I have a 30-year old external frame backpack that I use for heavy-duty backpacking and that probably needs replacement. I recognize the trend these days seems to be toward internal frame packs, but one of the things I like about externals is that I can easily detach the pack from the frame and stow the pack inside a kayak. (The virtually weightless frame can then be lashed to the rear deck if I think I'll use it, or just left behind.) This feature is great because if my side pockets are fully restocked (all those camping doodads), I don't have to redo my camping inventory for kayaking. Anyway my questions are: a.. Does anyone have recommendations for backpacks that can be stored INSIDE the kayak in the fashion I have described? b.. Failing that, what are people's preferences for a very high quality backpack? Thanks. Tom Joyce *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 23 Aug 2003 at 19:18, Joyce Family wrote: > a.. Does anyone have recommendations for backpacks that can be > stored INSIDE > the kayak in the fashion I have described? Either you have a tiny backpack or a huge kayak :-) I can't imagine putting such a pack in my kayaks. > b.. Failing that, what are people's preferences for a very high > quality backpack? Arc'teryx. There are others, but these are super. Also $$$ Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Upon some thought... This system (everything in its designated compartment or side pocket, so you won't forget anything) worked for me in backpacking, but kayaking needs different approach, IMHO. 1) Checklist, one for day-trip, another one for overnight trip. (I know, it's wrong, but I don't have them :-). 2) Designated drybags and wet-bags: Sleeping-bag drybag. 2 clothing/shoes drybags. Kitchen wet-bag (it better be a drybag, but not cruicial) - pots, propane cylinder, burner, cosmetic pouch with pot-holder, knife, spoon, can opener, lighter; toothpaste+brush - donno why in kitchen bag, probably because they are needed after morning/evening meals. Food-bag (transparent round-bottomed works beter for me). "Spiritual/intellectual drybag": films, camera, book (if any), eyeglasses, solar charger, candle lantern (as an emergency source of light), tent LED light, firstaid/medications/thread'and'needle/etc pouch, spare matches or lighter, toilet paper (yes, intellectual :-). Tip, btw: put in a small open ziplock bag, sit on it to flatten, then close ziplock bag. These bags can be in different sizes, shapes (tapered end or round-bottom for ex) and colours, including transparent. Nylon ones are better than vinyl - lighter and more flexible. Maximum size of each bag is determined by the room in it's particular location inside the kayak. No need to unpack most of them, and some may not need any replenish. Frame would be awkward, unless kayak is very-very big. And taking backpack (leaving frame ashore) only because of it pockets... I donno, may be this will save some buck since you already have it, but dry bags are in every respect better, IMHO. Sorry for this soap-box "bagology lecture" - I just don't know why to invent a bicycle again :-). Alex. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Daly" <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com> To: "Paddlewise EE-mail"" <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: August 24, 2003 7:44 PM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Backpack Equipment Question > On 23 Aug 2003 at 19:18, Joyce Family wrote: /snip/ > > arecommendations for backpacks that can be > > stored INSIDE > > the kayak *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Michael Daly wrote: " Either you have a tiny backpack or a huge kayak :-) I can't imagine putting such a pack in my kayaks." It's a big, old Trailwise, with 2 pockets on each side and one center pocket, described by one of my son's buddies as "gargantuan" when full. Even with the pockets pretty stuffed, it folds up into the rear hatch of my Greenlander Pro (after most of the big stuff like tent, clothing bags, etc., has been removed.). It's the last thing to go in, after all the skinny stuff that gets shoved to the stern. Tom Joyce *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Upon some thought... This system (everything in its designated compartment or side pocket, so you won't forget anything) worked for me in backpacking, but kayaking needs different approach, IMHO. 1) Checklist, one for day-trip, another one for overnight trip. (I know, it's wrong, but I don't have them :-). 2) Designated drybags and wet-bags: Sleeping-bag drybag. 2 clothing/shoes drybags. Kitchen wet-bag (it better be a drybag, but not cruicial) - pots, propane cylinder, burner, cosmetic pouch with pot-holder, knife, spoon, can opener, lighter; toothpaste+brush - donno why in kitchen bag, probably because they are needed after morning/evening meals. Food-bag (transparent round-bottomed works beter for me). "Spiritual/intellectual drybag": films, camera, book (if any), eyeglasses, solar charger, candle lantern (as an emergency source of light), tent LED light, firstaid/medications/thread'and'needle/etc pouch, spare matches or lighter, toilet paper (yes, intellectual :-). Tip, btw: put in a small open ziplock bag, sit on it to flatten, then close ziplock bag. These bags can be in different sizes, shapes (tapered end or round-bottom for ex) and colours, including transparent. Nylon ones are better than vinyl - lighter and more flexible. Maximum size of each bag is determined by the room in it's particular location inside the kayak. No need to unpack most of them, and some may not need any replenish. Frame would be awkward, unless kayak is very-very big. And taking backpack (leaving frame ashore) only because of it pockets... I donno, may be this will save some buck since you already have it, but dry bags are in every respect better, IMHO. Sorry for this soap-box "bagology lecture" - I just don't know why to invent a bicycle again :-). Alex. ----- Original Message ----- > On 23 Aug 2003 at 19:18, Joyce Family wrote: /snip/ > > arecommendations for backpacks that can be > > stored INSIDE > > the kayak *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
For the last 6 years I've been toting my Feathercraft K-Light around on my ancient Honda Civic with a blue foam non-permanent kayak carrier. Last week the Civic finally was traded in on a new Honda CR-V and I'd like to get a 'real' roof rack. I'd like to carry the K-Light without disassembling it for local trips. Does anyone have any suggestions for a roof rack system that will carry a folding kayak well? The Feathercraft site says any will work, but I was hoping for some specifics if possible. Thanks, Benno Jones Seattle, WA. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Benno- I don't know if you'd consider building a rack. Check out the rack Dave Houser built (http://home.earthlink.net/~houser4/id2.html). My wife just got a Honda CR-V with the factory rack. I'm thinking about building something similar for her. It doesn't look too tough to build, it looks strong and secure, and I think it's really nice-looking. - Gordon Snapp Los Osos, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Benno Jones" <bennoj_at_isomedia.com> Subject: [Paddlewise] Roof Rack for Folding Kayak > For the last 6 years I've been toting my Feathercraft K-Light around on my > ancient Honda Civic with a blue foam non-permanent kayak carrier. Last week > the Civic finally was traded in on a new Honda CR-V and I'd like to get a > 'real' roof rack. I'd like to carry the K-Light without disassembling it > for local trips. Does anyone have any suggestions for a roof rack system > that will carry a folding kayak well? The Feathercraft site says any will > work, but I was hoping for some specifics if possible. > > Thanks, > Benno Jones > Seattle, WA. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I found that the windsurfer pads work well on my Thule rack system. I also bought a set of Thule adjustible kayak supports which hold our new Long Haul tandem very securely. I use the Long Haul kayak cover which fits very securely and adds easy bow and stern tie down security. My best bit, however, is the a roller I fashioned from a reel type lawnmower roller, sturdy angle iron and an iron rod. It costs less than 20 dollars and allows my 5'2" wife to easily assist in loading our Kayak on the Explorer. The roller system attaches to the rear factory rack bar. The roller is about 14 inches long. I suppose that a sturdy rolling pin would also work. In our recent trip to Maine, we packed the boat for the trip up and cartopped it back because we had an extra passenger. John MacKechnie The long Haul is a folding kayak made by Mark Ekhart, who ran the North American repair shop for Klepper. www.longhaulfoldingkayaks.com It is basically an improvement on the Klepper design at a much more attractive price. Our kayak is beautifully constructed and was quite at home in the Maine tides and winds. My wife and I are one of those couples who can paddle a tandem without marriage counseling. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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