After joining the team at Duluth Pack in Canal Park I quickly learned how much talent and experience is under that roof. While to the outside observer it may simply appear as a retail location, but there are people working with me who have outfitted, photographed, and traveled all over Minnesota and the world. Please indulge me while I introduce a few of them to you.
First, I would like to introduce you to former staffer, Chris Gibbs of C5 Photography. Chris is now an outdoors and adventure photographer who specializes in the beauty of the winter season. In January, Chris spoke at the store and shared with us photos and stories of winter trips into the Boundary Waters and the Quetico Provincial Park. He recently traveled as an imbed photographer with a John Beargrease team, and got some great shots.
Our next presentation at the store will be on March 24, and the subject is a father/daughter canoe trip into the Quetico. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the lakes, rivers, and sights of the Quetico. I am sure the dynamics of the father/child relationship will also play a role in their story. Additionally, it will provide a chance to plot your own course and ask questions in regards to routing in the park.
Second, let me introduce you to our team member responsible for our canoe packs at Duluth Pack, Ian Smith. While being young, Ian has worked several seasons as an outfitter, and knows the applications of our gear like the back of his hand. Whether you have pack questions, or routing and map questions seek out Ian to get good answers.
Third, is our most well rounded adventurer and store manager, Jon Farchmin. Jon has the unique qualification of seeing the BWCA and the Quetico not only in summer, but also through extensive trips in the winter. Jon has routes, campsites, and many secrets that only one who has been there can share. And let’s not forget all the wonderful gear, Jon knows his gear very well.
An inland waters guru like myself is in good company at Duluth Pack store. While I have joked that I am more comfortable on water then on land, I have co-workers who would likely make the same statement. We all enjoy having you visit us down in Canal Park, and with ice out just around the corner, we look forward to helping you plan and gear up for your summer trips.
Thanks for the great post Captain Brad! You are also a great addition to the Duluth Pack team!
Post By: Brad Putney - Captain Brad Putney considers himself an inland waters guru, having been at the helm of everything from a ten foot inflatable to an America’s Cup yacht. In the summer the Captain works as an outfitter in Ely and is presently a sales associate at Duluth Pack in Canal Park.
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Amazing. That’s one word, to sum up my night winter camping under a full moon and 30 dog sled teams. I should (and will) let the photos do most of the “talking”.
morning. Other teams soon followed suit, with distant barking alerting us that the next team was soon to arrive. 
their teams without any assistance, (as a pre-qualifier for the Iditarod). Each musher had a spot with hay for the dogs to warm up and sleep in. Once nestled in, dog booties were removed, food was served, and sleep was top priority.
curious onlookers. How are the tents made and how are they set up? How do the stoves work? What should you pack for winter camping? And are you warm?! (I have addressed most of these questions in my previous winter camping blog). Yes, we were warm! Warm from shoveling snow for our tent site and warm again once the stove was lit.
In between answering camping questions, and taking in the sights and sounds of the Beargrease, we were enlisted to help out on a few occasions, leading dog teams back onto the trail after their break. The dogs were definitely ready to get back on the trail! 
checkpoint again, and how fun it would have been to be able to watch them come back through the next day!
When I mention winter campingto 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!
CLOTHING - A complete change of clothes including extra wool pants and ice breaker long underwear. Extra 
(self inflating ones tend to lose air). Mittens are warmer then gloves. A cooler (to keep items from freezing, sits well in a sled). 
will go with your skis or snowshoes. Allow time (average 1-3 hrs) for the snow to settle and pack down before putting up your tent. While the area is settling you can gather downed firewood and chip an ice hole for water. Set up tent (usually a two
person job). Nearest to the door, dig out a section for the stove and cooking area. This will create a nice higher platform to sleep on and a cold air sink near the door. Next assemble the stove while the 
other folks gather more firewood. Next set-up your sleeping platform. Lay down your ground cloth first, then a wool blanket, your closed cell foam sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. (We offen lay another wool blanket on top of our sleeping bags for the dogs to lay on and wrap them up in). Another night time tip is to fill your water bottle with hot water before you go to sleep to have unfrozen water in the morning. If you turn your water bottle upside down the water will make the cap easier to unscrew.