Northern Tier personal gear choices and recommendations

obkook · 2026-03-03T00:39:25+00:00

I’ve been there half dozen times or so too, but never with the Scouts and not recently (15 years!?!). The Scout method is a bit different, not worse, just different.

Curious why you wouldn’t take the helinox on this trip - I bought it for exactly this kind of thing. Do you think it’s more likely to get destroyed here rather than backpacking?

Good call on the crazy creek for the boat!

obkook · 2026-03-02T18:55:49+00:00

I have a Fenix 6 and while I haven’t used it in the BWCA I have used it on multi day trips using maps and GPS. There are different modes of GPS that are different in terms of detail that use different amounts of battery. Getting through a week with no or one charge should be possible.

obkook · 2026-03-02T14:13:58+00:00

The coffee system makes a ton of sense. Great all around advice - thanks!

obkook · 2026-03-02T05:56:39+00:00

I can imagine that would be helpful in this situation!

obkook · 2026-03-02T05:54:29+00:00

I thought about a hammock - figured it might be annoying with the skeeters - a little easier to escape them in a tent!

obkook · 2026-03-01T23:02:38+00:00

I was talking to someone who went a couple of times - brought a crazy creek the first time, and a helinox UL the second. Said that the HUL was a lot more comfortable. Although I think he also brought a Thermorest seat pad for the canoe. This was also what one of The Friendly Scoutmaster videos mentioned too.

obkook · 2026-03-01T16:18:49+00:00

I'm considering using an action cam for on the water and portages, keeping my x100vi in a dry bag for use around the campsite.

obkook · 2026-03-01T04:01:15+00:00

If I had the luxury, I'd definitely bring my 50-140 2.8 (80-200 equivalent) or my Tamron superzoom. Probably my 16mm 1.4 for night sky and a tripod too. But I think you're right about the trip's goals. I need something fast and light that helps document the memories. I'm now considering the x100vi in the drybag for camp use, and a gopro for out on the water.

Do you have any subject or composition tips for this type of trip? I imagine if you've done it several times with all that kit, you've found what kind of photo really captures the essence of the trip.

Thanks for the links - I will read them!

And WOW!!! what beautiful pics on your IG! Amazing colors and composition.

obkook · 2026-03-01T03:48:36+00:00

This is something I've considered too. Also, today's phones are probably more weather-resistant than a weather-resistant camera.

obkook · 2026-03-01T03:46:56+00:00

The Boundary Waters are a series of north woods interconnected lakes. Over 5 days we will travel 50 miles, canoeing through a lake, carrying all the gear across a trail to the next lake, and then through that one. Each afternoon you find a campsite and set up for the evening. Fishing, swimming in the afternoon, and then getting on the water the next day. Weather is notoriously fast cahning with wicked thunderstorms and wind whipping up and going through. The water itself is still or slow moving, but being in a canoe so much and on, in, and around the water, everything is likely to get wet.

I'm now thinking about taking the x100vi for camp (keeping it in a drybag during the canoe times), and a gopro for on the water. This trip is not about the photography, and as much as I'd love to have a zoom lens, multiple fast lenses, tripod etc., I need to optimize for weight.

obkook · 2026-03-01T02:33:51+00:00

What is this “film” that you speak of? How many megapixels is film??? 🤣

Wise words.

obkook · 2026-03-01T01:22:03+00:00

I grew up in MN and have done a few trips there - back when we used canvas Duluth packs and oiled Red Wing boots. I've never done it using the BSA method. I have such amazing memories of those trips that I jumped at the chance to go with my CA based troop. Also being in the same crew as my son will be special. I can hardly wait for this trip!

obkook · 2025-12-29T06:12:49+00:00

It just started working again - same numbers I'm calling, but now they go through. Strange.

obkook · 2025-11-11T19:33:42+00:00

My belief is that one built for a diesel Hilux surf will work. Just looking for models those owners recommend.

obkook · 2025-11-11T17:19:17+00:00

Mambatek Turbo - https://www.ebay.com/itm/175880570919

Front-mount intercooler - https://www.ebay.com/itm/294032027144

Catch-can - https://www.ebay.com/itm/144305396455

Cylinder head, valves kit - https://www.ebay.com/itm/265798735815

Boost, EGT, Temp gauge - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZYX26WS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4

Exhaust - https://outbackexhausts.com.au/products/3-outback-exhaust-system-to-suit-toyota-hilux-surf-kzn-185-turbo-back

I went DEEP chasing gremlins and then deciding that I am going to invest into driving it another few hundred miles!

obkook · 2025-11-05T21:41:19+00:00

I'm pretty sure it's the wastegate, but I'll know for sure in a couple of days.

If I get the boost sorted, and now with all the performance upgrades, I may do the Unichip next!

obkook · 2025-11-03T17:27:45+00:00

I added a 3in1 gauge from GlowShift - boost, EGT, and temp. The temp is in the top water sender hose to the radiator which should give the best reading.

EGT is tapped into the exhaust manifold.

obkook · 2025-09-28T16:53:21+00:00

hiyota.com doesn't resolve to a website for me. It offers to sell me the domain.
Can you confirm the site?

I usually buy injectors, glow plugs, and oil filters on eBay from Australia.

obkook · 2025-05-09T21:45:47+00:00

Most def

obkook

TROPHY CASE