Gear Of The Trip: The North Shore Of Minnesota

Our last 50 Campfires Field Trip took us to northern Minnesota to explore what is simply called “The North Shore.” The rugged beauty makes it a popular vacation destination for city dwellers looking to escape the daily grind. The North Shore spans 145 miles, from Duluth all the way to Grand Portage. It’s full of waterfalls and scenic overlooks that end up on the majority of postcards that visitors send all over the world.

This particular trip was a rainy one, so we spent most of the trip in gear that made us more comfortable. Camping in the rain doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It only takes one unprepared trip to realize that preparation is key. Here’s the gear we used to warm and dry all week long.

GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger
When we were lucky enough to get a break from the rain, we were lounging in the GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger. It’s the only zero gravity chair on the market with three positions. You can fully recline, sit with back up and legs down, and back up – legs up! It’s great for everything from napping to strumming a ukulele around the campfire.

Vivobarefoot Tracker
The Vivobarefoot Tracker is a waterproof, minimalist hiking boot that can handle almost any terrain and temperature. There is a removable thermal insole that makes them warm in cold weather and cool when it’s hot. They provide superb traction and are made from high-quality leather.

Seattle Sports LocoDry DownUnder ZipDuff
This bag was a lifesaver while spending the week at wet campsites. We had no worries tossing in wet grass on top of soaked picnic tables. The waterproof zipper and removable rubber shoulder straps made it easy to carry in a variety of situations. Check out our review from a previous field trip here.

Kammok Kuhli Tarp

This is one incredible tarp. It’s 12ft x 9ft and only weighs 20oz. The Hypalon-reinforced guy out points and knotless design mean that you can set it up in a few minutes with ease. Check out our review here.

Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe
If we’re camping we usually toss an axe in the car for splitting kindling. The Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe is a perfect size. It’s big enough to make quick work of a log, but small enough to travel with easily. They’re affordable, and we’ve been using the same one for years.

Stanley French Press
We haven’t tested it, but we’re pretty sure that the Stanley French Press is bulletproof. This thing is a beast, and it keeps coffee piping hot for hours. The 48oz size means we can make coffee for the whole crew.

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