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Different usages/trip styles come into play here, I think. I'm not usually on rivers that require anything more than one short portage, such as a low water bridge or a downed tree. Most of my trips are on calmer rivers (Class I/easy II's), so that affords me a heavier load, and I like to cook...

I have the smaller NRS box as well and, as you said, it's great for a camp kitchen. It's good to hear about the Yeti Sidekick; I was thinking about picking one up for just that use.

Great video of a Nova Craft Prospector 16 paddled solo in whitewater. Ollie Sandeman is head of paddling instruction at Plas Y Brenin in Wales.

Never listen to music on the river or out in the woods, but always on the way. Blue Mountain's Dog Days is a standard for me, especially their song "Blue Canoe":

I wanted to second the great report on NOC's whitewater canoe courses above. Last summer, my twenty-year-old son and I received two days of instruction from Will, and he was not only a great instructor but great company. He's quite good at assessing skill levels and tailoring instruction...

I wish I possessed the inclination and talent to build anything beyond the rudimentary, but, regrettably, neither are in my quiver. However, I'm making progress on assembling some new shelves in the garage and re-sorting my gear, so that's been good.

You have some great friends, scoutergriz. None of the folks in my current paddling circle really do any tripping, so my trips are solo or with my son. When I can get other people to accompany us, I'm usually the one pulling the load. I think I need some new friends.

I'm sure others have experienced the disappointment that comes with not being able to paddle for an extended time because of an injury, illness, or other extenuating circumstance. Well, that will be me this year. Late last summer and early fall, I fell ill and skipped several planned trips...

Gullies of My People by John Lane, author of Chattooga: Descending into the Myth of Deliverance River. I'll encourage everyone to read him as not only is he a very good writer but also a good fella.

Depends on the type of trip I'm taking really. Back in the late 80's and 90's, we often did two pickle buckets with an inverted canoe on top. Made for a great table if there wasn't too much rocker. I also have a portable REI table much like the one Cheeseandbeans posted. I've also used the...

Always enjoy your trip photos, Erik. They're always motivational . . . for new boat acquisitions.

Like several folks who already posted, I use a Thermorest Compressible which I like a lot, but it only compresses so much and it's definitely a luxury. I've been eyeing the Goosefeet Gear Down Pillow lately, though. Anybody here use one? https://goosefeetgear.com/products/down-pillows/

Those are good-looking tools, Michael.

I own a Bose portable speaker and use it in the garage, in the backyard while weeding, at family vacations to the beach (in the condo), places like that. I abhor portable speakers on the river, always have. As several have mentioned above, for me, the river is a refuge of natural sound, away...

Thanks for the info and that's great to hear. I'm going to end up with--shocker!--several whitewater paddles so that I can figure out my preferences, especially length. I know that the majority of old school ww canoeists favored longer sticks, but the newer trend seems to be toward shorter...

Great videos. I've watched them several times since posters on another forum recommended them. His accent and manner is just as much a reason to watch as is the instruction. Ok, at this time, I'm going to talk about the aff-side kaave.

Thanks so much, kona. Wish I were closer. I still haven't made a purchase as of yet, so the search continues. I did find a couple of smaller paddle brands that are popular with the new OC-1 plastic boat crowd: Riversaw and Darter. I'm going to investigate those as well as look for a used...

Those are some happy people with great boats. I wonder if they utilize as much back paddling as the original video or if they are more cab forward.

it's a really interesting channel. I've watched most of his videos, and he and his paddling cohort use OT Campers, Pathfinders, and St. Charles. According to his comments, that's what they can find in Japan (I'm guessing he means used boats). No helmets and no flotation. He's quite a good...

That's an interesting idea for a separate gift, Alan. That way, he could brand future purchases.