Tricks For Paddlers

Keep your cookware dry

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A Floating Kitchen

Many canoe trippers like to use a box or wannigan for their camp kitchen components. Unfortunately, these containers can be uncomfortable to carry, and because they are difficult to seal, they can fill with water after a capsize.

A lighter and waterproof alternative is a plastic box inside a waterproof portage pack. A Rubbermaid brand"Roughneck Rough Tote" Storage container, size 24" x 16" x 12.5" (63 liter/quart), just happens to fit into a Cascade Designs Boundary Pack or Pro Pack waterproof vinyl portage pack in the 6,940 cu in (115 liter) size.

The box slides in more easily with Armor-All or car wax such as Turtle Wax on the edges of the tote and the inside of the pack.

To keep the box lid on, attach with a webbing strap diagonally around the handles as in the photo.

Insert with the lid side of the tote to the shoulder strap side of the bag - that way the straps will be out of the bilge water. The lid has a raised lip that you may be able to feel against your back when carrying, but I make the lid flat and soft by filling the recess in the lid with the folded kitchen tarp.

Buoyancy bonus - this waterproof box system will also provide useful flotation even when empty, as long as it is lashed down firmly into the boat.