Canoeing and Paddling the Yukon and Teslin Rivers

We have each person responsible for their eating utensils and cup. Generally, metal is better. Smaller utensils are good because you can tuck them in a pocket and have them handy. The Sierra type cup is a good choice because its hooked handle can loop over your belt or attach to canoe with a carabiner. Yes, you will want the funky little knife after the first time you must pick all the peanut butter out of the assorted nooks and crannies of your Leatherman. 

 

 

 

Cooking utensils are alway falling on the ground. The homemade, roll up organizer pictured is a great solution to the problem. The two, grommeted holes in the upper corners allows the cook to nail it to something handy to keep the tools within easy reach. 

If your tent will not keep you dry without pitching an extra, plastic tarp over it, get rid of it! A tarp is fine as a back-up. Your tent should have a ground cloth slightly smaller than your floor so it will not catch rain. There should also be another tarp slightly larger than your floor on the inside. Most paddlers get wet from water coming up, not water falling down in their tents. Hydrostatic pressure from the weight of gear and bodies will force water through the best built in tent floors.  Also, use a tent that is meant for one more person than you plan will use it.  Two people should have nothing smaller that a three-man tent.  (four is better)

Years ago they made a plastic TP holder that glowed in the dark. It was called a "Goosy - Loosy" and it was perfect. Now an acceptable substitute is a 2 lb. plastic coffee can. It will keep it dry and, with the addition of some orange tape, easy to find at a moment's notice. Do NOT buy a camo holder. It is like a black flashlight, not in sight when you need it the most.