A LIST OF EXPEDITION-TESTED & RECOMMENDED GEAR FROM THE “22 RIVERS” ODYSSEY
Whether you’re headed onto the trail, the lakes, or the river, here it is: a comprehensive list of exactly what Neal’s tried-and-tested 7,500 miles across America, plus links to where you can find it.
As an Amazon affiliate, if you buy something via the links below, Neal may earn a commission. Which will go towards his next adventure. Thanks!
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THE CRAFT
THE CANOE
Neal’s expedition companion was a bright red Old Town Penobscot Canoe he lovingly called The Shannon after a defunct Taipei pub (and now on display at Paddle Stop Brewery in New Haven, Missouri). He liked the Penobscot’s trusted design, conjuring the Indigenous American lines of yesteryear. He utilized the 1,250 pound payload, routinely carrying half of that. And then there was the peace of mind, that this is a canoe that was always going to go the distance. Should you desire a solo or tandem paddle across the lake, a hopscotch across the Boundary Waters, or a full-tilt trek across North America, the Old Town Penobscot Canoe is an exceptional choice.
Old Town Penobscot 164 Touring Canoe
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THE PADDLES
Neal employed a duo of traditional Grey Owl paddles from Canada – the Guide and the Pathfinder. These can be ordered from Carl’s Paddlin’ outside Madison, Wisconsin. Carl’s a world-class paddler so he understands exactly what you might require, he’s a pleasure to work with, and wherever you find yourself on your journey to be, he’ll get your paddles in the mail. After 6,000 miles with traditional Grey Owl paddles, Neal changed up to the bent-shaft carbon fiber ZRE paddle – custom designed for the rigors of the final throws of the expedition – up the second half of the Ohio, up the Allegheny, along (half) the Erie Canal and down the Hudson River. But the greatest paddle of all came at the very end.
For the finale around the Statue of Liberty – Neal had the honor of paddling with a personal paddle of the late and legendary Verlen Kruger – a story chronicled by Richard Sayer. Gale Boocks, a Methodist minister from Oil City, Pennsylvania had been a friend and confidant of Verlen (and had married him). Verlen Kruger’s personal paddle was gifted to Neal and taken out at the very end to complete the journey.
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THE BAIL
BOAT SPONGE
One of the most important pieces of gear on a long-range canoe expedition is the sponge. To bail from rain and sleet and snow and wakes. But do be warned: if you paddle the Missouri and stop into the river-side hamlet of New Haven, Brewster knows a good thing when he sees it and will tug-of-war you for it (Neal and Brewster each ended up with half of the red one. Brewster’s half is up on the wall at New Haven’s Astral Glass Studio.)
Car Wash Sponge 5pcs, Large All Purpose Easy Grip Sponges for Boat, Bike & Adventure
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THE CAMP
SHELTER
On a long-haul expedition, a tent has two purposes: one, as a shelter for yourself and your gear; and two, as a place to safely store your gear as you walk into a village or town to re-supply. Neal utilized the Big Agnes equivalent to the best-selling Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – UltralightBackpacking Tent (he had a now-out-of-production Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3). For the journey ahead, you want something solid, a shelter of substance. And the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Tent will see you through.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL – UltralightBackpacking Tent
Big Agnes Footprint for Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tents
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The second tent that Neal employed for warmer months was the equivalent of the MSR Hubba Hubba 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent (his was a Bill Moss tent – a precursor to MSR who purchased their revolutionary designs). From color scheme to quality to service, they’re basically the same thing (although a new MSR is less expensive than a vintage Moss). A tip – even when traveling solo, you’re going to want to consider a 3-person tent so that you can fit your gear inside the tent with you. To protect from storms and severe weather. And also as a holding pattern for your aforementioned re-supply treks into villages and towns. The MSR/Moss “bombproof” legacy holds up against the most extreme weather you can imagine. And Neal saw it all – from record flooding to multiple tornadoes to a duo of derechos to extreme lightning. You paddle all day, and you step into a tent like this – and you’re sorted. You’re going to remain dry. Your shelter is not going to fly away. On a spit of sand in the middle of the river to the barrier islands of the Alabama Gulf Coast – you’re safe. You’re home.
MSR Hubba Hubba 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
MSR Universal 3-Person Tent Footprint Tarp
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TARP
Norman Miller, who runs the Missouri River Paddler’s FB Page, gave Neal the following advice in the Gates of the Mountain: “Everything stands out atop something blue.” He went on to say, “I always use a tarp to put things on when loading and unloading to keep the sand from getting in gear and to be able to see the remaining items so you don’t forget. They would be camouflaged if gear is just laid on the grass — easy to leave sunglasses, knife, compass, shirt, whatever, but it all stands out on the tarp. I use one between the rainfly and tent… keeps rain from leaking and I’m able to put the tent away dry back in the bag after a rainstorm.”
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CAMP CHAIR
For a camp chair you can use outside and inside your tent, the Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight foots the bill. The great thing about this style of chair that most campers don’t know is that yes, you can use it as pictured right side up, but if you flip it around, placing the back flat onto the floor of your tent and lean your back into the seat, it acts as a perfect backrest. You can slide it into your sleeping bag and just like that, penciling a journal entry, deciphering maps, or reading a copy of The Complete Paddler is all the more pleasurable. The Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight is an excellent choice. Time used: all 22 months.
Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight 1.1 Lb Backpacking Chair, Black
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SLEEPING PAD
Neal used the Exped SynMat XP 7 Insulated Sleeping Pad, Terracotta in 2020-2021. This pad is easy to inflate and deflate and absolutely goes the distance. It’ll keep your body in comfort whether you set up on sand, pebbles, grass, cement, or hard earth. Time used: in his 22-month crossing of America, Neal went through two. If you select this model, you could absolutely use it every night for a year.
Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 – Self-Inflating, Lightweight, and Comfortable Luxurious Sleeping Mat, Ocean, Medium Wide
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PILLOW
Neal utilized a duo of Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillows. Compressing down for travel and opening right back up for sleep. Neal went through two in two years – making them good for about 12 months each.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping, Backpacking, Airplanes and Road Trips, Amethyst
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SLEEPING BAG
On a journey by canoe across the country, you worry about wind, temperature, the potential for severe weather, and a ton of other factors out on the water. So when you propel yourself safely to shore and set up camp for the night, you want to know and appreciate that you’re covered. That come 2am, you won’t find yourself too hot or too cold. And this is where the North Face “The One Bag” earns its price of admission. Slide yourself into a North Face “The One Bag” and you’re guaranteed to feel just right.
The North Face One Bag Camping Sleeping Bag
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SLEEPING BAG LINER (for colder – and warmer – months)
The Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner is easy to stuff inside your sleeping bag. It’ll keep you warm in the harshest of winters (Neal went through three), and come the warm months, you can use it as your sleeping bag by itself. Time used: 22 months.
Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner
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THE TRUNK
The Plano 56 Quart Hard Plastic Trunk is a super wise investment. It’s easy on the pocketbook, sits perfectly up in front of (or behind) the paddler in an open canoe, and offers a waterproof spot for easy access to snacks, lights, battery charger, phone, cooking system, etc. The couple times the wind picked up to a gale and the waves came crashing in and everything went into the drink, this Plano trunk floated – even though it was loaded with heavy gear.
But it’s more than just a storage compartment:
“At evening, sunset often beams upon a chosen spit of sand—the river showing him where to camp. He likes islands for their safety from animals but also from people. An hour before nightfall he unloads his gear, pitches his tent, fixes some supper, maybe cracks a beer. And then he dines in perfect solitude seated upon an [Plano 56 Quart Hard Plastic Trunk], watching the timeless mystery of day becoming night. Music of coyotes, crickets, frogs. The silent coming of fireflies from across the water, piling into the willows above his head.” – Reader’s Digest
Plano Storage Trunk, 56 Qt, Black
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THE PACKS
SMALL DRY PACKS
Neal’s a huge fan of DryPak waterproof dry bags – all three of his bags went the distance from the start in Astoria, Oregon to New York City. They’re affordable, easy to handle, and hold up incredibly well. Time used: 22 months.
Dry PAK Dry Bag Case for Cell Phones, iPhone, Androids, 5″ x 8″
DRY PAK Multi-Purpose Nylon Case, 9x12x3
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LARGE WATERPROOF DRY BAGS
Neal adventured along this journey with a duo of premium dry bags. Canoeing long distance is more than just paddling. It’s hauling your gear into and out of camp like a mule in fair weather and foul. This example will cost you more, double as a backpack in and out of camp, and likewise go the distance. Neal went with the NRS Bill’s Bag 110L Dry Bag – Waterproof Storage Bag. The same bag is also available in a 65L version here.
NRS Bill’s Bag 110L Dry Bag – Waterproof Storage Bag
The second model that slides into the canoe just right is the NRS Zippered Expedition DriDuffel.
NRS Zippered Expedition DriDuffel
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THE CLASSIC DULUTH CANOE PACK
Another excellent and timeless classic that Neal harnessed down the Mississippi in 2009, on his first stab at a west-east canoe crossing in 2018, and again, right the way across the country from 2020-2021, was the original Duluth Original Canoe Pack. Time used: 22 months.
One could write a bag like this into their will as it’s going to outlive us all. It features:
- Waxed cotton Canvas
- Made in the USA
- Large single compartment with built in map pocket.
- Rides low to allow the carrying of a canoe while wearing the pack.
- Specifically contoured to fit the confines of a canoe.
- Each pack comes with a heavy duty 6ml poly liner and a tumpline.
- Guaranteed for life.
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THE TIME
KEEPING TIME
On a long-range expedition, you want a watch that’s waterproof, practical, durable, and doesn’t attract attention and/or flash money. It’s always on your person so it’s in fact one of the most essential pieces of gear you’ll bring. You’ll be using this all the time! Access your watch with the flip of your wrist instead of your phone. This Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Men’s Solar Black Resin Sport Watch stood up to 22 months of continuous abuse. It’s light on the pocketbook and worth every penny.
Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Men’s Solar Black Resin Sport Watch
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THE CHARGE
PORTABLE CHARGER
Instead of a solar charging kit (that’s expensive, difficult to handle, and tells one and all you’re carrying electronics), Neal opted for a handful of Portable Charger Power Banks to keep his iPhone topped up. These are inexpensive and replaceable as needed.
EXTENSION POWER STRIP
Add a GE 3-Outlet Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 12 Ft Extension Cord Power Strip to your electronics dry bag, then every time you depart the canoe, take this bag (with your laptop, phone, portable chargers) with you. You’ll want a two-prong model and not a three so it’ll fit every time. Take a seat in a diner or coffee shop, take cover from a rainstorm in the pavilion of a public park, or take a motel for the night – and ask to plug in. Every time!
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THE PFD
One never has enough pockets on expedition. This now-vintage example – the Stearns model 4444 – offers six front pockets for phone, wood chips and fire-starter, notepad, sunscreen, snacks, compass & trinkets. Spruce green or khaki tan, it’s handsome enough to hang on your wall when you get home. US Coast Guard Approved. Type III Inflatable PFD. Although long-discontinued, these do come up on eBay (often new with tags). Along with the re-arming kits to go with. Neal changed up with a new Stearns model 4444 vest and re-arming kit for each season, mailing them ahead in re-supply boxes across the country.
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THE BLADES
There are unlimited uses for a good blade on an expedition.
A go-to for Neal is the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Wooden Pocket Knife
- Blade Material: 420Hc Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Macassar Ebony Diamond Wood
- Knife Length: 4 7/8 Inches(folded/closed)
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Includes: Knife, Box and Genuine Black Leather Belt Sheath
Time used: 22 months.
Buck 110 Folding Hunter Wooden Pocket Knife
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While the buck knife is generally tucked away, you’ll want a second knife with a serrated blade for your PFD that you can access immediately when/if needed. And the NRS PILOT KNIFE is an excellent freshwater boating and rescue choice. For saltwater use, choose the NRS Titanium Pilot Knife.
- The cutting edge has both smooth and serrated sections plus a rope cutting hook.
- The blunt tip design protects against unintentional puncture of your gear or yourself!
- As another safety feature, the blade is only sharpened on the one edge. This, along with the blunt tip, helps prevent injury in a tight rescue situation.
- The unique sheath firmly locks the knife in place and only lets it go when you squeeze both sides of the release.
- The comfortable rubberized grip wraps around the contoured handle, giving you maximum control of the blade.
- The sheath clip attaches firmly to a Life Jacket lash tab.
- The handle has a built in glass breaking tip on the end.
- Also included is a bottle opener in the handle of the knife.
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THE SHADES
WAYFARERS
On a journey across the nation you’ll find yourself in bright sun and harm’s way. Down low on the water, and schlepping a canoe roadside on a portage, the right pair of polarized shades is paramount, but it’s really more than quality and comfort. Nothing says ‘Americana’ like a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers – and Neal quite happily utilized a duo of pairs on his trek across the country. Time used: 22 months. Note: it’s essential to have a backup pair on the ready. Neal left his first pair in a diner in Yankton, South Dakota; the second pair (and a third purchased for backup) survived the duration.
Ray-Ban Rb4340 Wayfarer Ease Square Sunglasses
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THE SUN
Block – that is. Going through a ton of different types of sunblock – Neal soon settled on Banana Boat SPF 50 spray. As a solo paddler you can spray on your own just about everywhere. And set a timer, so you can spray again!
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THE TOWELS
The right towel is key. Neal employed the Sea to Summit AirLite Towel for the duration of his journey.
- Ultralight, compact packable towel is ideal for minimalist camping, backpacking, hiking, boating, and travel; suitable for bath, kitchen, and beach
- Made from knitted technical polyester microfiber that can absorb more than three times its weight in water
- Dries in a flash; microfiber has a high surface area so it dries much faster than an average towel
- Edges are laser cut to minimize packed size and weight; includes ultralight stuff sack that doubles as a hang loop
- Large towel measures 24 x 47 inches, packs to 3.4 x 2.4 inches, weighs 2.4 ounces; machine washable
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Another good choice is the 4Monster Camping Towel that comes in a variety of sizes along with a handy traveling case.
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THE WATER
Water is your friend. Neal went through a few Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6-gallon Rigid Containers. On remote stretches where one can be windblown for days or even weeks – like Lake Fort Peck in Montana – he carried two, plus an Ozark Trail Collapsible 5 Gallon Water Container for good measure.
At any given time, Neal carried as many as eight Nalgene Sustain Tritan 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottles. On a long-range journey, you’re continually filling these up to stay hydrated (as with the photo above). Nalgene bottles are an investment, but they also spell quality. As such, they’re easily worth the price of admission. On a long-range expedition, you’re going to go through a lot of these. So they’re something to consider for re-supply boxes at various stages of your journey to be.
Nalgene Sustain Tritan 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle, 2 Pack, BPA-Free, Blue/Gray
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WATER PURIFIERS
Water is life. And on any expedition into the wild we absolutely need to have it. As back up for his bottles and containers of water across America by canoe, Neal carried two water purifiers – the MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Backcountry Water Filter and the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. Fortunately, in 22 months across the nation, he never had to employ either, but the peace of mind was there, and he was covered.
MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Backcountry Water Filter
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
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THE OUTFIT
COLUMBIA ‘RELIC’ SHIRT
When Topps Allen & Ginter asked Neal to send a couple of ‘expedition-used’ shirts into their ‘Relic Dept.’ to create a ‘Subject-Used’ batch of baseball ‘Writer & Explorer’ cards, he dutifully mailed in his beloved and well-worn Preservation Hall New Orleans Jazz Band t-shirt and the equivalent of this Men’s Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt from Columbia. Which Topps proceeded to slice into little square swatches and affix to their 2022 A&G series of baseball cards. Neal had used both shirts coming down the Mississippi River in 2009, on his first and failed west-east canoe attempt across America in 2018, and again on the entire 2020-2021 successful crossing. One thing for certain: the Columbia Men’s Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt is designed to go the distance.
Columbia Men’s Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt
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NORTH FACE TRICLIMATE DRYVENT JACKET
Neal used this North Face jacket right the way across the country. It’s an investment but it’ll pay you back again and again. In the freezing wind, in the sleet and the snow – this will keep you dry and warm. Neal found the removable inner-liner works wonders as a jacket on its own to sleep on chilly nights. Time used: 22 months: from the start at the mouth of the Columbia River at the Pacific, Oregon to New York City on the Atlantic.
Men’s Carto Triclimate DryVent Jacket
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DURABLE CARGO PANTS
The Wrangler Authentics Men’s Regular Tapered Cargo Pant feature flex comfort, durable construction, added pockets, and an inexpensive price tag. Neal went through a half dozen pairs. Time used: 22 months.
Wrangler Authentics Men’s Regular Tapered Cargo Pant
Another excellent choice for long-distance canoe/kayak expeditions would be the best-selling CQR Men’s Tactical Pants. They’re water-resistant, ripstop, and come with a ton of extra storage.
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BOARDSHORTS (IN THE WARMER MONTHS)
In the warmer months you’ll want a good pair of boardshorts – Neal employed O’Neill Superfreak 2.0 Boardshorts – to encourage a jump into the water. Cooling off is key to bring your body temperature down. Neal’s had his pair at least ten years. They seem to last forever.
O’Neill Superfreak 2.0 Boardshorts
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US Navy 100% Wool Watch Cap (FOR THE COLDER MONTHS)
Black Genuine GI US Navy 100% Wool Watch Cap (USA Made)
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THE WETSUIT (TO WEAR PROACTIVELY FOR UNEXPECTED IMMERSION IN THE FREEZING MONTHS)
For cold water paddling, the right wetsuit is essential to wear against your skin. If and when you tip in – this will give you a fighting chance before hypothermia sets in. You’ll want one (like the O’Neill) designed for water sports – and depending on your budget, the thicker the better. Neal employed a similar model up the Columbia, the Snake, the Clark Fork, and through the first of the dammed up lakes (Lake Fort Peck) of the Missouri. He mailed ahead his O’Neill for the second winter down the Lower Mississippi and into the Gulf of Mexico. Then again for the third winter when the snow began to fall along the Erie Canal and down the Hudson River.
O’Neill Men’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Black/Black, M
O’Neill Wetsuits mens Men’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuits, Black/Black, Large US
O’Neill Men’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Black/Black, XL
O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2+ mm Chest Zip Full Wetsuit (for additional warmth)
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SNOW PANTS (TO GO OVER YOUR WETSUIT)
A good idea is to get a size too large so you can kick out of them should you tip in (with your wetsuit underneath). Neal employed the equivalent to the Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants along the coldest months of his journey.
Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants
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MUCK BOOTS (FOR USE IN THE CANOE & ALONG THE OFTEN MUCKY SHORE)
Neal’s Muck Boots Edgewater Classics were an absolute necessity. As a paddler, you’re continually making your way onto what’s an often mucky shore. Going back and forth to get your gear out of your craft, and then come first light, pushing your way back out into the water. Neal found the Muck Boots Edgewater Classics will keep you dry (they’re 100% waterproof). And what’s really amazing is in the spring and the fall, they’ll keep your feet cool while in the snow and the sleet and the downpours of winter they’ll keep your feet warm. On his 22 month journey, he went through two pairs. So you can plan a single pair for a full year of abuse. They’re solid, sturdy, and equally important, will see you through.
Muck Boot Men’s Edgewater Classic Mid Calf Boot
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TEVA SANDALS (FOR THE WARM MONTHS – IN AND OUT OF THE CANOE)
Neal picked up a a pair of Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandals for his trek up the Allegheny River and his sojourn along the Erie Canal. They’re durable and can put up with a ton of abuse. Time used: 8 months.
Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandal
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CLASSIC TIMBERLAND ‘KILLER’ BOOTS (FOR LAND PORTAGES AND RE-SUPPLYING IN TOWNS ALL YEAR ROUND)
Timberland Men’s Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot
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SmartWool EXPEDITION SOCKS
In cold weather you want wool to keep your feet warm and dry. Smartwool Men Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew socks go super nice with both the Muck Boots and the Timberland Waterproof Classics. They’re a little expensive, but they’re value for money – they last and they work. Neal carried seven pairs at any given time. Time used: 22 months.
Smartwool Men Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew
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THE SHOVEL
The first question a kid will ask when they see the canoe and all the gear in action is “What’s the shovel for?” And there could really be limitless answers – beyond the obvious. A couple good ones: To smooth out your camp. To act as a weapon against snakes or other would-be dangerous animals. As a basic tool that tells one and all you’re out in the wild.
Shovel for Digging, Small Round Shovel with an Overall Length of 28 Inches
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THE SUPPORT
CANOE SEAT SUPPORT
Neal went through about a half-dozen of these GCI Outdoor SitBackers. They’re each good for a few months of continual abuse, or 1,000 miles of paddling (up and down major rivers). On a long-range journey, you can plan ahead and include one of these seats a in your seasonal re-supply packages to be.
GCI Outdoor SitBacker Adjustable Canoe Seat with Back Support
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THE SAFETY
FIRST AID KIT – Customize to include any personal medical conditions.
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MARINE RADIO
Your marine radio is arguably the most important investment you’re going to make, and the Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio is affordable, floatable, and will keep you in contact with the river traffic coming at you from all directions. With the radio, when you approach a fleet of idling tows, you can announce yourself to give them a heads up of your location and your intention. Communication on the water is absolutely key. You can also listen in to what the tow captains are saying to each other (going out of their way to help the other pass safely), and when they mention you and your canoe, you can chime in and tell them you see them and will stay out of their way. Having a marine radio shows respect for the other craft on the water, and can save your life.
Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Radio – 6 Watt, Submersible, Noise Cancelling Mic, Backlit LCD Display, NOAA Weather, and Memory Scan, Grey
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THE SPOT
- MEANT FOR ADVENTURE: Spot Gen4 provides critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond cell towers; Let family know you’re ok or push the SOS button to send your GPS to emergency responders if you need help
- NO CELL PHONE OR SERVICE-NO PROBLEM: With the Tracking feature Gen4 can transmit location updates when you are moving and when you stop; Keep one in your child’s backpack for the walk home
- GLOBALSTAR SATELLITE & SPOT products use GPS to determine location and transmit GPS coordinates to others; SPOT users can notify friends, family or emergency rescue their exact GPS coordinates
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Spot Gen4 device, Strap and Carabiner, USB Cable, Batteries and quick start guide; Subscription required; Two service plans available
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Grab a Spot Gen4; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
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ORANGE SAFETY WHISTLE
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THE BEAR VAULT
Neal carried a duo of these Bear Vault models through Grizzly territory in Montana.
BearVault Bear Canister for Backpacking. 4 Sizes: BV500, BV475, BV450, BV425. Bear Resistant Food Container for Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Canoeing, Hunting, bikepacking. Bear Vault is Bear Safe!
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THE LOCKUP
In the long distance paddling community, we receive word of the theft of a canoe, a kayak, etc. that’s on expedition – often with all of the gear to boot. A couple river towns known for this include Bismarck, North Dakota on the Missouri and Chester, Illinois on the Mississippi. Help keep the honest man honest with this Lumintrail Security Steel Cable with Loops to secure your canoe or kayak. Add a Master Lock and when you pull up to a ramp, a camp, a tree, play it safe. Another tip is in larger cities, always wheel your canoe right into town with you (if you’ve got the wheels) – and if not, consider asking a nearby boating or yacht club if you can park your canoe and gear for the afternoon – then walk into town knowing your canoe/kayak and gear are safe.
Add a lock!
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THE LIGHTS
For the shore, for the tent, for the maps, you want a light that’ll hold up to everything your journey is going to throw at you. And the Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp is a solid choice. Switch it to red to go stealth in the camp, and always carry a backup (or two or three) to see you through. Time used: 22 months.
Black Diamond Storm 400 HEADLAMP
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For the tent, the 10000mAh 4000LM Flashlight Portable LED Camping Lantern is an excellent choice.
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NAVIGATION LIGHTS
There are many nights when the conditions are just right that you’ll paddle up till midnight. On the flip side, you’ll often push off well before first light to avoid the wind. In many states you’re required to have navigation lights in the dark. And the attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit is a solid choice that’s surprisingly rugged for the price point.
attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish
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THE SCHLEP
FALL HARNESS (TO PULL YOUR CANOE/KAYAK WITH GEAR ON WHEELS)
Neal portaged, or ‘schlepped,’ 500 of his 7,500 total miles across America. For longer, more difficult portages, by connecting a 7/8″ rope to your canoe, you can attach an industrial heavy-duty fall harness to help pull/push your canoe/kayak and gear.
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NAUTICAL PORTAGE ROPE (TO ATTACH FROM YOUR CANOE/KAYAK TO YOUR FALL HARNESS)
- High Quality Nylon – This rope is made of durable nylon material. Moisture, UV, chemical, abrasion & weather resistan
- Versatility – This twisted cord is durable and strong. Ideal for anchor, tree work, cargo and crafting.
- This rope is super soft in touch. You can curve it in any derection you want and super easy to tie on tree or make a climbing net
- Low Stretch – Made of low stretch material. Twisted polyester fibers provides enhanced energy absorption for heavy loads and increased resistance to UV rays and abrasion
Aoneky Nylon Twisted Rope – White Pull Rope Cord (7/8 inch x 25 ft)
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CANOE CART WHEELS
While the hardcore expedition version by Western Canoe Kayak in British Columbia took on the vast majority of Neal’s major portages around dams and connecting waterways – including 60 miles over the Continental Divide + 170 miles along the Erie Canal – an early and effective version for portaging the dams of the Columbia, Snake and Clark Fork Rivers was the RAILBLAZA Kayak and Canoe Roller Cart All-Terrain Wheels. The RAILBLAZA is solid and good for exactly what’s advertised – up to 300 pounds of capacity. If you’ve got a bit more than that, you can always make a couple of trips with your gear.
RAILBLAZA C-Tug Kayak and Canoe Roller Cart with SandTrakz Puncture Free All-Terrain Wheels
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MAPS, CHARTS & GUIDES
There’s nothing quite like unfurling the paper navigational charts across the table, and with them, unfurling the maps of your journey (to be) in your mind. To work out your very own point A and point B. To discover where on the maps the rivers and waterways connect, and where you just might need to portage.
The following is a list of maps utilized on the 22 Rivers Odyssey:
River Cruising Atlas : Columbia, Willamette & Snake Rivers
Clark Fork River 11×17 Fly Fishing Map
David Miller’s The Complete Paddler is considered the ‘Bible’ must-have for paddling the Missouri River.
Missouri River, Montana Fishing Map
Missouri River 11×17 Fly Fishing Map
Mississippi River (Upper) Navigational Chart Book
Mississippi River (Lower) Navigational Chart Book
NOAA Chart 411: Gulf of Mexico
A Cruising Guide to the Tennessee River, Tenn-Tom Waterway, and Lower Tombigbee River
Ohio River Guidebook: Charts and Details from beginning to end
Great Kanawha Navigation Hardcover – Illustrated
Richardsons’ Hudson River & Adjacent Waterways Chartbook + Cruising Guide
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THE COOK
THE COOKING SYSTEM
Whether you’re paddling, cycling, or hiking, the right cook stove is key. The following MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Mini Stove Kit will last you a solid year on the trail. Like other items on the list, in 22 months, Neal went through two. The kit stows away easy and the cook kit lit up his freeze dried meals in a flash.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Mini Stove Kit
MSR Titan Ultralight Titanium Camping Cup
MSR Quick Skillet Hard-Anodized Aluminum Camping Cookware
A good spork is a must for the journey ahead. Neal utilized the MSR 4-Piece Folding Camping Spork Set. You can get a single MSR Spork here.
- Hard anodized aluminum pot is strong, light and provides more even and efficient heat transfer than titanium
- Efficient nesting design saves space, but can still accommodate a third mug or a stove inside
- Pot lid also doubles as a strainer
- Includes 2.4L pot, strainer lid, 2 DeepDish plates, Talon pot handle, and 2 insulated mugs
- Entire set is lightweight at just 1 lbs 7 oz (652 g)
- Packed size of 7.75 x 4.72 in (19.7 x 12.1 cm)
MSR Alpinist 2 Camping Cook Set
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FREEZE DRIED FOOD
Neal went through quite a few freeze-dried “adventure food” companies. The following are the ones he liked the best:
GOOD TO-GO Food Kit Assortments | Dehydrated Backpacking and Camping | Lightweight | Easy to Prepare
Mountain House Expedition Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 30 Servings
Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai – Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food – Emergency Food – 23 Grams of Protein, Vegan, Gluten Free
Backpacker’s Pantry Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken – Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food – Emergency Food – 40 Grams of Protein – 6 Count
Backpacker’s Pantry Shepherd’s Potato Stew with Beef – Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food – Emergency Food – 27 Grams of Protein, Gluten-Free – 6 Count
Backpacker’s Pantry Three Cheese Mac & Cheese – Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food – Emergency Food – 24 Grams of Protein, Vegetarian
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HEALTHY GO TO SNACKS
Out on the river, one propels oneself forward with the occasional well-deserved snack. Neal went through everything listed here – and then some. Here is a sampling of his go-to favorites:
Nature Valley Granola Bars, Sweet and Salty Nut, Variety Pack, 15 ct
Last but not least, Neal carried a bottle of Tapatio everywhere he went. A wise investment and the spice of life. Time used: 22 months.
Tapatio Salsa Picante Hot Sauce (Tapatio (5 oz), 2 Pack)
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22 Rivers 