I was trying to raise the possibility that not carrying it all could be an option, given proper planning and of course accurate knowledge and situational awareness. I am somewhat dismayed by prospects of the statement that "boiling didn't work either." There are some organisms that require...

Given the “average” constraints you apply, I agree that one gallon is approximately correct. That is for the entire day, not just trail time. But with the availability of water filters today, why try to carry it all? During the days of boil only, one of the worst feelings was arriving in camp with e...

I did have the misfortune once to leave my pack in a shelter at Three Mile while I walked elsewhere in the campground area and a couple of young kids from a large group stole my knife and compass. I believe it was a 1 in a million likelihood, but these things can happen. I got the compass back after...

Water filters?: I forgot to mention that packs were heavier then due to the extra fuel needed to boil water. Back then filter systems were expensive, bulky and rare. I’ve seen a few mentions here about taking certain chances with “fresh” water and that nothing bad happened. My understanding is that...

After my first trip to Isle Royale (see above) was such a debacle yet a wonderful experience, I spent all summer before I returned to school in Houghton working to save money for proper equipment and reading about proper backpacking techniques. I relied almost totally on Colin Fletcher’s “The Comple...

My very first backpacking experience ever was in 1975 at Isle Royale. Before that I knew nothing about the concept of carrying everything I needed on my back. I was attending Michigan Technological University in Houghton when a roommate told me about an upcoming charter trip. The IR Queen out of Cop...

It looks like you have a great site here. Brings back lot of memories, mostly great ones, LOL.

It's been 9 years since my last trip, but I started in 1975. I've written a few things about past escapades if anyone is interested?

Ed