Ancient Water Hiking

[zelph]

We've been doing water hiking for many many years

http://archaeology.about.com/od/dterms/ ... Canoes.htm

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[Mark Spencer]

What type of boat you have been using in Water Hiking? Light boats vs Heavy weight boats what are best and recommended for best water hiking?

[zelph]

Kayak watercraft are the most popular for lightweight hiking. Too many choices out there to be specific. Raftpacking is becoming popular. What brand do you use in the UK?

[russb]

In the Adirondacks, kayaks are very popular for recreational use in more open water. For deeper backcountry, the canoe is king.

[zelph]

In the Adirondacks, kayaks are very popular for recreational use in more open water. For deeper backcountry, the canoe is king.

I was thinking of Daren and his ocean going kayak adventures up in British Columbia.

What is the major reason the canoe is king?

[ConnieD]

For a long "water-hike" the open canoe will transport more food and gear. If you use waterproof bags or barrels, well secured, or, lash down a water-tight cover, the canoe is superior in every way.

My family had an Old Town Trapper wood and canvas canoe, in Michigan, I learned to paddle well: there is more to controlling a canoe than one might suppose. We had it on our family vacations, fishing Lake Yellowstone at Yellowstone National Park and Lake MacDonald in Glacier National Park.

I have an Old Town Loon 138 river kayak. It packs only reasonably well, as it is smaller, and as a kayak is covered fore and aft. I use water-proof bags to protect my food and gear, as well as, provide flotation if overturned.

It could happen, it never has because a river kayak has more like a canoe hull. I use a "whitewater" double-end kayak paddle for control. I like to float a river, but, if no wind, I lake paddle in Glacier National Park. I have paddled Pray Lake and Two Medicine Lake, walking a painter line between the two lakes: my favorite. I have paddled Lake Bowman. I would like to have a camping permit for the far end of that lake.

I love the river kayak for overnight, which is about all I can find in Montana. I have heard The Swan is good: I haven't been there. I like to put in at Ford and float the North Fork of the Flathead River to Polebridge. I did float the upper reach of the Missouri River. Both have excellent food at the end of the float trip.

If you are where there is portage lake-to-lake, "check out" Maddy the Goose on YouTube. I like his video.

If I were doing coast-wise paddling in the Pacific Northwest, I would want to be ready for a well-performed "eskimo roll". I would have a sea-sock to help get the water out of the boat, if the hatch covers and sea-skirt failed to do so. The little pump is essential, but it is better to have it supplement a sea-sock.

I would have all that and all navigation and safety equipment for the Canadian San Juan Island and Charlotte Island group and know how to use it. I would not "rely" completely on a guide or a rented kayak. I lived in the Pacific Northwest. I sailed those waters. Me? I would not hire a guide, either. Personally, I figure there is no substitute for knowledge and experience I would get on less ambitious inland waterway out-and-back island hopping water-hiking adventures.

I think I would have the Seaward Navigator model kayak.

The smaller traditional kayak is made for navigating the ice floe, in the far North.

[zelph]

Connie, you have had some really unique experiences and memories to go with them. I'm green with envy

Three years ago I bought this canoe and have not yet got it into a waterway This year I'll do it!!!!

[Ridgerunner]

Great yard sale acquisition ! I have scored two canoes thru yard sales, neither as nice as yours but the last one is heavy duty aluminum so it is the keeper. Problem now is I blew the motor in my truck after installing roof racks to transport the canoe. Back to the drawing board for transporting it as Toyota Echo is a bit on the small side

[zelph]

Get a small harbor freight utility trailer and bumper hitch.

[Ridgerunner]

Actually, I just acquired a Dodge grand Caravan that belonged to my dad. It has side roof rails. I just need to install cross rails which I picked up a free pair of Yakima's at a yard sale but need to get keys made or new tumblers as each side has a key lock but no key