Canada>Ontario>Algonquin>EGL Canoe Hang - October 2013 - Algonquin

[Chard]

Starting to get close now, little over 3 weeks to go. I have dehydrated some meals for the trip already. Been practicing my dry baking skills. Thankfully I have two kids to test any muffins I make and ensure an honest opinion.

Sounds great!! I have to say the EGL hangs have had some fine cuisine over the years; weinee wellingtons, goulash, double smoked pork chops, steamed trout, chowder... mmm.

I have never camped this late in the season in Algonquin. Wondering about some gear recommendations. I have a 20F incubator for me and 30F jarbidge for my son. I have an old synthetic sleeping bag that (I think) is rated -6C that my son can use might bring an extra 45F down bag for him as well. I was just going to go with a 40F burrow as I am a warm sleeper. You think this should be good? I am mostly worried about my son being warm enough. I could fill a nalgene bottle with hot water too if he is cold.

Just to recap:
Hotone: -6C underquilt\4C topbag
Plusone: -1C underquilt\-6C topbag (+7C extra topbag)

As Keg and Bubba have mentioned, it's not unusual to get temperatures dipping below zero in mid October. My own advice would be to supplement your top cover and your son's bottom just to be sure. I've used a folded wool blanket right under my posterior to good effects during our winter hangs, and I'm sure a Thermarest would work just as well. A spare fleece throw makes for a good bit of extra covering on top.

Thick wool socks, long johns and a warm sleeping hat reserved only for sleeping are a must and Hot Pockets are a great idea as well. If you have one, a detachable down hood works really well too.

Sounds reasonable but Algonquin could be a bit unpredictable in the fall and spring. Considering the trip to Pen has one portage of 375m, over packing isn't too much of a problem.

+1 Wise words. Given that we're just doing one portage, bringing a little extra insulation only makes sense. If you're short of gear, say the word, and I'm certain we could rustle something up. We don't want anyone freezing.

Finally, one of the keys to staying warm at night is good hydration. Make sure your son has plenty of beverages that he enjoys. The down side is, of course, the late night pit stops.

[Hotone]

Thanks guys just what I was looking for. Some great input.

I grabbed a box of little hotties from Costco last year. I think it was $14 for 40 pairs. They still had them there last time I was in Costco. I like to keep a bunch of them in the trunk of the car in the winter just in case.

I just checked and my old outbound thinsulate bag is rated -12C. I have not used it in maybe 10 years or so as it was much too warm for most of my camping trips. I think it is about 15 years old.

I am good for long johns and top. My son needs some. I have not seen a lot of places that sell ones for 10 year old kids. Sail seems to have some the mic mac orage. Anyone know of any place? I know MEC does but would prefer not to drive downtown.

I have a ccf pad with the reflective material on the one side. You think that would be good to add between my sons jarbidge and his HH scout?

[Jayson]

I can bring my daughters 20° Under Quilt if needed.

[ggreaves]

My +1 had to drop out. Is anyone looking for a bow paddler?

[Kasuko]

My +1 had to drop out. Is anyone looking for a bow paddler?

Get in line!

Also I think it's time I throw my hat in the ring and begin the begging for a spot in a canoe. ...

[ggreaves]

Get in line!

Ha ha!! Didn't see that. Any chance that we could go together? Other than crossing Rock Lake after the put in, it looks kind of like we can hug the west shore all the way to the portage (if I'm wrong about that, please feel free to chime in). I'll rent us a nice light canoe. Mine's too heavy.

[Chard]

Ha ha!! Didn't see that. Any chance that we could go together? Other than crossing Rock Lake after the put in, it looks kind of like we can hug the west shore all the way to the portage (if I'm wrong about that, please feel free to chime in). I'll rent us a nice light canoe. Mine's too heavy.

Out of curiosoty, what does your canoe weigh?

[ggreaves]

Out of curiosoty, what does your canoe weigh?

I don't know exactly, but I think around 80 lbs. To get it on my back, I need to flip it up down near the front seat then back myself up to the thwart. I can't lift it up to flip in the middle at all but, admittedly, I'm out of practice.

[Chard]

I don't know exactly, but I think around 80 lbs. To get it on my back, I need to flip it up down near the front seat then back myself up to the thwart. I can't lift it up to flip in the middle at all but, admittedly, I'm out of practice.

Well, on the plus side, with weight like that it must be solidly built. If you want to save a few bucks on a rental, I'll be happy to help get that ...insert expletive here... across the portage.

[Hotone]

I can bring my daughters 20° Under Quilt if needed.

Thanks for the offer I might take you up on that if it is not too much trouble.