Hiking with limited packing space

Been out many times to Jasper and Banff, but need to pack out a lot of equipment in a small space. This is a space saving blog on how to pack a lot of stuff in small spaces.

[ratboywpg]

Capacity update

So, the equipment I have to store our camping gear is as follows :

2 GSC Technologies strongboxes at 102L each

1 Sportrack 18cubic ft cargo box ( 509 L )

1 Aluminum Cargo Hauler

I originally thought the cargo box held 700 or 900 liters, so my total revision is less than I originally anticipated. 

The strongboxes are great, can handle 400lbs standing on top of them ( upside down I expect ) but I don't want to put that to the test.

The cargo box seems flimsy, but I don't want to spend a fortune on a Thule box as they're overpriced for the value, not to mention they have a lower capacity.

The dimensions of the strongboxes are perfect for the Aluminum rack that I'll attach to my 2" receiver on the back of the FJ. 

Links to the respective hardware:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/102l-strong-box/963800 http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/automotive/trailers-towing/aluminum-cargo-hauler/p-1690612-c-9116.htm http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/VehicleRacksCarriers/RooftopCarriers/PRD~0401064P/SportRack+18+cu.+Ft.+Cargo+Box.jsp?locale=en

@ 160 liters, my backpack can haul the necessities I need for a few days including all my gear, food, tent, etc.  I won't be bringing this along.

I'll be packing in:

2 tents,

4 sleeping bags,4 pillows, an inflatable mattress,

clothes for 4 people including their bags to hold the clothes,

dog food for 2 weeks, canned /dry goods for a few days for us,

cookware including a coleman cookstove and fuel, wash basin,

tools including an axe and mini shovel, rope, 

a medical kit, a cooler,

a water reservoir,

2 large tarps,

[ratboywpg]

[ratboywpg]

Logistics

In order to provide our dog Holly as much room as possible in the back of the FJ, I need to pack all the contents or our trip into 2 100 liter plastic boxes as well as a roof carrier.

In total I’ve planned for 900 liter capacity, which should be more than enough.

The 2 100 liter containers are tough, rainproof and have eyelets for ratcheting tie downs. They’ll attach to a trailer hitch attachment that allows for 500 lbs cargo to be tied down to it. Balance is key as this is an untested tool.

The roof carrier is a Canadian tire knock off and was purchased used for $125 with the u bolt kit. Its going to require some modified holes to fit the FJ roof rack but a drill is all that’s needed.

I’ll have to fill in existing holes with a better sealant than the crappy stickers that came with the u bolt kit.

I’m temped to use ratcheting tie downs to ensure it doesn’t open in transit as the design seems cheap.

The whistling sounds produced by the straps in high speeds might make this a deal breaker.

[ratboywpg]

Laundromat friday

There’s something hypnotic about watching sleeping bags roll around in two jumbo dryers simultaneously. I wouldn’t be here except they have accumulated a large amount of pet hair for two years as my wife Angela and I haven’t been out camping together for the same period of time.

Cymphany, my step daughter, uses one of them on her day bed and our dog Holly has laid claim to that spot. They share the bed on weekends when we have visitation.

The amount of hair was staggering. I thought it best to give them a wash and tumble in someone else’s machines as they’re so hairy. I plan on hanging them outside to dry later but hope to tumble off as much hair as possible.

This blog will hopefully reflect on camping trips and the respective activities we take.

Destinations:

-Jasper -Banff -Lake Louise -Revelstoke -Radium -Kimberley

My job is to get the prep work done before we leave.

We’re taking Holly along as well as Cymphany and my niece Cheyauna. I want Holly to have a lot of room to move and lie down as its a Kong long drive from Winnipeg.

I need to pick up a roof rack for my Toyota FJ and ensure it mounts well today.

We leave in two weeks to the day.