Packing and Portaging

My object in outlining outfit is rather to emphasize the possibilities of selecting a light and efficient outfit that may be easily packed and transported on the trail, than to evolve an infallible check list; therefore I shall not attempt to name in detail toilet articles, tobacco and odds and ends. Take nothing, however, save those things you will surely find occasion to use, unless I may suggest an extra pipe, should your pipe be lost. A small balloon silk bag will hold them, together with a sewing case containing needles, thread, patches and some safety pins. Another will hold the hand towels and hand soap in daily use, while an extra hand towel may be stowed in your duffle bag.

In concluding this chapter it may be pertinent to say that the novice on the trail is pretty certain to burden himself with many things he will seldom or never use. Take your outfitter into your confidence. Tell him what sort of a trip you contemplate and he will advise you. First-class outfitters are usually practical out-of-door men and camping experts. They have made an extended study of the subject, for it is part of their business to do so. Therefore, in selecting outfit, it is both safe and wise to rely upon the advice of any responsible outfitter.

CHAPTER V

FOOD

THE true wilderness voyager is willing to endure some discomforts on the trail, to work hard and submit to black flies and other pests, but as a reward he usually demands satisfying meals. There is, indeed, no reason for him to deny himself a variety and a plenty, unless his trip is to extend into months. Weight on the portage trail is always the consideration that cuts down the ration. Packing on one's back a ration to be used two or three months hence is discouraging.

I have evolved a two-week food supply for two men, based upon the United States army ration, varied as the result of my own experiences have dictated. It offers not only great variety, but is an exceedingly bountiful ration even for hungry men. Personal taste will suggest some eliminations or substitutions that may be made without material loss or change in weight. If there is certainty of catching fish or killing game, or if opportunity offers for purchasing fresh supplies along the trail, reductions in quantity may be made accordingly. For each additional man, or for any period beyond two weeks, a proportionate increase in quantity may be made.

Bacon, 6 pounds.

Salt fat pork, 2 pounds.

Ham or canned meats, 5 pounds.

"Truegg" (egg powder), 1 pound (equals 4 dozen eggs.)

"Trucream" (milk powder), 1

/

pounds.

"Crisco," 3 pounds, (2 cans).

Fresh bread, 2 pounds.

Flour, 12 pounds.

Corn meal (yellow), 1 pound.

Rolled oats, 1 pound.

Rice, 1 pound.

Baking powder,

/

pound.

Potatoes (Dehydrated) riced, 2 pounds (equals 14 lbs. fresh potatoes).

Potatoes (Dehydrated) sliced, 1 pound (equals 7 lbs. fresh potatoes).

Carrots (Dehydrated),

/

pound (equals 3 lbs. fresh carrots).

Onions (Dehydrated),

/

pound (equals 3

/

lbs. fresh onions).

Cranberries (Dehydrated),

/

pound (equals 2

/

qts. fresh fruit).

Beans, 2 pounds.

Green peas (Dehydrated),

/

pound (equals 1

/

lbs. fresh peas).

Coffee (ground), 2 pounds.

Tea,

/

pound.

Cocoa,

/

pound.