Large paddles and paddlers with dogs will also love the Pal.
Alps Mountaineering Taurus 4 Outfitter Grade.
The Taurus Outfitter was designed to be weather proof, fool proof, and bombproof. Dome tents stand up to harsh winds and with a full coverage fly they stay dry in a downpour. The large vestibules leave ample room for gear storage, opening up more living space inside. A front and back door is always nice, whether for late night bathroom breaks or when a moose comes through the front (disclaimer: The first scenario is much more likely than the second). Alps Outfitter tents come with sturdier poles, floors and zippers to make sure they can withstood heavy use.
Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2
The Zephyr is lightweight, packs small, but still has ample headroom and weather proofing. Two doors and a free standing design give you more options when pitching, and large vestibules let you maximize you inside floor space. We use this tent as a solo rental, giving you plenty of room to spread out when you sleep.
Hennessey Hammock
Hammocks are great for solo trippers, third wheels, or that group member who snores all night. By staying off the ground, you eliminate the chance of sleeping with a root in the middle of your back. If you’re interested, make sure you give one a try at the outfitters before your trip. They aren’t for everybody, but for anyone who sleeps primarily on their back and is looking for a little more comfort, a hammock is a great way to go
Gear Packs: Kondos Outdoors
We use various sizes of Kondos packs. Made in Ely with outfitters in mind, these packs are simple and bombproof and have an excellent reputation among trippers and outfitters alike.
Food Packs: Cooke Custom or Kondos Insulated
Our food packs are insulated with a half inch of closed cell foam. This means you can keep fresh food longer. We use three different sizes to accommodate all size trips. Both CCS and Kondos have a reputation for durability and comfort, and are designed and sewn right here in Minnesota.
Cooke Custom Sewing Barrel Packs
Barrels are a great way to carry your food. They lock up odors so bears and other animals won’t be attracted to camp. Their hard sides keep food from being crushed, and they are completely water proof. With the CCS barrel pack, they are also comfortable to carry. Simple and durable, these barrel packs let you haul your barrel comfortably, and even have room under the flap for a few small items you might need during the day, like rain gear.
CCS thinks of everything, and the packs are very well built and designed. For those looking to bring multiple days of fresh food, we still recommend our insulated food packs. But if your menu is mainly dry and you want to avoid the hassle of hanging, a barrel pack might be for you.
Stove: Primus Gravity EF
Small and reliable, the Gravity EF runs off of pressurized fuel, so there’s no nasty flare up while lighting. The stove comes with a piezo lighter for easy ignition, and a preheating coil for enhanced performance in cool weather. We also like how the burner sits on its own base, making it less likely to tip, and easier to change fuel with a hot stove.
Stove: Primus Two Burner
A simple, lightweight solution for larger groups who plan on doing a lot of cooking. Runs on the same fuel as our single burner stove.
Cook Kit: Primus Stainless Steel
Any cook kit that is going to get used as much as an outfitters needs to be durable. We wanted to make sure that our last customers of the season have the same quality gear as our earliest customers, so we opted for stainless steel, the gold standard for durability. Primus pots add a nice touch by putting fill lines on their pots, taking some of the guess work out of campfire cooking.
Paddle: Foxworx Carbon Bentshaft
On a canoe trip you lift your paddle more than anything else, so weight savings here go a long way. Our Foxworx carbon paddles feature an ultra light carbon blade the slices through the water, and feels nearly weightless in your hands. The oval wood shaft permits slight flex that allows for long days paddling. These paddles are a blend of the efficiency of carbon and the feel of wood.
Sleeping Bag: Alps Mountaineering Desert Pine w/ Micro Fiber Liner
A good, all around mummy bag that can be used spring to fall. We have both regular, long, and wide styles to make sure you sleep comfortably.
Sleeping Pad: Thermorest Trail
This pad is self inflating and light weight. We only use full length sleeping pads, ensuring a comfy bed while on the trail. We chose these pads over others because of their comfort and packed size.
Dry Bag: Seal line 30L Dry Bag
These bags keep your clothing and other camping essentials dry and make it easier to find items that have been packed away. In addition to a dry bag, we line all of our packs with thick poly pack liners. Nothing is worse than wet gear and we hope to provide you with the tools necessary to avoid it.
Personal Flotation Device: MTI Journey
Kevlar Canoe w/ paddles and PFD’s
Alps Taurus Outfitter Tent Kondos Gear Pack w/ Poly pack liner Kondos Pack for personal items Kondos or CCS Insulated Food Pack w/ pack hanging system
Seal line Dry Bag for clothes |
Canoe & Gear Includes: Kevlar Canoe w/ paddles and PFD’s
Alps Taurus Outfitter Tent Kondos Gear Packs w/ Poly pack liner Kondos Pack for personal items Seal line Dry Bag for clothes Thermorest full length sleeping pad Alps Mountaineering Sleeping Bag Primus Stove w/ fuel Cook kit Camp kitchen w/ utensils Dining Fly (tarp) w/ rigging rope MSR Water Filter Water Container Camp Saw Matches Toilet Paper Rain Poncho First Aid Kit Headlamp Maps w/ Map Case |
Canoe & Food Includes:
Kevlar Canoe w/ paddles and PFD’s
Kondos or CCS Insulated Food Pack w/ pack hanging system
Food From Our Menu |
Base Camp Package Includes: Kevlar Canoe w/ paddles and PFD’s
Day pack Water Container Rain Poncho First Aid Kit Maps w/ Map Case Special Day Trip Lunch |