Some Non Essential Gear to Enjoy During Your BWCAW Adventure
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Non Essential Gear: In previous posts, we discussed a list of things to bring to the wilderness and things to leave behind. Many feel that a BWCAW trip should be minimalist. Bring only the essentials. You’ll do less harm to the environment and enjoy lighter packs on your portages. Others seek a more leisurely, comfortable route covering fewer miles and portages and sometimes canoeing into a base camp for the duration.
For those in the latter camp, we look today at some non essential gear that may enhance your comfort and bring some joy during a multi-day trip. Many of these tips come from active social media users. To stay updated on the latest tips, join one of the several BWCAW and canoeing-focused Facebook groups.
Cushion your tush, deter the skeeters.
For instance, sitting on a log or a rock is part of the BWCAW tradition. However, sometimes age, or just the need for a bit of comfort, makes a camp chair a pleasant accessory. Like the Big Agnes chair, a lightweight, foldable camp chair can be added to your outfitting gear here at Rockwood. Remember to set it up on stable ground and avoid placing it too close to the fire to prevent damage.
Some people recommend bringing a “hanging helicopter chair.” Like all things you bring into the wilderness, ensure you can hang these safely so they don’t damage trees or paddlers. That caution applies to hammocks as well. Hammocks offer a different perspective of the wilderness and can be very relaxing for reading and napping between the trees.
You can use clothes stuffed in a stuff sack as a pillow, but a small inflatable camp pillow can make a big difference in sleep quality.
Some people won’t go without a folding table for food prep, gameplay, writing/drawing, or fish cleaning. Helinox and Big Agnes make sturdy, lightweight folding tables.
One social media poster reports he takes an Eureka “no-bug” zone screen tent. The Eureka NoBugZone Screenhouse keeps flies, mosquitoes, and other insects at bay with “No-see-um” mesh walls in 108 square feet of coverage. A head net is excellent for portages and camping to divert black flies and mosquitoes. Lightweight and easily packable, you won’t regret carrying this vital non essential gear.
A head lamp, preferably one that includes a red light, is almost an essential non essential gear.
Personal Luxuries
Culinary treats are part of the experience. Some people want fresh bread and cakes, and they carry in a reflecting oven for baking adventures. One poster on Facebook mentioned he wouldn’t go into the woods without a lightweight cast iron fry pan and fresh vegetables.
If you’re a connoisseur of coffee or tea or just enjoy a pour-over or French press, bringing along a favorite ground coffee, a small pour-over device, or a special tea can elevate your mornings. A few squares of dark chocolate or other small treats can boost morale. Chocolate pudding mix and soup broth packets for snacks can be a good idea.
Another poster mentions his plastic humidor as non essential gear, which keeps his after-dinner cigars fresh. You’ll also see many mentions of different spirits, wine, and beer. Please drink responsibly out there.
A good book or e-reader for downtime in the evening or during rainy days can be a welcome distraction. Some wilderness-related recommendations are “Listening Point” or “The Singing Wilderness” by Sigurd Olson. As the wilderness urges you toward the philosophical, Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations” is rewarding.
Bring a journal and a pen. Writing down your experiences, observations, or thoughts is a meaningful way to connect with the wilderness and remember your wilderness experience for years to come. A good field guide helps identify plants, animals, and birds you encounter.
Cards and easily packed smaller games are great in a group. They can provide entertainment during downtime and are a great way to keep children engaged. A travel-sized, folding cribbage board is a popular choice. Some bring in frisbees and footballs.
A lightweight and comfortable pair of camp shoes (like Crocs or sandals) can be a treat for your feet after a long day, and a few drops of calming essential oils can enhance relaxation in the evenings. While a quick-drying pack towel is necessary, a slightly larger and softer camp towel can feel more luxurious for drying off after a swim.
Miscellaneous
Duct tape, roll or pocket size, is always handy if you need it and unobtrusive if you don’t. You could also collect dryer lint in a Ziploc bag to use as fire starters. One woman even recommends a fly swatter. We think that might be useful non essential gear only inside the tent, but it’s worth sharing.
Extra paracord and clothespins might be helpful.
Binoculars are great for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or simply appreciating the vastness of the wilderness. A nice camera with extra batteries will allow you to capture the stunning scenery in the BWCAW and record any wildlife encounters. Consider a waterproof case for protection.
A rechargeable NOAA radio can provide timely weather forecasts. If you will be playing music, bring earbuds. Be mindful of noise levels from your devices and your group. Other campers may not be visible, but sound travels far on the lakes of the wilderness. (Be mindful of noise levels and other campers.)
Remember that everything you bring, including non essential gear, must be portaged. Choose lightweight and compact items. Be mindful of the weight and space limitations when packing non-essential items, as you don’t want to overburden yourself or your group.
Be aware of BWCAW regulations regarding prohibited items like cans and glass bottles. And ensure that all your non-essential items are packed out with you and that you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave No Trace:
Ultimately, the “nice non essential gear” you bring depend on your personal preferences and what will enhance your enjoyment of the wilderness without adding excessive weight or violating regulations.
