I too use a MSR filter on most of my trips. I have one or two spots I'm not against
drinking unfiltered water.. but those spots are getting fewer and fewer.
I had some friends call me up after a High Hunt and ask me if the burgers gave me
stomach problems. I told them no.. and after further conversation mentioned that they
might have beaver fever. Turned out they did.
We backpacked into an area north of Lake Wenatchee where I'd hunted for 20 years. I
always drank the water unfiltered. They drank some higher up from a pond and it
turned out that Giardia was in that pond.
Sure did make me stop and think as I thought that drainage was safe.
Not sure if I shot a deer on that trip as I'm kinda against backpacking them out.
They get too heavy.
On another trip to a lake up by Bellingham, three of us backpacked into it. Two of the
guys had full up belly boats and such. Me.. I had my lightweight raft. My pack was
lots lighter than theirs. We did get some nice cutts from that lake.
The BC lakes your friend backpacked into... Schoolhouse or Donnelly... or that other
one down closer to Hope????
Bill
> ----------
> From: Kent Lufkin[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Reply To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 10:08 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: RE: Backpack Question
>
> Bill,
>
> Thank Gawd I'm not the only one! Seems like I'm always forgetting or
> misplacing something these days.
>
> Yep, I've been packing in full float tube gear. I can't always count
> on easy access for shore fishing or wading and I hate constantly
> worrying about my backcast. Plus, I can cover more water with a tube,
> so the weight seems like a small price for the convenience.
>
> Actually, the pack isn't that heavy - about 25 - 30 pounds. It's
> lighter if it's nice weather and I don't have to pack extra layers
> and rain gear. I don't bring boots but wear the zip-up
> neoprene/rubber soled 'flats' booties instead. They weight about a
> third as much. I could probably even leave the waders behind when
> it's really warm.
>
> I bought a little MSR water filter and pump which means I don't have
> to lug along a lot of water. I start out with a cup or two and just
> pump more as needed when I come across a source along the way. It's a
> lot safer than drinking unfiltered water. My attorney caught a bad
> case of giardia a few years ago and it took him quite a while to
> shake it.
>
> A friend packed his tube into a remote lake in BC last year to find
> fish rising all around him only to have his tube spring a leak. Guess
> what? No patch kit. So I take one of those along as well now.
>
> Kent
>
> >Kent,
> >
> >I can sympathize with you about forgetting your reel. Shame you
> >didn't have a spinning reel along so you could have jury rigged
> >something... like a hand carved cedar "bobber" to give you weight to
> >get a fly out.
> >
> >Question for you. You guys didn't pack in float tubes and waders,
> >and boots, and waders, did you? Those things are heavy.
> >
> >I'm looking at getting back to backpacking again this year. So..
> >maybe we'll run into each other somewhere.
> >
> >I have a couple of "interesting" hikes that involve stream fishing.
> >No heavy gear to take along for those trips.
> >
> >One I went on in the early 90's. We drove up to the trailhead over
> >by Lake Wenatchee and I had my mountain bike along and intended to
> >use it to get to the wilderness border. Turned out the F.S. changed
> >the regs that year and I couldn't use a bike to get most of the way
> >in. Had to hoof it. Well.. we packed in 3.2 miles and had some fun
> >fishing for what I call "brown cutthroat". They're west slope cutts
> >and a nice looking brown color. Fished for a couple of hours and
> >then hiked back to the truck. Tried getting in truck. Found out I'd
> >lost my keys back where I fished. Thought I'd take my bike back and >
> >found out that it was locked up and that key was on my key ring.
> >Hiked back to the fishing spot... found the keys right where I'd set
> >my pack down the first time.. and hiked back to the truk. I'd
> >planned on a 6 1/2 mile round trip hike... but that second round
> >trip sorta grated at me. I try to keep my keys safe after that.
> >
> >I had a trout up in BC yank my rod over the side. Besides having
> >$700 of rod and reel over the side, I found out I was out of
> >business as that was the only reel body I had with me. The rest of
> >the gear was spare spools. I got my outfit back the next morning
> >after the fish finally broke off and the line floated to the
> >surface, but it wasn't fun waiting for morning so I could continue
> >my search.
> >
> >I was fishing a damsel nymph on a floating line. Just set the rod
> >down for a second so I could pick up something on the bottom of the
> >boat. During that moment a fish slammed into the fly and that's how
> >I temporarily lost the rod.
> >
> >Bill
> >
> > > ----------
> > > From: Kent[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> > > Reply To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 9:09 AM
> > > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > Subject: RE: Backpack Question
> > >
> > > This backpacking thread is probably as good a time as any to
> >unburden my soul about my first pack trip in to a mountain lake last
> >year.
> > >
> > > Former listmember and good friend Jeff Ryder and I were planning
> >a hike into Janus Lake, just over Stevens Pass and along the Pacific
> >Crest Trail. As Jeff is young and strong while I'm old and slow, I
> >spent a considerable amount of time preparing for the hike, trying
> >to pare down non-essential weight to keep my pack as light as
> >possible.
> > >
> > > At the last minute, my mountaineering neighbor who had been
> >following my packing efforts from across the street, offered me his
> >old JanSport frame pack, a vast improvement over the old Kelty I was
> >struggling to cram everything into. Grateful for the loan, I
> >transferred everything from the old Kelty into the JanSport, lashed
> >fins and rod tube to the back and I was ready to set out the next
> >morning.
> > >
> > > The walk in was nearly 4 miles with a net elevation gain of about
> >zero, although the rise and fall each way was about 750 feet. After
> >the hour and a quarter 'death march,' I gratefully shrugged off the
> >30-pound JanSport when we reached the camping area at the southeast
> >corner of Janus Lake.
> > >
> > > As we rigged up and got ready to put in, I discovered I had left
> >my reel in my old Kelty in my garage back in Redmond!
> > >
> > > 'Loser,' was all I could think about as I ransacked my pack in
> >futile hopes of finding the missing reel.
> > >
> > > Leaving me to my dark thoughts, Jeff paddled out to start
> >trolling a wooly bugger up the middle of the lake as he made his way
> >to the other end. After giving up on trying to string 10 or 15 feet
> >of 4x tippet to my rod, I reluctantly paddled after him, struggling
> >to co> ntent myself with taking pictures and enjoying his fishing
> >experience vicariously. >
> > >
> > > Fishing was slow until Jeff switched to a #12 Goddard Caddis and
> >started working the weedbeds along the the northeast shore. He
> >picked up maybe a half dozen cutts in the 12 - 14 inch range as we
> >worked our way around the north end with me paddling along behind,
> >avoiding his backcast, looking for rises and taking pictures.
> > >
> > > About 100 yards down the brushy west side, Jeff was working a
> >brown humpy close to a fallen log near the bank when he got a really
> >big pull that became the fish of the day. After an extended
> >struggle, he finally released a fat, 17 inch cutthroat once I
> >snapped a quick picture.
> > >
> > > Feeling satisfied with his efforts so far (and probably a little >
> >sorry for the loser in the next tube!), Jeff offered me his rod and
> >we switched places.
> > >
> > > My first cast after his big cutt, I hooked its brother within two
> >feet of shore and ended up releasing a thick 16 inch cutthroat. The
> >next half hour saw me hook a fish after fish as we worked our way
> >down along the west bank.
> > >
> > > We took turns with Jeff's rod several more times before finally
> >pulling out mid-afternoon for the hike back. Aside from the two
> >brutes we released earlier, most of the rest of the fish that day
> >were from 12 to 14 inches. All told, we hooked and released nearly
> >50 fish between us. Not bad for two guys using one rod.
> > >
> > > And yes, I now double and triple check to make sure I've not
> >forgotten some other vital piece of gear every time I pack.
> > >
> > > Kent Lufkin
> > >
> > >
> > > I, too, use a packrod.
> > >
> > > I have a 4 pc. 6 wt. fiberglass Fenwick. It was my mom's and
> >was made in
> > > +/- 1967. It is in beautiful shape and I like using it, although I'm
> > > thinking of upgrading to a 4-5 pc. graphite rod...but I won't
> >take any of my
> > > two piece rods into the backcountry. Besides being too long
> >for off-trail
> > > travel, the rod case is too heavy.
> > >
> > > Jeff
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Warner, Paul W [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> > > Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 8:19 AM
> > > To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> > > Subject: RE: Backpack Question
> > >
> > >
> > > Kent,
> > >
> > > I liked your story about backpacking with a 9', 2 piece rod.
> >The first big
> > > trip I went on out here was going into Joe Lake off of
> >Snoqualmie pass. I
> > > took in a 10', 2 piece 5wt and ended up using the rod case as a hiking
> > > stick. The last mile into the lake I told my friend that
> >the shortcut down
> > > the ridge didn't look all that bad. understatement. At one
> >point of that
> > > trip down I was hanging onto bushes with both hands and my feet were
> > > scrambling for a foothold. I knew if I let go I'd slide or
> >tumble about
> > > 100' down to the lake. We had to do things like tie ropes to
> >our packs to
> > > lower them down inorder to get to the lake. We sure made a
> >trip down much
> > > harder than it should have been.
> > >
> > > That was the last trip I took my long rod into. After that
> >it was pack rods
> > > for me.
> > >
> > > Bill
> > >
> > > > ----------
> > > > From: Kent[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> > > > Reply To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 6:36 PM
> > > > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > > Subject: Re: Backpack Question
> > > >
> > > > Hi Sean,
> > > >
> > > > I used to backpack a lot while in college years ago and
> >even packed into
> > > some remote northern California mountain lakes with my old lightweight
> > > spin/fly Fenwick rod. The state of the art back then was a
> >nylon Kelty on an
> > > aluminum frame to which one could strap all manner of stuff.
> > > >
> > > > Fast forward 25 years. I was reintroduced to backpacking
> >last summer as a
> > > means to the end of getting into lakes that were much less
> >fished than their
> > > drive-to counterparts. In dusting off my old pack, I found
> >that its buckles
> > > had rusted and that many of its straps and zippers were all
> >but unusable. To >
> > > top it off, I have no idea what ever became of the waist strap!
> > > >
> > > > > A mountaine> ering neighbor loaned me his ten-year old
> >JanSport frame pack
> > > which I used for the first two expeditions. But its
> >suspension system and
> > > nearly nonexistent back panels must have been designed by sadists, so I
> > > started shopping for other, newer alternatives.
> > > >
> > > > Several manufacturers still make frame packs, but over the >
> >pa> st several
> > > years, more expensive (and profitable) internal frame packs
> >have become all
> > > the rage. Originally intended for mountain climbers, they have a single
> > > large compartment into which all gear is packed and the internal frame
> > > allows it to fit closer to your back.
> > > >
> > > > I comparison shopped at REI, Marmot Mountain, Outdoor
> >Emporium and Sports
> > > Authority. Internals started at around $175 and ran up to
> >over $500. The few
> > > frame packs available were more modestly priced at from about
> >$90 up to $250
> > > or so. After trying on several dozen packs, many with dummy weights to
> > > simulate a real load, I ended up buying another frame pack, a
> >Kelty West
> > > Coast.
> > > >
> > > > I chose the frame pack for several reasons:
> > > >
> > > > I tend to sweat profusely when provoked through
> >exertion and the
> > > frame pack sat further away from my back than the internals,
> >offering better
> > > ventilation.
> > > >
> > > > The frame design is definitely easier to attach extra
> >stuff like rod
> > > tubes or fins to. Just use a couple nylon straps, twine or
> >even some duct
> > > tape and away you go.
> > > >
> > > > The Kelty West Coast had an awesome suspension system that was
> > > easily adjustable to my particular body shape. It distributed
> >the weight
> > > well between my shoulders and waist and allows me to easily change the
> > > weight balance without taking it off.
> > > >
> > > > Finally, it was cheaper. I got it at REI for about $160.
> > > >
> > > > So here's what I'd suggest:
> > > >
> > > > Try on lots of packs.
> > > >
> > > > Make sure you dummy load 'em up with 25 or 30 pounds
> >to see how they
> > > feel with a load. REI and Marmot will let you do this, but
> >the chain stores
> > > will just give you a blank look.
> > > >
> > > > Ask for help in adjusting the pack to your own body
> >size and shape.
> > > Better packs tend to offer a wider range of adjustments.
> > > >
> > > > Make sure it'll hold all the gear you'll need.
> > > >
> > > > For day trips, I take a deflated float tube, breathable waders, flats
> > > boots (NOT felts, they're too heavy), fins, PFD, extra
> >clothes, rain gear,
> > > lunch, water bottle/filter, compass, maps, camera, patch kit, first aid
> > > stuff, plastic garbage b> ags to put wet tube and waders
> >into, plus rod,
> > > reel and gear. I seem to always end up taking more than I
> >use, but not by
> > > much. My pack has been weighing about 30 pounds or so. >
> > > >
> > > > My first couple trips I took along my 9-foot 3-weight
> >two-piece in its
> > > tube. I lashed it to the pack but it kept snagging low
> >branches so I ended
> > > up carrying it instead. I've since bought a five-piece
> >4-weight in a short
> > > tube that'll fit inside my pack.
> > > >
> > > > I haven't done an overnighter with tubing gear yet, but I'd
> >guess that
> > > tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, toiletries, flashlight, stove, pans and
> > > cooking/eating gear and food would add another 15 pounds or
> >so. If you pack
> > > in with a buddy, you can share the weight of the tent, cooking gear and
> > > food. That's where having a pack that's big enough to stow or
> >attach all
> > > that stuff really comes in handy.
> > > >
> > > > Sorry for the term paper length. Hope this helps,
> > > >
> > > > Kent
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Since everyone is talking about hiking into lakes
> >recently I figured
> > > I
> > > > would ask about what packs you use. I saw somewhere
> >recently a pack
> > > that
> > > > had came with rod tubes and a dry storage area but
> >have not been
> > > able to
> > > > find it. I am curious about what you guys use to pack
> >in your rods,
> > > > float tubes, tent, etc. Basic frame packs or are >
> >there some specific >
> > >
> > > > > packs built for flyfishing out t> here.
> > > >
> > > > Any suggestions are appreciated as usual.
> > > >
> > > > -sean
> > > > Content-Type: text/x-vcard; charset=us-ascii;
> > > > name="sransom.vcf"
> > > > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> > > > Content-Description: Card for Sean Ransom
> > > > Content-Disposition: attachment;
> > > > filename="sransom.vcf"
> > > >
> > > > Attachment converted: L2D:sransom.vcf 12 (TEXT/ttxt)
> >(00051921)
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
>
