Duluth Pack Blog

Solo Canoe Trip Across the BWCA – All the essentials

Boundary Waters Crossing
Before moving to Duluth, I spent minimal time in a canoe, preferring to be hiking in the mountains.  My wife and I quickly embraced trips on the water and were hooked after our first canoe trip to Voyagers NP.  As Duluth Pack’s Marketing Director, every trip with friends ended up including a photo [...]

SKIJORING: Dog + Ski’s = F U N

Skijoring can make almost anyone love winter! It just takes a few simple steps and you can be on your way to another fun outdoor winter activity.
You only need a few things.
1) A dog (or dogs) that is willing to pull or can  be trained
2) A skijor belt
3) A dog harness (photo on left)
4) A [...]

Winter Camping How To’s: Pictorial Pointers and Helpful Hints

 When I mention winter camping to folks I get a myriad of responses from “that’s crazy” to “sounds like an adventure!’  I will try to cover the basics so you, too, can have a winter wonderland adventure!
First thing you need to do is find a buddy or two to go with you! (Preferably one with gear!) [...]

How To Measure Your Canoe Paddle

Does your canoe paddle fit properly? Are you in the market for a new paddle and unsure what size to buy? Well we hope this will help you find that perfect paddle!  There seems to be an ongoing debate with our staff on how to properly fit one for a paddle, so in the interest [...]

3 KNOTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are many knots out there, for many different purposes. Utility knots, fisherman knots, decorative knots to name a few.  Our favorite knot book is the Morrow Guide to Knots.  
The three types of knots you need to know fall into three categories, Securing (tying down), Hitches (pulley type knot), and one to lengthen rope.

For [...]

Always Be Prepared – Voyageur’s National Park

Voyageurs National Park is the only National Park located in Minnesota and is unique because it is a water-based park. Leave your car at a Visitor’s Center and explore by boat, houseboat, canoe, or kayak.
For this trip we chose kayaks. We left on a beautiful, calm, summer day.  Make sure you obtain navigational maps of [...]

Paddling with Kids! Fun, Easy Tips!

We have concluded our river-a-week series for the year. There are an infinite number of rivers,  too many to discuss, so we may have to venture back to rivers next spring.  For now, it’s time to move on!
This is a favorite subject for me! Paddling with my family is one of my favorite pastimes. With a [...]

Paddling Rivers, where it’s at!

When one thinks of canoeing, a calm peaceful lake at sunset, with loons calling in the background, comes to mind. While lakes are beautiful things, don’t forget the peacefulness and often WILD excitement of a river.

Rivers are great because most have a flow that make paddling (or not paddling) easier! I do recommend that you [...]

HOW TO PLAN A BWCA TRIP

HOW TO PLAN A BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA (BWCA) TRIP
PLANNING – Where to begin? Well how about with choosing your companions! People you know that can handle some work and getting back to nature. The BWCA does have a party limit and campsite limit. Nine people and four watercraft are the maximum allowed in [...]