RoguePaddler

[molawns]

I have recently been thinking about the usefulness of certain pieces of gear in camp. I've also been thinking about the cost advantages of some homemade gear. One of these pieces of gear that can be especially handy on a trip is a clothesline. All you really need is a piece of cord or rope, which most paddlers carry anyway. However, I recently came across a pretty handy clothesline invention while "window shopping" at an online outdoor/sporting goods store.

Here's the link to see what it looks like--

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47781058&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=&img=/media/708079_9996Lrg.jpg&view=large&vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC


This clever little compact clothesline is so simple in design and just as easy to make yourself at home. It basically uses just an empty 35mm film container and some small diameter braided nylon cord. You can also add clips on the end, too, if you like. I don't know of ANYONE who can't spare the space in their boat for this--super compact and practically weightless. So why pay the advertised $5.95 plus shipping--just make one yourself!!
Some people may say that it is inefficient to bring gear like this on an expedition, when you can use what you have already (like the rope from your throwbag or a "painter-line"/towline) for a clothesline. I say you can never have enough rope or cord on a trip of any duration, so with something this small/compact, why not?


So.... does anybody else have any good ideas for homemade/improvised gear for trips? I'd love to hear.
_________________
"Do not go where the path may lead....Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."--Emerson

[doncee]

A 13-foot length of nylon cord in a 35mm film canister for $5.95? Quite a profit margin on that. While I haven't made any home made camping gear recently, we used to make our own lean-to's and shelters many years ago in West Virginia. It wouldn't have any application for lightweight camping, but for those big roaring bonfires, those steel washing machine tubs work very well. The holes in the sides let in a lot of air to feed the fire. I did learn how to make Carolina hanging snares using rope and saplings, and using a knife to make the notches for the trip mechanism. Neat how they work, though I never caught anything with one. A good thing.
Don

[doncee]

Recently, we added an SOT tandem to our fleet. While it's a joy to paddle solo or two, this thing is a beast to carry if you have to do so by yourself. It's not always practical to have a cart. I made a sling using a length of rope with a loop on either end to slip over the bow and stern. I put a pool noodle over the center between the loops so the weight doesn't dig in when I carry it over my shoulder. Works pretty well when I have to carry it short distances single handedly. I beiieve a tandem SOT must be heavier than a loaded sea kayak.
Don